10+ Best Motorcycle Battery Chargers for Budget

Many motorcyclists do not spend enough time learning about motorcycle battery chargers.

Thus they end up buying low-quality chargers that do more harm than good.

Fortunately, you read the best motorcycle battery chargers reviews here.

In this post, you will not only be introduced to the highest-quality chargers on the market, but you can also learn about battery 101: What the motorcycle battery charger is, how it works, and which factors to consider before you buy one.

Go to details now!

Motorcycle Battery Chargers in Brief

Back then, most motorcycles ran on lead-acid batteries, which required frequent recharge.

Those batteries, however, were often overcharged and dead in a time soon.

Now, there are motorcycle battery chargers, known as the batteries maintainers, to fix the cases.

An example of a motorcycle charger (Image: cdn.youngchoppers.com)

Benefits of motorcycle battery chargers

First and foremost, the charger saves your battery from overcharging.

To be exact, the charger will cut itself off upon the full replenishment.

So, in turn, the batteries can last longer and healthier over time, and you will save a bunch from the battery replacement.

Secondly, the charger reduces the fire risk because it is good at monitoring the temperature and maintaining a stable current.

It means both you and your cycle will be safer.

How does a charger work?

A motorcycle battery charger will be directly connected to the batteries under the saddle or behind the cylinders.

Properly plugged in, then the charger will emit current to refill your flat batteries.

If possible, please remove the battery in a well-ventilated area while the charging is on the way.

This is a tricky process, meaning you have to take extra care of it.

Please disconnect the negative cable first before you handle the positive.

Also, release the motorcycle battery from other connections to the cycle.

Finally, lift the battery gently out of the vehicle.

3 common types

The specific charging process might differ a bit by the types of motorcycle chargers as follows.

A trickle charger

This charger type takes several days or even weeks to charge your motorcycle fully.

In specific, the trickle charger regulates the charging speed upon the use of a battery regulator to convert AC into DC power.

Later, you will have to check the battery capacity and remove the charge.

With such a slow charging process, the trickle charger is recommended to charge your infrequently-used vehicles because it protects the battery from being depleted.

Just so you know, ensure that the motorcycle voltage is not bigger than what the battery possibly handles.

Afloat charger

Similar to the trickle version, the float charger provides a consistent and slow charging current.

However, the selling point is that the charge will automatically disconnect when the battery is fully charged.

For this reason, the motorcycle float charger is preferred by weekend riders.

A smart charger

So far, this is the most advanced motorcycle battery charger.

Apart from the auto shut-off feature, the charger also comes with new technologies.

In the drawbacks, smart chargers are expensive. Even more, they are not excellently compatible with lithium batteries.

What’s the best motorcycle battery charger?

In brief, a well-worth charger should have:

• Compatible voltage and amps with the vehicle’s battery
• The right size compared to the Ah rating
• Multiple charging modes to meet different requirements
• Temperature monitor
• Protection against reverse polarity
• Different terminals for secure connection
• Under your budget

We will get insight into all of these factors later on. Keep scrolling.

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The Best Motorcycle Battery Charger Review: A List of 10

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1. Battery Tender Junior Charger and Maintainer – Best Ease of Use

 

Coming in the first place of this review today is a battery tender for a motorcycle charger, which is the Battery Tender Junior.

All in all, this is among the best buy motorcycle battery charger and maintainer packs on the market, for good reason.

Let’s start with the specifications.

Type of charger	Trickle charger
Size	12V 8A
Charging modes	4 modes: Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, and Maintenance modes
Connectivity	Fused ring harness and alligator clips
Additional features	Quick disconnect harness, reverse protection, and spark-proof
Warranty	5 years

Having a glance at the specifications above, you will already figure out why the Battery Tender Junior sells by itself.

Accordingly, the Battery Tender Junior is a trickle charger that generates a low-output current of only 800 mA to reduce the chances of charging sophistications.

In addition to being a trickle charger, it also provides 4 charging modes to use as your requirement flexibly.

For instance, the Initialization mode is to check whether the battery functions correctly.

Then, the Bulk Charge mode is in place to charge the battery constantly to full at 750 mA.

Moreover, the charge will switch into the Absorption Charge mode to hold the voltage at a fixed level, while allowing the current power to drop below 1/8 A.

