I’m glad you discovered the Deltron. I’ve been using their tender with quick-disconnect harness on my bikes for the past twenty years and have never had any issues with the tender or batteries. If I’m not riding, it’s plugged in. 👍🏻
I went to a Battery Tender in 2002, and haven’t bought a battery since. Despite our long Canadian winters, the factory battery on my KLR 650 lasted the 8 years I owned the bike. Ditto for my Yamaha C3 (3 years) and Sym HD200. Great stuff...
Back in 2004 I purchased a leftover Yamaha YZF600R at the end of August. I also purchased the Deltran waterproof tender as I knew my bike would be sitting outside under a cover. It was a rough winter. Somewhere I have a photo of the bike with snow almost up to the top of the front tire. Wind, rain, sleet and snow while the bike sat hooked up to the tender connected to an extension cord. Long story short, I used the tender every time I parked the bike for years. In 2012 I decided I was pushing my luck and installed a new battery. I gave the original battery to a friend who was trying to resurrect an old Honda sitting in his garage. He used that bike for over a year before that battery checked out. Frankly if you’re not using a battery tender you’re losing money by having to unnecessarily replace a battery that died too soon. Excellent video as usual sir.
Great Video as usual Stuart. I have used a tender on my bikes since about 2008 and they are a godsend. I once thought my battery had given up the ghost as it would struggle to start the bike after a run. I bought a new battery and the problem remained. It turned out that the starter motor needed an overhaul - cleaned out the commutator slots and all was good again. Lesson learned.
Dear Sir, this was indeed a eye opening video. My interceptor has been idle for most of the last 2 months. But the battery life skipped my attention. I own a Bosch C3 which comes with a similar cable. Your detailed video has helped a great deal in saving myself of the misery of a having a dead battery. Can't thank you enough.
Couldn’t agree more. My friend and I went out today for a ride out. 138 miles of mountain roads and A roads in heavy mist/fog. Visibility not great, wiping visor to see where you are going, misting of eyeglasses, (yes, we are that generation). We returned with bikes filthy, (it is possible to wash them, with the occasional “full Fillingham”.) We use optimiser battery chargers but still believe in use it or lose it. At our age life expectation is reducing. (Aged 66 and 73), but both are life long bikers. Yes, optimisers have their place but, as an alternative, just get out and use it. You may get wet /cold but will probably return with a smile on your face and a fully charged battery.
I just did my first battery swap on my Interceptor, and I couldn't figure out what this extra cordage was for! I bought the bike second hand about a month ago, and the seller didn't provide any extra equipment. Somehow I knew I'd find an answer on your channel, and lo and behold, here it is. Quality content once again. Thank you, good sir.
dont worry about it Daniel, its doubtful it will reach OZ in your lifetime, us brits will continue the fight and prevent it reaching your shores! Your welcome!
Between motorcycles, quads, side by sides, classic truck and tractor, my battery tender gets a proper workout all year long. The winters are long, snowy and cold here in Pennsylvania. Love the channel! 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍🏻
Stuart I want to thank you for all your information and hard work I watch as many of your videos as I can. I know I'm a little late watching this video. Now no one tells you this unlike cars motorcycles have kickstands and batterie is grounded to the frame and the kickstand grounds the bike to the ground so now I park my bikes on a piece of wood the Royal infield that I own interceptor 650 I put a thick piece of plywood under the center stand my drained battery issue it's pretty much not existing anymore just thought I would share that with you nobody wants to tell us this with the kickstand down it's like putting the battery directly on the ground and thanks again for everything that you do and your channel 👍
My last deltran battery tender lasted 12 years. Others less and still others longer. My battery lasted about 6 years with the use of them in nothern Illinois very cold climate in winter. In the hot Arizona weather i get about 4 years fr ok m a battery. Glad to see the Battery Tender on your side. Good product.
Thank you. I must confess; i allowed this to happen out of ignorance. This was the first winter for my Interceptor (in that sweet candy crush :). Nothing serious other than it showed signs of low charge. I plugged in my optimizer, and now i realize, that ofcourse i should just have plugged it in when i put the bike in storage! Thank you! On a sidenote, your videos helped me decide on the Interceptor and i haven’t regretted it since!
I fitted the pigtail to my Enfield and my Harley today. Fiddly little job but now done. Winter in Tennessee is unpredictable but I predict both of those bikes will be fine on their tenders. Stuart, thanks for kicking my arse into gear to do it. I commute on my Honda CB1100 which is under a carport and doesn't have the comfort my twins are enjoying in the garage.
In eastern Canada winters are long and cold , so off the battery and trickled charging to keep it active , now batteries are much better but would still do the same winter stratagem . Any way winter is the best time to clean install new equipment and gadgets , if not replacing brake pads and such .
My bonneville battery is now 6 years old and I’ve used the Oxford optomiser plugged Into the bikes canbus system via an aux plug every time the bike is put away after a ride in summer and when it hibernates during winter. In the spring the bike starts first time with no problems, so what you’re saying is absolutely right.
That’s my main reason for buying a royal Enfield Bullet , the kick start, years of going to work all year round on a motorcycle. Last time I was let down by a flat battery I swore to god and all that is good ,that I would never buy a motorcycle without a kick start again 😣
david jones ....The bike I had was a triumph bonneville 790 very heavy, I had two full time security jobs at the time and a slipped disc , I’m not a small man but I couldn’t bump start it for love nor money
I was keen on buying one of these based on your review, but recent Amazon reviews suggest they have been letting people down! I'll have to find an alternative. Great video as always Stuart, thank you
My 650 GT (USA) came with a charger connection socket already wired to the battery and accessible from the bikes right/battery side. Could have been dealer installed also I guess
I always disconnect the battery during winter and charge it once or twice during that time, and before putting it back in I charge it again. But the battery still does not last as long as I would want it to. Last year I bought a lithium (LiPo) bike battery. It does not discharge as much, does not care if it sits at only 50% or below, has more cranking amps, is lighter and should last longer too. I'm curious how it holds up over the years.
