Scrambler Trickle Charge Battery Question.

10717 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Derek, Nov 15, 2017

mikeyrowe100

Discussion Starter · Apr 23, 2017

Hello

New member here. Just got a new Full Throttle and love it. I'm looking to get a tracker charger for it. I already have an Optimate 2 and wondered if any members have used it on the scrambler with the Optimate O 47 cable? (Optimate O47 battery cable: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike).

Looks like it should work but wondered if anyone had tried it before I go and buy the proper Ducati one.

Thanks

Mike

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

Max Kool

· #2 · Apr 23, 2017

I use a 20 dollar Black and Decker battery tender. Works a charm on all three our bikes. (And even blew new life in the battery from an ION speaker).

I don't believe our Scrambler's batteries are anything special.

UEinME

· #3 · Apr 23, 2017

I used that same cable with a different charger though (battery tender), kept it at 12.4volts all winter

mikeyrowe100

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 24, 2017

Thank you chaps - just wanted to check if the cable would fit OK.

philgoodscrambler

· #5 · Oct 10, 2017

Anybody from the UK with an update on what to use? Have recently got a new FTP and am looking for a trickle charger and connector.

Ian_H

· #6 · Oct 10, 2017

I have one if these CTEK chargers. Previous owner or dealer installed the lead to the battery not sure if this is standard practise in the UK many do.
CTEK XS 0.8 12V 1.2A - 32A 6-Stage Battery Charger: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike

Auriga

· #7 · Oct 11, 2017

I have used an Optimate 4 for almost 2 years without problems. The connector was fitted (by Woods of Abergele) before I bought the Classic.

Duke

· #8 · Oct 13, 2017

I have Ducati Scrambler with the Ducati supplied charger [as described above] I thought there was something wrong with the charger when I plug it in & left it 2 days it just would not go to Green, so I contacted Ducati & they told me that some models take more charging than others, apparently when the bike is not run for a while or only used for short runs there is a drain on the battery even when not used or not used enough, so if you leave your bike stood for a while it may take a while longer for the battery charger to fully charge & go Green

Topcattcracing

· #9 · Oct 13, 2017

I use an Optimate 4 using the supplied cable. No problems.

Max Kool

· #10 · Oct 13, 2017

As the supplied cable is directly attached to the battery, there isn't much magic involved. Pretty ANY trickle charger designed for powersport batteries will work fine imho.

Joooooooosh

· #11 · Oct 13, 2017

Duke said:
I have Ducati Scrambler with the Ducati supplied charger [as described above] I thought there was something wrong with the charger when I plug it in & left it 2 days it just would not go to Green, so I contacted Ducati & they told me that some models take more charging than others, apparently when the bike is not run for a while or only used for short runs there is a drain on the battery even when not used or not used enough, so if you leave your bike stood for a while it may take a while longer for the battery charger to fully charge & go Green

What you described sounds exactly how a trickle charger is supposed to work. It will top the battery up very slowly. It's designed to keep a full battery topped up for people who use the bike very rarely, not to fill up a drained battery.

Ian_H

· #12 · Oct 14, 2017

Joooooooosh said:
What you described sounds exactly how a trickle charger is supposed to work. It will top the battery up very slowly. It's designed to keep a full battery topped up for people who use the bike very rarely, not to fill up a drained battery.

Is that true ? I thought most chargers were "intelligent" to vary charge according to the discharge level of the battery?

eg my CTEK ...
"CTEK were the innovators in smart charging technology and continue to develop advanced battery chargers that are safe for the vehicle and the user, extremely simple to attach and use and provide fast and effective battery care – including recovery and repair from deep discharge, charging to full capacity and safe long term maintenance with minimum mains energy consumption"

JGM

· #13 · Oct 14, 2017

Most trickle chargers supply very low current. Somewhere around 1 amp. At that rate it could take a significant amount of time to recharge a weak battery. I have had good luck with trickle chargers made by Deltran. I keep them connected when the bike is not in regular use and the batteries are always ready to go.

Joooooooosh

· #14 · Oct 15, 2017

Ian_H said:
Is that true ? I thought most chargers were "intelligent" to vary charge according to the discharge level of the battery?

eg my CTEK ...
"CTEK were the innovators in smart charging technology and continue to develop advanced battery chargers that are safe for the vehicle and the user, extremely simple to attach and use and provide fast and effective battery care – including recovery and repair from deep discharge, charging to full capacity and safe long term maintenance with minimum mains energy consumption"

I'm not sure about 'most.' When I've bought chargers in the past, it's been one of the other. I am sure there are some that do both but depends what the Ducati one is. I imagine it's a trickle charger due to the Garage Queen nature of most Ducati's.

Max Kool

· #15 · Oct 15, 2017

The intelligence in trickle chargers is typically in the fact that they stop charging when the battery is full.

They often don’t have enough oomph to charge a (near) empty battery back to life.

mAttitude

· #16 · Nov 14, 2017

It was nice to find an factory fitted Optimate charger connection under the seat.
However, I already have a Ctek charger for my cars so I swapped the Optimate one for a Ctek connector (about £6 from Amazon).

Two observations though.... 1. Really good idea to put some insulation tape over the screwdriver shaft when you loosen/tighten the live side of the battery! (Sparks from the fuel tank otherwise). 2. Don't drop the screw.

Derek

· #17 · Nov 15, 2017

mAttitude said:
It was nice to find an factory fitted Optimate charger connection under the seat.
However, I already have a Ctek charger for my cars so I swapped the Optimate one for a Ctek connector (about £6 from Amazon).

Two observations though.... 1. Really good idea to put some insulation tape over the screwdriver shaft when you loosen/tighten the live side of the battery! (Sparks from the fuel tank otherwise)...

When removing ANY battery you should always undo the earth side first. That way you won't get sparks or set anything on fire

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

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