Choosing and Installing a Motorcycle Battery

Although a motorcycle battery and other typestenders offer charging amperage of from 1/2
of vehicle batteries are built for longevity, overamp up to 2 amps. NOTE: NEVER USE AN
time batteries will slow down and eventually wearAUTOMOBILE BATTERY CHARGER ON YOUR
out. This occurs when the sulfate that flows overPOWERSPORT SEALED BATTERY. Although
the plates begins to build up a residue on therecharging seems like a simple process, as a
plates, slowly diminishing the conductivity. In thisgeneral rule of thumb always wear protective eye
article you'll find useful information for choosing,wear and refrain from smoking as you are
installing, and maintaining your next motorcycleworking with explosive gasses.
battery.You'll also want to ensure that there is no
Choosing the correct size:electrolyte covering the plates before adding
In order to choose the right size motorcyclewater or recharging. Once you add the water,
battery, you'll need to know the cold crankingmake sure that the vent caps are reinstalled
amps (CCA) of your bike. Technically speaking,before charging. Never recharge a motorcycle
CCA is the number of amps a lead-acid batterybattery or any type of vehicle battery with the
at 0ºF can deliver for 30 seconds andvent caps open. When you've finished charging,
maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell. Once youturn off the charger before removing the charger
determine the required CCA, you'll need tocables from the motorcycle battery.
measure the length, width, and height of theActivating your new battery:
cavity to ensure a correct fit.If you recently purchased a conventional battery,
Removal and installation basics:you may need to activate your motorcycle
When the time comes to replace yourbattery. Activating a non-sealed battery is the
motorcycle battery, never remove the batteryprocess of adding acid and charging the battery
while the engine is running. If for reason it doesto the point of optimum functionality. To do this,
not have a charge, always remove the negativeremove the sealing tube and filling plugs, fill the
cable before the positive. When installing the newbattery with electrolyte, let the battery stand for
battery, reverse the order and connect theabout 30 minutes, then charge the battery for 3
positive cable first before connecting the negative.to 5 hours at approximately 1/6 of the rated
Take extra caution to identify the positive andcapacity. Sealed motorcycle batteries require
negative terminals before attaching the cables.much less maintenance and never require
Accidentally reversing the polarity can cause theadditional electrolyte.
battery to explode or inflict a great deal ofIf you find yourself needing to recharge your
damage to your bike's electrical system.battery on a consistent basis, it's probably time to
Recharging:replace it to avoid getting stuck when you're
If the battery won't start or seems dull, you mayready to ride. To ensure that your new battery
only need to recharge it. Always check thehas a long life, it's imperative to find the right size
voltage of your motorcycle battery beforefor your bike and not to overcharge. Using a
recharging and never charge your battery at anbattery that is too large for your bike or
amperage more than 1/6 the rated capacity ofovercharging the battery are the two most
your battery. For example, it you have a 7common causes reducing a battery's lifespan.
amp-hour battery, you should not charge it at anSpending a little time choosing the right battery
amperage of more than 1 amps. If you have annow means enjoying years of enjoyable,
18 amp-hour battery, you can charge it at astress-free motorcycle rides in the future..
maximum of 3 amps. Therefore, most battery