Top 6 Best Motorcycle Battery Chargers For Your Consideration In 2022 Review

It’s happened to us all when riding. We turn the key, hit the ignition, and… Nothing. The motorcycle battery is dead. “Oh, no!” we hear you cry! “The mechanic is so far away! Whatever shall we do?”

Don’t panic! Luckily, there’s an easy solution. All we need is a battery charger. But there are so many around to choose from. And for a lot of riders, technical challenges can be daunting. How do we know which product to buy?

Well, stop worrying right now! We’ve decided to take a peek at some of the best motorcycle battery chargers available on the market today, so let’s go through them and find the perfect one for you…

Top 6 Best Motorcycle Battery Chargers On The Market In 2022 Reviews

1 Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer

Pressing charges
Up first, we have this battery tender from Deltran. Since 1965, they’ve been producing a wide variety of battery-related products.

But do they deserve their place on this list of the top motorcycle battery chargers?

Yes, they do! This is an incredibly user-friendly item! Fully automatic, all we need to do is clip on and go. There are no manual adjustments to make; this one does it all for us.

Once attached, the charger accurately recognizes if it has connected correctly or if the clips are the wrong way round. This reverse hook up protection could, quite literally, be a lifesaver! It will not allow the power to flow if the connection is backwards, preventing potential battery frying or even the possibility of a fire!

And that’s not all!

And it has other protective features, too. It’s spark-proof, so we won’t get any nasty surprises. And the quick-release feature means that in the unlikely event of an emergency, we can speedily disconnect to avoid any danger.

At 12 volts, it will suit most bikes around today. Plus, using Deltran’s smart technology, the correct power is determined automatically. We can be sure the right level will be sent to the battery without any adjustment.

That all sounds great! But what’s the real story here?

Well, despite having two separate methods of connection, this product does have issues in this department. The Battery Tender Plus seems to have problems recognizing that it is linked up. It’s important to make sure it is correctly attached, so don’t just hook it up and walk away.

Plus, the output current is just 1.25 amps. That’s not very high. This will take longer than many other chargers. But despite that, there’s a lot to like here! And at a budget-conscious price!

2 CTEK (56-959) Silver MUS 4.3 TEST & CHARGE 12 Volt Fully Automatic Charger and Tester – Best CTEK Motorcycle Battery Chargers

Depth charge

Boasting “connect and forget” technology, our next item is another easy-to-use option. Simply connect to the battery, and let it do its thing! Weighing in at just 2 pounds, this would make a perfect portable motorcycle battery charger. It’s light enough that it won’t weigh us down. And as it only measures 4 by 4 by 0.5 inches, it’s small enough to slip unobtrusively into a top box or tank bag.

This is not just any charger. It comes with battery and alternator testing functions too. No more using the old-fashioned method of licking the battery terminal! Thanks to this charger, it’s all done for us!

How do we connect the charger to the battery?

Well, we have options! Firstly, we get the traditional alligator fastenings. Simple to use, they firmly clip-on, offering an almost unshakeable grip. But then we also get ring harnesses, too. These are much smaller and more delicate than those clips. They’re designed for use in smaller spaces and are a real bonus for batteries in awkward to reach areas.

So far, so good! But wait, there’s more…

Integral temperature compensation means this can be used in all climates. Some battery chargers can struggle in low temperatures. Not so here! Thanks to this awesome technology, the CTEK can be operated at any time, in any place, whatever the weather.

Of course, quality such as this comes at a price. This is definitely at the higher end of the scale. But, maybe we get what we pay for.

3 DieHard 71219 6/12V Shelf Smart Battery Charger and 2A Maintainer – Best Budget Motorcycle Battery Charger

Charge it up!

Now for a budget-friendly option. This is an item for riders who are keeping an eye on the old purse strings. But is the cost reflected in the quality? Happily, no! We were pleasantly surprised by this charger!

Here’s why…

Battery maintenance features are our first reason. This charger comes with an automatic shut off to prevent over-charging. And if the battery starts to discharge while still connected, charging will consequently begin again.

Then, there’s the frontal display. This leaves no room for mistakes! Clear and easy to read, it will tell us exactly what’s happening and let us know when charging is complete.

And it even prevents accidents…

Plus, it features a light to let us know if the clamps have been accidentally reversed. If they have, then this product will refuse to work. It’s the ideal way to prevent potential accidents or mishaps.

Thanks to a five-stage process, the battery is monitored while it juices up. It allows for extra precision to keep an eye on any potential issues. And it’s operated by a microprocessor, meaning the user can take a step back.

This sounds too good to be true! Is it?

Well, we can’t deny it is a little bulky. At 7.25 by 6.75 inches, it’s larger than many others we looked at. This means it isn’t ideal for use on the go. But despite its size, it’s still really lightweight! In fact, it’s just 1.45 pounds! So, as long as we have space in our luggage, it won’t weigh us down.

