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Seasonal motorbikes, snowmobiles, and ATVs usually sit unattended for quite some time. In most cases, you don’t have to worry about your motorcycle while it’s dormant.
However, you may find a dead battery the next time you want to ride. For this reason, you need a top motorcycle battery charger.
A good charger fills your battery, monitoring its state during the time you’re not riding. It offers safe charging, keeping the bike charged, and ready at all times.
Continue reading to discover the best chargers and how to choose one. We included detailed reviews as well as a buyer’s guide with some valuable information.
Or, if you’re looking for a new battery, click here.
Top 9 Motorcycle Battery Chargers Review
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
Battery Tender  | Battery Tender Key features: Spark-proof, smart microcontroller Vehicle Service Type: Car, Motorcycle, Light Truck Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
Mroinge  | Mroinge Key features: Easy to use, charging and maintaining the charge Vehicle Service Type: Motorcycle, Boat, Car, ATV, SUV, RV, Snowmobile Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
Foval  | Foval Key features: Fully automatic, lightweight and compact Vehicle Service Type: For all kinds of vehicles Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
LEICESTERCN  | LEICESTERCN Key features: 72-hour safety feature, easy to use Vehicle Service Type: ATV, UTV, Motorcycle Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
MOTOPOWER  | MOTOPOWER Key features: Fuse protection, status showing LED display Vehicle Service Type: Motorcycle, Car, RV Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
BMK BLUEMICKEY  | BMK BLUEMICKEY Key features: Lightweight, automatic shut off Vehicle Service Type: For motorcycles and other vehicles Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
Schumacher  | Schumacher Key features: User-friendly, multi-level charging Vehicle Service Type: Car, Motorcycle, SUV Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
BikeMaster  | BikeMaster Key features: Easy to use, fully automatic Vehicle Service Type: For bikes and other vehicles Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
BLACK+DECKER  | BLACK+DECKER Key features: Circuit protection guards, lightweight Vehicle Service Type: Car, Motorcycle, Truck, RV, ATV, Snowmobile Voltage: 12 volts | Check Price |
Battery Tender – Spark Proof
This charger is equipped with a 12’ output cord. It’s spark-proof and reverse-polarity protected as well, offering safe charging at all times.
It’s ideal for charging all 12-volt lead-acid, sealed or flooded batteries. It has an 80-hour safety timer and works with AGM and gel cell models.
This one has a complete 4-step charging program, including initialization, bulk charge, and float mode. It allows optimizing power without any risk of overcharging.
It has a two-color LED stage indicator. Also, its automatic charge cycle function switches to float mode once the battery is fully charged.
Another essential thing to note is the ISM, otherwise known as Infinite Sequential Monitoring. It adapts the battery’s needs continuously. It also comes with a quick-disconnect harness that makes it easy to connect and disconnect the charger quickly.
PROS
- Spark-proof
- Reversed hook-up connection
- Smart Microcontroller
CONS
- The wires become very stiff in the cold
Mroinge – Smart Automatic
This may be the best choice if you’re looking for a smart charger. It connects easily, allowing simple operation regardless of the bike you have. Also, it comes with big clips, O-ring terminals, and a 12’ long DC cord.
Mroinge is spark-proof during lead connection, offering reverse-polarity protection as well as protection against short-circuit and overcharging.
It’s meant for charging 12-Volt lead-acid batteries regardless of whether they’re sealed or flooded. It works on both AGM and GEL cells.
Another thing worth noting is its automatic 4-step charging program. It features Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Mode, and Float Mode, preventing overcharging while optimizing power.
It switches to Float Mode automatically after the battery is fully charged. On top of that, its two-color LED indicator shows the stage of the charger.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Charging and maintaining the charge
- For motorcycles, ATVs, boats and other vehicles
CONS
- Not the most long-lasting
Foval – Lightweight
Foval comes with an 8’ long output cord. Much like most chargers, it’s spark-proof, and reverse-polarity protected.
It’s among the best choices for all lead-acid batteries, regardless of whether they’re flooded or sealed. Also, it features a complete four-step charging program, including Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Mode, and Float Mode.
One of the best things about Foval is its size and weight. This one measures 3.9 x 2.4 x 1.25 inches in total while weighing 10.6 ounces. For this reason, it’s ideal for traveling.
The charger is ideal for 12V batteries, meaning that you can use it on your motorbike, ATV, RV, boat, golf carts, and car. It also works as a backup generator for lawnmowers.
