Battery chargers motorcycle test

Table of contents

Battery chargers motorcycle test
fact

Battery chargers motorcycle test

Battery chargers motorcycle test

Battery chargers motorcycle test

Battery chargers motorcycle test

17th pictures

Battery chargers motorcycle test
fact

1/17
In a comparison test, 15 different battery chargers competed against each other. Which product won the test??

Battery chargers motorcycle test
mps studio

2/17
15th place: Excelvan 6V / 12V 5A with 310 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
mps studio

3/17
14th place: Einhell CC-BC 6M 6V / 12V with 329 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
mps studio

4/17
13th place: EUFAB EAL 6V / 12V with 350 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
mps studio

5/17
12th place: SHIDO DC3 with 373 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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6/17
11th place: Black & Decker 6V / 12V with 378 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
mps studio

7/17
10th place: hi-Q TOOLS charger 900 with 380 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
mps studio

8/17
9th place: AEG LD 5.0 ​​6V / 12V with 384 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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9/17
8th place: Pro Charger 4000 with 387 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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10/17
7th place: APA microprocessor 6V / 12V 5A with 392 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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11/17
6th place: Optimate 4 with 393 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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12/17
5th place: Dino 12V 5A with 408 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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13/17
4th place: Kooroom TKB7 6V / 12V with 409 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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14/17
3rd place: Bosch C3 6V / 12V with 432 of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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15/17
2nd place: Gys Gysflash 6.12 with 433 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
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16/17
1st place: CTEK CT5 Powersport with 453 out of a possible 500 points. MOTORRAD verdict: very good.

Battery chargers motorcycle test
GTu

17/17
The test candidates were able to achieve a maximum of 500 points in the test laboratory.

accesories

Battery chargers motorcycle test

15 motorcycle battery chargers tested
Charge the motorcycle battery

Modern motorcycle starter batteries need modern charging technology: 15 battery chargers in a comparison test.

Roman Kirschbauer

01/22/2019

After a wonderful summer, an autumn that was much too dry and a November that was too warm, many motorcyclists have finally put their bikes into a well-deserved hibernation. True to the motto: The first salt is sure to come. That’s right. The pending break can have fatal consequences for the motorcycle battery. You know that. By spring at the latest, you will be rudely reminded of what you have forgotten again: namely to take care of the energy dispenser in the dark months while the two-wheeler has to survive the freezing cold in the garage.

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Battery chargers motorcycle test

15 motorcycle battery chargers tested
Charge the motorcycle battery

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Battery chargers motorcycle test


Graphic: MOTORCYCLE

The distribution of points in the overview.

So that the first trip in spring doesn’t just turn into a mere dress rehearsal – “but last year the jacket wasn’t so tight on the stomach” – and finally, annoyed, you go to the nearest dealer with the sheet metal body to buy a fresh battery, you should take action now. So get off the sofa, get to the power cells! Anyone who maintains the voltage over the winter with a modern charger not only ensures a trouble-free start when it is about to start, but also lowers the costs of spare parts. Because well-maintained batteries simply last longer than often deeply discharged and stressed fellow sufferers. Together with the GTu (Society for Technical Monitoring), MOTORRAD has tested a total of 15 battery chargers that are particularly suitable for motorcycle batteries.

1st place: CTEK CT5 Powersport

Providers: CTEK
Price: 89.99 euros
Size: 16.8 x 3.8 x 6.5 cm
Weight: 499 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

CTEK CT5 Powersport.

Application area: Recommended for 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, WET, low-maintenance, AGM, gel, Ca / Ca, maintenance-free and low-maintenance) from 5 to 25 Ah

Particularities: Charging current up to 2.3 A, housing protection IP65, application range –20 to +50 degrees, CAN bus compatible, selectable reconditioning function for deeply discharged batteries

offers

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Ctek CT5 Powersport battery charger

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: 1-3 days

€ 79.99
plus € 4.99 shipping


To the shop

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals is robust and cannot be removed, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged without any problems, high-quality workmanship

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

2nd place: Gys Gysflash 6.12

Providers: Gystech
Price:
85.79 euros
Size:
19.0 x 10.0 x 5.2 cm
Weight:
770 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Gys Gysflash 6.12.

