All you need to know about: Battery, Charger, Optimate,

[Kitty]

OK, I don't normally venture into the Technical forums, but I do have a quick question that I'm sure you can help me with

You may have seen my other post about my shiny new Softail Deluxe.

What I need to know, is where's the best place to instruct Steve to fit the Optimate lead on this bike?

We've not had a Softail before.

Thanks.

Kitty x

[robbiemac]

Hi, install it straight to the battery terminals. Route it up by the oil tank so it pokes out a bit so you can plug it it.
Try not to disconnect the leads from the battery or it will hurt your ears (alarm).
Just take the seat off and unscrew one lead at a time, pop on the correct polarity of Optimate lead and screw it back up. Do the other and bob's yer uncle. Should be fairly easy.

[Kitty]

Sorry to be a pain, but would that be the front or back of the oil tank, left or right side?

It's not the fitting but rather the best location for the plug in bit I was after.

Kitty x

not sure if its the same thing but on my 06 softail there is what looks like an optimate lead coming out under the rear fender on the right side, just behind the oil tank. never bothered tracing where it goes to as i thought it was maybe a diagnostics lead but it could be for an optimate.
dan

[Black Rain]

Are you sure you don't have a tail already? The reason I ask is that all of my harley's that came from Oxford HD and Riders of Bristol had them installed by the dealer as part of the PDI.

[essjay]

Mine comes from the battery, down the nearside under the top frame and pokes out just below the seat above the back of the primary, so the seat protects it from the rain! make sure it has a fuse in line.

[Ming the Merciless]

Both of my Softails have had it in the same place, poking out next to the left hand side of the rear fender above the swing arm i.e. tucked inside the frame vertical. It MUST be secured with a single black cable tie to the left hand frame horizontal under the seat, to prevent tugging and also to stop it from hanging too low. I just pop open the rubber grommet and it's ready for action.

P.S. if the bike is to be inactive for more than 14 days always use the Optimate, as otherwise the alarm will just cane the battery.

[coxatom]

have a look first, just harleys put a lead on too as part of pdi.saves some work as its tight as a gnats ar### dow there.

[Kitty]

Thanks for all your replies

Definitely not already a lead on there and, now that the snow's arrived, probably something we need to sort out sooner rather than later

Cheers!

Kitty x

[weedavie_j]

Originally Posted by Ming the Merciless

Both of my Softails have had it in the same place, poking out next to the left hand side of the rear fender above the swing arm i.e. tucked inside the frame vertical. It MUST be secured with a single black cable tie to the left hand frame horizontal under the seat, to prevent tugging and also to stop it from hanging too low. I just pop open the rubber grommet and it's ready for action.

P.S. if the bike is to be inactive for more than 14 days always use the Optimate, as otherwise the alarm will just cane the battery.

Mines is on the right hand side in the same position as Mings............if your fitting it yourself think of what side your nearest 13 amp socket is when you park up yer bike and route it to that side this will ensure you dont have to fart about with mains extensions trailin across yer garage.

I like simple things coz I'm that kinda guy