Motorcycle Battery Care Guide

1. Understanding Your Battery

• Flooded (conventional) – requires regular checking of electrolyte levels.
• AGM/VRLA (sealed maintenance-free) – no water refill needed.
• Lithium-ion – lightweight, long-lasting, and low self-discharge.

Always use the correct battery type and size for your bike—check your owner’s manual or use a reliable battery finder.

2. Charging Best Practices

• Keep it fully charged: Ride regularly (30+ mins at moderate RPM) to maintain charge. Idling isn’t enough.
• Use a smart trickle charger: Prevents over/under-charging and combats self-discharge.
• Avoid deep-discharge cycles; once voltage drops below ~12.4 V, recharge immediately.

3. Maintenance Checklist

4. Proper Storage

• Short-term storage (<2 weeks): Confirm full charge; reconnect charger if needed.
• Long-term storage: Remove battery, clean it, store in a cool dry place (10–15 °C), and recharge every 3 months (AGM) or monthly (flooded).

5. Monitoring & Testing

• Use a voltmeter or hydrometer:
  • AGM: 12.8–13.0 V = fully charged
  • Flooded: 1.265–1.280 SG via hydrometer
• Conductance tester/load test: Ideal for sealed batteries to identify weak cells.

6. Recognising a Failing Battery

• Slow cranking, dim lights, clicking noises
• Swollen casing or acid smell
• Inability to hold charge after recharging

7. Replacement Guidelines

• Lifespan: Typically 3–5 years; AGM/lithium may last longer.
• Choosing a new one: Match the voltage, CCA, Ah, and terminal layout. Consider lithium if weight/performance matters.
• Installation steps:
  1. Disconnect negative, then positive terminal.
  2. Remove old battery, insert new.
  3. Connect positive first, then negative.
  4. Securely mount and test (lights, starter, horn).
• Dispose of the old battery responsibly at a recycling center.