All You Need To Know About Motorcycle Batteries3994582

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Easy to maintain and relatively lightweight with low energy consumption and also lower environmental impact, it is possible to see why motorcycles are among the most convenient modes of transportation. Riding on the motorcycle could be a fun and enjoyable experience, however, it doesn't matter how great your motorcycle is, with no motorcycle battery, then you won't be getting any exciting rides from it. The battery is essentially the heart of your motorcycle, it offers the power needed to kick-start the engine to life and without one, the motorcycle cannot function. Now, in the event you expect to get the most out of your motorcycle battery, then it's only logical that know you just as much about it as you can. Which is why, in this post, we will bring you everything you need to find out about motorcycle batteries to help you get the best from your battery and also by extension, your motorcycle.


Forms of Motorcycle Batteries There are different types of motorcycle batteries available today on the market today. The main classification of motorcycle batteries is dependant on if they are sealed, unsealed and rechargeable. Batteries can be categorized based on their size, shape and amperage ratings. In this post, we are going to concentrate on the main classification of sealed, unsealed and rechargeable batteries. Unsealed battery Unsealed batteries are the type of batteries that require regular maintenance by recharging. They're known as the “old style lead acid batteries” and are not as common in newer bikes because the sealed and maintenance free types. The wet cell lead acid battery is a type of unsealed battery.

   •    Wet cell lead acid battery

This battery sometimes known as the flooded lead-acid battery. It really is one of the most used battery types in motorcycles. The distinguishing sign of wet lead acid batteries is they need to be regularly topped off with distilled water to prevent damages to the motorcycle battery. Battery electrolytes is a mix of distilled water and sulphuric acid. Now, this electrolyte has to be maintained in the appropriate concentration inside battery. However, if the battery will be charged, water sheds from the wet cells through evaporation. Hence, to keep up the electrolyte concentration, and also by extension, the health insurance longevity of it, wet cell batteries need to be topped with distilled water occasionally. Aside from the need for regular maintenance, a significant disadvantage to wet cell batteries is the maintenance process could be hazardous owing to the presence of the caustic sulphuric acid which may cause burns if it comes in contact with skin and clothing. Thus, extreme care is recommended when handling this type of batteries. Sealed battery Sealed motorcycle batteries come premade and do not require any sort of maintenance. Basically, by collecting a sealed battery, there is no need to worry about recharging it or topping off of the battery fluids. Since these batteries are sealed, they may be by function, non-spillable and don't need to be recharged. Hence, there is no point where moisture is lost to evaporation and therefore, the electrolytes that maintain the battery charged stay at the appropriate concentration and will not need refilling. Today, most new motorcycles use the sealed and easy to maintain batteries. There's 2 main types of sealed battery namely; the gel cell battery as well as the AGM battery.

   •    Gel cell battery

The gel cell battery is a kind of sealed motorcycle battery and because the name implies, it is filled with silica like gel accountable for suspending the electrolytes inside the cell. Due to their sealed functionality, unlike a wet lead acid battery, gel cell batteries do not need maintenance. Set up battery breaks, there won't be any spillage or leaking of electrolytes. Also, they're not prone to corrosion, thanks again to the sealed design.

   •    AGM battery

The Absorbed Glass Mat battery, popularly abbreviated to AGM battery is a kind of lead-acid motorcycle battery. This kind of battery is indeed named as it comes with a mat which can be designed to absorb the electrolytes within the battery cells, in a way that the solution will not slop around since it does in flooded cell batteries. AGM batteries are generally used in motorcycles with gas engines plus they are the latest battery technology. Such as the gel cell batteries, AGM batteries come sealed and therefore do not require any kind of maintenance. Although their performance output is similar to that of gel cell batteries, AGM batteries are not as expensive his or her sealed counterpart which will explain why they're more commonly used. Features to think about When Buying a motorbike Battery Not all motorcycle batteries are top quality, and we are not only talking about if they are sealed or unsealed in this instance. Batteries can be purchased in a wide range of specifications and if you are looking to get a fresh battery for your motorcycle, aside from making sure that it's a type designed for the engine of one's motorbike, there are many specifications you will need to look out for prior to making a purchase. There are a number of possibilities and it can be overwhelming picking out a battery that performs satisfactory performance if you do not know what to choose. That said, here are a few features you need to look out for that can help you narrow down your quest to ensure you get the best motorcycle battery for the motorbike.

   •    Size and material

Think about consider when you're looking to buy a motorbike battery is the size of it and the materials it really is made with. It's imperative to make certain that dimensions of the new battery resemble those of current battery because of it to fit your engine perfectly. A small battery may rattle around, struggling to reach the cables while a bigger battery could damage your bike. As a result, it goes without saying that locating a battery which is compatible with your motorcycle is very important. About the construction, be aware of materials which can be durable and gives resistance to heat, pressure, and vibration because these elements are capable of damaging your battery.

   •    Power rating

The ability rating of the motorcycle battery is represented in volts, this technical detail is really a major determinant of the overall performance of one's motorcycle battery. Every motorcycle includes a voltage requirement of optimal productivity. Employing a battery that may not meet your motorcycle's voltage requirement brings about a lowering of its performance. About the average, a bike battery possesses 12-volts, however, your bike might need something higher or lower depending on its model. Before you complete the purchase, ensure that the voltage from the battery meets the specifications for the motorcycle to prevent damaging it. In the event of doubt, an increased power rating is always recommended.

   •    Cold Cranking Amps

The Cold Cranking Amps often abbreviated to CCA is the number of amps a lead acid battery is capable of delivering at 32°F (or O°C) for Half a minute while it maintains a minimum of 1.2 volts per cell. In case your bike remains new with just a few miles onto it, then you might desire to go for a battery with lower amps. However, older types of motorcycles or bikes which have a substantial number of miles about the engine will need batteries having a higher CCA.

