It appears that I don't ride my quad (2006 Rincon) enough to keep the battery charged. This is the second year in a row that I had to replace it. $80 a pop (interstate battery). So after forking out for a new one I decided I had better put a charger on it, when not in use for a period of time. I bought a "Battery Tender Jr" and am confused as to hooking up the permanent quick disconnect. The Rincon manual indicated to hook the leads directly to the battery terminals but the "Battery Tender" manual says to hook the negative to a major metal body part. Hooking to the bike itself would be a hassle. Is it necessary? Why can't I just hook it up to the negative on the battery itself?

 

I have both leads on mine hooked up to the battery and so far have not had any problems, it's been about 8mos.

 

Hook both to the battery. So much plastic and rubber mounting on an atv, you may not get a good ground if hooking to a body bolt.

 

Is the Interstate the standard acid/lead plate battery? I have had real good luck with the AGM (absorbed glass matt) batteries from Batteries Plus, 75 bucks, the one in the 440ex sat almost all winter, and still started when it warmed up. Not having the free liquid seems to keep the chemical reactions to a minimum, so the plates dont sulfate and go bad as easy. Used to use Walmart batteries, went through a lot of them ,even with a tender on them over the below zero winter days.

 

Thanks all. Hooked the leads up to the posts as advised. Expect all to be well
seeya