Actually, yes, but not without help. Reversing the polarity on a battery can happen only a couple of ways. 

If you have a wet cell battery are filling it for the first time, and are using an old style, non smart charger, and short the terminals while you are filling it, yes it is possible to hook up the charger backward and reverse charge it. You would not necessarily notice a spark because the battery gains voltage as the battery is being filled, and if it is being charged while you are filling it, the short would not be a strong enough discharge to create a spark.  If that was to happen, and a charger was hooked on backwards, or if it was installed in a kick start vehicle and hooked up backwards, then you can end up with a battery that has been charged, but backwards.  Notice there are a lot of ‘ands’ in the above scenario. This situation is possible, but not very likely.   

The second possibility is reversing polarity after the activation process. This is also rare, as it requires a sequence of errors to be present after the installation of the battery. The only way for this to happen would be to completely discharge the battery, either by leaving the key on, or by an unnoticed dead short that completely dissipated the charge over a few days.  After that happened it would appear to be a dead battery. 

Remember, a completely discharged battery is nothing more than an empty vessel.  In order to gain a negative charge, it would then necessitate being hooked up backwards, and charged that way. So the real question here is: how can a battery reverse polarity after it has been installed?  That same previously discharged battery would then be vulnerable to reverse charging, either by connecting the battery charger backwards, or by a charging system that reversed polarity (very rare, but still possible). 

So let me restate: The only way for a battery that has a positive charge, to reverse itself, is for the battery to be completely discharged, and then reversed charged.  We have seen this happen a couple of times, and it would be considered the more common of these rare situations.   

For all intents and purposes, the battery will be ruined.  You could technically charge it up, negatively, and continue to use it, but your plates are designed with the positive plates being lead dioxide, and the negative being composed of a sponge lead, which would now be reversed.  Because the reversed battery is no longer formatted correctly, it will only work to a limited degree. The fact of the matter is, a lead acid battery cannot reverse its own polarity without an external stimulus. It is just not possible.

You might be looking for a replacement battery for your motorcycle. There's a good chance that the battery that came with your bike may have been a Yuasa, especially if your bike is a Honda or a Suzuki. But now you might be considering a replacement battery, and you're not sure if you can trust another brand. Maybe you got 7-8 years of life from your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) battery. Can a brand like Motocross compete with that?

First, let's look at Yuasa:

Yuasa (pronounced "You-Aw-Sah") is almost a household name when it comes to motorcycle batteries. Since 1979, Yuasa has been manufacturing OEM Batteries in the USA for new motorcycles, ATVs, and other power sports applications. Although Yuasa has factories in Japan and Taiwan, they manufacture their large capacity powersports batteries in Laureldale, Pennsylvania. They offer a wide selection of both conventional wet-cel and sealed AGM batteries. These are good batteries, hands down.

So, what about Motocross?

Believe it or not, Motocross is manufactured in the same factory, the same assembly process, at the same time as the Yuasa. The only difference is the label applied at the end of the manufacturing process. Motocross came about as a way for Yuasa to enter the ever growing aftermarket, without disrupting their already established brick and mortar new bike dealerships. This allows them access to a much broader market share, at a much more reasonable price point.

So, basically, when you buy a Motorcross replacement battery, you're really getting a Yuasa.

There you have it. This round of Versus is really about shedding some light on a common misconception. Motorcross is not better than Yuasa when it comes to performance. They are just as good. However, they are the winners when it comes to a better deal. Buying a replacement battery from Yuasa will typically be marked up in price because they sell directly to bike manufacturers. But the Motocross is marketed as the affordable alternative replacement battery.

You really can't go wrong if you go with Motocross. It's the winner's choice.

BG-40-200

This device is good to have. It is my understanding that you should never let your batteries drain 100%....get this battery guard which is made by Samlex (leading manufacturer in this field) to protect your batteries.  What this device will do is when your battery gets down to a certain level it will shut off what ever is draining it, so that you might avoid damage to the battery.  This is great for RV’ers.

Robin 

 "Complicated thinking doesn’t always answer the question."

A few weeks back, we were given the opportunity to film some commercials for an online contest. While we weren't chosen as the winners, we now have two great videos to add to our expanding video library. One of the video editors, James Art Ville, shares his thoughts on the commercials. Read what he has to say: 

The first video was created in response to a promotion that Staples was having for small businesses. The limit was 15 seconds, and the winner would have their video air on their own Staples commercials. I chose to film something comical. A good laugh is worth sharing, and the winner was chosen by popularity. I present to you: Let 'Er Rip.

Yes...that's me on the bike.

