A battery trickle charger, also called a motorcycle battery charger, are ideal for maintaining lead acid batteries. Battery trickle chargers have gained a reputation among many auto, motorcycle, and classic car markets because they keep batteries fully charged. The reason they are called battery trickle chargers is because it is the name of one of the charging stages. The trickle stage is right after the bulk and absorption charge. Battery trickle chargers or motorcycle battery chargers put out very a low current to keep the battery topped off. If you are looking for a motorcycle battery charger, here are some tips for setting one up.

Step 1. Position the AC and DC power cords for the motorcycle battery charger so that they will not get caught in any moving parts of the vehicle.

Step 2. Check whether the vehicle has a positive or negative ground system. Positive ground systems have the positive post for the battery connected to the vehicle chassis. A negative ground system has the negative post connected to the vehicle chassis.

Step 3. Attach either the positive clip from the battery trickle charger, or the ring terminal to the positive battery post on negative ground systems. Next, connect the negative clip, or the ring terminal to the vehicle’s chassis. The chassis connection should be made to the engine block or another thick metal part of the frame, not lighter metal items.

Step 4. Attach the negative clip, or the ring terminal to the negative battery post on positive ground systems. Connect the positive clip, or ring terminal to the vehicle’s chassis.

Step 5. Plug in the AC power plug to an electrical outlet. Set the charge mode to bulk mode if the battery is 0% to 75%, or 80% charged. Set the charge mode to absorption mode if the battery is 75% to 100%. Set the charge mode to the storage/float maintenance mode if the battery is fully charged.

Step 6. Check the lights on the motorcycle battery charger. A steady red light indicates that the battery trickle charger is connected properly and charging is taking place. A flashing green light indicates that the battery is over 80% charged, while a steady green light will let you know that your battery is completely charged.