All motorcycle batteries need to be replaced eventually–every two to five years, to be exact. Optimal motorcycle battery maintenance can extend your battery life and reduce problems like ignition failures or electrical system issues. Here are steps you can take to keep your battery in top-notch condition.
Different Types of Motorcycle Batteries
Available motorcycle battery types differ by their battery chemistry, which includes:
- Flooded lead-acid: Flooded batteries are the most affordable of all battery types, but they have shorter lifespans compared to Absorbed glass mat (AGM) and lithium iron phosphate batteries.
- Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): Although an AGM battery costs more than a flooded battery, it will last two to three times longer with no maintenance. It charges fast, maintains charge better, and supplies more energy compared to flooded batteries.
- Lithium iron phosphate: This type of battery has the highest upfront cost but also the longest lifespan and highest energy output, so it’s more cost-effective compared to a conventional battery.
How You Can Choose the Right Replacement Battery
Besides the battery type, you must select the correct battery specifications for optimal performance. To do this, consider the following specs and make sure they’re the right fit:
- Size: It’s a pretty obvious requirement, but your replacement battery’s dimensions must fit your motorcycle model.
- Voltage: Your battery must meet your motorbike’s voltage requirements. Most bikes call for 12-volt batteries.
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): This term indicates battery performance in cold weather.
To find out the battery requirements for your motorcycle, check your old motorcycle battery, consult your motorbike manual, or look up the relevant information on the manufacturer’s official website.
Basic Motorcycle Battery Maintenance Tips
Your battery will last longer and serve you better with regular maintenance. Keep an eye on your battery’s condition by periodically checking battery cables and clamps for loose connections or signs of damage. You can use a voltmeter to test battery performance. Proper motorcycle battery maintenance also includes the following steps:
Keep Your Battery Fully Charged
Your battery charges while you are riding, but if you don’t use your motorcycle every day or lock it away for winter storage, your battery can drain, which shortens its lifespan. A battery charger can help keep your battery full while you take a break from riding.
For seasonal use, you might want to use a battery maintainer like the Battery Tender Jr. 12V. This maintainer charges the battery and turns it off automatically, so you don’t need to worry about charging maintenance during months when you don’t ride.
Maintain Fluid Levels
Flooded batteries lose water via evaporation while charging. To maintain the water level and electrolyte balance, you have to top off your flooded battery with deionized or distilled water.
Remove Corrosion
Corrosion build-up on battery terminals restricts the power flow from the battery to the engine and hinders recharging. You can use a designated brush and a battery cleaner to remove corrosion.
Ensure vent caps are tightly sealed to keep the cleaning solution out of battery cells. Once you have cleaned and dried the terminals, you may apply some anti-corrosion spray.
Signs Your Motorcycle Battery May Need Replacement
Your motorcycle may need a new battery if:
- Your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Your battery doesn’t hold a charge.
- You’re dealing with ignition problems or dimming headlights.
- The battery looks deformed, discolored, or swollen.
- You notice bad corrosion on the battery terminals or experience battery leaks.
- Your bike won’t start or starts intermittently
Law Tigers: Trusted Nationwide Network of Motorcycle Lawyers
Even if you keep your bike in prime working condition with regular motorcycle battery maintenance and general upkeep, accidents can still happen. If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, call our skilled legal team at Law Tigers at 888-863-7216 24/7 for a free case evaluation.