Haven't tried the type shown, but I've been using the larger model Deltrans for some time, great products. As I found out the hard way, Triumphs have a minimum voltage load below which nothing happens; stopped for petrol one night, filled up, turned the key, fuel pump started up as normal, but when I pressed the starter button everything went dark! No clue what had happened until I called the dealer next day and they told me the likely cause. Fortunately my old Yamaha uses the same battery as the Daytona, so I had it available to swap out and get the bike home, but the wife wasn't too happy to have to come out to pick me up that night (and I wasn't happy about having to leave the bike overnight in a parking lot).
Great video Stu and very timely for the winter. I had been looking for an optimiser and having watched this I've just ordered the Deltran on Amazon (currently £5 off too!). If it's good enough for your stable of bikes it's good enough for my T120. Thanks again sir for a cracking video.
You're braver than I am dropping it in a bucket of water. I've used Optimates for over 10 years, the advantage for me is that they are canbus compatible (having only had BMWs since 2002). Just plug them into the accessory socket and there's no fiddling around. A 1200 boxer battery lasted over 7 years with no sign of giving up, just regular sessions on the tender.
I did have a battery die on my Honda ST1100 while going through customs at the Channel Tunnel. Their breakdown guys came out, diagnosed the problem as a short, went into town to get me another battery, charged it and fitted it. I only had to pay for the battery. Amazing! ::: My previous bike was a BMW R100RT. Its battery is the same as the one on a Reliant Robin (a British 3 wheel car) which was half the price of buying the same spec BMW battery? Yes, it's pretty big.
Great idea, great piece of kit and excellent step by step guide and info. As usual more down to earth, common sense, very refreshing to get such practical spot on information.
Hey Stuart. Hi from NZ. Many thanks for your advice and clear instructions. We’re about to enter winter here so I’ve installed a Deltran tender on my Interceptor. Slightly different from yours. It’s not waterproof, but has capability to charge Lithium batteries as well as lead acid. I also purchased a voltage indicator which is compatible with the system. Many thanks for your help 😀
Sound advice stuart, I’ve used Optimate’s for years. The bikes are permanently plugged in whilst in the garage. Never had a battery fail! As you say pays for itself & costs less than £1 a year continuously switched on 😀 I once heard it takes 15 mins of riding to put back into the battery what was used to start it.
Ive heard all sorts Cotti 10 miles, 20 miles even 30, never got a definitive answer, but then I suppose it also depends on the configuration of the bike!
I agree wholeheartedly with your contention that poor battery maintenance is a far, far more likely cause of a flat battery, rather than a dozen other things that people feel the need to check. I will not comment on the product you use to charge a battery through the winter months as I have not used it. But as an industrial electrician for more that 40 years, experiencing just about every type of battery, these are my thoughts. My bike batteries last at least 6 years, sometimes more. The big killer of any kind of battery is cold and lack of use. In a British winter, if I don't use the bike for three weeks I remove tha battery and charge it. I bring it indoors and using any kind of charger (I use a cheap, Halfords one) that automatically switches to a lower charge rate when it detects the battery is well charged. I do not rush this and leave on a trickle charge for three days. If the bike is not required keep indoors, not on a concrete floor. Manufacturers say that the type of floor does not matter but it does. Place on wood, or similar insulating surface that does not hold water. The trick is to keep the battery warm until needed. If the bike is off the road long term charge gain after a month..Only fit the battery if you are going to use the bike, if you have it sorned there is no harm in keeping the battery safe all winter. The five year old, basic lead acid, battery from my old Triumph has been in the house since October and will sail into its sixth year without any problem. Battery memory is only a problem on some types, the older Ni Cad batteries were prone to this. On a motorcycle the batteries used are not prone to 'memory' problems but do need looking after. In my experience the best charging unit is the bike itself, so long as it is not doing short runs continually or, worse, not being used at all. If your viewers want to buy special charger that is fine. But my method of removal, charge, store correctly works for me and my batteries last longer than friends who use Optimate, charger mentioned in the video. The videos are excellent, by the way, and I have ordered the polish and stockinette you recommend, on another vid, to try out on my bikes. Thanks for what you do
This reminded me that my Optimate 3 SP charger was supplied with a harness to connect permanently to battery terminals, so I followed your lead with my Interceptor. That battery sure isn't the most accessible - not designed for a quick replacement, surrounded by wires & harnesses & inclined rearwards by about 20 degrees. Lots of cussing trying to get the terminal screws off & on (the red positive cover is less flexible than the black). I disconnected the negative earth terminal first, then stuck a bit of cardboard between it & the battery, in case they touched while undoing the positive, which was the first to be replaced (eventually) with the charger terminal. One other thing I noticed was that the seat release inner cable looks like a guitar D string, ie: quite flimsy - if that broke, it would be some job to get the seat off.
An interesting side note is that a battery in poor condition will cause your stator to fail due to constant amperage draw and heat. Batteries start to Sulphate as soon as they are put into service so a battery maintainer can save you big Dollars for a relatively cheap price. My touring Harley with an alarm, cruise control, heated grips, heated vest, stereo and auxiliary lighting gave me 13 yrs on the original battery . That bike is still only on its second battery.
The 4 Deltran tenders I own have done the trick for me. For my bikes, I use the 1.25A High Efficiency Battery Charger, which meets California environmental specifications, but these are not water proof like the 800mA model you have, so are not suitable for use outside the garage. I would be most interested to see a video on your experience with a LiFe battery in one of your bikes. This is pretty leading edge stuff that's made it's way into the motorcycle world unusually quickly. LiFe batteries are expensive, which means proper maintenance with a LiFe compatible tender is vital to keep your investment running well for as long as possible. For my infrequently driven hotrod, I use the 4A rated "022-0209-DL-WH 4A" model (this is the US 120 VAC input version, the UK spec will likely have a different part number), which works at 6 or 12 volts. Most importantly though it has two modes: One for standard lead acid/absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, the other for the new Lithium Iron (AKA: LiFe batteries) which offer superior capacity at much less weight.