This is good for the battery in the long term. Finally, the Battery Tender Junior will stay in Maintenance mode so that the battery is healthily topped off at a full charge.

Apart from that, there are many advanced features adopted for your sake, such as the quick disconnect harness, reverse protection, and spark proof.

Interestingly enough, the price is still affordable, despite a bunch of adds-on.

If we had to report any, the drawback is that the battery does not work well with lithium batteries, as promised.

2. MOTOPOWER MP00205A 12V 800mA Battery Charger/Maintainer – Best Budget

 

Next, we will introduce you to MOTOPOWER MP00205A.

Has a similar power rating to the Battery Tender Junior, but this charge is nearly twice cheaper, making it the best cheap motorcycle battery charger.

Let’s start with the specifications.

Type of charger	Float charger
Size	12V 8A
Charging modes	Pulse Current Recovery Mode
Connectivity	Ring terminals and alligator clips
Additional features	Multi-level reverse protection, and spark-proof
Warranty	2 years

While the Battery Tender Junior is packed with 4-stage charging, the MOTOPOWER MP00205A comes in one Pulse Current Recovery mode.

Such a limited charging mode is understandable at the price range. Fortunately, it is still beneficial.

This mode is similar to the Absorption mode of the Junior, in which the charge will give a pulse current of 500mA to improve the battery power to full gradually.

Although the charging process might take some time, it will lower the internal resistance and increase battery life.

We also like that the MOTOPOWER MP00205A supports all essential features to control battery charging and guarantee safety.

Accordingly, the charger runs on a micro-controlled program, so it will stop automatically when the battery is back to full.

There are also reverse polarity protection and spark-proof features.

However, the disadvantage is that the charge is only compatible with 12V lead-acid batteries.

3. Foval Automatic Trickle Battery Charger 12V 1000mA – Best Portable

 

At a similar price category with the MOTOPOWER MP00205A, you can also opt-in to the Foval Automatic Battery Charger 12V 1000mA.

Besides the features, this is known for being the best portable motorcycle battery charger.

Type of charger	Automatic trickle charger
Size	12V 10A
Charging modes	4 modes: Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, and Maintenance Mode
Connectivity	Ring terminals and alligator clips
Additional features	Quick disconnect harness and reverse protection, as well as spark-proof
Warranty	2 years

Interestingly enough, the small Foval Automatic Battery Charger has almost all the features of the more expensive Battery Tender Junior, such as the four charging modes from Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, to Float/Maintenance, plus with additional safety features.

Even more, the amp power is higher than that of the Tender Junior.

So, is this the best motorcycle battery trickle charger? Then, the answer is, “Not, exactly.”

Indeed, this charger is functional and portable enough to work with most vehicles’ 12V batteries from motorcycles, cars, RVs to generator systems.

However, the appearance looks cheaply made, and in fact, the chargers might break down sooner than the Junior.

You get what you pay for.

4. LST Trickle Battery Charger Automatic Maintainer 6V 12V – Best 6V Trickle Charger

 

Although motorcycle 12v battery charger products are more common, there is a chance that your motorcycle battery runs on 6 voltage.

At that time, you had better go for a 6V charger, as well.

Take the LST Trickle Battery Charger, for example:

Type of charger	Automatic trickle charger
Size	6/12V 10A
Charging modes	5 modes: Qualification, Soft Start, Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, and Maintenance Mode
Connectivity	Detachable rings and alligator clips
Additional features	Reverse protection, short circuit, spark-proof, water-proof, etc.
Warranty	3 years

First, to mention, you should be careful with the settings.

Many consumers reported that the charger had damaged their 6V batteries.

However, we confirm that things will work the right way as long as you understand all the modes and set them up wisely.

Then, the LST Trickle Battery Charger will charge the battery in 5 stages, including 4 similar to the Battery Tender Junior and a new Soft Start to recover the battery before the pulse charge.

Nonetheless, together with multiple stages, the charging process seems to take longer than usual.

5. NOCO GENIUS1, 1-Amp Fully-Automatic Smart Charger – The Best 6V Smart Charger

 

 

Suppose you are still afraid of 6V LST Trickle Battery Charger because of other consumers’ reports.