The second video came as a suggestion from a good friend and fellow tech at BatteryStuff. Since my father-in-law has the traditional cowboy look, we thought of using it as the theme for the second commercial. His narration completely fits the video: Now We Ride!

Our commercials target our largest customer base, the motorcycle rider. We specialize in selling motorcycle batteries, and we also carry quite the range of battery chargers too. Motorcyclists, like the well known Harley Davidson riders, feel bonded by their common enthusiasm for the powersports. Even if you don't ride a motorcycle, myself included, you have to admit. Motorcycles are cool."

To read the original post, click here.

At BatteryStuff.com, we're not ashamed of our prices. We believe that our products hold value, so you're not getting cheap plastic. Our motorcycle battery maintainers and trickle chargers typically charge at rate of 4 amps or less. This is just right as most motorcycle sized batteries are rated at 30 Amp Hours (AH) or under. Our most popular 3-stage chargers would include the Battery Tender Plus and the Noco Genius G-1100. Both of these are less than $50. Currently, standard Ground shipping for a single order is $7.50. That's a maximum of $57.50 for a new battery charger, maybe less.

If you consider the fact that a brand new motorcycle battery from the dealer will typically cost you $100-150, is it worth it? Let's see the statistics. Lead Acid Batteries (AGM or Wet Cell alike) have an average of 3-5 years of life. But did you know that this statistic takes into consideration proper battery maintenance? This usually means using a battery charger. If your battery is used a few times a year, left outdoors, or discharged severely on a regular basis, the lifespan drops to 1-2 years. If you have been spending money on a new battery every 2 years, it will be worth paying a little extra if you can double or triple the lifespan the first time around.

If this is still not enough to convince you that it's worth the investment, then don't miss our best deal yet. The Battery Tender Jr. is a 2-stage maintainer with a charge rate of 750 mAh. This unit is designed to be used for batteries that have already reached full charge. It’s great for plugging it in immediately after your ride. The Battery Tender Jr. will simply maintain the charge, all the while preventing the battery from being over-charged. Our current price for the Battery Tender Jr. is $24. If this charger can double your battery's life, then you have essentially purchased a "second" battery for less than half the price, at least.

Some of you have heard stories of OEM batteries lasting up to 8 years. From a technical standpoint, that's completely feasible. It's uncommon, but what you'll find about these batteries is that they've been well maintained. It doesn’t happen out of luck. For most of us, since our standard mode of transportation is usually our automobile, we need to make sure that our bikes don't get left to drain and die in storage. Is a battery trickle charger worth the investment? If you are a proud owner of an electric start motorcycle, then the answer is yes!

If your question is going to be like this one:

I am going to put in a solar system and I need to know what all I need for this project. The solar will have to operate a Refrigerator, washer, lights, TV, PC, and a power tool or two. Then know this; in order to accurately size your solar system, we need the following information:

1. The amount of Draw that each device in your system uses. It is usually listed on the back of the unit near the power input and will be rated in volts (V), amps (A), or watts (W).

2. The amount of sun hours in your area (Direct sunlight)

3. The amount of hours each device in your system will be running in a 24 hour period.

Email your results to tech@batterystuff.com

Robin 

 "Complicated thinking doesn’t always answer the question."

Although we've recommended Shorai batteries for your application for years now, we've updated our listing to include 3 new case sizes. The case size 4 battery, LFX14A4-BS12, is short in height, but longer in length than the other 14 AH Shorai batteries. This makes is a great drop in replacement for the standard YTX9-BS, YTZ10S, and YT12A batteries. This battery fits perfectly for the Honda CBR1000R, or the VT600 Shadow. The CCA for the LFX14A4 is still impressive at 210. This is also great for ATVs, like the Yamaha YFM35R Raptor. This battery only comes in one polarity, positive on the left.

The next case sizes, 5, are also 14 AH batteries. The LFX14A5-BS12 and the LFX14L5-BS12 are taller and thinner than any of the other Shorai batteries. These replace the standard  YT12C, YTX14AH, and the YT12CL, YTX14AHL batteries, respectively. For instance, the LFX14L5 would fit perfectly for the Kawasaki Motorcycle, specifically the 900 Ninja. The smaller 14 AH case 1 sizes would work as well, but the extra space in the battery compartment would have to be filled with the foam spacers provided with each battery. It's more of a cosmetic issue, but there are some people who feel if the battery doesn't fit 'just right', that it must be incorrect. Breathe a sigh of relief. Now we have a solution.

