[Squashbuckler]

Alright this is going to seem really newbish but I've never really installed a battery tender before and the instructions I'm seeing with the battery tender junior don't seem to apply.

I have the fairing off right now, and am wondering if I can just lay the battery tender terminal rings on top of the ABS positive lead and then the negative terminal lead, or do I need to install them under the bike leads? Does it even matter.

The other thing that confused me was the instructions said to install the positive terminal ring to that positive battery terminal, and then the negative terminal ring somewhere on the vehical chassis...wouldn't it be installed on the negative battery terminal?

Also, this other sound right:

To take battery leads off, positive first then negative? (That's what the manual said)

To put the battery leads back on, negative first then positive?

 

[Dizings2k]

I took both screws out and put the Batt tender leads underneath the bikes leads on the battery. I did this because the battery tender leads were a little big compared to the screw head that holds everything down to the battery, so I slid them underneath and all is well.

I always put positive on first, then negative... but just be sure when positive is connected, don't touch the negative wire to anything metal.

I was actually able to do this with the left fairing on the bike still. You can access all of this through the vent cutout, which I think you're actually supposed to do, as Ducati put a nice little access cover on it that is easily removable.

Hope this helps!
-Dustin

 

[jarelj]

I believe the technical "proper" way to do it is to completely remove the negative connection from the battery first (moving the bike's negative cable out of the way so it can't touch while you're doing the positive terminal), then remove the positive bolt, place the battery tender lead under the bike's positive lead cable, then reinstall the positive bolt, then place the tender lead on the negative terminal, move the bike's negative cable back over and put on top of the tender lead, then install the negative terminal bolt. Doesn't hurt to also use some lithium grease on the connections as well, but that's more of a benefit on slightly corroded terminals on older bikes, which no one should have yet on a new 899.

 

[Moto Valley]

Sorry you'd be better off using dielectric grease, instead of lithium grease/soap. Dielectric grease is a non-conductive, silicone-based grease that's designed to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion on electrical connectors. Lithium grease is a soap based grease. Great lubricating and high temp properties but won't protect the terminal from solvents or elements nearly as well.

 

[jarelj]

Sorry you'd be better off using dielectric grease, instead of lithium grease/soap. Dielectric grease is a non-conductive, silicone-based grease that's designed to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion on electrical connectors. Lithium grease is a soap based grease. Great lubricating and high temp properties but won't protect the terminal from solvents or elements nearly as well.

You are correct, my mistake! My brain was thinking "dialectic grease" and my fingers typed "lithium grease".

 

[Moto Valley]

Don't worry it's just the onset of CRS or old-timers disease.

 

[Squashbuckler]

Thanks for your help everyone! Finally got around to installing it over the weekend.

 

[Tio899]

I'm surprised you just didn't use the OEM plug under the tail seat and directly plug in the Ducati OEM battery tender. Its already there for you to use...

 

[cyphon68]

I'm surprised you just didn't use the OEM plug under the tail seat and directly plug in the Ducati OEM battery tender. Its already there for you to use...

??? explain what you mean? i've had the whole tail apart and didn't find a plug for tending the battery

 

[Tio899]

Location of OEM Battery Tender Plug

Remove Passenger Seat/Tail lid.

1. Remove Red Tool Bag
2. Lift up Black lid with nail or flat head screwdriver incase you want to save your manicure.
3. Pull out a Square round connector that is hardwired and remove Black lid. You'll see the yellow connector.
4. OEM or I'm sure you can find a 4 prong connector and just plug it in to the wire that connects to the Battery Tender.

 

[warlord]

Remove Passenger Seat/Tail lid.

1. Remove Red Tool Bag
2. Lift up Black lid with nail or flat head screwdriver incase you want to save your manicure.
3. Pull out a Square round connector that is hardwired and remove Black lid. You'll see the yellow connector.
4. OEM or I'm sure you can find a 4 prong connector and just plug it in to the wire that connects to the Battery Tender.

Thanks! I didn't know that was there... I think I'll just tap in the standard battery tender leads so I can use it with my "Battery Tender" brand battery maintainer. As a plus they sell adapters so I'll be able to keep my phone in the trunk and keep it charged and streaming music the same time.

 

[Tio899]

That's not a bad idea, I need a way to charge my phone when riding.

 

[mattxr]

That's not a bad idea, I need a way to charge my phone when riding.

I bought an adaptor from these guys that connects to my battery tender point for charging stuff:
http://burnsmoto.com/usb-power-socket-weatherproof.php


Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App

 

[warlord]

I bought an adaptor from these guys that connects to my battery tender point for charging stuff:
BurnsMoto - BurnsMoto - Motorcycle, ATV, Boat, RV - USB Weatherproof Power Socket - 2.1 Amp USB Charger with optional SAE to USB


Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App

You can get the battery tender brand usb adapter on eBay for $10.

 

[Raginl3ull]

Wait a minute guys, my bike came with an already preinstalled cable ready for a battery tender. It hangs out of the left side fairing and can be tucked in. Am I the only one with a factory preinstalled cable? My 848 also has one too. I use the Jr. Tender with it.

 

[jarelj]

Those are not factory installed, they're dealer installed. Many dealers (like us) preinstall a battery tender lead on every bike we sell just as a courtesty to the customer.

 

[Raginl3ull]

Those are not factory installed, they're dealer installed. Many dealers (like us) preinstall a battery tender lead on every bike we sell just as a courtesty to the customer.

I see, thanks good to know.

 

[JarHead]

I also have one pre-installed by the dealer. Just a quick question.... how long does it usually take for your battery to be dead-enough to NOT start the bike?

I don't currently have a tender, but will be out of the country for two weeks. Should I grab one and hook it up to the bike before I fly out tonight?

 

[Raginl3ull]

I also have one pre-installed by the dealer. Just a quick question.... how long does it usually take for your battery to be dead-enough to NOT start the bike?

I don't currently have a tender, but will be out of the country for two weeks. Should I grab one and hook it up to the bike before I fly out tonight?

I've noticed about 1.5 - 2 weeks. Best practice is not not leave the tender on indefinitely or until you ride the bike. All you need to do is keep it on until the light turns solid green then unplug. Repeat every on week.

I killed a battery leaving it plugged in for a month straight and the dealer is who told me about the best practice

 

[Evolution]

Wait a minute guys, my bike came with an already preinstalled cable ready for a battery tender. It hangs out of the left side fairing and can be tucked in. Am I the only one with a factory preinstalled cable? My 848 also has one too. I use the Jr. Tender with it.

Mine had one as well. I asked the dealer about it and they said they put them on all their bikes to keep the batteries from dying on the showroom floor. I was pretty happy that I got a free wiring and install because I still have my harness from my last bike and was going to put it on.