Battery disconnect switch - anyone use one?

Went to my storage units today and most of my bikes didn't have enough juice to start. These storage units don't have any power and they won't allow me to rig up a solar batter charger so if they aren't run on a regular basis the battery runs down.

The original plan was to rotate riding them - bringing them to my home for a battery charge - before returning them to storage.

A broken rib, hurricane, and dealing with family stuff put a dent into the works and I'm just now trying to get back on track here. So I was thinking about using a disconnect, like I do with two of my cars also in storage. Those two cars started right up - no problem. But the bikes - nada.

Here's one from Amazon for $20:

DC12V Inline Wire Switch DC12-24V DPST Dual Side Wiring Switch 25A IP67 with on/Off Quick Connect/Disconnect Switch with Copper Ring Power Cord 30 cm for Motorcycle and car Power on/Off.(DC)

 

As long as the quality and gauge are there, I don't see a problem.

I actually need to put one on my ST1100, it sits for some periods and the LCD clock slowly drains the battery. I don't always have the ability to throw a tender on there.

Plus, if it's somewhat hidden it can be an ignition smash theft deterrent.

The ones I have on my cars disrupt the negative side.

 

Same on my cars....negative side. Work well!

Thanks, Capn!

 

There are some units in this facility with power (outlets). I used to have one years ago...a 12' x 30'. I think I paid ~$300/month and used it to store my irrigation trailer and a sports car plus misc other odds and ends - incl. some spare car parts.

Having a power source would be the ideal setup so I could just keep a maintainer plugged in for my stuff. Pretty sure I can run more than one at a time, but will research that.

I need to do some math and compare the difference in cost of what I'm paying now to what one of these would be. May end up being the smarter option. I'll contact the storage manager tomorrow and find out what's available.

With that said....I'm still going to investigate/research if a battery disconnect would help with this issue.

 

Ran across a video representing the same scenario I'm facing and another option - using a power bank and charger. Hook it up and come back later and your battery is charged. Looks like you can get quite a few charges out of one charged power bank. Pretty handy!

 

Why not just pull the batteries? You can keep them 100% charged at home.

 

Looking for something that doesn't require battery removal.

 

I need one of those disconnects for my wife's Nova. The battery keeps draining and I have no idea what is taking all that juice down. Battery is only two yrs old. I did rewire most of the engine bay, but keeps getting drawn down. If the digital gauge on the ST can pull down then maybe the memory for the gauge cluster is enough on the Nova.
EcoFlow makes some cool battery stuff, but they get pricey.

https://us.ecoflow.com/products/riv...MIiN3Dr9jZiQMV4xGtBh23yQ3NEAAYASAAEgIL_vD_BwE

 

Why the negative side? Simply because there is no juice?

 

Likely the safer side for that kind of device. The car units are a little bulky. While some of them come with a rubber cover, there is a potential for contact with something.



During the Summer my cars can sit. And with remote start units, there is a slight draw. Plus when we are away, it's some piece of mind for a smash and grab. I even sometimes do it when I'm parking my STi somewhere (as discretely as possible).

 

That looks a good solution although the gauges will keep color resetting when I turn it off...hmmm solid food for thought. Thanks!

 

I was able to grab two of them at my local Walmart. Very cost effective and they work GREAT!

I used them on an '08 Ford Taurus and an '01 Porsche Boxster.

I also bought new batteries at the same time for both cars.....also purchased from Walmart. So far they are doing the job they were designed for.

 

Modern cars draw more standby current.
No pieces-

 

I always keep one of my bikes here that's not currently under repair so I can go on quick rides when the mood strikes. The plan was to rotate these with the ones in storage. Like I said, the broken rib, hurricane, and dealing with family stuff put a dent in that plan, but I hope to get back on track now. So I go out to try and start the bike that's here (RC26) and nothing. So I even had to put a charger on THAT one....and it's here at my freaking house!

I don't see how there could be a draw on the battery on these 1st and 2nd Gens, but wouldn't hurt to set up an experiment with a disconnect at some point.

My power bank arrived and is now fully charged so will test it out tomorrow - following what was done in the video I posted. Will report back.....

 

Update - will post pics later.

Power bank worked unreal! Tried it first on one of my Blue RC26's and after just 5 minutes it had enough juice to crank over and start. Then went to my VF500F. Had to install the SAE lead on the battery which took all of 2 minutes. Hey did you know there are seat release levers on BOTH sides of the seat?

Anyhoo.....took a little longer on that one but 10 minutes later enough juice to start.

I left it hooked up to the VF500F and will return later to switch it over to another bike.

Now......if that wasn't good enough news already........I found another unit there that has TWO outlets and TWO overhead lighting fixtures and it's HUGE! 15'x30' with two full size overhead doors. It's on the corner of the building so the doors each face a different way. And the best part is it was LESS expensive than the 12'x30' units w/electric that I use to have there. So....more real estate for less $$$! My monthly cost will be $323.19

The manager was nice enough to put a hold on it until I could get back home and finish the transaction on my desktop. Doing it this way will give me the second month for free promotion. I might even do a pre-pay for a full year on this one so I get locked in. But will wait until after I get the free second month to do that.

So ultimately, I will be able to keep my bikes on a maintainer in the traditional way....but this power bank will help me in the whole process and also down the road, so a great investment.

A banner day for Bazza!

 

Yes. But I saw a marked increase when the remote starts got installed on 3 of our cars.

 

Remote start...so fancy!

 

That's why he's the Capt!


Pic of the new storage unit......doors are located on both ends. I'll post some pics of the inside tomorrow.

And power bank setup. I have a splitter feeding two separate chargers.

 

I always let my machines warm up a little before driving, more than just a few moments. Typically until I see at least some movement on the temp gauge. And even then, no hard pulls until fully up to operating temperature. How many times do I see people get in their car, start it up and immediately take off to RIP out of the parking lot. Fucking cringe every time.

My packed morning routine is down to the minute, which means I'm not always dressed to go out and start my car ahead of time. So, to push a button and have my engine's fluids circulating, the interior warming up or cooling down and my windows defrosted if needed (I don't have to scrape frost) makes a HUGE difference. Also after work, I can walk out, get in my car and leave (in a warmed up/cooled down interior).

Really nice too after going out to dinner with the wife to get in a warm/cool car too.

 

Looks like a nice storage space. Is that price about normal? I've never rented one. Seems like a lot of $!