The Top 7 Ways to Maintain Your Motorcycle Battery
Thu, 9 May 2024It’s horrifying to even imagine yourself stranded on the roadside with your beloved motorcycle or motorbike (whichever you prefer) due to its dead battery. It’s so frustrating!!
Just like the heart of your trusty two-wheeler, a healthy battery is what gets you where you want to go when you want to. But unlike an engine, a motorcycle battery does need a little extra TLC to keep it performing at its best.
So, how do you ensure your motorcycle battery never leaves you hanging???
This blog will provide you with ways to maintain your motorcycle battery and keep it running strong, acting like a battery booster.
Ways for Maintaining Motorcycle Batteries
1. Know Your Battery Type
Every motorcycle is unique, just like its battery. Some bikes roll with sealed or gel batteries that don't need much fuss, while others rock the flooded lead-acid ones that demand a bit more attention.
If you've got one of those, it's all about keeping an eye on the electrolyte levels (only use distilled water!) to avoid any issues. Knowing what type of battery you're working with means you can give it the TLC it needs and make it last longer.
2. Keep it Charged (Especially During Storage)
Motorcycle batteries are designed to be constantly cycled through charging and discharging. Short trips don't allow the battery to fully recharge. Take your bike for longer rides periodically to keep it healthy.
During extended storage periods, such as the winter months, consider using a motorcycle battery charger, preferably a tender. Unlike chargers, tenders deliver a small, constant current that keeps the battery topped up and prevents it from losing its charge over time. Aim for a storage voltage between 12.6-13.2 volts.
3. Clean and Maintain Regularly
Corrosion buildup on your battery terminals can mess with how well your battery works and cause a weak connection. So, make sure you check those terminals often for any gross white stuff building up. If you see any, whip up a mixture of baking soda and water to clean it off and get rid of the corrosion. And don't forget to tighten up any loose connections with a wrench to keep the electricity flowing smoothly.
Additionally, if you've got some really stubborn corrosion hanging on, grab yourself a terminal cleaning brush. It's like a little scrubber that can help you really get in there and scrub away all the grime. Just give those terminals a good clean every now and then to keep your battery happy and your rides trouble-free. Remember to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
4. Avoid Short Trips Whenever Possible
Taking quick rides doesn't give your battery enough juice. See, the thing is, the alternator on your bike needs a bit of time to recharge the battery fully after you start it up and use the lights and stuff. So, if you can, aim for longer rides instead. It'll give your battery the chance to get fully charged up and stay that way, making it a happy camper.
Think about planning your trips ahead of time. If you know you've got a lot of short trips to make, try to combine them into one longer ride. Not only will this give your battery a chance to charge up properly, but it'll also save you time and gas in the long run.
5. Consider Upgrading It!
As batteries get older, they start losing their ability to hold a charge. If you're finding that your bike's having trouble starting up often, it could be a sign that your battery needs an upgrade. When you're picking out a new battery, think about things like cold cranking amps (CCA) – that's how much starting power you'll have in cold weather – and make sure the size fits your motorcycle. It's a good idea to chat with a mechanic to help you choose the perfect battery for what you need.
6. Look for Warning Signs of Battery Failure
Don’t ignore the red flags! Your bike's battery might be trying to tell you something if you notice a few things acting up. For example, if the engine's cranking slowly, the headlights seem dimmer than usual, or if you're having electrical problems, those could all be signs that your battery's on its way out.
If you notice any of these signs, it's a good idea to get your battery checked out by a qualified mechanic. Trust us, you don't want to end up stuck on the side of the road because of a dead battery.
7. Beat the Heat and the Cold
Extreme temperatures, whether they're scorching hot or freezing cold, can really put a strain on your battery's lifespan. So, whenever possible, find some shade to park your motorcycle during those blistering hot days. This will help keep your battery from overheating and wearing out prematurely.
Similarly, when the weather turns icy cold, consider using a battery tender to maintain a healthy charge. This little device will ensure that your battery stays juiced up and ready to go, even in the chilliest of conditions.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your motorcycle battery is super important. It helps make sure you don't end up stuck on the roadside with a dead battery, which is a total nightmare. By following these seven easy tips, you can keep your battery in great shape and avoid any frustrating situations when you're out riding.
So, don't wait until you're in trouble. Start looking after your battery today, and it'll be your trusty sidekick on every ride, making sure you get where you need to go without any hiccups.
And if you need an upgrade or are looking for a new battery, Batteries WA can help! We provide high-performance motorcycle batteries that are sure to impress.
Our offerings include motorcycle batteries, deep cycle car battery, golf cart batteries, and more. To explore further, click on the website, and for any queries, contact us. We'll be happy to help you out.