Comments on: Battery Tenders Enable Lazy Riders

By: SheRidesABeemer

SheRidesABeemer — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:41:00 +0000

Nice work on the pics Steve, I like the processing on road shot, and the cookie picture is yummy!

By: Jeremy Z

Jeremy Z — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:57:00 +0000

FYI lead-acid batteries don't charge properly in sub-freezing temperatures. So you may need to pull the battery anyway.

In the end, riding is still better for the battery, because it also probably gets warmed up too. (depending on where it is located in your Vespa)

By: Hilton Hamann

Hilton Hamann — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:44:00 +0000

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — you guys on that side of the pond are a tough bunch! I seem to always find reasons not to ride, like it might rain and it’s too much hassle to put on rain gear. I guess some of us have got soft down here in Africa but as you say, once you’re on the road it’s all worth it.
Because of my wimpy attitude the trickle-charger gets a fair bit of use in winter.
~Hilton~
http://www.thelightstuff.blogspot.com
A photojournalist’s musings mainly about photography

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:53:00 +0000

Conchscooter: I think you could ride anywhere. You like the warm weather but something tells me that you would be riding in winter in Siberia if you were there. A Ural with a sidecar!

Thanks for the feet comment. I'm blushing...

irondad: Holy cow! A poet warrior philosopher!! What's happening to you out there?

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:51:00 +0000

cpa3485: 60 degrees! I can't wait. That's perfect riding weather in my book. Another month or two and we'll be there.

It's pretty amazing to read the entries on the Cold Weather Challenge at 2 Stroke Buzz. There are some chilly rides listed!

Harv: My hat's off to you for managing Minnesota winters. Back when Gary was still riding and posting about the Baron in Winter I was just amazed. You guys are hardcore riders up there.

How's he doing?

DDpaint: I bet someone makes electric heated seats for scooters!

Ale: Wow! That's a lot of water you have there. With that coffee colored water there must be some agriculture around.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Chuck: Like you my choice of warmer modes of transportation may be prudence. Or age. Either way I have noticed it. Combine that with more bad days and the Battery Tender made sense I guess.

I need more chocolate. I am going to have to try that mug O cake I saw on your blog.

Baron's Life: Thanks for the kind words about the photo. It is a beautiful place to stop and make a picture.

From what I can tell from the tender won't damage the battery like some older chargers could. No memory development. I think most of the dependency is in my head...

It is nice on those really cold days to hear the starter turn like it was 80 degrees outside.

Heinz & Frenchie: In warm climates I would think the battery would be fine for a long time. I went for years through winter without a Battery Tender but was able to ride pretty frequently. This year the weather was a lot worse hence the change.

By: irondad

irondad — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:44:00 +0000

Until the wind fills it, a kite is merely a piece of paper and sticks. Once in the breeze, though, it finds its purpose and glory.

Thus your transformation once on the road.

By: Conchscooter

Conchscooter — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:41:00 +0000

I miss the days of plastic bags on my feet and newspaper stuffed down my front. Arrrgh! It was horrible and anyone who tells you the good old days were better has forgotten the agomny of trying to kickstart an engine in freezing cold sleet. A lazy rider is like me who can’t be bothered to stop and put on more clothes when the temperature drops and rides home with his teeth chattering. A battery tender is modern living at its best. Long may it last. You have nice feet by the way.

By: Ale-

Ale- — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:45:00 +0000

hehehe! good ol'e Steve!
water on the road you say?
wait a minute: check my latest post and try to imagine what water on the road means here.
Rain has been hard in these past months, not usual at all. I believed we were turning into frogs...
The feeling of being on the road keeps us alive. I don't own a battery tender, and I hope I won't need it in the future. I just changed my front tire, it grips the tarmac and my 20 kms daily commute is what makes going to work easier :-)

The road is always the answer.

Ale-
L'Insetto Scoppiettante

By: DDpaint

DDpaint — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:44:00 +0000

I understand the feeling. My new car has seat warmers. Totally wimpy.During that coldest spell I fell for them. They are really nice. But wimpy. I am trying to kick the habit.