In that case, we suggest the NOCO GENIUS1, 1-Amp Smart Charger, as the best 6V motorcycle battery charger that will not disappoint you.

First, have a look at its specifications:

Type of charger	Smart charger
Size	6/12V 1A
Charging modes	4 modes: Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, and Maintenance modes
Connectivity	Rings and alligator clips
Additional features	Reverse protection, short circuit, spark-proof, water-proof, battery desulfator along with temperature compensation
Warranty	3 years

When it comes to the NOCO GENIUS1, 1-Amp Smart Charger, there are many things to praise for.

However, we especially like its versability.

The voltage, for instance. The charger is built to work with 6/12V batteries of almost all types: lead-acid, deep-cycle, and even lithium batteries.

Furthermore, the multiple charging modes allow the charger to work as a charger, maintainer, and desulfator flexibly.

Another praising feature is the integrated thermal sensor that will alert you about under-charging or over-charging.

That way, you can better manage and maintain the batteries.

However, you should be patient with the charging, the current is 1A, meaning it takes several days to charge a big motorcycle to full.

Except for that, the NOCO GENIUS1 is the best value motorcycle battery charger, for its low price.

6. Mroinge 12V 2A Lead Acid/Lithium (LiFePO4) – Best Lithium Charger

 

Keep reading the best 12v motorcycle battery charger reviews, this time, we bring the Mroinge 12V 2A Lead Acid/Lithium, at your fingertips.

What will you get?

Type of charger	Automatic trickle charger
Size	12V 2A
Charging modes	5 modes: Initialization, Trickle Current, and Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, as well as Maintenance modes
Connectivity	O-ring terminals and alligator clips
Additional features	Reverse protection, short circuit, spark-proof, water-proof, dust-proof
Warranty	2 years

The Mroinge 12V 2A Lead Acid/Lithium is as multi-functional and affordable as the NOCO GENIUS1, except that it does not support 6V batteries.

It is especially reliable to charge the LiFePO4 lithium batteries.

This is good news if your motorcycle is running on the lithium-iron battery as you might take extra care of the charger.

Not all chargers on the list will meet your requirement.

Plus, the Mroinge 12V 2A Lead Acid/Lithium is easy and safe to use thanks to many modern technologies.

For instance, there is a digital microcomputer chip to control the charging and automatically re-start the charging process with the memory function.

Hence, safe to say that your vehicle will also stay charged and ready for use.

The disadvantage is also similar to NOCO.

The charger takes quite a time to charge the batteries fully, and it does not even start if your batteries are completely flat.

Still, this is the best lithium motorcycle battery charger we have ever known.

7. BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger – Best Waterproof Charger

 

BMK BLUEMICKEY offers you another best motorcycle battery charger maintainer with worth-to-try features.

Type of charger	Automatic trickle charger
Size	12V 5A
Charging modes	4 modes: Diagnostic, and Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, as well as Maintenance modes
Connectivity	Detachable rings and alligator clips
Additional features	72-hour safety features, reverse protection, short circuit, spark-proof, water-proof, etc.
Warranty	1 year

Speaking of the features, the BMK 12V 5A Smart Battery Charger is quite similar to the other above.

Specifically, it will charge the battery while also maintaining a healthy voltage.

Thus, you can expect the charger to be stable and reliably efficient for the long term.

The manufacturer also adopts the MCU technology to control the charging mode well and protect the battery from overcharging or short circuits.

Also, you can rest assured because there is also over-discharge, reverse polarity, and overheat protection.

What we want the BMK BLUEMICKEY to improve is the warranty period.

It is not well clarified in the product information, yet we believe it is around 1 year.

We do not mean that the charger is of low quality, and frequent supports are required.

However, 1 year is much shorter than that of other chargers.

8. MEEARO 5 Amp 12V Automotive Smart Battery Charger – The Fastest Charger

 

If you need a 5-amp battery charger, then consider the MEEARO 5 Amp 12V Automotive Smart Battery Charger besides the BMK.

Type of charger	Smart battery charger
Size	12V 5A
Charging modes	3 modes: Fast charge, top-off charging, and trickle charging
Connectivity	Alligator clips
Additional features	Cooling fan, operate temperature, reverse protection, short circuit, spark-proof, water-proof, etc.
Warranty	1 year

Overall, this MEEARO 5 Amp 12V looks well-made and effortless to use.

