Battery Bug

[Shimpy]

I'm planning on buying a Battery Bug but can't figure where to put it. Anyone here have a clever place to put it on a GL1800 trike? I assume it is weather proof. I thought of in the trunk but then can't observe it while cranking if that's important. Any help would be appreciated as I think it is a good idea to head off being stuck with a dead battery. I usually prevent that by replacing the battery every 2 years, but I'm sure that is excessive and the Battery Bug would pay for itself by saving me buying batteries too often.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.argusanalyzers.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=&Product_Code=BB-SBM12-PS&Category_Code=MON-START" target="_blank">Argus Analyzers: Battery Bug - Starting Battery Monitor for Motorcycles (BB-SBM12-PS)</a>

 

[Ozarkryder]

I have a Battery Bug that is attached to the top shelter on top of the emblem with Velcro. I ran the wire (the one made for motorcycles has 1 wire coming out of the right side) down along the plastic, attaching it with black duct tape. Not pretty, but not too noticeable and not permanent. Ran the wire back along the frame under the tupperware and across the gas tank to the battery. <br />
<br />
I have also seen one mounted on the panel next to the lock for the right pocket, but I didn't want to make any holes to mount it. Seems to me it is easier to read mounted above the radio.

 

[Cougar]

I love my battery bug.. they rock
:Excited:ThumbUp

 

[Jimsjinx]

I hung mine under the side cover, by the battery. I saw one guy had epoxied his to the back of the side cover, and the coiled cord is long enough to set the cover on the seat. I like them, but they are kinda tough to mount somewhere. Kinda bulky. Honestly, I'd consider something else, just for that reason. It does work, though. jimsjinx

 

[Cougar]

Oh and mine is mounted just under my bars. , but its on a venture tho.
just so I can see it while riding.and it's out of the way. should take a picture.

 

[Paul_Trike]

I can't tell the size for sure but it looks like you might be able to find away to make fill the spot right under the right fairing pocket, next to the lock unless you have navi on yours

 

[Shimpy]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm still trying to pick the best spot before ordering. I am considering in one of the vents down low on the right or left. Those vents don't really do anything anyways. <br />
Does the Battery Bug have to be watched while cranking to let you know the condition of the battery under load?

 

[pmar6004]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Shimpy</strong>
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<div class="message">Thanks for all the replies. I'm still trying to pick the best spot before ordering. I am considering in one of the vents down low on the right or left. Those vents don't really do anything anyways. <br />
Does the Battery Bug have to be watched while cranking to let you know the condition of the battery under load?</div>

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</div>No to your last question. The BB records, on a scale of 100%, your batterys last starting performance. It's indicated by a flashing line on the scale. Suggest you click on the following link, as it's explained pretty thoroughly and is fairly straight forward. <a href="http://www.argusanalyzers.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=&Product_Code=BB-SBM12-PS&Category_Code=MON-START" target="_blank">Argus Analyzers: Battery Bug - Starting Battery Monitor for Motorcycles (BB-SBM12-PS)</a><br />
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Daydreamer

 

[Lakeman]

What is a battery bug?

 

[pmar6004]

What is a battery bug?

Click on the link on the previous post for the answer.

Daydreamer

 

[Cougar]

:Coffee: Did I already say how much I love my battery bug?

 

[Konrad]

I love the idea of the Battery Bug but I read some less than flattering posts about its longevity on the net. These were in 2004, 2008, 2010. The price seems to have increased by $15. I wonder if the quality has increased as well.

Has anyone had a BB for at least a year without problems?

 

[Shimpy]

Thanks for all the replys and help. Based on what I've been told, I think I'll buy one and put it in the trunk. Since batteries don't go from 100% to 20% in one day, and I don't have to watch it while cranking, the trunk gets it out of the way and is close to the battery for wire routing. I open the trunk every ride anyway and can check out the condition of my battery. If I'm thinking wrong, please let me know. Again thanks for all the help.

 

[Ozarkryder]

Has anyone had a BB for at least a year without problems?

Battery Bug user for 4 years so far, no problems. Had it on the GL1500, transferred to the current 1800. It has been baked by the sun, drenched by the rain, froze in winter, even had a helmet dropped on it and it is still going strong.

Only 2 things I would change about the BB is add a light for night viewing (I use it mainly as a volt meter-hence its position above the radio. The battery health monitor is a bonus) and to be able to manually switch from the volt reading to the battery health %. That would add to the complexity and cost. It works well as it is.

 

[Shimpy]

I love the idea of the Battery Bug but I read some less than flattering posts about its longevity on the net. These were in 2004, 2008, 2010. The price seems to have increased by $15. I wonder if the quality has increased as well.

Has anyone had a BB for at least a year without problems?

You cause me to hold off my purchase because of the reliability. Is there another on the market that will give me the condition of my battery and allow me to replace it before getting stranded? Who is Battery Bugs competitors? Can a volt meter give me the same info, and if so how do I read it to know if the battery is getting weak? In other words with a volt meter, how do I know when to replace the battery. Thanks for all the info.

 

[trucker]

Go to:

Waterproof Lighted Volt Meter - Honda Gold Wing Parts & Accessories by WingStuff.com


and purchase a volt meter and attach it to right of key for glovebox on your 1800.

 

[Blackwillow]

On my MT conversion I have a voltage meter in digital readout. I see the voltage as she starts and watch as it climbs to normal charging rate. If there is an issue I should expect to see it right away. Not quite sure of a "bug" or the value there, but all input data is a good thing, unless it is redundant.:Shrug:
Take care.
Anthony

 

[Konrad]

You cause me to hold off my purchase because of the reliability. Is there another on the market that will give me the condition of my battery and allow me to replace it before getting stranded? Who is Battery Bugs competitors? Can a volt meter give me the same info, and if so how do I read it to know if the battery is getting weak? In other words with a volt meter, how do I know when to replace the battery. Thanks for all the info.

Every product will have a few rejects. The bad reviews I mentioned were a few years ago and by now the BB has very likely been upgraded. The "new" model, same product number, has only one cord with two connectors whereas the earlier model had a connector coming out of each side, according to pictures I have seen, and some sellers still have what I believe to be the "old" model. Point being: a few undesirable reviews several years old don't tell us a lot about the present model and a couple of forum members speak highly about the BB. I believe I will go by what they say.

 

[Ozarkryder]

Argus makes the Battery Bug for different applications. The one for the powersports market, i.e. motorcycles, is the one that has one wire coming out of the right side of the unit. Other applications may have wires on both sides of the unit.
For more info on other BB uses check out this link -
Battery Monitors

 

[maestro319]

Hmmm. is it worth the $50.00???

 

[Konrad]

Hmmm. is it worth the $50.00???

I don't know if it's worth $50 or not, but I just bought one from Battery Mart online for $33.94 - including shipping.

 

[Cougar]

Got mine off Amazon for about that price as well...
Did I tell you guys how much I love my Battery Bug? :Coffee:
Even if the thing cost $50 I would have still purchased one.
Jeff