batteries and battery tenders

[cswett]

I have a 2004 R with the OEM batter. Is it safe to use a Battery Tender Jr on it - I remember reading something about needing a special charger if you have a gel battery, and I didn't know if the OEM was a gel or not.
Thanks

[macx]

Yes, as far as I know, oem equipment in these are gel.

I was worried about that, too, so for safety sake bought a BMW tender made for them,
altho from what I know now, I think any tender made specifically to work with gel batt's
would be OK, and likely a bunch less costly.

But, yes, AFAIK tenders do need to be made to work with gel batt's, and I'd be a little leery
about the bargain ones, they could be OK, but I'd hate to find out the hard way.
Those gel batt's aren't exactly cheap.

[cswett]

I'm not sure what AFAIFK is - does your answer mean I should avoid Battery Tender Junior brand?

[colewj]

Hi,
Call the folks at Deltran (877-456-7901)
Website: http://batterytender.com/
It depends on when your Battery Tender Jr. was made.
The newer Battery Tenders (incl Jr.) will work with wet cell, agm and gel batteries.
The older Battery Tenders are not designed to work with gel batteries.

I have a 2003 R and can use either.
I too have no idea what "AFAIFK" means.
Ride Safe

[NoRRmad]

(AFAIK = As Far As I Know)

[jas]

I've used the junior for 5 years on the original battery in my rockster (2004 model purchased in 2006 new). no problems, starts like the day I bought it.