All You Need To Learn about Motorcycle Batteries675314

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Low maintenance and relatively lightweight with low energy consumption and even lower environmental impact, you can easily see why motorcycles are probably the most convenient modes of transportation. Riding on a motorcycle can be a fun and enjoyable experience, however, regardless of how great your motorcycle is, with no motorcycle battery, then you definitely won't be getting any exciting rides from this. The battery is essentially the heart of your motorcycle, it gives you the power required to kick-start the engine your and without one, the motorcycle cannot function. Now, should you expect to get the most from your lithium motorcycle battery pros and cons, then its only logical that know you just as much about it as you possibly can. Which is why, in this post, we will bring you everything you need to find out about motorcycle batteries to obtain the best out of your battery and by extension, your motorcycle.


Forms of Motorcycle Batteries There are different types of motorcycle batteries currently available on the market today. The main classification of motorcycle batteries is founded on if they are sealed, unsealed and rechargeable. Batteries may also be categorized based on their size, shape and amperage ratings. In this article, 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 aren't as common in newer bikes since the sealed and easy to maintain types. The wet cell lead acid battery is a kind of unsealed battery.

   •    Wet cell lead acid battery

This battery sometimes known as the flooded lead-acid battery. It is one of the most used battery types in motorcycles. The distinguishing characteristic of wet lead acid batteries is because they need to be regularly topped off with distilled water in order to avoid damages for the motorcycle battery. It electrolytes can be a mix of distilled water and sulphuric acid. Now, this electrolyte needs to be maintained in the appropriate concentration within the battery. However, when the battery will be charged, water sheds from the wet cells through evaporation. Hence, to maintain the electrolyte concentration, and also by extension, the health insurance and longevity of the battery, wet cell batteries need to be topped off with distilled water occasionally. In addition to the need for regular maintenance, an important disadvantage to wet cell batteries would be that the maintenance process may be hazardous owing to the presence of the caustic sulphuric acid which could cause burns whether 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 kind of maintenance. Basically, when you buy a sealed battery, there is no need to worry about recharging it or topping from the battery fluids. Because these batteries are sealed, they are 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 keep your battery charged stop at the appropriate concentration and will not need refilling. Today, most new motorcycles utilize the sealed and easy to maintain batteries. There are 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 type of sealed motorcycle battery and because the name implies, the battery is filled with silica like gel in charge of suspending the electrolytes in the cell. Due to their sealed functionality, unlike a wet lead acid battery, gel cell batteries do not require maintenance. Even if the battery breaks, there won't be any spillage or leaking of electrolytes. Also, they aren't prone to corrosion, many thanks 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 type of battery is so named as it comes with a mat which is designed to absorb the electrolytes in the battery cells, in a way that the solution doesn't slop around as it does in flooded cell batteries. AGM batteries are commonly used in motorcycles with gas engines and they are the latest battery technology. Like the gel cell batteries, AGM batteries come sealed and therefore do not require any sort of maintenance. Although their performance output is similar to that relating to gel cell batteries, AGM batteries usually are not as expensive as his or her sealed counterpart which will explain why they may be more commonly used. Features to take into account When Buying a motorbike Battery Don't assume all motorcycle batteries are the same, and we are not just talking about when they are sealed or unsealed in this instance. Batteries can be found in a wide range of specifications so if you're looking to get a fresh battery for your motorcycle, aside from making sure that it is a type created for the engine of one's motorbike, there are other specifications you will need to look out for before you make a purchase. There are a selection of possibilities and it can be overwhelming picking out a battery that performs satisfactory performance unless you know what to choose. That said, here are some features you should look out for to help you narrow down your quest to ensure you get the very best motorcycle battery to your motorbike.

   •    Size and material

Think about consider when you're looking to buy a bike battery will be the size of battery and the materials it is made with. It's imperative to make certain that dimensions of the brand new battery act like those of current battery for this to fit your engine perfectly. A small battery may rattle around, unable to reach the cables while a larger battery could damage your bike. Therefore, it goes without saying that locating a battery which is compatible with your motorcycle is most important. About the construction, be aware of materials which are durable and provide resistance to heat, pressure, and vibration since these elements are capable of damaging your battery.

   •    Power rating

The power rating of the motorcycle battery is represented in volts, this technical detail is a major determinant from the overall performance of your motorcycle battery. Every motorcycle has a voltage requirement of optimal productivity. Using a battery that will not meet your motorcycle's voltage requirement will bring about a lowering of its performance. About the average, a bike battery possesses 12-volts, however, your bike might need something higher or lower based on its model. Before you complete purchasing, ensure that the voltage with the battery meets the specifications for your motorcycle to avoid damaging it. In the event of doubt, a higher power rating is usually recommended.