Its intuitive LED indicators show the state-of-charge and diagnostic information. Overall, it’s a good pick for charging and maintaining your battery during the time you’re not riding.
PROS
- Fully automatic
- Lightweight and compact
- For all kinds of vehicles
CONS
- Flimsy alligator clips
LEICESTERCN – Safety Guarantee
This one is a great choice if you’re looking to charge 6V and 12V SLA/PB/gel/AGM/lead-acid batteries. It’s an automatic charger that works on motorcycles, cars, lawnmowers, ATVs, watercraft, RVs, scooters, snowmobiles, and other similar vehicles.
It offers multiple types of protection against short circuit, reverse polarity, over-voltage, overload, overcharge, and overheat. Also, it’s spark-proof and resistant to water and dust.
It’s among the most reliable options on the market, as it offers stable performance at all times. Another thing worth noting is the five-stage automatic charging.
It comes with detachable alligator connectors with 10A fuse. This allows you to carry it around, charging as you go.
Leicestercn allows you to monitor the progress, automatically switching to float mode. Plus, this one can recover empty batteries with ease.
PROS
- Shows diagnostic information
- Easy to use
- 72-hour safety feature
CONS
- Poor instruction manual
MOTOPOWER – Durable
Motopower is durable and easy to use. It charges all types of 12V lead-acid batteries regardless of whether they’re sealed or flooded. This makes it an ideal choice for motorcycles, cars, lawnmowers, and other similar vehicles.
It’s pretty simple to use since all you have to do is plug and leave it. It charges and maintains batteries automatically without any assistance on your part.
Its microprocessor controlled program monitors the process, stopping immediately after it’s done. It then switches to maintaining with a float charging current.
Another thing that helps is the Constant Pulse Current Maintenance function, which helps to avoid discharge and excessive charge. It extends the life of your battery, recovering it more efficiently when it’s dead.
Also, it comes with ring terminals and alligator clips, allowing you to choose based on your needs and preferences.
PROS
- Fuse protection
- Status showing LED display
- Durable and sturdy
CONS
- Thin and short wires
BMK BLUEMICKEY – Detects Defect
This model is a good choice if you’re looking to diagnose and detect a defect. It does that before charging to prevent any possible issues.
It’s suitable for batteries with 15-100Ah, so make sure that the one you have is higher than 15Ah. However, keep in mind that it can work on batteries that are over 100Ah, but it will require more time.
It features a 72-hour safety function, protecting your batteries from overcharging. Plus, it’s made of ABS and is IP65 waterproof, which makes it ideal for travels.
Another thing worth noting is its protection against short circuit, overcharge, overload, and polarity reverse. It comes with Constant Pulse Current Maintenance function, avoiding discharge.
BMK BLUEMICKEY offers four-stage smart charging. It has a LED indicator, displaying charging status throughout the process.
PROS
- Lightweight (15.87 oz)
- Automatic shut off
- For motorcycles and other vehicles
CONS
- It may stop working after a while
Schumacher – Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Schumacher features 30A quick boost along with a 100A jump start. It’s powerful and suitable for motorcycles, cars, trucks, SUVs, and other large vehicles.
The battery and alternator tester charges and does a great job of diagnosing electrical issues. It offers multi-stage charging, along with auto-voltage detection, for some added precision.
It’s safe and easy to use regardless of how long the battery has been empty. On top of that, it comes with UL Safety Certifications.
Another thing worth noting is the reverse hook-up protection. It means that the charger won’t work if the clamps are reversed.
It’s important to mention that this one is suitable for standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries, allowing you to charge different vehicles, including motorcycles.
This one has a LED display with push-button controls and indicators for ease of use.
PROS
- User-friendly
- Microprocessor controlled
- Multi-level charging
CONS
- The clamps are somewhat flimsy
BikeMaster – High-power
BikeMaster is a high-power charger that you can use on several other vehicles as well. It’s meant for charging and maintaining lithium-ion batteries. It sports an input of AC 120V and output of DC 12V.
This one features Lithium Iron Phosphate battery technology, making it one of the most advanced and powerful chargers.
It’s pretty easy to use, while its small and compact shape allows you to carry it around with ease. It measures 9 x 5.5 x 4 inches in total while weighing some 1.3 pounds.
