All You Need To Learn about Motorcycle Batteries345386

Easy to maintain and relatively lightweight with low energy consumption and even lower environmental impact, it is possible to see why motorcycles are probably the most convenient modes of transportation. Riding over a motorcycle can be a fun and enjoyable experience, however, regardless how great your motorcycle is, with no motorcycle battery, you then won't be getting any exciting rides from this. The battery is basically the heart of one's motorcycle, it offers the power required to kick-start the engine your and without it, the motorcycle cannot function. Now, if you expect to get the most from your motorcycle battery, then it's only logical that know you the maximum amount of about it as is possible. Which is why, in this post, we will enable you to get everything you need to find out about motorcycle batteries to acquire the best out of your battery by extension, your motorcycle.

Types of Motorcycle Batteries There are numerous types of motorcycle batteries currently available on the market today. The primary classification of motorcycle batteries is dependant on if they are sealed, unsealed and rechargeable. Batteries can also 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 types of batteries which need regular maintenance by recharging. They're known as the “old style lead acid batteries” and aren't as common in newer bikes because the sealed and maintenance free types. The wet cell lead acid battery is a form of unsealed battery.

   •    Wet cell lead acid battery

This battery sometimes referred to as the flooded lead-acid battery. It's one of the most used battery types in motorcycles. The distinguishing manifestation of wet lead acid batteries is they need to be regularly topped with distilled water in order to avoid damages to the motorcycle battery. Battery electrolytes is really a mix of distilled water and sulphuric acid. Now, this electrolyte must be maintained at the appropriate concentration inside the battery. However, when the battery is being charged, water the skin loses from the wet cells through evaporation. Hence, to maintain the electrolyte concentration, by extension, the health insurance and longevity of the battery, wet cell batteries have to be topped off with distilled water occasionally. In addition to the need for regular maintenance, an important disadvantage to wet cell batteries is that the maintenance process may be hazardous because of the presence of the caustic sulphuric acid which may cause burns when it comes in contact with skin and clothing. Thus, extreme care is recommended when handling this sort of batteries. Sealed battery Sealed motorcycle batteries come available and do not require any type of maintenance. Basically, by collecting a sealed battery, there is no need to worry about recharging it or topping off the battery fluids. As these batteries are sealed, they may be by function, non-spillable and never need to be recharged. Hence, there is no point where moisture sheds to evaporation and therefore, the electrolytes that maintain the battery charged remain at the appropriate concentration and will not need refilling. Today, most new motorcycles use the sealed and maintenance free batteries. There's two 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 as the name implies, it is filled with silica like gel in charge of suspending the electrolytes within the cell. Because of their sealed functionality, unlike a wet lead acid battery, gel cell batteries do not require maintenance. Set up battery breaks, there won't be any spillage or leaking of electrolytes. Also, they are 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 because it comes with a mat which can be designed to absorb the electrolytes within the battery cells, so that the solution doesn't slop around since it does in flooded cell batteries. AGM batteries are normally used in motorcycles with gas engines and they are the latest battery technology. Such as the gel cell batteries, AGM batteries come sealed and as such do not require any sort of maintenance. Although their performance output is similar to that of gel cell batteries, AGM batteries aren't as expensive as his or her sealed counterpart which would explain why they're more commonly used. Features to take into account When Buying a motorbike Battery Not all motorcycle batteries are created equal, and we are not merely talking about when they are sealed or unsealed in cases like this. Batteries can be found in a wide range of specifications so if you're looking to get a new battery for your motorcycle, aside from making sure that this is a type made for the engine of your motorbike, there are other specifications you will need to look out for before you make a purchase. There are a range of possibilities and it can be overwhelming deciding on a battery that will deliver satisfactory performance if you don't know what to get. That said, here are some features you have to look out for to help you narrow down your search to ensure you get the most effective motorcycle battery for your motorbike.

   •    Size and material

One thing to consider if you are looking to buy a motorcycle battery will be the size of the battery and the materials it really is made with. It is imperative to be sure that the dimensions of the brand new battery are similar to 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 larger battery could damage your bike. Therefore, it goes without saying that getting a battery which is compatible with your motorcycle is of utmost importance. About the construction, consider materials which are durable and gives resistance to heat, pressure, and vibration because these elements are designed for damaging your battery.

   •    Power rating

The energy rating of the motorcycle battery is represented in volts, this technical detail can be a major determinant of the overall performance of the motorcycle battery. Every motorcycle has a voltage requirement for optimal productivity. Using a battery that may not meet your motorcycle's voltage requirement brings about a decrease in its performance. About the average, a motorbike battery possesses 12-volts, however, your bike may need something higher or lower depending on its model. Prior to deciding to complete the acquisition, ensure that the voltage with the battery meets the specifications for the motorcycle to avoid damaging it. Within the of doubt, an increased power rating is usually recommended.