Application area: Recommended for 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, WET, gel, maintenance-free, AGM, Ca / Ca) from 1.2 to 125 Ah

offers

Battery chargers motorcycle test


GYS GYSFLASH 6.12 029378 automatic charger 12V 6A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 69.50
plus € 5.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


GYS GYSFLASH 6.12 029378 automatic charger 12V 6A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 70.46
plus € 4.99 shipping


To the shop

Particularities: Charging current max. 6 A, housing protection IP65, no application area specified (cold test passed), maintenance charging possible for batteries up to 170 Ah, CAN bus compatible

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals is robust and cannot be removed, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged without any problems, high-quality workmanship

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

3rd place: Bosch C3 6V / 12V

Providers: Bosch
Price: 48.97 euros
Size: 18.5 x 8.1 x 5.5 cm
Weight: 700 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Bosch C3 6V / 12V.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, gel, maintenance-free, AGM, open, VRLA) from 1.2 to 14 Ah or 1.2 to 120 Ah

offers

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Bosch C3 0189999030 automatic charger 6 V, 12V 0.8A 3.8A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 48.45
plus € 5.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Bosch C3 0189999030 automatic charger 6 V, 12V 0.8A 3.8A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 48.45
plus € 4.99 shipping


To the shop

Particularities: Charging current max. 0.8 A / 3.8 A (6/12 volts), housing protection IP65, application range 0 to +40 degrees (cold test passed), light-emitting diodes, separate hook for attachment

Abnormalities: Charging current max. 0.8 A / 3.8 A (6/12 volts), housing protection IP65, application range 0 to +40 degrees (cold test passed), light-emitting diodes, separate hook for attachment

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

4th place: Pro Charger 4000

Providers: Louis
Price: 99.99 euros
Size: 21.2 x 7.8 x 5.7 cm
Weight: 690 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Pro Charger 4000.

Application area: Recommended for all 12 volt starter batteries (lead-acid, gel, AGM, Ca / CA, pure lead and lithium ions) from 1.2 to 60 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 4 A, housing protection IP65, application range -15 to +45 degrees, light-emitting diodes, CAN bus compatible, replaceable 10 A fuse in the charging cable

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals cannot be removed, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged without any problems, overall high-quality workmanship

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

5th place: Kooroom TKB7 6V / 12V

Providers: polo
Price: 64.90 euros
Size: 18.3 x 6.9 x 4.65 cm
Weight: 575 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Kooroom TKB7 6V / 12V.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, WET, AGM, maintenance-free, gel) from 1.2 to 120 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 0.8 A / 3.8 A (6/12 volts) Housing protection IP65, LC display, no information on the area of ​​application (cold test passed)

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals is very robust and cannot be removed; deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged using the 6 V mode

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

6th place: Dino 12V 5A

Providers: r.d.i. Automotive
Price: 38.61 euros
Size: 21.0 x 7.5 x 5.0 cm
Weight: 521 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Dino 12V 5A.

Application area: Recommended for 12 volt starter batteries (lead-acid, AGM, gel, Ca / Ca, maintenance-free) from 10 to 120 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 5 A, housing protection IP65, application range –10 to +40 degrees, light-emitting diodes, selectable reconditioning function for deeply discharged batteries

offers

Battery chargers motorcycle test


DINO KRAFTPAKET 136300 automatic charger 12V 5A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: Available from 08/25/2021, delivery time (as soon as available): 1-2 working days

€ 38.13
plus € 5.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


DINO KRAFTPAKET 136300 automatic charger 12V 5A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: Available from 08/25/2021, delivery time (once available): 1-2 working days

€ 38.13
plus € 4.99 shipping


To the shop

Abnormalities: Insufficient insulation of the pole terminals or can be removed much too easily, deeply discharged batteries can only be charged from a voltage of 6 V.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

7th place: Optimate 4

Providers: Tecmate
Price: 69.99 euros
Size: 20.0 x 7.5 x 6.1 cm
Weight: 900 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Optimate 4.