I think we can safely say that with this charger, low cost does not mean low quality!

4 Optima Digital 400 12V Performance Maintainer and Battery Charger – 150-40000 – Best Premium Motorcycle Battery Charger

Large and in charge!

The devil is in the details with our next battery charger. This one keeps the user fully informed while bringing a battery back to life, with a clear, easy-to-read display.

The LCD screen lets us know what percentage of the battery has been filled. This means we can make an educated guess on how long it’s going to take. Plus, the light-up design tells us the current status of the battery charging cycle, as well as informing us of any problems with the connection.

The best part?

Spark free technology and reverse polarity prevention show that safety was at the forefront of the design process here. No matter how careful we are, accidents can always happen. This charger minimizes that chance, giving security and peace of mind to the user.

What else?

It’s hands-free! This item comes with a stand and bracket included. There’s no need to balance it awkwardly; instead, it can be hung from any location we see fit. Now, this is a big item! At a massive 8.2 by 7.4 inches, it’s one of the largest we’ve seen. While that’s fine for a home garage, we probably wouldn’t recommend this as a travel charger.

And it isn’t cheap! While we love that crystal-clear display, we certainly pay for it. Riders who are concerned about price may want to look elsewhere. However, cost aside, this is a fantastic choice.

5 BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger Portable Battery Maintainer – Best Value for the Money Motorcycle Battery Charger

Relax and recharge

With a 4-tiered charging process, from diagnostic to maintenance, the charger takes care of our battery every step of the way! And with bright LEDs that keep us updated, we can track the battery’s progress as it goes.

And not only progress-tracking, but there’s also an LED for everything else too! Defective battery? The display lets us know. Reversed polarity? We’re instantly informed. This has to be one of the clearest, most convenient displays we’ve looked at.

But that’s not all…

We all know how important safety is, and this battery does not let us down. With a plethora of protective features, it gives us awesome peace of mind. Temperature control, overcharge protection, defense against short-circuiting; you name it, we’ve got it right here.

The best part?

It’s a fantastic price! We’d never have expected this level of quality for this cost. It’s rare to find such an incredible item for such a small amount of cash. However, we should mention that it does get very hot. Don’t leave this sitting on a tarpaulin while working! We wouldn’t want it to melt through.

Oh, and we can’t finish this review without mentioning the output. The current is a massive 5 amps! It works much more quickly than many other chargers out there.

6 MOTOPOWER MP00205A 12V 800mA Automatic Battery Charger – Best Mid-Range Motorcycle Battery Charger

Taking charge

And finally, we come to this Motopower item. Could this be one of the top motorcycle battery chargers around? We have to start by talking about the price. This is incredibly inexpensive! Has it sacrificed quality for price? Well, yes and no.

Let’s start by looking at the positives…

Multiple safety features offer the user a feeling of security. A 24-hour charging limit automatically stops the process after a day, switching to maintenance mode. And we’re protected against short circuits or reversed polarity too.

Plus, there’s a quick disconnect harness. In case of emergency, we can pull it apart in a flash. It’s great to have this backup; as we all know, things can go wrong at any time. And we get power-saving capabilities. Sometimes when we first connect the charger, it can draw what little energy the battery has left. With this, that is not the case.

What’s the downside?

The output measures just 800 milliamps. We know motorcycle batteries aren’t big, but come on, we want a stronger current than that! It’s a little on the weak side.

And at just 11.5oz, it’s very light and flimsy. It needs to be treated delicately. That plastic case feels quite cheap, and we’d have concerns about it cracking. OK, maybe it’s not the best motorcycle battery charger we’ve seen. However, it does have some awesome aspects, and we sure do love those safety features!

Best Motorcycle Battery Chargers Buying Guide

It isn’t easy to choose a motorcycle battery charger. As we’ve seen here, they come with a wide range of different features and pricing options. So, what should we look for when deciding which to buy?

Output

Firstly, we need to consider the output. We’d expect the current to be around 3-5 amps, with higher levels resulting in faster charging. And we don’t really want to go much lower than that, as the charge will be painfully slow.

Voltage

Then, there’s the voltage. Every charger we looked at in this review had 12 volts. This is perfect for a motorcycle charger, and we wouldn’t recommend looking at different levels.

What safety components does it offer?

This is a really important consideration. There’s no argument here; electricity is dangerous. Luckily, most chargers come with a variety of protective qualities.

Reverse polarity defense

This is when the connectors are clipped on the wrong way round. The charger should prevent itself from functioning to avoid frying the battery or worse.

Overcharging prevention

A feature that prevents overcharging is vital, too. When the battery is full, the charge needs to be stopped and maintained. Too much energy can kill a battery or even cause it to burst!

Temperature control

And we want temperature control. Some chargers won’t work in low temperatures and can be dangerous when too hot. Regulating the heat prevents these problems from occurring.

