Riding life can and must be easier nowadays, thanks to all technological advances we are constantly witnessing, but also to the wide range of options bikers face when it comes to motorcycle batteries and accessories. What kind of battery one chooses, its life span and all its technical details can make a huge difference on the bike’s performance and driver’s safety.
Thinking about replacing your motorcycle’s battery? Here are 10 things to know about them.
1. Types of batteries
Wondering what type of battery is best suitable for your motorcycle? Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries are designed to serve your rides, and there are two options when it comes to them – Gel cell batteries and Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries. You should know that AGM batteries, used in gas engines, are more efficient, popular, cost-efficient in terms of service life, as they represent the latest advances in technology.
2. Choosing the right motorcycle battery
AGM batteries should be your first option when deciding to purchase a new motorcycle battery. Due to their robust design, leakage or spilling rarely occur. They can be easily stored without special conditions, they have a good service life, life expectancy and great overall performance. It also has a faster charge rate. Their price might be a little bit higher, but measuring that to all its advantages, the value for money over the long term is undeniable.
3. Markings
Each battery will have some numbers printed, each stating essential information about the product. They are used to identify specs like the battery model, the Pulse Current, also known as PC, and Pulse-Hot-Cranking-Amp (PHCA).
4. Electric bikes batteries would work for my motorcycle?
Long story short, the answer is no, it would be best to avoid them. Their chemical composition is different, and they are unsuitable for motorbikes with gas engines.
5. Battery Performance and CCA
CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps, used to measure your battery performance. The higher it is, the better will the battery perform at start-up. It also makes the difference in cold weather, as it can deliver at 0°F for 30 seconds, while not dropping below 7.2 volts.
6. Fast charge
Not all motorcycle batteries can benefit from fast charging, so make sure you do your research before considering it. In some cases, it may even impact the battery’s life.
7. Charging motorcycle batteries
Thinking about storing your battery for winter? Make sure you’re fully charging your battery before doing it. Standard AGM batteries can experience irreversible damage if not charged completely and they can become prone to failure, as undercharging them may lead to sulfation deposits. A manufacturer’s manual should solve all your issues on charging your motorcycle battery.
8. Storage
A dry room with a constant temperature would be the ideal storage place for your battery. Depending on your battery’s type, a manufactures manual should provide you with all the information needed to safely store your battery.
9. Recycling
Old motorcycle batteries should and can be recycled. You can have them collected, packed and shipped to a recycling center by simply returning them to various recycling locations. You can opt from auto service shops, auto parts retailers, auto dealerships, and so on.
10. Safety issues
Always make sure you’re wearing safety accessories when you’re dealing with your battery, such as gloves and safety glasses. Avoid body contact (mostly if the battery’s old and acid leaks are possible) as it can damage your skin.