Application area: Recommended for 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, low-maintenance, gel, AGM and spiral cells) from 2 to 50 Ah

offers

Battery chargers motorcycle test


OptiMATE 4 Dual Can-Bus battery charger

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: 1-3 days

€ 54.90
plus € 4.99 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Optimate TM220-4A TM220-4A automatic charger 12V 4A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 57.64
plus € 5.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Optimate TM220-4A TM220-4A automatic charger 12V 4A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 58.60
plus € 4.99 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


OptiMate 4 Dual SAE battery charger

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: immediate

€ 69.95
plus € 3.99 shipping


To the shop

Particularities: Charging current 0.8 A, housing protection IP54, application range from -40 to +40 degrees, light-emitting diodes, CAN bus compatible, integrated fastening straps

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals is robust and cannot be removed; deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged without any problems

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

8th place: APA microprocessor 6V / 12V 5A

Providers: EAL Germany, www.eal-vertrieb.com/marken/apa/
Price: 69.99 euros
Size: 18.0 x 10.0 x 4.5 cm
Weight: 465 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

APA microprocessor 6V / 12V 5A.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lithium-ion phosphate, lead-acid, WET, maintenance-free, gel, AGM) up to 14 or 150 Ah

Particularities: Charging current 2.5 A / 5 A (6/12 volts), housing protection IP65, application range –5 to +40 degrees, LC display, device for winding the cable

offers

Battery chargers motorcycle test


APA battery charger (4000 mA, 6V / 12V)

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: available – in 1-2 working days with you

€ 32.99
plus € 2.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


APA battery charger, 4000 mA, 6V / 12V red Chargers Batteries, Rechargeable batteries Electricity Game consoles Battery charger

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: 2-3 working days

€ 32.99
plus € 5.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


APA 16633 automatic charger 6 V, 12V 2.5A 2.5 A, 5A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 43.95
plus € 5.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


APA 16633 automatic charger 6 V, 12V 2.5A 2.5 A, 5A

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: In stock, delivery time 1-2 working days

€ 43.95
plus € 4.99 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Battery charger ALCT 6-24 / 10

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: immediately available, 24 hours

€ 54.86
including shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Ansmann ALCT 6-24 / 10 car charger (charger)

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: Delivery time 3-5 working days

€ 65.90
plus € 5.95 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


EAL | Microprocessor battery charger 6/12 V – 4 amps

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: 1-2 working days

€ 66.82
plus € 5.80 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Fully automatic microprocessor battery chargerâ €? and battery maintenance device 2 ampere 8â €? stages for 6V (6â €? 12Ah) and 12V (12â €? 46 Ah) batteries

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: Delivery time approx. 5-7 working days

€ 68.53
including shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Ansmann ALCT6-24 / 10 – 6/12/24 V – 10 A – 230 V – short circuit – black – 270 mm (1001-0014)

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: 1-3 days

€ 68.99
plus € 5.90 shipping


To the shop

Battery chargers motorcycle test


Ansmann ALCT6-24 / 10 car battery charger

Battery chargers motorcycle test
Delivery time: 3-4 working days

€ 74.78
plus € 3.99 shipping


To the shop

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals can loosen or be pulled off too easily, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged via 6 V mode, poor result in the cold test

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

9th place: AEG LD 5.0 ​​6V / 12V

Providers: AEG
Price: 64.99 euros
Size: 13.5 x 6.5 x 4.0 cm
Weight: 650 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

AEG LD 5.0 ​​6V / 12V.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, WET, maintenance-free, gel, AGM) up to 50 or 110 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 2 A / 5 A (6/12 volts), housing protection IP65, application range –20 to +40 degrees, hanging loop on the back, LED display, good operating instructions

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals can loosen or be pulled off too easily, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged via 6 V mode, after a drop test without function

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

10th place: hi-Q TOOLS charger 900

Providers: polo
Price: 29.99 euros
Size: 15.0 x 10.0 x 5.3 cm
Weight: 370 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

hi-Q TOOLS charger 900.