The latest case size from Shorai, the 6, is battery with a new capacity. This is a great addition to their already extensive line of batteries available. The LFX21A6-BS12 is a 21 Amp Hour rated battery, with 315 CCA. It's just right for extra power without being overkill when compared to the larger case size 3 batteries. This is definitely a high performance upgrade to such batteries as the YTX14H-BS and the YTX16-BS. The Suzuki VX800 Motorcycle would take this battery without a problem. The battery posts are not as adaptable as the case size 3 batteries, so we don't recommend using it for automotive purposes. As the saying goes, 'Go With What You're Good At'. These are, after all, great powersports batteries.

These new batteries still have the amazing 2 year replacement warranty. Shipping is still FREE to the lower 48 States. Our Vehicle Reference Database is now updated so that the best Shorai LiFePO4 Battery is recommended for your motorcycle, ATV, motor scooter, or personal watercraft.

When the sun is out it's not just motorcycle riders who enjoy time in the sunshine. Some of us who own sailboats, motorboats, or even yachts like to get out in the water when the weather permits. Summer may still be a ways away, and you're more than ready for it. But is your boat ready? More specifically, is your boat's battery ready?

Nobody wants to get caught with a dead battery in the middle of the water. It's like going up creek without a paddle. If you haven't already, now is a good time to put your deep cycle Marine Batteries on a charger. Marinco, the maker of Guest Battery Chargers, have automatic smart 3-stage chargers for your battery. These high output chargers are perfect for the large capacity batteries needed for your Marine application. You may have a trolling motor, a diesel engine, or inverter on your boat. Whatever the purpose, when you need power your battery will have a full charge and you'll be ready to go.

One of the defining features of the Guest Marine chargers is that they are capable of charging all types of Lead acid batteries, including flooded, AGM, and Gel type batteries. The only question left to ask is how many batteries do you need to charge? If it's two or more, no problem. The GU2611A 10 Amp Charger is one of the more popular 2 bank charger they offer. It's capable of charging two 12 volt batteries independently, and will also work on two batteries in series on a 24 volt system. This unit is waterproof and mountable for those who want to keep it on-board. For those who have a single battery, the GU2611A-1-B is a similar unit but with only one bank and is compatible with both AGM and flooded batteries.

The most sophisticated guest charger would be the GU16153. This unit features a push button interface that allows the user to configure each  of the 3 outputs to individual battery types. This ensures that each battery gets the individual care that it needs to live a long life. Each output produces 12 volts DC at 6 amps, while maintaining much less AC draw than other comparable chargers. Unlike an old style trickle charger, this unit will not boil off the electrolyte on a properly functioning battery. This is the answer to multiple battery types in one application, such as a boat with AGM starting batteries and Gel Trolling batteries. This one does all three types of batteries you might find on a marine application. One charger to do it all!

Marinco Guest has been providing quality chargers for over 35 years. These units are designed for harsh environments, such as saltwater, wind, and direct sunlight. Sounds like the kind of environment you want to be in right now, doesn't it? Spring and Summer can't come soon enough. If you're out in the water already, tell us how much fun you're having by leaving a comment below!

First thing you need to ask yourself is this…how many amps does it take to run the item per hour (water pump, trolling motor, laptop, or cell phone) and then how many hours a day do you want to run it.

Example: you have a 12 V water pump that takes 1 amp per hour and you want to run it for 2 hours a day which would equal 2 amps a day. 

So the battery that you would want would have to be big enough to run for several days so a 10 amp battery would work for 5 days and a 20 amp battery would work for 10 days.

Robin 

 "Complicated thinking doesn’t always answer the question."

Here at BatteryStuff, our primary battery expertise lies in lead acid powersports and automotive batteries. Consequently, most our battery chargers are also designed for the lead acid battery. Recently, we’ve expanded our battery types to include lithium iron phosphate batteries, along with a compatible charger to boot. On top of that, we do have a good selection of NiCd and NiMH batteries.

In the past, if you had multiple types of batteries you would need multiple chargers for each battery type. But this is no longer the case! Enter, Tenergy. They offer battery chargers in response to the demand for mobile power. They have a line of chargers for NiHM, Li-Ion, Li-Poly, Li-Iron and NiCd batteries . The T-01328, for instance, is an intelligent AC/DC balancing charger that is compatible with six different battery types (all listed above, and more). One charger to do it all! It’s definitely worth the investment to have the ability to manage for all of your batteries with one single unit.

They are continuously investing in developing and introducing new efficient power products to meet the ever expanding energy needs of consumer, industrial and high technology equipment. Not only do they offer standard chargers specifically tailored to the individual battery chemistries, they also have what I believe will be a new BatteryStuff favorite. The T-01003 is an RC Watt Meter and Power Analyzer. This is for all of you who have solar panels/chargers. This unit measures and displays charge rate, amps, voltage, watts, as well as peaks and minimums. It’s small, lightweight, flexible, yet very durable and uses heavy gauge wire. No more guesswork, now you can know how much power your solar panel is producing in real time.

