Battery Charger Replacement

Good Morning All,
My battery charger is showing its age, and with the range of batteries now used I think a replacement is due. I am looking for something that will charge 6 volt, 12 volt Gel and Lithium, plus of course lead acid.
Just wondered if any one has any recommendations or do’s/ dont’s.
There is a massive selection on the Internet plus a huge range of prices from unbelievably cheap to eye watering expensive.
China seems to have the market, but I would prefer to purchase in the UK.
Yes I know any that I purchase will probably be made in China.
Your input would be appreciated.

Personally I always use Ctek and have several of them for my bikes, cars and lawn tractor. Best value is this Ctek MXS 5.0 which does 12v and 6v and cars and motorcycles. You may want an extension lead and optional quick connect battery terminal lead too. Sp probably circa £100 in total. Amazon usually the cheapest. The advantage with these is that they actually check the state of the battery and run a charging cycle to improve the condition of the battery and then just keeps it in optimum condition.

2 Likes

Hi !

I use a NOCO Genius 2, as my other bike has one of their Lithium batteries. It has revived one battery (1.04V !) that my ordinary charger had written off, and refused to even try. Halfrauds want £60, and one on Fleabay ( 156105419102 ) is £51 incl. delivery. I also bought a ridiculously expensive ( £21.64 at Bezos Barn ) GC009 SAE adapter, to connect to other bike’s charging tails.

Good luck ! :nerd_face:

buy cheap pay twice
my AA approved charger up to 4 amps lasted 5 weeks and died
left on my Focus while I was in hospital
I paid the extra and bought a 4 amp Ctek 5 year warranty
I also have Ctek on my Guzzi

2 Likes

I agree that the c-tek is the best most flexible option IMO !
mine has worked well under all situations & does the job !-however just a warning that as part of its operation it gets quite hot in use so good placement and ventilation a must!

1 Like

Personally I think there is a real issue with this, from experience !! It’s my belief that only a smart charger is suitable for the range of batteries. I use Motobatt water boy and much prefer the connection lead. All my other trickle chargers are in the bin if you send a PM I will explain why. Question if the latest batteries need the above how does a 72 BSA, Norton , T3 manage ? Regards Ratt

because ancient motorcycles, have a very simple charging system,and no current drain when parked

1 Like

I agree but are they over charging, I left a Motobatt battery charging overnight with a branded trickle charger dead next day. Presumably no one rides all day on a BSA. More concerning a friends golf buggy went up and nearly burnt the house down. The fire brigade said “this happens all the time “

gold buggies are a known problem
cheapo chinese batteries
and owners who wont shell out for a decent one ( just ask my battery specialist)
and dodgy chargers
plus lots of golf carts use lithium batteries
evil things

was the motobatt a dry cell or gel battery, you may well have used the wrong sort of charger

Thanks to all of your input re battery charger replacement. Always better to hear actual users experience than rely on review sites.
I have purchased a NOCO Genuis 5 and it looks quite impressive. I have a variety of batteries, 6 and 12 volt Gel and Lead. This seems to be the only charger to fit my needs.
So I splashed out and spent the £80 as opposed to a cheapo one for £16 from China.
But with a 3 year guarantee seems a better bet.
Thanks again every one .