   •    Performance

Take into consideration to take into consideration may be the performance with the battery, this means the power your battery is capable of producing. Battery power with low power will demand more frequent maintenance and charging compared to those with a higher power. Your riding style determine the performance from the battery you receive. If you tend to ride with greater regularity, you will need a battery with much better than average performance. You don't want to have to charge you battery continually during a long ride. Because along with this being time wasting, it'll definitely decrease the longevity of the battery.

   •    Warranty

It's obvious that you should always choose a battery with an extended warranty from your manufacturer. This way, if the battery develops any fault within the period of coverage, you can always return it towards the manufacturer for assist with it. The way to Install a Motorcycle Battery Listed here are the basic guidelines for installing a bike battery

   •    The first step, remove the old battery. To get this done, first of all, disconnect the bolt from your negative wire and put it from the positive wire and metals.
   •    Next, disconnect the positive cable in the bolt, equally as in step one. After successful disconnection, gently remove the old battery from the holder.
   •    Place the brand new battery in the battery holder and begin reconnecting the disconnected cables.
   •    This time around, start with the positive cable. Attach the positive wire for the positive terminal then connect the negative wire to its terminal. 
   •    Ensure the battery is secured as a substitute and you are done.

Battery Care and Maintenance Tips As previously mentioned, some batteries are easy to maintain, hence, they don't require the any type of special care or attention to keep them running in excellent condition. However, the standard motorcycle batteries require regular maintenance to ensure their functionality is not lost in recent times. When it comes to batteries, something is certain, they'll definitely fail 1 day, how long it lasts will probably be dependent on the way you treat it while it is still functioning. In accordance with manufacturers, the typical life expectancy of the motorcycle battery is between Two to five years. Nonetheless, if you don't take proper care of your battery, you will probably find yourself needing a replacement sooner than later. Right here motorcycle battery maintenance and care tips to ensure that your batteries enjoy a healthy and long lifespan.

   •    Always undertake visual checks as frequently as possible, one or more times every month is usually recommended. Clean it posts and terminals regularly to prevent accumulation of dirt and sulfates, the dirty connection causes it to be harder for battery to start the engine. You can use a steel wire brush to completely clean around the battery posts, water, and sodium bicarbonate will take care of the sulfate build-up. Also, be sure you check the connections to make certain there are no loose wires.
   •    Top from the water amounts of your battery cells with sterilized water at least twice per month to keep the electrolyte concentration on the required level.
   •    Never enable your battery to get fully discharged before charging it. However, if your battery is completely discharged and you need to jumpstart it, make certain that it is fully charged prior to deciding to set out to ride by using it.
   •    Do not overcharge your motorcycle battery as this will only raise the chances of battery damage. Utilizing a smart motorcycle wall charger is one way to avoid your battery from overcharging. Just plug it to your bike and once the battery has been fully charged, the smart charger will disconnect automatically. Connecting your battery to some smart charger will not just keep your battery at optimum voltage, it will likewise ensure that the ECU memories and alarm systems are kept active.
   •    Most batteries do not come fully charged so always ensure your new motorcycle battery is fully charged before installation in your engine.
   •    A motorcycle battery isn't supposed to be warm to the touch while it is charging. If you notice an increase in temperature while charging battery, disconnect it and allow it to cool before trying to recharge it. Overheating while charging can cause the lead plates with the battery to warp which will inevitably damage your battery.
   •    While recharging your battery might appear to be an easy process, always remember that you are working with explosive gases therefore it is best to wear protective clothing. 
   •    Never charge your battery with open vent caps. Always reinstall your caps after adding water before starting the recharging process.
   •    When you are done charging your battery, to begin with, switch off the charger before disconnecting the cables from the charger from the battery.

Factors that will Damage Motorcycle Batteries Now you know how to care for your motorcycle battery, it's also wise to learn about the factors that damage your battery and shorten its lifespan drastically. Here are some of the things you should avoid when confronted with a motorcycle battery;

   •    Heat

Exposing your battery to excessive heat will destroy it. Store your motorcycle battery in cool not however, not cold temperatures. High temperatures will increase the rate of launch of batteries and temperatures beyond 130°F are capable of drastically decreasing the lifespan of the battery. Do not allow your battery overheat whilst it from heat if you want it to go very far.

   •    Vibration

If your battery just isn't properly mounted, then vibrations from your motorcycle might cause the battery to rattle. The worst thing you need can be your motorcycle battery rattling around inside your engine. Make sure that your batteries are properly mounted if you would like it to last longer. You can install bumpers and supports inside your battery box to aid. If the type of your motorcycle will have strong vibrations, then a maintenance free battery will be the more suitable type for it.

   •    Freezing

Unless your battery is fully charged, then it shouldn't be stored at really low temperatures. It is because, at sub-freezing temperatures, it cells will discharge, turning the acid to water that will freeze at 32°F. Beyond discharging it, such low temperatures can buckle the plates and crack the situation, damaging the battery.

   •    Riding style

Your riding style have a huge impact on how long your battery lasts. Short trips that entail turning the engine off and on frequently, will draw current repeatedly as the battery will have to work harder to ignite the engine when you turn it on. This makes the battery to discharge at a quicker rate. Thus, if you are planning to be driving across the city a whole lot, you may want to be cautious about your battery.

Conclusion It wouldn't be out of place to say the battery is probably the most important parts of the motorcycle because, without it, you will not be going anywhere with this bike. This informative guide offers all you need to know about motorcycle batteries - from your different types of motorcycle batteries to features to take into account when you are searching for the best motorcycle battery along with maintenance tips on how to take care of your battery. Follow the guide and we can guarantee that will get the most from your battery.