We use the same battery tender I have many of them. I have one, riding tractor, one for my Can-Am Spyder, one for my Silverado pickup and one for the Royal Enfield. Oops I had to buy another one all my girlfriends Can-Am Ryker she is doing in my garage this winter but next winter she's going to clear the other side of her garage out at her home. I plan on getting another motorcycle I'm trying to keep up with you... lol I'm in the process of getting a 2020 Royal Enfield bullet Trail 500 I found one at a dealership in Illinois they're going to ship it to my local Royal Enfield dealership that I do business with. It's going to be the silver one with red frame. 😊
Useful information. I had exactly the trouble you described with my old Honda VFR (I have no power to the garage), but swapped the cheaper lead/acid batteries for a Motobatt one. I have had no trouble with this battery at all - it's a fiberglass matt/gel thingy I believe at about £60. As a side note, my VFR doesn't have any FI, alarm or other electrikery to add to the battery drain...
Stuart. Just watched your video review of the Deltran battery tender and want to thank you for the detailed review. I am not familiar with this device but after seeing your video, I immediately ordered one, by way of Amazon. Delivered in one day and looks like just what I have been looking for . Very compact. I am in Toronto where winters can be bitter. I think this will serve my needs perfectly. Thanks for the review and advice. Cheers.
Used a battery tender for years highly recommended, this one looks better than mine which was designed for the vintage car market. As to winter in Oz, I frequently get ice on the inside of the flysheet on the New England Tablelands. Mind you the elevation is equal to the top of Ben Nevis and its 20 some degrees by 10 am with clear blue skies. Actually, the skies are a bit too clear as a lot of the east coast is in severe drought. Say Hi to Willow for me.😎
Very informative! Hats off to you for the research and bringing this to us 🙏 Love from India ❤️ PS: Am gonna get myself a Continental GT soon. But it's a shame that they discontinued the Ice Queen colour 😉
Hi Stuart, with 26000kms on the odo I have noticed a problem. I ride my INT650 almost daily for upto 50 Kms. But in this particular instance I had ridden it for 400 kms and was on the way back home. As it was dark, I had my headlight & aux lights on. Now on the way back, I stopped to fill gas and I swear upto that point there was nothing in the bike to suggest what's about to happen. After I had the tank refuelled, I tried starting and it wouldn't start. I could hear the repeated clicks indicating that the self was trying to get enough juice out of the battery to fire it up, but wasn't successful. Anyways, stranded at the gas station, I called up Road Side assistance (some 70 Kms away from home) and they sent someone over to tow the vehicle. What amazes me is that even though the bike couldn't start, lights horn and indicators were all functioning as before. So my question is, is this a case when due to the headlight and aux lights being on, were drawing more volt than the battery was getting charged with ?
your battery is at the end of its life if its draining that quickly. you should always have modern bikes hooked up to a battery tender when they are not being ridden. The can bus system drains the battery when the ignition is off and causes sulphation.
I would recommend every Royal Enfield 650 owner check the tightness of the battery terminals. When fitting heated grips on my Interceptor I found Positive and Negative connectors were loose enough to move freely .
Fantastic video, I have been looking at this option as i leave my bike idle every other month while away on work. so far i have been removing the main fuse and it looks to be ok. I ordered the bosch c3 tender for the interceptor650. Did have some doubts on how to get it connected and this video turned out to be very useful. Great job !
Another good vid. I used an Optimate on my Sprint for 16 years, only needed one replacement battery. On that bike I had a accessory socket so your wiring tidy suggestions will be useful.This Deltran looks an excellent alternative.
I’ve been using a Deltran Battery Tender International for 18 years now. I got it with my first Harley-Davidson from a Scottish dealer. Everything Stuart says is correct. It’s simple, easy to use and reliable. I also have an Optimate 3+ that has an instruction manual that turns a simple function into a Rubik’s Cube head scratcher.
Jaguar cars have exactly the same problem with the battery going bad in a very short period ,well within warranty time but most dealers are very unwilling to replace the battery at their cost .
Thanks for the info on the battery tender I have ordered it and this will give me peace of mind to look after my batteries on my bikes love your vlogs look forward to them I now use the polish you recommend too and wash them using the muck off too keep vlogging please thanks again.
'afternoon Stuart ,I've already got an Optimiser which I 've had for years , but my query is did the 2018 Interceptors not come with optimiser leads already fitted as my 2020 model has ? just wondering if it's something Enfield have just started doing to encourage battery care and guard against failure complaints ?
Outstanding is the standard on this channel!!! I just ordered two of the tenders featured in the video. Thank you Mr. Fillingham for all of your great videos! Cheers!
There's also alarms and trackers that will potentially have some drain on the battery. Yes, I have an Oxford trickle charger "optimiser" :) ( but I don't think it is IP67 rated )
I have an ancient vented Optimate lll which is coming to the end of its useful life - l was going to replace it with a newer version Optimate this winter, but have just now just now ordered one of these via your link. Love the look of its simplicity, compact size and waterproofing. Cheers for the tip Stuart, looks to be just the ticket...!
Arrived this a.m. - Lovely solidly made piece of kit, as you suggest odd that here in the UK we just default to Optimate products. l had just never heard of Deltran before and that’s after decades of bike ownership... Water submersible what’s not to like!
California does get ice and snow, even in the deserts. I rarely get snow where I live but I do get ice and the freeway gets shut down for snow on the pass.
Stuart, I too have given up commenting on forums about said subject and some other issues. I have a very good friend who is a Triumph main dealer head mechanic of over 35 years so when I have an issue I, of course, ask him. He too has given up on forums because there are people on them who know everything about... everything! I have always gone with the notion that an all year round rider like me will get through a battery about every 3 years.. ish... Keep it on trickle charge!!!
I know this is a stupid question, but I need a straight answer. Others have told whatever you think you need in regards to fuel stabilizer. How much goes into a 14-litre tank for the T100?
I dont use stabilizers myself Walt as fuel is rarely in my bikes long enough for it to be required, best bet is to choose which brand you prefer and just follow the manufacturers recommendations. sorry I cant be of more assistance than that!
I’m curious Mr. Fillingham, do you have a battery optimizer attached to each bike? Seems necessary when having multiple bikes. I too have had good results with the Deltran Battery Tender. I’m looking forward to your future videos (including the Mini Cooper).
You must be psychic 😮, my Himalayan battery has just given up the ghost so this is just the thing I need - more expense but thank goodness you give a heads up on another top notch product, thanks Stuart and I’ve just bought one 😃👍🏻
Stu, do you have a data port on the Interceptor? I I know on my Ducati I can just use an optimate battery lead adaptor SAE that goes directly to it and then I can plug that into the battery tender.