Tenergy Corporation supplies innovative and sophisticated products. It’s nice to see such a range of chargers, compatible with just about every battery chemistry used in the industry today. They are continually developing and introducing new products and solutions for power users.  We look forward to seeing what Tenergy has to bring in the future.

Red Line Water Wetter is the perfect solution to preventing overheating in all internal combustion engines. We choose to carry the diesel variety because it is a more concentrated product which will work in any cooling system, despite the type. It can improve the ability of coolant to transfer heat by 50%. This huge improvement can reduce cylinder head temperatures by as much as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Redline will not reduce the temperature below the thermostat threshold, but it will kick in when the thermostat is wide open, such as during periods of heavy engine load. Water Wetter can also help reduce cavitations in liners and in water pumps.

One 15oz bottle treats a cooling system of 10-15 gallons by adding Water Wetter directly to the radiator or the expansion tank.  Redline is best used when combined with antifreeze or an appropriate corrosion inhibitor.  We recommend treating your cooling system with Water Wetter on an annual basis, or when the fluid is changed.

Red Line's Water Wetter is geniunly made in the USA. We believe in quality products. This product is safe to use with all modern aluminum, cast iron, copper, brass, and bronze cooling systems. Don't let the heat get the best of you. Let Red Line take care of your diesel or gas powered engine.

He had a call from a potential customer requesting information on one of the products that we sell. This question and answer session went on for 20 minutes or so, and ended with the caller thanking the tech for the help. A couple hours later the same caller dialed back in for more info and landed the same tech.

This is pretty normal, and frankly we are happy to offer our free technical advice on products that we sell and are familiar with. It is a bit of a pay-it-forward mentality that we have. We offer superior customer service not only to our customers, but those that maybe, someday, possibly would be our customers. Back to the story. Where was I? Oh, Right.

So the call ended as is common with thank yous and curtseys, the next call came in, and the tech moved on.

About 2 weeks later, we get a ring from this same caller. Only this time, he is irritated that the product he bought is not what he had hoped it would be, and he wants to chew off the ear of the tech that he spoke to. Of course, no one wants to speak to an irritated person on the phone, so our operator immediately transferred that call to the unsuspecting tech. After 10 minutes of verbal assault, our tech got to the bottom of the story.

This ‘customer’ spent about 40 minutes on the phone and another 20 minutes or so with the manufacturer of this particular product. He then promptly purchased the product from one of the online mega giant sells anything knows nothing about what they sell super resellers. (Careful, it’s a jungle out there) When the product he purchased did not perform, he of course could not call them for technical service, because 1: They offer no technical service whatsoever, and 2: They know as much about chargers as Kim Kardashian knows about string theory. (hint: we are not talking g string theory, which is two guys pool side in…wait. What?) 

Yup, that’s right he ‘spent’ our free tech service time doing research only to purchase from a e-tailer that couldn’t care less about what they sell, or how it impacts the buyer after purchase so he could ‘save’ a ‘few bucks’. How’d that work out for ya’ pal? I sound bitter? Sorry, really I am not. I just shake my head in wonderment at some people and their audacity.

In these days of instant web sites, Grandma’s basement world headquarters, and retail giants moving in on the online model it can be easy to lose sight of the ‘total package’ that specialty resellers such as BatteryStuff.com offer.  If you want specific service and technical help, you go to the experts. Not only are we happy to take your call, but we have a large, and recently re-launched library of good technical info, helpful articles, and FAQ that pertain directly to the products that we sell. Yes, that’s right, even specialty resellers are online to sell products, but most have no problem doing it the proper way. Which is offering a service and value that cannot always be expressed in a few extra pennies, but will more than pay dividends to customers in true old fashioned service and individual assistance and support.

My experience with BatteryStuff has taught me a lot about technical concepts. Most of our products don't require a college degree to understand how to use them. We strongly believe in educating the customer and giving them the ability to make the best decision. We won't fool you into buying the most expensive item. We suggest products based on meeting the needs of your unique application. But before gviing us a call and asking your questions, why not try a little research?

We have upgraded our Knowledge Base, where you'll find articles, FAQ, our policies, video tutorials, and online tools. We're regularly adding new information to our database. If you have a common question about battery maintenence, check out the Powersports FAQ. If you would like to learn about using a solar battery charger for your RV, please read our solar articles. Our video library has quite a few tutorials. Who doesn't enjoy watching a good video nowadays?

