Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

What is a battery tender? Why do I need it? Can it be attached to the battery all the time even while riding?
My bike battery got discharged today with no apparent reason. It started fine even in the coldest morning, even after being idle for several weeks, even after using heated gears. Not sure why it got discharged in the evening today.
Anyway I started it in the old fashioned way (by pushing in gear and letting go the clutch).
I would like to know about battery tender and will it be useful in these situations? Also what kind of battery tender will be needed for our bike?
Thanks

Battery tender is usefull when your not riding your bike for several weeks. There are battery tenders that you can keep on the battery for 24/7 untill you decide to ride. I usually just hook up the battery tender one day every 2 weeks.

The battery survived first winter storage (3 months no riding) without a tender. Started right up when I turned it on.
Second and third (this winter) I hook up the tender. There is still no evidence of the battery degenerating so I think the tenders does its job but cant really say.

thanks for the reply Kadett. Based on your reply, I believe battery tenders are used only during storage. I ride my bike year around.
I'm suspecting my heated gear might have caused the issue, because I forgot to disconnect heated gear from the bike after turning off only for few minutes yesterday. I usually disconnect the heated gear before turning off the bike.
Today morning it just started fine. I will have to keep a close eye on that now.

I use mine if I don't ride for over a week. They automatically charge the batter when they need it, and then switch to a "maintenance" charge once the battery is fully charged. On my prior bike I had the original battery for 11 years. Usually heat and vibration shorten the life. I highly recommend it. The Battery Tender Junior is probably good enough for the GSX650 battery.

I had wondered whether bump starting the bike would work. Had presumed that with the fuel injection it wouldn't. Good to know I was mistaken!

I use the tender all year round, i do not get to ride every day. Some are content to replace the battery every 3 years or so , the tender will extend you battery life way beyond that. Get the one that"cycles"the battery, not just charges it.

My battery was drained enough so that not even the console light came up.
I recently bought a Deltran Battery Tender Jr. after reading all your replies.
I removed the battery and hooked up with the tender. It took complete 2 full days to fully charge.
Apparently my battery was not completely dead.
According to Deltran website, a battery should be replaced if the voltage is below 11.4 and tender won't charge if the voltage on battery is below 3.
Now I'm back on the road again!! I only ride short distance to work and use heated gears so I believe tender is really helpful.
I believe its a must if you don't ride much in winter.
Thanks all.