If I am not going to be going on many long rides and live near the Mediterranean coast, so no frosts, would it be worth getting a battery tender? If my parking place has no mains power would it be worth getting a solar battery tender?
Very informative👍 btw, could you make a video on the rust protection, as the bike is hardly used in winter..RE bikes (especially the entry level models) are notorious for that..😬
Great stuff Stuart. Haven’t got round to fitting a permanent tender cable to my Interceptor yet so this was perfectly timed to get me into action this weekend. Incidentally, the Deltran charger is the same as the ‘official’ Harley-Davidson branded charger available for late model Harley’s. I have three CTEK tenders for my bikes and cars plus the Harley branded Deltran for the ahh... Harley. The simplicity of the Deltran charger is so good I will get one of these for the Interceptor. Loving the Interceptor by the way - it is the first choice bike for me these days. Who would have thought?
Hi Stuart and thank you for yet another brilliant tutorial. I'm from India and while it's not cold (freezing) it tends to get a bit on the cooler side during the winter and I ride my motorbike around 200 - 300 kms a month. It's been two years since i got my motorbike (Duke 390), do you think it would be advisable for me to get this battery tender?
Thanks for some interesting programs during lock down, a life line. Could you check out whether its worth buying the Sealey Solar battery charger as its significantly cheaper than the Deltan and I quite like the idea of charging the bike for nothing. Cheers Ken
My Suzuki's OEM Yuasa is still running fine and I bought the bike in 2014 I've only been charging it over the weekend. Also I know what you mean by the confusing flashing lights I had to refer to my Optimate's manual a more than once ;)
Hi sir I have continental GT 650. I want to know about instrument cluster that when I select tripA I have noticed that trip b also counts km. This is why?
@@stuartfillingham sir I want to say that if I select tripA then tripB must be in 0km. After selecting tripA why tripB also measuring distance? That I meant to ask...
@@swapnadas4449 Hi Swapna. the idea is that the 2 trip meters allow you to record mileage or distance for different purposes. for example you can use trip A to record how many miles you get on a full tank of fuel and reset it each time you fill up. Trip B can be used to record the distance travelled in say, a month of general use, or on a tour, to record how many miles you travel a month or on a particular trip. does that make sense?
Hi Stuart. Should the canbus controller be used with thd led light on the interceptor. Not sure how sophisticated the enfield electrical system is. Thanks.
Hi. Yes. I noticed that someone had commented on the new headlight bulb you have fitted. I found the one you said you used and in the box there was a can bus controller that goes between the new bulb and the 3 pin connector that would be plugged into the old bulb. It's something to do with fooling the electrical system into detecting the old bulb is still fitted. And thats all i understand. Or have i been looking at the wrong bulb? They come as a pair on amazon ( wash my mouth out with soap)
@@stevesmith3216 ah yes I'm with you now, the one I used has actually been discontinued now which is why I didnt review it but the replacement is very similar. It's all actually one wired in unit. They work really well and cut down battery drain. Well worth considering.
@@stuartfillingham7011 Thanks for your swift reply its much appreciated. I think i will invest, and as they are sold as pairs i will fit my Himalayan with one of them. Have been thinking about buying another battery optimiser, sharing one between 3 bikes. The ones reviewed look good so i have just ordered 2. You are costing me a fotune, good advice though, thanks
We get Ice here in Johannesburg, but it’s mostly in our drinks 😁
You lucky lucky ....... :)
I’m glad you discovered the Deltron. I’ve been using their tender with quick-disconnect harness on my bikes for the past twenty years and have never had any issues with the tender or batteries. If I’m not riding, it’s plugged in. 👍🏻
I went to a Battery Tender in 2002, and haven’t bought a battery since. Despite our long Canadian winters, the factory battery on my KLR 650 lasted the 8 years I owned the bike. Ditto for my Yamaha C3 (3 years) and Sym HD200. Great stuff...
Back in 2004 I purchased a leftover Yamaha YZF600R at the end of August. I also purchased the Deltran waterproof tender as I knew my bike would be sitting outside under a cover. It was a rough winter. Somewhere I have a photo of the bike with snow almost up to the top of the front tire. Wind, rain, sleet and snow while the bike sat hooked up to the tender connected to an extension cord. Long story short, I used the tender every time I parked the bike for years. In 2012 I decided I was pushing my luck and installed a new battery. I gave the original battery to a friend who was trying to resurrect an old Honda sitting in his garage. He used that bike for over a year before that battery checked out. Frankly if you’re not using a battery tender you’re losing money by having to unnecessarily replace a battery that died too soon. Excellent video as usual sir.
Great Video as usual Stuart. I have used a tender on my bikes since about 2008 and they are a godsend.
I once thought my battery had given up the ghost as it would struggle to start the bike after a run. I bought a new battery and the problem remained. It turned out that the starter motor needed an overhaul - cleaned out the commutator slots and all was good again. Lesson learned.
Dear Sir, this was indeed a eye opening video. My interceptor has been idle for most of the last 2 months. But the battery life skipped my attention. I own a Bosch C3 which comes with a similar cable. Your detailed video has helped a great deal in saving myself of the misery of a having a dead battery. Can't thank you enough.
Couldn’t agree more. My friend and I went out today for a ride out. 138 miles of mountain roads and A roads in heavy mist/fog. Visibility not great, wiping visor to see where you are going, misting of eyeglasses, (yes, we are that generation).
We returned with bikes filthy, (it is possible to wash them, with the occasional “full Fillingham”.)
We use optimiser battery chargers but still believe in use it or lose it.
At our age life expectation is reducing. (Aged 66 and 73), but both are life long bikers.
Yes, optimisers have their place but, as an alternative, just get out and use it. You may get wet /cold but will probably return with a smile on your face and a fully charged battery.
I just did my first battery swap on my Interceptor, and I couldn't figure out what this extra cordage was for! I bought the bike second hand about a month ago, and the seller didn't provide any extra equipment. Somehow I knew I'd find an answer on your channel, and lo and behold, here it is. Quality content once again. Thank you, good sir.