It is not packed with many add-on features or many charging modes like other features, yet surely enough to bring your motorcycle battery back to life.

In a hurry, you can activate the fast-charging mode.

When the battery is full, the charger will switch to the maintenance top-off charging mode.

With an additional cooling repair feature, the battery will be healthier over time and run for a long.

All work well. However, it would be better if the connection wire is a bit thicker and more durable.

9. Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer – Best Tender Charger

 

If you like the Battery Tender Junior, then you might also love the Plus version.

So far, this is the best-rated motorcycle battery charger and also the best motorcycle battery tender charger.

Specifications of Battery Tender Plus:

Type of charger	Float charger
Size	12V 1.25 Amp
Charging modes	4 modes: Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, and Maintenance Mode.
Connectivity	Fused ring harness and alligator clips
Additional features	Quick disconnect harness, reverse protection, and spark-proof
Warranty	10 years

As can be seen from its specifications, Battery Tender Plus has almost all features of the Junior, plus with a higher power to charge the battery faster in the same period.

Even more, this is a float motorcycle battery charger.

However, the Plus will not simply turn off the battery and leave it idle like other automatic motorcycle chargers.

Instead, the charger will switch to a safe floating maintenance level. This will extend the battery life by 50% and more.

It is also worth knowing that the Battery Tender Plus is compatible with various battery types, including the traditional lead-acid, the sealed AGM and gel-cell, as well as the flooded batteries.

All are good; however, what we do not like about this motorcycle battery charger’s quick connection is the price.

The manufacturer says this price is considered with a warranty of 10 years. 10 years is absolutely attractive, but this battery charger does not last that long.

Moreover, when it comes to support, the team seems not responsive.

10. Ampeak 2/8/15A 12V Smart Battery Charger/Maintainer – Best for Car and Motorcycle Charger

 

Coming last on the list, but the Ampeak 2/8/15A 12V Smart Battery Charger is definitely not the least.

In contrast, it looks powerful and premium just by looking at it.

The specifications will confirm the statement.

Type of charger	Smart battery charger
Size	12V 15A
Charging modes	5 modes, two of which are fast charging and winter charging
Connectivity	Alligator clips
Additional features	MCU control, high-voltage reconditioning, and cooling system, etc,
Warranty	1.5 year

This is definitely the best battery charger for motorcycles and cars thanks to its robust, powerful, and heavy-duty construction.

Accordingly, the Ampeak 2/8/15A 12V Smart Battery Charger is made of ABS material, which is durable against external force and hazardous environments.

Thus, no worry if you bring the charger with you while riding or leave it on the car under the winter charging mode.

Plus, this charger is a kind of “plug it and connect it” device because the MCU program will take the controlling task and improve the charging cycle the most.

Upon a high voltage, the Ampeak 2/8/15A 12V Smart Battery Charger will recondition its performance to avoid any damages.

Very impressive? Nonetheless, the high price might make you think twice.

Buying Guide to Getting Best Battery Charger for Motorcycle

The right charge does the right performance (Image: bestfordriver.com)

Not all battery chargers are the same. Choose the right, and the motorcycle battery will last long for your own sake.

Or, a wrong one can damage the battery and the vehicle. Even worse, you are posed to fire risks and other dangers.

Fortunately, we bring a complete buying guide for your reference. Please read it carefully.

Following the instructions of the manufacturer

Almost all motorcycles come with a detailed manual guide, including the charging instructions and requirements.

Thus, before you go to buy any charger, start with rechecking that guide first.

Then, you might have some information like the voltage and amps, the size, the connectivity, or even the recommended type of charger.

If there is not, you had better contact the support.

However, you should keep reading to figure out whether the recommendations are excellent.

Type of chargers

As you see from above, there are three conventional motorcycle battery chargers types.

Consider buying one according to your requirements and budget.

For example, if you rarely use motorcycles but do not want the battery to discharge itself barely, you should go for a trickle charger.

In case you use the vehicle weekly and are kind of busy and absent-minded, a floating charger is the right choice because it is automatically shut down.