We write our articles so that they are easy to understand, and to the point. Everything is relevant to the products that we carry. If there is a question you can't find the answer to, please contact us and tell us about it. We would be more than happy to answer your question and submit the answer to the Knowledge Base.

The answer: YES. Well, mostly yes anyways.

While your typical Battery Tender charger is compatible with these LiFeP04 batteries, Shorai says you should use a Battery Tender "only if you really need to". The reality is, Shorai's powersports batteries have a much slower self-discharge rate than lead acid batteries. Typical scenario: your bike would have trouble starting in the Spring after sitting unused in the garage all winter and the battery has dropped in charge. That would not happen so easily with Shorai batteries. The optimal storage charge rate for these batteries is actually between 60-80%, so  there is no danger is leaving the battery without a charger hooked to it for a few months. After the period of inactivity, it's okay to use the Battery Tender to charge them back to full capacity.

Another important note: Although the Battery Tender is known as a maintenance charger, this is not the case if hooked to a Shorai battery. Because of the voltage differences found in a Lithium battery pack, the charger may not enter "float" or "maintenance" mode. Rather than simply keeping the battery at a proper float level, it may stay in boost mode for long periods. There is then the risk of overcharging the battery, one of the many causes of early battery failure.

One last bit of advice. It is absolutely NOT SAFE to use a charger with an automatic de-sulfation pulse mode. Such brands such as Battery MINDer and Pulse Tech offer great products to help restore old lead acid batteries, but because there is no lead sulfate in Shorai batteries it would prove harmful to the lithium cells. If your charger has a de-sulfation mode that is not automatic, you may use it as long as this mode has been turned off.

Truth be told, the best charger to use on a Shorai Battery is their Sho-BMS01 LFX charger. This is specifically designed for these batteries, and they connect directly via the 5 pin BMS port betweeen the terminals. Using Shorai's own charger will enable the battery to reach the possible lifespan of 5-7 years. 

If you have a Shorai battery, proper charging is important. One of the nicer features of the Shorai batteries is their long shelf life. But if they are improperly charged, the can fail just like any other battery. Be aware of what Shorai says is considered safe and not safe when it comes to charging their batteries. If you have any other questions, give us a call at 541-474-4421.

Warmest Christmas Greetings to All!

All of us at BatteryStuff.com want to take a moment and wish you a very merry and blessed Christmas Season. It seems too easy to miss the bigger picture by being caught up in the mundane of the day to day. It has been said that until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. All else is outward display--so much tinsel and decorations.

For it isn't the holly, it isn't the snow.

It isn't the tree not the firelight's glow.

It's the warmth that comes to the hearts of men,

When the Christmas spirit returns again.

We hope that you can take some time out to reflect on the blessings, even the small and ‘mundane’ in your life, and be joyful in this Holiday Season. As you give, remember the gifts that have been given to you, including the greatest gift of all.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God bless you and yours.

 Last 4 bikes for reference:

 -2008 KTM 300 XC-W w/ Christini AWD

 - 2009 Husaberg FE 450

 - 2008 Husaberg FE 450 Supermoto

- 2001 KTM MXC 520

Rider Stats:

- 42yrs old

- Riding since 1977

- 5’10”  

- 170lbs stark raving naked

- Rider level- A, not as fast as I once was…

The bike:

 - Stock suspension

 - Stock FI mapping

 - Akrapovic slip on Exhaust

 - Cycra Pro Bend handguards

 - Scotts over the bars damper

 - EE skid plate

The Scenario:

I have had the bike for about 1 month, but due to a previous injury was not able to ride until this last weekend. For the record, I was NOT on a motorcycle when I was injured. In fact I just ‘left’ the bike several milliseconds before I was ruthlessly attacked by the ground...details are not important. Anyways, I had plenty of time to fuss and fawn over the bike while it sat prettily in my shop. Fit and finish are what you would expect from KTM, which is just as good or better than anything else out there right now. Comparing this to my 09 Husaberg, I have a nagging thought that took me a few days to put to words, and can now sum up simply.  The Husaberg was clearly designed by engineers. Yes, it was a great bike, and until now my favorite (despite the bitter parting we had at the end) to ride. Definitely designed to perform well, but without thought of actually working on the thing.

The 2012 KTM is a different bag. They seem to have taken the best from the Husaberg as far as performance, improved upon it even, and added in the bonus of a very service friendly design. The only flaw I have found so far is the rear shock adjustment screw is hidden behind the plastic side cover. Clearly, someone from Husaberg was tasked to design that part.