Very informative film. I have my T120 connected to an Optimate when not in use and after 3 years is still as good as new.
Mate we’ve heard rumours of this frost thing over here in Oz! As always great content. Safe riding
dont worry about it Daniel, its doubtful it will reach OZ in your lifetime, us brits will continue the fight and prevent it reaching your shores! Your welcome!
Your frost was falling in chunks at 45 degrees sideways at Phillip Island mate!
Between motorcycles, quads, side by sides, classic truck and tractor, my battery tender gets a proper workout all year long. The winters are long, snowy and cold here in Pennsylvania. Love the channel! 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍🏻
Stuart I want to thank you for all your information and hard work I watch as many of your videos as I can. I know I'm a little late watching this video. Now no one tells you this unlike cars motorcycles have kickstands and batterie is grounded to the frame and the kickstand grounds the bike to the ground so now I park my bikes on a piece of wood the Royal infield that I own interceptor 650 I put a thick piece of plywood under the center stand my drained battery issue it's pretty much not existing anymore just thought I would share that with you nobody wants to tell us this with the kickstand down it's like putting the battery directly on the ground and thanks again for everything that you do and your channel 👍
My last deltran battery tender lasted 12 years. Others less and still others longer.
My battery lasted about 6 years with the use of them in nothern Illinois very cold climate in winter.
In the hot Arizona weather i get about 4 years fr ok m a battery.
Glad to see the Battery Tender on your side. Good product.
As always what a great video. Very informative. Your ability to explain simple things in such detail is what makes your video so interesting.
No frost down in Pompey on the South coast yet. I can usually get out on the bike a few days every month in the winter.
Installed this morning now up and running seems to be a great bit of quality kit. We'll recommend Stuart😊.
Thank you. I must confess; i allowed this to happen out of ignorance. This was the first winter for my Interceptor (in that sweet candy crush :). Nothing serious other than it showed signs of low charge. I plugged in my optimizer, and now i realize, that ofcourse i should just have plugged it in when i put the bike in storage! Thank you!
On a sidenote, your videos helped me decide on the Interceptor and i haven’t regretted it since!
I fitted the pigtail to my Enfield and my Harley today. Fiddly little job but now done. Winter in Tennessee is unpredictable but I predict both of those bikes will be fine on their tenders. Stuart, thanks for kicking my arse into gear to do it. I commute on my Honda CB1100 which is under a carport and doesn't have the comfort my twins are enjoying in the garage.
In eastern Canada winters are long and cold , so off the battery and trickled charging to keep it active , now batteries are much better but would still do the same winter stratagem . Any way winter is the best time to clean install new equipment and gadgets , if not replacing brake pads and such .
Thanks once again Stuart for sound and practical advice. My wish list for my new Interceptor is now steadily growing.
Battery preventative mantainence 101. Clear and concise as usual. Thank you Stuart 😊
My bonneville battery is now 6 years old and I’ve used the Oxford optomiser plugged Into the bikes canbus system via an aux plug every time the bike is put away after a ride in summer and when it hibernates during winter. In the spring the bike starts first time with no problems, so what you’re saying is absolutely right.
Very informative video, I’m a a firm believer in the value of using a tender to maintain a bike battery. Thanks Stuart 👍🏻
What an amazing and informative video sir-topics that are not covered and ignored by most of us -five stars for this informative video
That’s my main reason for buying a royal Enfield Bullet , the kick start, years of going to work all year round on a motorcycle. Last time I was let down by a flat battery I swore to god and all that is good ,that I would never buy a motorcycle without a kick start again 😣
Theres nothing better than kickstarting an engine. As long as it starts tho...
can easily be push started
david jones ....The bike I had was a triumph bonneville 790 very heavy, I had two full time security jobs at the time and a slipped disc , I’m not a small man but I couldn’t bump start it for love nor money
@@jimmylincoln4082 i have same bike you need someone else to push it
david jones ....I ended up laying on the floor gasping for breath, I didn’t want to leave it in a bad area overnight
Thank you Stu, great Public Service Announcement
I was keen on buying one of these based on your review, but recent Amazon reviews suggest they have been letting people down! I'll have to find an alternative. Great video as always Stuart, thank you
My 650 GT (USA) came with a charger connection socket already wired to the battery and
accessible from the bikes right/battery side. Could have been dealer installed
also I guess
I always disconnect the battery during winter and charge it once or twice during that time, and before putting it back in I charge it again.
But the battery still does not last as long as I would want it to.
Last year I bought a lithium (LiPo) bike battery.
It does not discharge as much, does not care if it sits at only 50% or below, has more cranking amps, is lighter and should last longer too.
I'm curious how it holds up over the years.
I use the Battery Tender for both of my motorcycles and they work well. As long as I have used them, never had to replace a dead battery!
Haven't tried the type shown, but I've been using the larger model Deltrans for some time, great products. As I found out the hard way, Triumphs have a minimum voltage load below which nothing happens; stopped for petrol one night, filled up, turned the key, fuel pump started up as normal, but when I pressed the starter button everything went dark! No clue what had happened until I called the dealer next day and they told me the likely cause. Fortunately my old Yamaha uses the same battery as the Daytona, so I had it available to swap out and get the bike home, but the wife wasn't too happy to have to come out to pick me up that night (and I wasn't happy about having to leave the bike overnight in a parking lot).
Great video Stu and very timely for the winter. I had been looking for an optimiser and having watched this I've just ordered the Deltran on Amazon (currently £5 off too!). If it's good enough for your stable of bikes it's good enough for my T120. Thanks again sir for a cracking video.
You're braver than I am dropping it in a bucket of water. I've used Optimates for over 10 years, the advantage for me is that they are canbus compatible (having only had BMWs since 2002). Just plug them into the accessory socket and there's no fiddling around. A 1200 boxer battery lasted over 7 years with no sign of giving up, just regular sessions on the tender.
I did have a battery die on my Honda ST1100 while going through customs at the Channel Tunnel. Their breakdown guys came out, diagnosed the problem as a short, went into town to get me another battery, charged it and fitted it. I only had to pay for the battery. Amazing! ::: My previous bike was a BMW R100RT. Its battery is the same as the one on a Reliant Robin (a British 3 wheel car) which was half the price of buying the same spec BMW battery? Yes, it's pretty big.