Application area: Recommended for 12 volt starter batteries (lead-acid, WET, AGM, maintenance-free, gel) from 1.2 to 30 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 0.9 A, LC display, housing protection IP22, application range +1 to +35 degrees (cold test passed), including wall bracket and fastening material

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals can be removed far too easily and is very poorly processed, deeply discharged batteries can only be charged from a voltage of 4.5 V.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

11th place: Black & Decker 6V / 12V

Providers: Black & Decker
Price: 28.99 euros
Size: 14.0 x 4.5 x 7.0 cm
Weight: 400 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Black & Decker 6V / 12V.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, gel, AGM) up to 1.2 or 100 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 1.2 A / 1.2 A (6/12 volts), housing protection IP44, no application area specified (cold test passed), light-emitting diodes, no separate AGM mode

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals is robust and cannot be removed, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged via 6 V mode, poor operating instructions

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

12th place: SHIDO DC3

Providers: DC Afam NV
Price: 119.99 euros
Size: 19.4 x 8.9 x 8.3 cm
Weight: 780 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

SHIDO DC3.

Application area: For all 12 volt starter batteries (lead-acid, gel, AGM, lithium-ion) from 1 to 110 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 3 A, housing protection IP64, application range -20 to +50 degrees, CAN bus compatible, display with ticker, light emitting diodes, hook fastening

Abnormalities: The insulation of the pole terminals is very robust and cannot be pulled off, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged without any problems, after a drop test without function

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

13th place: EUFAB EAL 6V / 12V

Providers: EAL Germany
Price: 24.99 euros
Size: 18.0 x 8.0 x 4.5 cm
Weight: 465 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

EUFAB EAL 6V / 12V.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, AGM, gel, WET, maintenance-free) from 1.2 to 14 Ah or 14 to 120 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 2 A / 4 A (6/12 volts), housing protection IP65, application range –5 to +40 degrees, LC display, good operating instructions, device for winding the cable

Abnormalities: Insufficient insulation of the pole terminals or can be removed much too easily, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged via 6 V mode, sparking possible

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

14th place: Einhell CC-BC 6M 6V / 12V

Providers: Einhell
Price: 34.93 euros
Size: 18.5 x 6.3 x 12.3 cm
Weight: 700 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Einhell CC-BC 6M 6V / 12V.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, AGM, gel, maintenance-free and low-maintenance) from 3 to 150 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max. 2 A / 6 A (6/12 volts), no information about housing protection and area of ​​application (cold test passed), LC display, integrated wall bracket

Abnormalities: Insufficient insulation of the pole terminals or can be removed much too easily, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged via 6 V mode, sparking possible

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

15th place: Excelvan 6V / 12V 5A

Providers: Excelvan
Price: 23.99 euros
Size: 18.7 x 4.5 x 7.5 cm
Weight: 570 g


Battery chargers motorcycle test


mps studio

Excelvan 6V / 12V 5A.

Application area: Recommended for 6-volt and 12-volt starter batteries (lead-acid, AGM, gel, maintenance-free, Ca / Ca) from 10 to 120 Ah

Particularities: Charging current max.5A (12 volts), housing protection IP20, application range 0 to +40 degrees, light-emitting diodes, mounting holes, no separate AGM mode

Abnormalities: Insufficient insulation of the pole terminals or can be removed much too easily, deeply discharged batteries with a residual voltage of 3 V can be charged via 6 V mode, sparking possible

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

20 individual assessments in six large chapters

One of the main features of battery chargers that are particularly suitable for motorcycle batteries is the ability to adapt their performance to batteries with fewer ampere hours (Ah) than is usual for cars, in order to make charging the batteries as gentle as possible. The test candidates have to go through around 20 individual assessments in six large chapters. The GTu engineers subject the battery chargers to extensive electrical and qualitative tests. In addition, there is a visual inspection, the evaluation of the operation and the functional scope as well as a price-performance assessment. Together, this results in a comprehensive performance comparison.


