16ºF and No Can Start, Gotta Ride to Work, Battery Recommendations?

[phar2slo]

Have you thought about leaving a lamp / light on in the shed close to the motor as they produce some heat even something like a 75 watt bulb will give off enough heat to help.

 

[Journeyman]

Maybe you could use 120volt ac heat trace tape. It’s self regulating and won’t burn down your garage.

Maybe something like this. You’ll need to make room so you could wrap it around the battery. Just a thought.
M-D Building Products 3 ft. Pipe Heating Cable with Thermostat-04309 - The Home Depot

Interesting idea. I'd like to know if anyone else has done this before I tried it though. Thanks

 

[Journeyman]

Have you thought about leaving a lamp / light on in the shed close to the motor as they produce some heat even something like a 75 watt bulb will give off enough heat to help.

Well, sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. No, I hadn't thought of that, but that might just work. It's cheap, safe, and I'm definitely going to give it a try. Thanks.

 

[Journeyman]

Update: She fired right up when I got home with a green light on the trickle charger. It was 39F. I think the battery is still good, but I'd still like to hear what brand/model battery you folks recommend. I'll just tuck it away in my notes.

 

[Jag]

Interesting idea. I'd like to know if anyone else has done this before I tried it though. Thanks

I have installed thousands of feet of heat trace in chemical/refinery’s plants with no issues and that outside exposed to chemicals and weather. I think you’ll be fine!!

 

[bgentry]

I had an '09 in sunny CA, and would ride all year. Stored outside, in the winter I'd put a space heater on the headers for ~5 min to warm the block, it would start just fine after that. I am in the Bay Area and it'd get down in high 20's at the coldest.

 

[budman]

Yuasa...check out the next thread Fred..

 

[Dr.D]

I’ve had good results putting an electric radiant heater near my 116 Indian bid bore kit bike. It is hard to start when it gets cold even in the garage. All bike are on tenders when not riding at least weekly.

 

[Bernard Vinet]

Made myself a 200 watt light stand stand with a wall electrical box. Plug it in under the oil pan, throw a mover's blanket on top of bike to catch the heat. Works really well. Just make sure blanket does not touch light. Even a small bulb 100 watts will work if you find its too hot.

 

[barbagris]

The trick is to stop the battery freezing - as soon as ANY ice crystals form - plan a new battery.

REALLY - Insulate the shed. And you'll be surprised how well even a 60W bulb keeps things warm.

Also Google Flower Pot Heaters. Use a bulb rather than tea lights.

Thankfully I seldom have COLD issues here so have moved to Lithium - but as that chemistry can be a bit fussy in the cold - I also carry a Lithium booster pack on trips which sleeps indoors.