Ok, Ok, what about the ride? How does the bike perform? Well, anyone that knows me understands my system of theft prevention theory. I ride the holy hello out of my bikes, and they quickly show it. While I do take great mechanical care of my toys, they are the polar opposite of trailer queens. Built to be ridden, and by golly, I will ride them. So, where were we? Oh, the ride. Right.  Ride conditions were just about as perfect as one could expect from a December day. Fog in the valleys, about 31F. Up higher, clear blue skies with temperatures up near 50F. It had not rained in about 2 weeks and the soil above the fog and frost was perfect. Below that, it was sketchy. This offered the best test conditions, simulating both summer and winter riding mere minutes apart.

The Ergos: The first thing that I notice is the bike seems a bit tall. Maybe I am shrinking, but touching the ground is done on my toe tips. But hey, touching is overrated. The bike is also harder to start than I think it should be. Once warm it fires up with a flick of the button, but I found that I have to use the fast idle knob on the throttle body to start it up cold, and even still a bit of cranking happens before it lights off. My 09 Husaberg always started without the fast idle knob, and always about 1.5 revolutions of the motor. I suspect the difference is in the mapping, perhaps the Husaberg had to give away a little in performance for reliable starting? (no kick start). Just a theory. If all else fails, I can always shop around for motorcycle batteries with more cranking power. Then again, I do have a Shorai battery in there right now.

The Motor: Once warm, the motor is amazing. The mapping is spot on, delivering that ‘connected directly to the rear tire feel’ associated with fuel injection. Smooth. So very smooth! Wow, this thing pulls! I briefly flirted with the idea of getting the 500, but after riding this, I believe that the 500 would’ve been gratuitous overkill. As a point of reference, I own a KTM 300 XC-W(with Christini AWD) and I cannot say how glad I am to be back on a 4 stroke! I really wanted to love the 300, but as a life long 4 stroker, I just never got comfortable on it, and am left with the feeling that I have to work 2x as hard on the 2 stroke to go almost as fast as I can on the 4 stroke. If you are like me, and have a ‘lazy’ riding style, the 450 will reward you in effort saved. I was going to try to swing keeping the 2 stroke, but now…anyone want a 300? 

I never did ride the new 450 with the stock exhaust, as I had a Akra can sitting in my shop just dying to be installed. On the ride, I did notice a very small bit of popping on deceleration, but not enough that I feel I would have any need to make changes.  Again, this motor is just so smooth on it’s power delivery. It pulls hard right off the bottom, and feels like a very linear pull right to the end. Before the end of my 50 mile loop, I was pulling hills in 3^rd gear that I usually have done in second.  Engine braking is definitely lighter than any 4 stroke I have ridden before. As a committed 4 stroker, I am withholding my opinion on that for further testing…

The Suspension: First a disclaimer. I am a suspension idjut. I’ve got a buddy that swears he can feel the difference when he makes a single clicker adjustment to just one fork leg. Me? Not so much. I’ve always been better at adjusting my riding style to fit the suspension under me, than making adjustments that leave me feeling like I accomplished something.  With that said, my first impression was that the suspension was a bit soft, but after riding it thru a bunch of single track and some fire roads, my second though was not so much too soft, but more along the lines of  super smooth.  I guess I will have to withhold judgment on this until after the suspenders have been broken in, and adjustments are made. My completely uneducated guess is that it is going to be very good in slow and mid speed stuff, but suffer a bit in high speed desert and whoop sections. I did burn a few laps on a freshly minted private motocross track at the end of the day, and was pleasantly surprised with how this overly pliant feeling suspension did not bottom hard or ‘slap’ on flat landings. Again, time will tell on this one.

The Verdict: I think I’m gonna keep ‘er. Well, OK, my budget already dictates that this bike is going to be around for a couple years minimum anyways, but I believe that our relationship will be far more than a cordial one. I think we will get along famously.

300 mile update

So I’ve now got just over 300 miles on the bike, so I figure now is about as good a time as any to write a little update. Since my original posting I have ridden the bike in every condition we get locally in Southern Oregon. Wet clay, dry clay, rain, snow, decomposed granite, rock, etc. The only missing terrain right now is desert. (We’ll get back to that.)   This bike is a real pleaser Everything about it just exudes confidence. Because this bike is so smooth, it makes me feel faster. Maybe I am, maybe I am not, but my seat of the pants-o-meter tells me that I have picked up a bit of steam. And if my pants-o-meter is pegged, that is all that really matters.

I can now also address a few issues I had written about in the original article.

Plastic Design: I had stated originally how the plastic covered the adjust screw for the rear shock. What I did not realize is that the dealer installed plastic off an ’11 to get me my requested all white bike. The shock location on the ’11 and ’12 are different, so that is what caused the issue. A few minutes with a drill and a file, and all is good.