Battery chargers motorcycle test


GTu

The 15 candidates had to put themselves through tough tests in the test laboratory.

The most important single criterion concerns the quality of the charging and charging maintenance process of the devices. Among other things, it is a matter of carefully charging the batteries to the end-of-charge voltage, initiating a recharging phase and then switching to a maintenance mode, which always keeps the battery at optimum performance. In this context, technicians speak of the IUoU charging process. In this category, only the devices from the manufacturers CTEK and Dino get the maximum number of points. Only the battery chargers from CTEK, Gys, Bosch and Dino rated as very good and good also master the adaptation of the charging characteristic to common battery types such as wet, gel and AGM batteries to perfection and are also suitable with their optionally increased charging voltage of 14 , 7 volts to fully charge AGM batteries.

CTEK and Dino go one step further with the special regeneration function, with which batteries that have already been damaged can possibly be given a second life. The battery is briefly accelerated by increasing the voltage to a maximum of 15.8 volts for a limited time. In this way, a possible acid stratification can be broken up and the capacity of the battery can be increased again. The adaptation of the charging power to different battery sizes and thus also the absolute suitability for motorcycle batteries are proven by all tested chargers. Almost all test devices are able to supply deeply discharged batteries with new juice even on batteries that are deeply discharged up to three volts. Only with hi-Q, Polo’s own brand, and the Dino charger, are these limits somewhat higher at 4.5 and six volts.

As a final test, the GTu engineers subject all candidates to a potentially destructive drop test from a meter height onto a rock-hard concrete floor. Full points are only awarded if there is no damage and the device still works without restrictions. After all, eight devices withstood this endurance test without any restrictions. Only two battery chargers, namely AEG and Shido, were no longer usable afterwards. But who would voluntarily throw electronic devices on hard concrete? Well, the testers from MOTORRAD and GTu did it in the service of quality assurance. And such a mishap can happen in your own workshop.

So was tested

Three partners, one test: MOTORRAD and the expert organization GTu (Society for Technical Surveillance) ensured that the electronics professionals from the FAKT automotive testing and engineering center in Heimertingen, Bavaria, took great care of the chargers purchased on the open market. The test criteria, divided into five main groups (visual inspection, operation, functional scope, electrical tests, quality test) were supplemented by a price-performance chapter in which the points achieved in the performance criteria were set in relation to the purchase price, which in turn more or less affected the test candidates Brought additional points. The purchase prices mentioned are not the recommended retail prices, but rather the purchase prices actually paid, which experience has shown – especially in the case of Internet offers – can deviate significantly from the recommended retail prices. This time, the 100-point rating, which is otherwise usual for MOTORRAD product tests, was deviated from in order to meet the criteria of the particularly numerous sub-chapters. So theoretically 500 maximum points were feasible.

Test results & Conclusion

The good news first: All chargers live up to their name and do what they are primarily supposed to do, namely charge the battery. But you don’t have to be satisfied with that. The chargers in the front seats are intelligent helpers that give tired batteries a fresh cell treatment.


Battery chargers motorcycle test


Graphic: MOTORCYCLE

The test results at a glance.

Test winner with the grade “very good” has become the CTEK CT5 Powersport, which convincingly deserves the award. With over 450 counters, it receives more than 90 percent of the 500 possible rating points. Five other highly recommended chargers break at least the 400 point mark. In the order of their ranking, these are the Gysflash 6.12, the Bosch C3, the Pro Charger 4000, the Kooroom TKB7 and the Dino 12V 5A.