Great idea, great piece of kit and excellent step by step guide and info. As usual more down to earth, common sense, very refreshing to get such practical spot on information.
Hey Stuart. Hi from NZ. Many thanks for your advice and clear instructions. We’re about to enter winter here so I’ve installed a Deltran tender on my Interceptor. Slightly different from yours. It’s not waterproof, but has capability to charge Lithium batteries as well as lead acid. I also purchased a voltage indicator which is compatible with the system. Many thanks for your help 😀
Sound advice stuart, I’ve used Optimate’s for years. The bikes are permanently plugged in whilst in the garage. Never had a battery fail!
As you say pays for itself & costs less than £1 a year continuously switched on 😀
I once heard it takes 15 mins of riding to put back into the battery what was used to start it.
Ive heard all sorts Cotti 10 miles, 20 miles even 30, never got a definitive answer, but then I suppose it also depends on the configuration of the bike!
This is great advice for a new biker like me. Plan to get one before my bike so I’m sorted from day 1. Thanks.
I agree wholeheartedly with your contention that poor battery maintenance is a far, far more likely cause of a flat battery, rather than a dozen other things that people feel the need to check. I will not comment on the product you use to charge a battery through the winter months as I have not used it. But as an industrial electrician for more that 40 years, experiencing just about every type of battery, these are my thoughts. My bike batteries last at least 6 years, sometimes more.
The big killer of any kind of battery is cold and lack of use. In a British winter, if I don't use the bike for three weeks I remove tha battery and charge it. I bring it indoors and using any kind of charger (I use a cheap, Halfords one) that automatically switches to a lower charge rate when it detects the battery is well charged. I do not rush this and leave on a trickle charge for three days.
If the bike is not required keep indoors, not on a concrete floor. Manufacturers say that the type of floor does not matter but it does. Place on wood, or similar insulating surface that does not hold water. The trick is to keep the battery warm until needed. If the bike is off the road long term charge gain after a month..Only fit the battery if you are going to use the bike, if you have it sorned there is no harm in keeping the battery safe all winter. The five year old, basic lead acid, battery from my old Triumph has been in the house since October and will sail into its sixth year without any problem.
Battery memory is only a problem on some types, the older Ni Cad batteries were prone to this. On a motorcycle the batteries used are not prone to 'memory' problems but do need looking after. In my experience the best charging unit is the bike itself, so long as it is not doing short runs continually or, worse, not being used at all. If your viewers want to buy special charger that is fine. But my method of removal, charge, store correctly works for me and my batteries last longer than friends who use Optimate, charger mentioned in the video.
The videos are excellent, by the way, and I have ordered the polish and stockinette you recommend, on another vid, to try out on my bikes. Thanks for what you do
This reminded me that my Optimate 3 SP charger was supplied with a harness to connect permanently to battery terminals, so I followed your lead with my Interceptor. That battery sure isn't the most accessible - not designed for a quick replacement, surrounded by wires & harnesses & inclined rearwards by about 20 degrees. Lots of cussing trying to get the terminal screws off & on (the red positive cover is less flexible than the black). I disconnected the negative earth terminal first, then stuck a bit of cardboard between it & the battery, in case they touched while undoing the positive, which was the first to be replaced (eventually) with the charger terminal. One other thing I noticed was that the seat release inner cable looks like a guitar D string, ie: quite flimsy - if that broke, it would be some job to get the seat off.
An interesting side note is that a battery in poor condition will cause your stator to fail due to constant amperage draw and heat. Batteries start to Sulphate as soon as they are put into service so a battery maintainer can save you big Dollars for a relatively cheap price. My touring Harley with an alarm, cruise control, heated grips, heated vest, stereo and auxiliary lighting gave me 13 yrs on the original battery . That bike is still only on its second battery.
Nice ambience always in your videoing. I ordered this product today for my upcoming 650
The 4 Deltran tenders I own have done the trick for me. For my bikes, I use the 1.25A High Efficiency Battery Charger, which meets California environmental specifications, but these are not water proof like the 800mA model you have, so are not suitable for use outside the garage.
I would be most interested to see a video on your experience with a LiFe battery in one of your bikes. This is pretty leading edge stuff that's made it's way into the motorcycle world unusually quickly. LiFe batteries are expensive, which means proper maintenance with a LiFe compatible tender is vital to keep your investment running well for as long as possible.
For my infrequently driven hotrod, I use the 4A rated "022-0209-DL-WH 4A" model (this is the US 120 VAC input version, the UK spec will likely have a different part number), which works at 6 or 12 volts. Most importantly though it has two modes: One for standard lead acid/absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, the other for the new Lithium Iron (AKA: LiFe batteries) which offer superior capacity at much less weight.
Oh Stu! You've done it again. I have got to get one of these. Thank you.
We use the same battery tender I have many of them. I have one, riding tractor, one for my Can-Am Spyder, one for my Silverado pickup and one for the Royal Enfield. Oops I had to buy another one all my girlfriends Can-Am Ryker she is doing in my garage this winter but next winter she's going to clear the other side of her garage out at her home. I plan on getting another motorcycle I'm trying to keep up with you... lol I'm in the process of getting a 2020 Royal Enfield bullet Trail 500 I found one at a dealership in Illinois they're going to ship it to my local Royal Enfield dealership that I do business with. It's going to be the silver one with red frame. 😊
Useful information. I had exactly the trouble you described with my old Honda VFR (I have no power to the garage), but swapped the cheaper lead/acid batteries for a Motobatt one. I have had no trouble with this battery at all - it's a fiberglass matt/gel thingy I believe at about £60. As a side note, my VFR doesn't have any FI, alarm or other electrikery to add to the battery drain...
Stuart. Just watched your video review of the Deltran battery tender and want to thank you for the detailed review. I am not familiar with this device but after seeing your video, I immediately ordered one, by way of Amazon. Delivered in one day and looks like just what I have been looking for . Very compact. I am in Toronto where winters can be bitter. I think this will serve my needs perfectly. Thanks for the review and advice. Cheers.