Design

That’s the technical stuff out of the way. What about the design? Any displays or LED should be clear and concise. They should give straightforward information without the user having to hunt for it. And ideally, we’d like them to give us an idea of how long it will take to complete the charge.

We don’t really want a big, bulky item. Something lightweight is preferred. But it still needs to have structural integrity, to avoid cracking or damage. And finally, it goes without saying that it should connect well to the battery! Most will use alligator clips, but some come with rings too. It’s essential that we get a decent connection for adequate charging.

Benefits of Motorcycle Battery Chargers

Do we really need a motorcycle battery charger?

Sure, we do! While it might not be used every day, it’s still a seriously handy piece of kit to have.

Why? Well, for a start, think about the price of a new battery. For most of us, the bike will stay with us for a long time, and replacing the battery every year can get expensive! Buying a charger is a one-time expense, rather than making repeated payments over time.

What else?

It’s handy too. For those who don’t live close to a shop, getting a new battery isn’t easy without a working motorcycle. Using a charger at home removes the need for traveling to find a new power supply.

Or perhaps we’re not at home. What if the battery runs out during a rest stop while we’re out on a ride? OK, the charger needs to be plugged in, so it won’t help us if we’re stuck in the middle of nowhere! But a gas station or town will have somewhere to plug in, and get the juice flowing.

Multi-purpose…

They’re not only for filling up an empty battery. Chargers are used for maintenance, too. Keep the battery in first-rate condition, with regular desulfation and topping up.

Plus, old batteries are difficult to get rid of. They can’t be thrown in with household garbage! They should be taken to a designated waste removal site, which isn’t always convenient.

But most importantly…

And anyway, folks, it’s the 2022s! Everyone knows how important it is to recycle! Batteries contain harmful chemicals that can damage the environment. It’s far better to reuse an old battery than to buy a new one.

Types of Motorcycle Battery Chargers

It’s easy to get confused when comparing different kinds of chargers. We get so much technical information thrown at us, and it can be incredibly overwhelming. Let’s break it down into the basics.

Simple chargers

These are exactly how they sound; basic. Usually, low output, they use direct current to re-energize our power source. However, they won’t stop charging by themselves when the battery is full, so we need to keep an eye on them.

Stage chargers

We also get stage chargers, as we saw earlier in this review. As you might guess, they charge the battery in stages!

They begin by removing sulfate to increase capacity and function. Then, they send a high, constant stream of energy to make up the bulk of the charge. This is followed by a reduced current to maintain the battery. They can have as few as three stages, but some have four or even five phases.

Trickle chargers

And then there are trickle chargers. These are slow, with a low amp output. For motorcycles, trickle chargers are more effective when used for maintenance rather than to revive a dead battery.

There! That wasn’t so hard, was it! There are so many other types of chargers too! But these are the kinds we’re most likely to run into when powering up a motorcycle battery.

Top Brands

Who makes the best motorcycle battery chargers? Well, we have a lot of brands to choose from…

CTEK

CTEK are up there. Well-known and widely respected, their battery chargers are at the top of their game. They tend to include a large range of extra features, such as alternator testing, in addition to restoring dead batteries.

Their products come at a price, though. They’re incredibly high-tech and therefore are often more expensive. Hey, if we want the good stuff, we’ve got to pay for it!

Deltran

Next up, there’s Deltran. This company commits itself to high performance. Not only chargers, but they also produce jump starters, solar panels, testers, and the batteries themselves! When it comes to power sources, this is a brand that really knows its stuff.

Optima

The famous Optima brand are the watchword in customer care and have a sterling reputation for fantastic customer support. This is another company that manufactures batteries, as well as chargers; this means that their knowledge and attention to detail are difficult to beat.

Are there any others?

Of course! We can’t end without mentioning our old friend, BMK. BMK is responsible for making a huge range of electronic equipment, from automotive gadgets to home security cameras. This jack-of-all-trades is known for providing high-quality products at very reasonable prices.

Motorcycle Battery Chargers Pricing

As we saw in this review, motorcycle battery chargers have an extremely wide range of prices. A high-tech smart charger is likely to be on the expensive side, whereas a simple charger will be much lower cost. It’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth splashing the cash. We wouldn’t expect to pay more than $100 for a charger such as these.

Anything above that would have to be made of solid gold to be worth the money! And we certainly wouldn’t go under $20. We’d be uncomfortable taking a risk on something so cheap when it comes to our beloved bike. Just remember; that as with so many things in life, we get what we pay for.

For all of your motorcycle needs…

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So, what are the Best Motorcycle Battery Chargers?

This was not an easy decision! But the winner of the top motorcycle battery chargers has to be the…

BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger

Thanks to the 5 amp output, it had a much faster charge than others we looked at. Combined with the clear, informative display and excellent price, this product just pipped the other chargers to the post.

Plus, it has all the protective elements we’ve come to expect. This is a charger that really does give us everything we want and more.

Happy riding, folks!