The Motor: Now that the motor is broken in, starting has become a non issue. It fires up as fast as any other fuel injected 4 stroke, comparable to my 09 Husaberg. I no longer need to pull the cold start knob on cold mornings.

The Suspension: Smooth. A bit soft. Goes where you point it. Responds well to clicker adjustments. I will ride it as is for awhile, but it will probably get a re-spring in the future. As stated earlier, I have not ridden it in the desert yet, so I am unsure how it will respond to miles of whoops. My guess is that will be a weak point, but we will see in a month or so when I run the China Hat ISDE in eastern Oregon.

In a word(or two) I am very happy with this bike. My friends that have thrown a leg over have been pretty impressed. It has supplanted my previous favorite 09 Husaberg as my favorite ride. It is everything I wanted and expected in a bike, and I am gonna keep ‘er.

After you have gathered all of this data, email us the results at returns@batterystuff.com. Include in the email:

• Description of symptoms
• All 4 voltage readings labeled at what stage they were recorded
• Your return Contact information
• Order information if it is a battery that you bought from us.

Our technical department will analyze the data within 1-2 business days and respond to you with a conclusion. If the information is conclusive, they will be able to tell you what the problem is, and how best to proceed.

When a battery pack is set up in “Series” it changes the voltage of the battery pack.  So if you have two batteries that are each 12v 100amps once you hook them together you now have 24v but still only 100amps.  When the battery is hooked in series you have the cable going from negative to positive.

When you have a battery pack that is in “Parallel” it changes the amps and Not the voltage.  So if you have a battery that is 12v 100amps once you hook them together you will have 12v 200amps.  When the battery is hooked in Parallel it is hooked up negative to negative and positive to positive.

Robin 

 "Complicated thinking doesn’t always answer the question."

      The Innovative 4-Channel 6/12V DC Charger Multiplier is Introduced Today

            SOUTHLAKE, TX—NOVEMBER 18, 2011— PulseTech Products Company (PPC) today has announced the QuadLink™, a technological breakthrough in battery maintenance products capable of turning a single 6V or 12V battery charger into a workhorse charging up to four lead acid batteries as a single application.

            The QuadLink turns any brand 6V or 12V DC battery charger into a 4-station maintenance charger, automatically splitting and distributing all of the charger’s capabilities into 10-minute sequencing charge segments. Depending on the charger’s capability, QuadLink can distribute charges simultaneously to up to four AGM, gel-cell, VRLA inducing or deep cycle for marine, standard automobile and truck and even small motorcycle batteries. The QuadLink works with ANY 6V or 12V battery, regardless of size of CCA rating.

             The four-way switcher is capable of charging the batteries whether they are individually connected or connected as a group in a 24, 36 or 48 volt series.

             Retail pricing for the QuadLink is $99.95. The QuadLink™ is currently available through a network of PulseTech distributors and dealers.

             “This product is truly a game changer in that it saves users both time and money,” said Pete Smith, President of PulseTech® Products Corporation, a company specializing in battery testing, charging and maintenance applications.  “With the QuadLink there’s no longer a reason to use multiple chargers on vehicles or batteries in storage.  Since most maintenance chargers are in float mode 95% of the time, QuadLink’s unique ability to switch back and forth between batteries allows a single maintenance charger the ability to charge and maintain up to four batteries.  It’s a simple plug and play application with a microprocessor that automatically adapts to the number of batteries actually connected.”

             Smith said applications for the QuadLink include a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, including automobiles, light trucks, SUVs, ATVs, motorcycles, small boats and watercraft, lawn mowers, industrial and warehousing equipment and even golf carts.

            Almost transparent to the battery, the QuadLink does not add to the charging capabilities of the charger it is connected to, but simply multiplexes the charger’s application to up to four batteries at one time.  The particular capabilities of the charger are simply being passed through to the batteries via the QuadLink so the charger is always in full control of the charging process.

             Once connected via extension leads to the batteries, users can begin the battery maintenance process by plugging their charger to an AC power source.   From this point forward, the station or battery that is currently being charged is indicated by a blinking LED light on the QuadLink.  Every 10 minutes, the QuadLink will switch to the next battery in line.  If there is no battery connected to any given channel, the channel will be skipped after a short qualification process. Note: To charge 6V batteries, a 6V charger must be connected to the QuadLink, likewise with 12V scenarios. Solar chargers, either 6V or 12V can also be used, as long as they do not exceed an 8 Amp output.