   •    Cold Cranking Amps

The Cold Cranking Amps often abbreviated to CCA will be the number of amps a lead acid battery is capable of doing delivering at 32°F (or O°C) for Thirty seconds while it looks after a minimum of 1.2 volts per cell. If your bike remains new with just a few miles about it, then you might want to go for a battery with lower amps. However, older models of motorcycles or bikes which have a substantial quantity of miles on the engine will require batteries having a higher CCA.

   •    Performance

Another factor to take into consideration will be the performance of the battery, this refers to the power your battery can perform producing. A battery with low power will need more frequent maintenance and charging than these with a higher power. Your riding style will determine the performance from the battery you get. If you often ride with greater regularity, you will need a battery with a lot better than average performance. You don't want to have to ask you for battery continually while you're on a long ride. Because not only is this time wasting, it'll definitely reduce the longevity of the battery.

   •    Warranty

It's understandable that you should always choose a battery by having an extended warranty in the manufacturer. By doing this, if the battery develops any fault within the period of coverage, you could return it for the manufacturer for assist with it. How to Install a Motorcycle Battery Here are the basic guidelines for installing a bike battery

   •    Step one, remove the old battery. To get this done, first of all, disconnect the bolt in the negative wire and place it away from the positive wire and metals.
   •    Next, disconnect the positive cable in the bolt, equally as in step one. After successful disconnection, gently take away the old battery in the holder.
   •    Place the new battery inside 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 battery is secured instead and you are done.

Battery Maintenance and care 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 need frequent maintenance to ensure that their functionality is not lost in recent times. When it comes to batteries, one thing is certain, they are going to definitely fail eventually, how long it lasts will be dependent on how you treat it even though it is still functioning. According to manufacturers, the common 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. Listed below are some motorcycle battery care and maintenance tips to make sure that your batteries have a healthy and long lifespan.

   •    Always undertake visual checks as frequently as possible, at least one time every month is suggested. Clean it posts and terminals regularly to avoid accumulation of dirt and sulfates, the dirty connection can make it harder for battery to start the engine. Use a steel wire brush to completely clean around the battery posts, water, and sodium bicarbonate will take care of the sulfate develop. Also, remember to check the connections to ensure there are no loose wires.
   •    Top off the water amounts of your battery cells with sterilized water at least twice per month to keep the electrolyte concentration in the required level.
   •    Never enable your battery to get fully discharged before charging it. However, if the battery is totally discharged and also you need to jumpstart it, ensure that it is fully charged prior to deciding to set out to ride from it.
   •    Do not overcharge your motorcycle battery since this will only increase the chances of battery damage. Employing a smart motorcycle wall 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 a smart charger won't only keep your battery at optimum voltage, it will likewise ensure that the ECU memories and alarm systems are kept active.
   •    Most batteries are not designed fully charged so always ensure your new motorcycle battery has been fully charged before setting it up in your engine.
   •    A motorcycle battery isn't supposed to be warm to feel while it is charging. If you see an increase in temperature while charging it, disconnect it and let it cool before trying to recharge it. Overheating while charging may 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, be aware that you are dealing with explosive gases so 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 might be done charging your battery, to start with, switch off the charger before disconnecting the cables with the charger from the battery.

Factors that may Damage Motorcycle Batteries Now that you know how to look after your motorcycle battery, it's also advisable to learn about the factors that damage your battery and shorten its lifespan drastically. Here are some of the things you need to avoid while confronting a motorcycle battery;

   •    Heat

Exposing your battery to excessive heat will destroy it. Store your motorcycle battery in cool not although not cold temperatures. High temperatures will increase the rate of launch of batteries and temperatures beyond 130°F are designed for drastically reducing the lifespan of the battery. Do not allow your battery overheat whilst it far from heat if you want it to last long.

   •    Vibration

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

   •    Freezing

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

   •    Riding style

Your riding style will have a huge impact on how long your battery lasts. Short trips which involve turning the engine on / off frequently, will draw current repeatedly because the battery will have to work harder to ignite the engine any time you turn it on. This may cause the battery to release at a quicker rate. Thus, if you are going to be driving around the city a whole lot, you may want to be cautious about your battery.

Conclusion It wouldn't be unnatural to say that the battery is one of the most important areas of the motorcycle because, without them, you will not be going anywhere your bike. The guide offers everything you need to know about motorcycle batteries - in the different types of motorcycle batteries to features to take into account 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 promise that will get the best your battery.