Batter Tender problems, dead battery?

[sphynx88]

Hey guys,

I bought a new battery in September when I bought the bike. The battery actually hasn't gone dead yet but I haven't done too much riding on it (maybe 40 miles) and have charged it a few times. I was planning on riding today so I put it on my battery tender (Battery Tender Junior) last night and it stayed solid red (indicating it was charging) until I went to bed. When I got up this morning it was flashing red (battery not charging) and the bike was completely dead. The bike was off all night and I checked with my bolt meter and it was completely COMPLETELY dead.

Did the battery tender kill my battery? Any other idea what was going on, haven't had really any electrical issues minus yesterday trying to figure out why my tailight was dead (ground came disconnected).

Thanks!

Edit: I should note, thi is the first time using the battery tender.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Does your battery have water in it? If not, get some distilled water and fill it up!

 

[notlob]

Is it a lithium battery? if it is then its fucked and you shouldn't be using a tender on it.
If its a lead acid battery check the electrolyte levels if ok good chance it knackered unless your battery tenders is. Check your getting 13.5 volts at the battery with the engine at 2000rpm if you are OK if more or less then thats whats knackered you battery.

 

[Big R]

Notlob, that can be read a couple different ways. I just want to clarify: Shorai batteries can be used with a Battery Tender , since they don't have a desulfate mode. There can be some confusion when talking about battery types and "smart" chargers.

 

[diggerdanh]

Shorai batteries can be used with a Battery Tender , since they don't have a desulfate mode.

Ballistic batteries can be used with a Batter Tender, Jr. too.

 

[Redbird]

If it is a brand new Tender, it likely wasn't a Tender malfunction. Also, Battery Tenders are not designed to be Chargers and generally will not revive a "dead" battery (or one that is close to dead). They're designed to maintain a fully charged battery while the vehicle is not in use.
My guess is, since you mentioned having to charge the battery a few times before, that you have a bad battery and the Tender could do nothing for it.

 

[cyclefreak]

I think Red is right. I have a battery tender jr also. Unless ours have a different indicator lights, an amber light should be on when it is charging and a red light as you described indicates a completely dead or faulty battery. Try charging it with a regular charger and then put it on the tender.