   •    Cold Cranking Amps

The Cold Cranking Amps often abbreviated to CCA is the number of amps a lead acid battery can perform delivering at 32°F (or O°C) for 30 seconds while it maintains a minimum of 1.2 volts per cell. In case your bike continues to be new with only a few miles on it, then you might want to go for a battery with lower amps. However, older models of motorcycles or bikes which may have a substantial quantity of miles on the engine will require batteries having a higher CCA.

   •    Performance

Take into consideration to take into consideration may be the performance of the battery, this refers to the power your battery is capable of producing. Battery power with low power will require more frequent maintenance and charging than these with a higher power. Your riding style will determine the performance from the battery you obtain. If you have a tendency to ride more frequently, you will need a battery with a lot better than average performance. You don't want to have to charge you battery continually while you're on a long ride. Because not only is this time wasting, it's going to definitely reduce the longevity of the battery.

   •    Warranty

It's understandable that you should always get a battery having an extended warranty from your manufacturer. This way, if the battery develops any fault inside the period of coverage, you can always return it for the manufacturer for assist with it. The way to Install a Motorcycle Battery Listed below are the basic guidelines for installing a motorbike battery

   •    The 1st step, remove the old battery. To achieve this, first of all, disconnect the bolt from your negative wire and place it out of the positive wire and metals.
   •    Next, disconnect the positive cable in the bolt, just as in the 1st step. After successful disconnection, gently eliminate the old battery from your holder.
   •    Place the newest battery within the battery holder and commence reconnecting the disconnected cables.
   •    This time, start with the positive cable. Attach the positive wire to the positive terminal then connect the negative wire for the terminal. 
   •    Ensure it 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 kind of special care or awareness of keep them running in excellent condition. However, the traditional motorcycle batteries need regular maintenance to ensure that their functionality is not lost through the years. When it comes to batteries, one thing is certain, they are going to definitely fail 1 day, how long it lasts will be dependent on how you treat it even though it is still functioning. In accordance with manufacturers, the typical life expectancy of a motorcycle battery is between 2 to 5 years. Nonetheless, if you don't take proper care of your battery, you might find yourself needing an alternative sooner than later. Below are some motorcycle battery maintenance and care tips to ensure that your batteries enjoy a healthy and long lifespan.

   •    Always undertake visual checks as much as possible, one or more times every month is recommended. Clean battery posts and terminals regularly in order to avoid 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 wash around the battery posts, water, and baking soda will take care of the sulfate develop. Also, be sure you check the connections to make sure there are no loose wires.
   •    Top off the water levels of your battery cells with distilled water at least twice monthly to keep the electrolyte concentration on the required level.
   •    Never allow your battery being fully discharged before charging it. However, in case your battery is totally discharged and also you need to jumpstart it, ensure that it is fully charged before you set out to ride by using it.
   •    Do not overcharge your motorcycle battery because this will only raise the chances of battery damage. Employing a smart motorcycle battery charger is one way to prevent your battery from overcharging. Just plug it in your bike as soon as the battery is fully charged, the smart charger will disconnect automatically. Connecting your battery to some smart charger won't only keep your battery at optimum voltage, it will ensure that the ECU memories and home security systems are kept active.
   •    Most batteries do not come fully charged so always ensure that 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 see 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 of the battery to warp that will inevitably damage your battery.
   •    While recharging your battery seems to be an easy process, remember that you are coping with explosive gases so it's best to wear protective clothing. 
   •    Never charge your battery with open vent caps. Always reinstall your caps after adding water before beginning the recharging process.
   •    When you are done charging your battery, first of all, switch off the charger before disconnecting the cables of the charger from the battery.

Factors that may Damage Motorcycle Batteries If you are 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 a few 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 but not cold temperatures. High temperatures will increase the rate of relieve batteries and temperatures beyond 130°F are designed for drastically reducing the lifespan of the battery. Don't let your battery overheat whilst it far from heat if you'd like it to last long.

   •    Vibration

In case your battery just isn't properly mounted, then vibrations from the motorcycle might cause the battery to rattle. The very last thing you need is the motorcycle battery rattling around in your engine. Make sure that your batteries are properly mounted if you would like it to last longer. You can install bumpers and supports within your battery box to aid. If the type of your motorcycle tends to have strong vibrations, then the maintenance free battery is the more suitable type because of it.

   •    Freezing

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

   •    Riding style

Your riding style have a huge impact on how long your battery lasts. Short trips which involve turning the engine on and off frequently, will draw current repeatedly since the battery will have to work harder to ignite the engine when you turn it on. This will cause the battery to release at a quicker rate. Thus, if you are going to be driving round the city a whole lot, you may want to look out for your battery.

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