Off-Grid Battery Care

Words and images courtesy Fab-Biker PR

Modern motorcycles are a triumph of engineering, but even the latest-generation, Dakar-developed, technologically-advanced adventure bike turns into an expensive ornament if the battery goes flat.

Gone are the days of kickstarting a stubborn engine back to life, and bump-starts are largely out of the question these days too, so what do you do if you store your bike in a powerless garage/shed or you’re out in the wilds with a flat battery?

Fortunately, there are two ways to look after your battery off-grid; DC-to-DC chargers and Solar Modular Charge Kits.

DC-to-DC Chargers: Battery Power for your Battery

A DC-to-DC charger bridges the gap between your motorcycle battery and a larger 12v battery, like the one in a car, which you can use as a power source.

OptiMate produces a DC-DC Charger that acts as both a charger and a maintainer, ensuring your motorcycle’s battery stays healthy and ready to roll. Popular in race paddocks, campsites, and garages without mains access, the DC-to-DC charger is a versatile option.

It’s also completely waterproof, so it can be used outdoors to maintain healthy battery levels. It can even revive a neglected battery with as little as 2 volts remaining and you can use it without fear of discharging the donor battery, thanks to OptiMate’s Source Battery Protection. In a surprisingly short time, the DC-to-DC charger can bring your battery back to full health.

Solar Power – Sunny Side Up

For those who crave the freedom of remote adventures, lugging around an additional 12v battery might not be ideal. An alternative solution is to harness the power of the sun and enjoy free power.

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity through a process called the photoelectric effect. To maintain a motorcycle battery, you will need a smart charger-monitor, which automatically adjusts the charge according to the battery type and condition.

OptiMate Solar kits have compact and rugged solar panels that convert low-level sunlight into high current pulses, perfectly suited for charging and maintaining a motorcycle battery.

As long as the sun is shining, the smart charger gets to work, transforming those sunbeams into battery power. When the sun sets, the control unit seamlessly switches over to monitor and display your battery’s status and charge level.

Like the DC-to-DC charger, the Solar Modular units are built to withstand the elements. They can be left connected year-round, shrugging off everything from a typical British summer downpour to the icy grip of -20 degrees (although let’s be honest, most of us wouldn’t be riding in that kind of weather anyway!).

What’s your type?

Something to bear in mind with all motorcycle batteries is that there are two types; lead-acid (including STD, ‘WET’, AGM, ‘MF’ and GEL) and ‘lithium’ (LiFePO4 or LFP). Lead-acid batteries are 12V, but lithium are 12.8V/13.2V and they charge at different rates. Without getting too technical, if you use the wrong type of charger, the battery won’t recharge and, in some circumstances, can be damaged beyond repair.

To take the worry out of charging, OptiMate’s Duo chargers automatically detect the type of battery and charge it accordingly. Both their DC-DC and Solar are part of that range.

The Power of Choice

When your bike is parked off-grid, DC-to-DC chargers and Solar Modular Charge Kits offer charging at home or away, ensuring your battery is always ready to take you on your next adventure, regardless of where the road or trail may lead.

*For more information on these and other OptiMate products, visit their website at www.optimate.co.uk