Charging a Fresh Battery?

Hey all,

I have an account with Interstate Batteries. Picking up a nice one for $60 (Retail is $109) from my local dealer. He said they do not have the factory charged ones in stock, but only the ones where you add the acid and charge (no big deal). Now, I've been told in the past that a local motorcycle dealer needs to charge the battery to get the right level - so it lasts the longest? The Interstate rep I just spoke with said I can just use my trickle charger to charge it and that will be perfect.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

 

hehe...the dealer does NOT need to charge it :wink: Just put your battery tender on it and it will be good to go. When the light turns green install it and let her rip! :tongue:

 

The last battery I bought was also an add-the-acid-and-charge type, and I seem to remember the instructions saying to charge it at slow rate (1A) for about 6 hours or so. Essentially, the longer you can leave it on a decent trickle charger, the longer it will live. Placing a large load on it before it is initially fully charged shortens the life expectancy.

 

After adding acid some will disappear when it soaks into the plates after 1/2 hour or so, so top up the acid b4 charging.

Best charge is @ 1 to 1 1/2 amp for about 12 hours, not some miniscule milliamp trickle charger imo.

 

Just did this a week ago, instructions will tell you minimum amount of time to charge at various amp levels

 

huh I don't think I have ever put one of those on a charger after filling them up with acid..... the current one is going on three years old and it is only dead because I le it sit for a year.... I think I am gonna find a maint. free battery next