Car battery chargers are common items of vehicle maintenance equipment - they're cheap, portable and easy to use. But if you ride a motorcycle, a battery charger is often one of the most overlooked pieces of equipment in the average biker's workshop. There are several good reasons why (if you haven't already bought one) a motorcycle battery charger should be on your shopping list.

Motorcycle batteries are much smaller than car batteries and loose their charge relatively quickly. Wet cell batteries also require topping up with distilled water more often, and when carrying out regular maintenance on a motorcycle battery they may require a booster charge to bring them back up to the correct voltage. Motorcycle battery chargers quickly recharge the average motorcycle battery, getting you back on the road within minutes rather than having to wait overnight for the battery to charge.

Motorcycle batteries are exposed to the elements to a much higher degree than car batteries, and so are more susceptible to losing their charge due to cold weather. Motorcycle battery chargers are designed to deliver a rapid charge to a battery that has been affected by cold weather, enabling you to start the engine quickly and use the motorcycle's internal charging system to finish the job.

A motorcycle battery charger is compact, taking up very little room in your garage or workshop. If you carry out your own servicing, detaching the battery and doing a full check and recharge means that your battery is ready for action when the next sunny day comes along. This means that you can get out and enjoy a good ride without having the frustration of a bike that won't start because the battery is flat!

Letting the battery run flat repeatedly can actually damage the internal plates that are an integral part of the battery's structure. This can become expensive very quickly, as motorcycle batteries are costly items. A motorcycle battery charger will pay for itself very quickly by keeping your battery in tiptop condition. It also means that you are doing your bit for the environment as batteries cannot be recycled and go to landfill. By maintaining your battery, you're saving money and the environment.

Another good reason to use a motorcycle battery charger is to increase the potential lifespan of the battery itself. Motorcycle batteries take lots of abuse, from heat and vibration to weak charging systems and too many power-draining accessories. If you're a dedicated all-weather rider, accessories such as heated grips or even fog lights can quickly drain a small battery. Once the bike has been parked up attaching a trickle charger will boost the battery, ensuring that it's ready to go when you next start the bike up.

If you're serious about motorcycle riding or just a fair weather rider who only takes the bike out on sunny days, motorcycle battery chargers are a must-have item in your workshop. You check the oil, you check the petrol so why not check the battery? Without it, your bike isn't going anywhere and you're missing out on all those fun rides for the sake of a flat battery. Motorcycle battery chargers are cheap, portable and efficient and if you haven't invested in one already, they should definitely be put on the top of your shopping list.