If the expense is not the number one priority, but the safety and convenient use, go for a smart charger.

The size, voltage, and amps

The ideal size of the charger depends on the size of the battery – which is the Ah rating.

You can check this figure in the specifications or get one by multiplying the Reserve Capacity (RC) ̣by 0.6.

Then, the size of the charger should be at least 10% of the battery size.

About voltage, make sure that the battery and the charger have the same voltage to avoid serious damages.

Meanwhile, you can operate the charger at its peak with no breaking down.

Nowadays, 12-V batteries are the most popular.

Thus, it is likely that you should also need a 12-V charger, as some we reviewed above.

Charging modes

The more, the merrier.

It went at the time that the charger was only set up to charge the batteries.

Now, most there are several modes to be packed within one unit, making them more well-worth.

For example, the charger can also work as a battery maintainer.

It means your motorcycle battery stays topped up and ready to go all the time rather than you have to wait for the battery to be charged from zero to full.

Some chargers also provide other options of charging modes such as multiple-stage charging, an AGM mode, and reconditioning mode as well.

Connectivity

Always check the connectors available on the charger.

If it fails to clip firmly to the terminals of the battery, everything comes in vain.

Otherwise, the short chord might also be problematic, causing it harder to connect the charger and the battery.

Besides the common crocodile clips, some chargers have a quick charge harness with which you can quickly connect the battery without having to open the seat and take out the battery.

Safety features

Also, pay extra attention to safety.

Two standard features to look for are reverse polarity protection and temperature monitoring.

It is a common mistake that you clip the cables at the wrong terminal.

With the reverse protection feature, the charger will alert you right away.

Meanwhile, it will keep the circuits and power supply safe.

Plus, there should also be a temperature monitor so that you can have an idea of the high temperature and properly the overcharging situation and take measures.

This way, you can expect both the charger and the battery to be more durable.

Prices and warranty

Good enough, the motorcycle battery chargers are often as cheap as $30 or so.

At such an affordable price, the chargers have all features above, and some extra like the indicator LED lights or more amps ranges.

Some smaller chargers are even less than $20.

Those might have fewer options available, yet still reliable.

In addition, low-priced battery chargers do not mean you ignore the warranty policies.

In contrast, always go for products with a proper warranty to back up you when you need them.

FAQs

Why do motorcycle batteries die so fast?

There are many reasons why the batteries drain shortly after a while, for example:

• Improper terminal connection,
• A bad stator or regulator,
• Corroded terminals because of weather or inadequate maintenance,
• Overcharging, etc.

How to check the battery before charging?

When your motorcycle refuses to start, there might be several causes. However, you had better check the battery first.

Turn on the ignition to check the headlight. If it is weak and dim, you should charge the battery.

What amp should I charge my motorcycle battery at?

Save the rule: Always charge your motorcycle battery at 10% of the amp rating. Otherwise, overcharging will result in all sorts of problematic issues.

Can I charge a motorcycle battery with a 10 amp charger?

We would say, NO.

10-amp chargers are often for the powerful motors like cars rather than motorcycles.

With a high-power charger, you can charge faster, but it is also easier to lead to overcharging and unstable current.

Do I need a special charger for lithium batteries?

Although it is less common, some motorcycles run on lithium batteries. At that time, you had better use a special charger with the external-powered BMS technology.

How long to leave the battery flat before charging it?

If possible, you should charge the motorcycle batteries soon after they go flat.

However, it is ok if you forget to charge for even one month if you do not need to use it – as long as the battery is less than five years old and you have an alarm on the motorcycle.

Can a motorcycle be charged while it rides?

Yes, the battery charger is built to do so rather than wait for the battery to be completely flat.

How long does charge the battery take?

First off, it is based on the battery’s current situation, meaning how flat it is.

Secondly, it depends on the type and power of the charge.

However, the average time is from 4 to 12 hours.

Takeaway

For now, we have completed the best motorcycle battery chargers reviews by listing the top motorcycle battery chargers with a comprehensive buying guide.

Have you made a choice?

If not, we strongly recommend NOCO GENIUS1, 1-Amp Smart Charger – the best motorcycle battery charger for sale when you put features, construction, and price in mind!

Further Reading:

• How to charge a motorcycle battery