There are also six other chargers in the midfield. Above all, you lose in the range of functions, which can reassure consumers. Why? Well, all tested chargers, even those that received a satisfactory overall rating in the end, recharge the test battery with a capacity of four ampere hours within five hours. The devices in the last three places have to leave valuable points, among other things, because sparks can be generated when connecting and disconnecting the device while the device is switched on, or the battery can shortly discharge again if the charger is disconnected from the mains but still connected to the Battery remains connected. Incidentally, a mistake that can be avoided in the same way as the empty battery in spring.

Battery terms explained

AGM

AGM stands for “Absorbent Glass Mat” and denotes batteries in which the electrolyte is bound in glass fiber mats (fleece). This makes the battery leak-proof and enables different installation positions. AGM batteries are well suited to deliver high currents.

capacity

Describes the amount of electricity available in a battery, measured in ampere-hours (Ah). A high Ah value is not an indicator of the quality of a starter battery. The starting current behavior is much more important.

Gel battery

The electrolyte is bound by the addition of silica, thickened and then remains gel-like. Gel batteries are also leak-proof and can be installed in any position. Compared to open standard rechargeable batteries and AGM batteries, however, they have a higher internal resistance and are not quite as suitable for delivering high currents, which is of no consequence in the motorcycle sector.

Cold test current

Is a discharge current in amperes (A), which is measured at minus 18 degrees for a period of ten seconds. The test procedure is regulated in various standards (DIN, EN) and allows statements to be made about the performance of a starter battery. Fit batteries provide 100 to 120 A..

Lithium-ion battery

Generic term for accumulators based on lithium. The inside of lithium-ion batteries is completely free of water. Together with its high energy density, it makes it very compact and light. Lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are very safe in operation, are predominantly used in the vehicle sector. Lithium-ion batteries react quite sensitively to deep discharge and overcharging and should ideally not be completely full but rather partially discharged during the winter.

Recombination

Process during charging within closed batteries in which the oxygen produced remains in the system and is converted back into water within a cycle together with hydrogen. This ensures that fluid loss is minimized and actually makes the battery power “maintenance free”.

VRLA

English abbreviation of “Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery”, refers to a completely closed lead battery with a pressure relief valve. AGM and gel batteries are accordingly VRLA batteries.

Top 10: sins of caring for batteries

  1. Check: Even empty batteries can show twelve to 13 volts when measuring the open-circuit voltage. Relevant statements about the state of charge are only possible when testing under load.
  2. Expansion: Always disconnect the negative pole first, otherwise there may be a nice fireworks display in the event of an unwanted ground contact. Important with conventional lead-acid batteries: Note the installation position of the ventilation hose.
  3. Charger: Old (car) simplest chargers are poison for modern batteries, as they switch off too late or not at all and the time of gassing can no longer be recognized with maintenance-free batteries.
  4. Storage: Batteries are always fully charged and also like to store in a cool place. Self-discharge is greatest in warm rooms. Empty batteries sulphate during storage and are seriously endangered in frost.
  5. Padding I: With conventional lead-acid batteries (those with the removable stoppers), only use distilled water for refilling. Never use battery acid or tap water, they will permanently ruin the battery.
  6. Padding II: Only fill up to the maximum after loading, as the liquid expands during loading. If the liquid level is already below the minimum before charging, only fill up to just above the minimum mark and then charge.
  7. Battery fluid: Diluted sulfuric acid only causes damage to skin, clothing and motorcycle with a time delay – but then it does it properly. Therefore, immediately wash off spilled battery fluid with plenty of water (or neutralizer).
  8. Unloading: A battery doesn’t have to be regular “by hand” discharged and charged to keep it fit. In the past, this was often done (e.g. with a lightbulb), but with modern batteries it creates unnecessary mechanical stress. Loading alone is enough. Exception: high-tech chargers often have a function that includes: works with a low discharge – that makes perfect sense.
  9. Installation: Always connect the negative pole last. Otherwise: see 2. If necessary, do not forget the ventilation hose and damping material. Tighten the screws well, but not brutally.
  10. Pole bold: That belongs to the already connected poles and terminals. Anyone who smears the pole grease in between before connecting ensures insulation that is completely out of place there.

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