Southern California here. It was 97F (36C) here last week. This week we've got fires burning all over. Snow and ice sounds wonderful. :)
Used a battery tender for years highly recommended, this one looks better than mine which was designed for the vintage car market. As to winter in Oz, I frequently get ice on the inside of the flysheet on the New England Tablelands. Mind you the elevation is equal to the top of Ben Nevis and its 20 some degrees by 10 am with clear blue skies. Actually, the skies are a bit too clear as a lot of the east coast is in severe drought. Say Hi to Willow for me.😎
Very informative! Hats off to you for the research and bringing this to us 🙏 Love from India ❤️
PS: Am gonna get myself a Continental GT soon. But it's a shame that they discontinued the Ice Queen colour 😉
Yet another brilliant and informative video. Always like watching, and learning more from them. Thanks.
Hi Stuart, with 26000kms on the odo I have noticed a problem. I ride my INT650 almost daily for upto 50 Kms. But in this particular instance I had ridden it for 400 kms and was on the way back home. As it was dark, I had my headlight & aux lights on. Now on the way back, I stopped to fill gas and I swear upto that point there was nothing in the bike to suggest what's about to happen. After I had the tank refuelled, I tried starting and it wouldn't start. I could hear the repeated clicks indicating that the self was trying to get enough juice out of the battery to fire it up, but wasn't successful. Anyways, stranded at the gas station, I called up Road Side assistance (some 70 Kms away from home) and they sent someone over to tow the vehicle. What amazes me is that even though the bike couldn't start, lights horn and indicators were all functioning as before. So my question is, is this a case when due to the headlight and aux lights being on, were drawing more volt than the battery was getting charged with ?
your battery is at the end of its life if its draining that quickly. you should always have modern bikes hooked up to a battery tender when they are not being ridden. The can bus system drains the battery when the ignition is off and causes sulphation.
@@stuartfillingham thanks for the suggestion. Will get one installed and hopefully this will sort out the issue.
I would recommend every Royal Enfield 650 owner check the tightness of the battery terminals. When fitting heated grips on my Interceptor I found Positive and Negative connectors were loose enough to move freely .
Fantastic video, I have been looking at this option as i leave my bike idle every other month while away on work. so far i have been removing the main fuse and it looks to be ok. I ordered the bosch c3 tender for the interceptor650. Did have some doubts on how to get it connected and this video turned out to be very useful. Great job !
Another good vid. I used an Optimate on my Sprint for 16 years, only needed one replacement battery. On that bike I had a accessory socket so your wiring tidy suggestions will be useful.This Deltran looks an excellent alternative.
yeah I have mine hooked up that way on the T120.
I’ve been using a Deltran Battery Tender International for 18 years now. I got it with my first Harley-Davidson from a Scottish dealer.
Everything Stuart says is correct. It’s simple, easy to use and reliable.
I also have an Optimate 3+ that has an instruction manual that turns a simple function into a Rubik’s Cube head scratcher.
lol yeah been there done that! The optimate 4 is even worse!
Just purchased one as described.Will hook it up tomorrow.
Dunking it in a bucket of water was jaw dropping. That IS commitment.
So long as the 240v supply goes through an RCD and it *should* be safe , but yes :)
Jaguar cars have exactly the same problem with the battery going bad in a very short period ,well within warranty time but most dealers are very unwilling to replace the battery at their cost .
Thanks for the info on the battery tender I have ordered it and this will give me peace of mind to look after my batteries on my bikes love your vlogs look forward to them I now use the polish you recommend too and wash them using the muck off too keep vlogging please thanks again.
Nice to know about. battery and tenderiser. Appreciate it ❤️ 🙏
Great Video! How about Bosch C3 Battery Charger? It is readily available here in India.
'afternoon Stuart ,I've already got an Optimiser which I 've had for years , but my query is did the 2018 Interceptors not come with optimiser leads already fitted as my 2020 model has ? just wondering if it's something Enfield have just started doing to encourage battery care and guard against failure complaints ?
Outstanding is the standard on this channel!!! I just ordered two of the tenders featured in the video. Thank you Mr. Fillingham for all of your great videos! Cheers!
There's also alarms and trackers that will potentially have some drain on the battery. Yes, I have an Oxford trickle charger "optimiser" :) ( but I don't think it is IP67 rated )
I have an ancient vented Optimate lll which is coming to the end of its useful life - l was going to replace it with a newer version Optimate this winter, but have just now just now ordered one of these via your link. Love the look of its simplicity, compact size and waterproofing. Cheers for the tip Stuart, looks to be just the ticket...!
My pleasure Chris.
Arrived this a.m. - Lovely solidly made piece of kit, as you suggest odd that here in the UK we just default to Optimate products. l had just never heard of Deltran before and that’s after decades of bike ownership... Water submersible what’s not to like!
California does get ice and snow, even in the deserts. I rarely get snow where I live but I do get ice and the freeway gets shut down for snow on the pass.
Amazing irony....I was just in my garage cooing at my immaculate K6 Bandit. Hooked up my Oxford Oximiser, looked at my phone and there was your vid 😀
I may visit in the spring Uncle Stuart!! See you soon!!
Another great video. Stuart, if on chance that a new battery is needed, what do you recommend for the INT650? brand? size?
Really appreciate for all the information you provide . Which battery to buy for interceptor650 to save weight also better performing battery type ?
Hi Stuart. Remember the golden rule for bike electrics. Red 2 Red . Black 2 Black or Blew 2 Bits.👍Ride safe.
Stuart, I too have given up commenting on forums about said subject and some other issues. I have a very good friend who is a Triumph main dealer head mechanic of over 35 years so when I have an issue I, of course, ask him. He too has given up on forums because there are people on them who know everything about... everything! I have always gone with the notion that an all year round rider like me will get through a battery about every 3 years.. ish... Keep it on trickle charge!!!
Yeah Unfortunately Forums and FB pages are a magnet for Beta males Steve!
Can you also show how to install this on the classic 350?
I know this is a stupid question, but I need a straight answer. Others have told whatever you think you need in regards to fuel stabilizer. How much goes into a 14-litre tank for the T100?
