[LD_RIDER]

How long do I need to idle the bike to charge the battery when not riding it for a couple of weeks?

You don't. If your bike won't start after a few weeks of sitting, something is wrong with it. Mine starts right up after a month. If you are riding every couple of weeks you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

 

[LD_RIDER]

Depending on the age and condition of your battery, it may not be holding a charge very well, and lack of use of the bike, even for a few days, can significantly deplete the charge available for start up.

Exactly, that is why if your battery will not start your bike after a few weeks, there is, as I posted, <something wrong>. BTW, lead acid batteries can last for 50 years, and many lead acid batteries used in commercial and industrial applications have twenty (!) year warranties. If a battery has been maintained, age is really a non-factor.

My 2003 has the orginal battery and never has been on a tender. Not one starting issue, even though it is stored outside in Maine. Bike will start easily even after a month. If I were putting a bike away for the entire winter, I might throw it on a tender, but for a couple of weeks? Not necessary.