BikeMaster has built-in circuit protection guards along with long cables and wires that make it easy to use. It’s also fully automatic, which means all you have to do is connect it and leave it.
PROS
- For bikes and other vehicles
- Easy to use
- Fully automatic
CONS
- Not the most durable plastic case
BLACK+DECKER – Easy Connection
This Black + Decker is among the best to charge and maintain your battery during seasonal storage. It charges and maintains 12- and 6-volt gel, AGM, and wet batteries.
It comes with O-ring terminals and battery clips, making it easier to connect it to the vehicle. With that said, it’s important to note that this one works on motorcycles, cars, and other similar vehicles.
Once the battery is full, the charger will stop automatically. It switches to float mode to monitor the level.
It features built-in circuit protection guards that prevent reverse polarity, overcharging, and short circuits. On top of that, it’s ETL certified for safety and performance.
Another thing worth noting is the mounting bracket that adds more to its overall convenience.
PROS
- Lightweight (1.3 pounds)
- Circuit protection guards
- Two connection methods
CONS
- Low-quality instructions
What to Consider in Buying a Motorcycle Battery Charger
Type
You can choose between regular, trickle, and float chargers. Regular chargers work pretty much the same as phone chargers. Once you plug it in, it’s charging until you unplug it.
A trickle charger is quite common since it uses somewhat more advanced technology. It monitors the charge level, adapting to the needs of the particular battery.
A floating charger charges the battery fully before shutting off. It turns back one once the battery drains a bit.
Durability
Durability depends on many different things. It’s especially crucial if you’re looking for a charger to carry around to trips.
It should have a strong plastic case that’s also dustproof and waterproof. You want it to endure the ride along with some rough use and maybe an occasional drop to the ground.
Think about if you need it to work at extreme temperatures. Some can operate at temperatures from 0°F to 130°F without undercharging or overcharging.
Versatility
Look for a versatile model if you think you’ll charge more than just your motorcycle. In most cases, these chargers can work with motorcycles, cars, boats, tractors, and other similar vehicles.
Plenty of models come with several modes and the ability to charge all kinds of vehicles. Look for a microprocessor-controlled device with several charging modes like initializing, bulk charging, monitoring, and float mode.
Also, keep in mind that not every charger can recover a battery that’s been left unused for a long time.
Features
Look for a charger that comes with at least two charging methods. It should feature standard clamps along with O-ring connectors. The two give you an option to choose, depending on your needs and preferences at the time.
If you think you’ll use it on a car as well, you should make sure it comes with DC plugs for some added convenience.
It should have as many handy features as possible so that the entire process is easy and quick regardless of the vehicle you’re charging.
Safety
Safety is always critical, especially when charging batteries. For this reason, low-quality chargers may not be the best choice because they often lack some of the most critical safety features.
Look for a model that’s spark-proof and has protection against short-circuit and reverse-polarity. On top of that, you should also consider if the model of your choice has safety certifications. These prove that the charger is safe to use when used according to the instructions.
Connectors
It’s always important to check how compatible the charger is with your battery. As you noticed, these come with different terminals, which is why it’s critical to consider how they clip on.
You should check how long all the wires and cables are because they are often quite short. This can make it a bit tricky to use, especially if you’re away from home.
Some come with standard clamps while others come with O-rings. However, many models offer both options.
LED Indicator Displays
Having a LED indicator display makes all the difference when it comes to ease of use. Without an indicator, you have no way of knowing if it’s charging and how long it will take for the process to complete.
LED indicators are typically quite simple, although some models can be a bit tricky to figure out. It shows when it’s charging and when it’s fully charged.
Many show diagnostics for different problems, making it easy to figure out what’s wrong.
Compatibility
Most models can work with all motorcycles, cars, and even some larger vehicles such as trucks and boats. However, it’s always recommended to check if the particular model you’re interested in is compatible with your battery.
This is easy to figure out as most manufacturers list compatibility information. All you have to know is details about your battery in order to find the most compatible charger.
Voltage and Wattage
One of the most important things to consider is the voltage. The volts of the charger has to match the volts of your battery for everything to work correctly. For example, you should charge a 12V battery with a 12V charger only.
Also, check the amps as they show the power that the charger supplies to your battery. Lower power is ideal for the long term, but you should still look for a model that delivers fast charging when needed.
Temperature
One of the best things to look for is a temperature monitor. Temperature is critical, which is why you should always have a precise idea of its level.