 SPECIFICATIONS

 Description: 4-channel 6V/12V DC Charger Multiplier

Input Voltage: 4Vdc to 18Vdc

Input Amperage: 8A Max

Functional Output Cable length: 5’9” (per channel)

            Note: additional 5’ and 25’ cable extensions available separately

Mounting: Yes – via 4 holes in housing (use housing to mark holes on mounting surface)

Courtesy of  Pulse Tech

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, with friends and family gathering, lots of fantastic food, and of course the big countdown to Christmas beginning. But in all this, have I forgotten where the holiday came from? What are its roots? Who is getting all the thanks?  It seems that as I get older, as our society ‘progresses’, as time marches on, it is easy to forget where we came from in the comfort of where we are.  This spurred me to dig into this a bit as I began to wonder if I had my facts straight or if I was missing the historical mark. The little bits of fact that I ran across led me to a few surprises that I had either forgot, or perhaps never heard:

1. Turkey was not the celebrated center of attention at the first Thanksgiving. According to a letter written regarding the event at the time, the Indians and Settlers ate venison, corn, and some wild bird. And of course mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie…oh, wait.
	2. Thomas Jefferson thought the idea of a national Thanksgiving holiday a bad idea, and even called it ‘the most ridiculous idea ever conceived’
3. The actual ‘first’ recorded thanksgiving celebration took place in the panhandle of Texas in 1541, 80 years prior to the more famous event.
4. Americans will consume 535 million pounds of Turkey on an average Thanksgiving day. May as well undo the top button right now…
5. Often remembered as the Pilgrims thanking the Indians, the roots of this holiday shows us the Pilgrims thanking God for provision enough to survive the upcoming winter.
6. Whatever your take on the origins of the Holiday, setting aside a few minutes to take stock of the bountiful blessings we generally take for granted will make all the food and deserts taste that much better.

Thanksgiving is also widely known for one more thing. BLACK FIRDAY. And we're no exception. This weekend, we're having a sale you don't want to miss. Check out the great deals here.

The promoters decided to utilize local property rather than holding the event in the central Oregon Desert as they had the past couple years. With the change in format came a change in name. Formerly the Fort Rock Enduro, the newly named ‘Make it or Break it XC’ lived up to its moniker. No doubt the promoters were trading inside information on the weather situation, and I am sure somehow knew that our fall weather would quickly devolve into winter conditions and allow the event to earn its new name!

To be fair, it did not snow much, with only trace amounts on the course Saturday morning, and about an inch or two on Sunday. The course was a mix of Southern Oregon single-track, higher speed logging roads, and the newly setup Enduro X style section for the spectators. The straddle-the-log start was a dead giveaway that something wicked this way comes, but if that did not clue the racers in, perhaps the 3 giant tire crossings and  the Firewood Pit of Doom informed them of what was coming their way.

Saturday’s race went for 6 laps around the 12.8 mile course, which held up pretty well considering the snowy conditions.  Riders reported that traction was supreme and they even saw a bit of dust once the snow was blown out of the trail. As this was the final race weekend in the OMRA XC 2011 series, there was some definite strategy at play for some of the riders.  Reid Brown was able to sew up the overall AA championship by riding safe, hanging back, and in the case of Saturday’s race, simply waiting for the rest of the AA field to crash out or run out of gas to take the checkers.

Sunday was a different story, with a mix of snow, melting snow, melting snow runoff, and of course mud mixed with snow making for interesting, if not difficult conditions. Due to the quickly deteriorating course, the race was shortened to 5 laps this day. The level of mayhem on the Enduro X section was definitely tweaked upward, giving the spectators the best show of the entire 2011 series. While there were no added obstacles over the Saturday race, the 1-2 inches of snow covering the logs, tires and other traps skill demonstration opportunities made for a great race, with plenty of passing going on whenever poor choices were made.

Kudos to the MRA for putting on an outstanding event weekend, and congrats to all the class winners and every other rider that chose to leave the safe confines of their couch to get out and enjoy this event!

First of all if you have a bike and your looking for a battery for it don’t get confused over AGM or Gel.  There are only a couple of bikes that are actually made for a Gel battery and I believe they are BMW bikes.  (They are made with a specific type of charging system that can handle the Gel battery)

Ok AGM stands for (Absorbed Glass Mat ) which means that the liquid that you would find in a wet cell battery is still there only the glass mat’s have absorbed all of it so that you don’t have it swooshing around inside the battery.  Then the battery is sealed so that there is no worries about maintaining the battery.

You may be asking yourself is it really that simple, I have to tell you that yes it is….we have more information on our web page under tutorials.

Robin 

 "Complicated thinking doesn’t always answer the question."

The coupons are only available for the smaller powersports batteries, not the large automotive and truck batteries. Now's a great time  pull the covers off the bike in the garage. There's still plenty of time to have the ride of your life!