MOTORCYCLE BATTERY MAINTENANCE FOR THE NON-MECHANIC
Motorbike batteries are not as interesting as motorbikes.
But since they power the starter motor, the lights, and the ignition system, they are instrumental to keeping the spark alive in our motorbike passion.
Now, one could argue that most any motorcycle part is not as interesting to a biker who would rather be riding. Although that would be true, the thing about motorcycle batteries is that they are one of those parts that not only wear out in 3-5 years, IF you take good care of it, but they may last considerably less if they are not maintained. (Some riders need to replace them every spring….)
In brief, although a rider could blithely enjoy motorcycle adventures for many years without become too familiar with the mechanical aspects of a bike, there are a few items that demand attention. Certainly changing oil and tires would be at the top of the list. But not too far behind that would be proper battery maintenance.
THREE ASPECTS OF PROPER BATTERY MAINTENANCE
The good news about taking care of a motorbike battery is that it’s not hard.
The first part of proper battery maintenance is ensuring the electrical juice is at the right level, as indicated by the maximum and minimum “fill” lines etched into your battery. All that’s required to fill and top-off that electrolyte is adding distilled water (NOT tap water).
NOTE: We’re not talking about adding battery acid, we are simply talking about adding distilled water. Simple stuff!
On the other hand, you do NOT want to get any of the existing battery acid (electrolyte) on yourself, so it’s a good idea to wear protective gloves and safety glasses.
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE FAILURE OF MOTORCYCLE BATTERIES
The main reason batteries will not last their expected lifetime is because they are left unused in a motorcycle for a long time - like, say an entire winter. (Some riders do that, I know YOU wouldn’t).
Batteries are automatically recharged when the motorcycle is in operation, so not only do they lose their vital recharging when their bike is not being used, to make things worse, when they are stored in the cold, they get unhappy.
So, the second aspect of proper battery maintenance is removing it from your bike for the winter, or any multi-month period the engine will not be operated.
MOTORCYCLE BATTERY STORAGE
As part of this second aspect of battery maintenance, not only should it be removed from your bike in the winter, it should be stored in a location that is always warmer than 32 degrees. This keeps your battery from freezing and/or cracking. (Storing it in a cold garage is not the answer).
You’d think if you went to the trouble of disconnecting your battery from your bike and bringing it indoors that you should get a feather in your cap for being a good battery maintainer.
Unfortunately, you need to add one more element to your battery kindness to be properly awarded your feather: DO NOT store your battery on a concrete or metal surface, as this will discharge it over time. (Once again, storing it on a concrete - especially cold - garage floor is not the answer).
Instead, place the battery on a wood, plastic, heavy cardboard, or other non-conductive surface.
OK. You’ve done well with the first two aspects of battery maintenance, but there’s one more thing….
BATTERY TRICKLE CHARGERS
This last aspect of motorcycle battery maintenance is charging the battery while it is in storage. When a battery is not in use, and being charged, it is discharging. That darn thing loses charge every day!
Regular charging ensures a long life for your battery.
There are different types of battery chargers, and you’ll want to ensure you follow the directions as indicated by the manufacturer of the charger you use. A basic point of advice is never user a “car battery charger” to charge a motorcycle battery. They supply far more current than your motorcycle battery can handle.
A “smart” or “intelligent” motorcycle battery charger will continuously monitor your stored battery’s condition, and activate the charging mode when it is needed.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE CONCLUSION
All right, in review, the three parts of proper motorcycle battery maintenance are:
1) Keep your battery’s electrolyte filled to the proper level with distilled water. (Routine, all-year maintenance).
2) Remove your battery from your bike and store it on a wood or non-conducive surface in an area that does not get below 32 degrees. (Winter maintenance).
3) Trickle charge your battery to keep it in good charging condition. (Part of winter maintenance, but, depending upon the charger, can also be done during the riding months, while the battery is installed on the motorcycle, when the bike is not used regularly).
Even so, your battery will still need to be replaced some day, but it “will” last much closer to its maximum life expectancy.