High temperatures can cause damage to both the charger and the battery. For this reason, look for a model with protection features since those are unlikely to cause overcharging. It’s vital because overcharging often triggers overheating.
Charging Modes
As you noticed, most models feature several charging modes. While there are plenty of models that do no more than charging, some of the most advanced chargers can do much more.
Look for the one that has a trickle charge setting. It reduces the overall power that’s delivered to your battery once it’s fully charged.
Another great mode is the maintain-charge setting. It allows the charger to shut off, maintaining the level by occasionally charging.
Most models have four modes, including Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Mode, and Float Mode.
Battery Charger Vs. Battery Maintainer
People often mix chargers with maintainers because the market does little to explain the difference. What you should remember is that chargers, for the most part, send constant charging even when the battery is full.
This can often cause overcharging unless the model of your choice is protected against it.
A maintainer senses how much charging your battery requires, sending a trickle charge for a few hours. It then stops charging once the battery is full.
The difference is minimal, but in most cases, a maintainer can’t cause an overcharge.
Breaking Down The Types
Float
A float charger is essentially the same as a maintainer. It charges your battery before shutting off. This allows the battery to drain a bit, which is when the maintainer turns back on to charge it a bit.
It doesn’t work all the time, which reduces the chances of overcharging and overheating.
Trickle
A trickle charger was initially made to replace standard models. It’s among the most commonly used types at this point.
It features advanced technology that monitors the charge level, adapting its cycle to your battery’s requirements. Also, this type doesn’t waste any power, and your battery will always be charged regardless of when you unplug it.
Regular
As we said, these work pretty much the same as phone chargers. It works continuously while it’s plugged.
Although this doesn’t sound as bad, leaving the battery connected for too long can damage it and possibly even cause a fire. Plus, you’d be wasting too much power.
The Benefits
Keeps Battery Healthy
Leaving your bike unattended for months isn’t the best thing you can do for its battery. You may find it dead and unable to recover, which is why you should consider keeping it on a charger.
However, keep in mind that constant charging can also damage the battery unless you have the right charger that can prevent this.
Money and Energy Saving
The best charger will reduce the power supplied to the battery. What this does is it protects the battery while also saving energy.
Having a suitable charger will keep the battery charged without wasting any energy or money.
Fewer Replacements
Overcharging is a dangerous thing, and once it happens, your battery is as good as trash. This is only one of the reasons why you should use a charger and maintainer. It saves you from having to replace the battery as often.
Safe
Leaving your charger plugged for a more extended period may cause a fire. It’s extremely dangerous, which is why you should use a maintainer. These are much safer to keep plugged for an extended period, monitoring the entire process while decreasing power output.
Why You Should Buy a Good Battery Charger for Your Motorcycle
Having a good charger ensures a constant charge. It recharges and maintains the charge during the time you’re not using the bike.
It’s a steady stream of electricity, keeping the energy potential positive so that your battery is always ready when you need it.
Also, keeping your battery charged prevents the degradation of its components. It helps to prolong the overall life of the battery as well, which means you won’t have to replace it any time soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use a motorcycle battery charger?
The first thing you should do is disconnect the battery from your motorcycle. Attach the trickle charger and turn it on. Let it sit and do its job before disconnecting it. Make sure that the process is completed before you disconnect the wires.
You can go on and reconnect the battery to your bike once it’s fully charged.
Can you overcharge a battery?
Generally speaking, trickle chargers reduce the risk of overcharging. However, it’s still possible to overcharge.
Float and trickle chargers can be left working since they shut off occasionally. Still, you should check and unplug them from time to time to make sure that everything is alright.
Can I use it on a car?
In most cases, you can use a motorcycle charger on a car. However, you’ll need at least 12 volts for this.
Most manufacturers list the type of vehicles you can charge with the particular charger. Most are made to work at lower rates, which is why charging a car with them will usually take much more time.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we helped you find the best charger. We tried to keep our list versatile, offering a few different models so that everyone at least one option.
Reread our buyer’s guide if you haven’t already found a model for your bike. The information included can help you pick among as many options that the market currently offers.
Keep in mind all the safety considerations we discussed, especially if you want to charge more than just your motorcycle battery.
A quality charger can make all the difference in how you store your motorcycle during cold winter months. Choosing one shouldn’t be as tricky once you know all the important buying factors.