I dont use stabilizers myself Walt as fuel is rarely in my bikes long enough for it to be required, best bet is to choose which brand you prefer and just follow the manufacturers recommendations. sorry I cant be of more assistance than that!
I wish modern bikes came with kick-start like they used to.
Great stuff Stuart as usual.. just a pity i just bought a cheap trickle charger for the winter months now i want this!!
as long as you have one, thats the important thing!
Steve did you find something for garage w/o power supply and uninstall the battery charging it at home may not feasible? Stay safe
We get snow in California Stuart 🥶but, ya most days are sunny.👍
Great video Stuart, I am a technical writer for the aerospace industry and your explanations are excellent.
Thank you sir!
Nice one Stuart, as others have commented on here, I've been using an optimate for years, never encounter battery issues, definitely the way to go!
I’m curious Mr. Fillingham, do you have a battery optimizer attached to each bike? Seems necessary when having multiple bikes. I too have had good results with the Deltran Battery Tender. I’m looking forward to your future videos (including the Mini Cooper).
Yes I do Jeffrey, TBH I could do with a 4 bank version, but couldn't afford it on this occasion!
You must be psychic 😮, my Himalayan battery has just given up the ghost so this is just the thing I need - more expense but thank goodness you give a heads up on another top notch product, thanks Stuart and I’ve just bought one 😃👍🏻
Stu, do you have a data port on the Interceptor? I I know on my Ducati I can just use an optimate battery lead adaptor SAE that goes directly to it and then I can plug that into the battery tender.
It does have a data port but its not one im familiar with Richard.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge about battery maintenance. I got a charge out of this video.
Looks like you've gone for a headlight bulb change as well, looks more cool blue colour temperature.
yes its an Auxbeam H4 led.
What wattage ETC did you go for?
@@stuartfillingham can you make a video on the Headlamp LED upgrade.
Sir pls share a video on that
Stu, there are quite a few different values and they are quite bulky so can I put in a request for a how to, too?
Hi Stuart, good stuff as always. I use optimate but swap it between the two bikes, say weekly.
Do you have one for each bike?
sounds like a common sense approach, and yes I have one for each bike.
If I am not going to be going on many long rides and live near the Mediterranean coast, so no frosts, would it be worth getting a battery tender? If my parking place has no mains power would it be worth getting a solar battery tender?
They are certainly worth looking at Peter although I have no experience of them myself.
@@stuartfillingham Thanks for your reply Stuart, I will look into it further. I have time as will not be getting a new bike until the new year.
hi Stuart,
how is the touring seat compared to the stock? And what device is it on the left hand side of the handlebar?
I made a video about the seat last week Santha!
When do accessories end in motorcycles. Seems like a never ending quest.
They never end! ever!
Very informative👍 btw, could you make a video on the rust protection, as the bike is hardly used in winter..RE bikes (especially the entry level models) are notorious for that..😬
Great stuff Stuart. Haven’t got round to fitting a permanent tender cable to my Interceptor yet so this was perfectly timed to get me into action this weekend. Incidentally, the Deltran charger is the same as the ‘official’ Harley-Davidson branded charger available for late model Harley’s. I have three CTEK tenders for my bikes and cars plus the Harley branded Deltran for the ahh... Harley. The simplicity of the Deltran charger is so good I will get one of these for the Interceptor. Loving the Interceptor by the way - it is the first choice bike for me these days. Who would have thought?
I find myself choosing it over my other bikes too! They've obviously got something right!
Hi Stuart and thank you for yet another brilliant tutorial. I'm from India and while it's not cold (freezing) it tends to get a bit on the cooler side during the winter and I ride my motorbike around 200 - 300 kms a month. It's been two years since i got my motorbike (Duke 390), do you think it would be advisable for me to get this battery tender?
I think its advisable with any bike Pushkin.
@@stuartfillingham thank you
Lithium Ion batterys may now be charged by a battery managent system that monitors the charge to individual cells.
Thanks for some interesting programs during lock down, a life line. Could you check out whether its worth buying the Sealey Solar battery charger as its significantly cheaper than the Deltan and I quite like the idea of charging the bike for nothing. Cheers Ken
I have a Ctek charger for over 10 years, for my Motorcycle 👍🏻
Been using optimates for years, good on you getting it out there! great vid as always :)
My Suzuki's OEM Yuasa is still running fine and I bought the bike in 2014 I've only been charging it over the weekend. Also I know what you mean by the confusing flashing lights I had to refer to my Optimate's manual a more than once ;)
Hi sir I have continental GT 650. I want to know about instrument cluster that when I select tripA I have noticed that trip b also counts km. This is why?
both will count in KM thats is how they work!
@@stuartfillingham sir I want to say that if I select tripA then tripB must be in 0km. After selecting tripA why tripB also measuring distance? That I meant to ask...
@@swapnadas4449 Hi Swapna. the idea is that the 2 trip meters allow you to record mileage or distance for different purposes. for example you can use trip A to record how many miles you get on a full tank of fuel and reset it each time you fill up. Trip B can be used to record the distance travelled in say, a month of general use, or on a tour, to record how many miles you travel a month or on a particular trip. does that make sense?
Hi Stuart. Should the canbus controller be used with thd led light on the interceptor. Not sure how sophisticated the enfield electrical system is. Thanks.
Im not with you Steve, do you mean the LED headlight? can you elaborate please?
Hi. Yes. I noticed that someone had commented on the new headlight bulb you have fitted. I found the one you said you used and in the box there was a can bus controller that goes between the new bulb and the 3 pin connector that would be plugged into the old bulb. It's something to do with fooling the electrical system into detecting the old bulb is still fitted. And thats all i understand. Or have i been looking at the wrong bulb? They come as a pair on amazon ( wash my mouth out with soap)
@@stevesmith3216 ah yes I'm with you now, the one I used has actually been discontinued now which is why I didnt review it but the replacement is very similar. It's all actually one wired in unit. They work really well and cut down battery drain. Well worth considering.
@@stuartfillingham7011 Thanks for your swift reply its much appreciated. I think i will invest, and as they are sold as pairs i will fit my Himalayan with one of them. Have been thinking about buying another battery optimiser, sharing one between 3 bikes. The ones reviewed look good so i have just ordered 2. You are costing me a fotune, good advice though, thanks