Motorcycle batteries come in a variety of sizes and voltages, but the most common type is the 12-volt lead-acid Battery. These batteries are typically used on modern motorcycles and are maintenance-free. AGM batteries are also becoming increasingly popular, as they do not require regular maintenance.
However, these batteries are More expensive than lead-acid batteries. The voltage of a motorcycle Battery is important to consider, as it will affect how powerful your motorcycle is. If you have a powerful motorcycle, you will need a higher voltage battery to start it. Conversely, if you have a smaller motorcycle, you can get away with a lower voltage battery.
There are a variety of motorcycles that use 6-volt batteries, including dirt bikes and Harley Davidson motorcycles. dirt bikes typically use 6-volt batteries because they are lighter and provide more power than 12-volt batteries.
Many Harley Davidson motorcycles also use 6-volt batteries, as they are less likely to overheat and break down. Additionally, many old vintage motorcycles also use 6-volt batteries. While newer motorcycles may use 12-volt batteries, 6-volt batteries are still commonly used in a variety of different types of motorcycles.
Ultimately, the decision of what voltage battery to buy depends on the make and model of your motorcycle and your personal preferences.
What Does a Motorcycle Battery Do?
A motorcycle battery is responsible for providing the electrical current that powers the starter motor, lights, and other electronic accessories. While the engine provides the power to move the bike, it’s the battery that gets everything started.
Warning: Technical (but useful) science stuff ahead
The battery works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. This process is known as electrochemical oxidation-reduction, or more simply, redox. Inside the battery, there are two lead plates covered in a material called a separator. These lead plates are submerged in a sulfuric acid solution, which acts as an electrolyte.
When the battery is connected to an external circuit, electrons flow from the negative lead plate to the positive lead plate through the electrolyte. This flow of electrons creates an electrical current, which is used to power the starter motor and other electronic accessories. While modern batteries are much more effective than their predecessors, they still require regular maintenance in order to keep them working properly.
Over time, the sulfuric acid solution will evaporate, leaving behind a deposit of lead sulfate on the lead plates. This build-up of lead sulfate reduces the battery’s ability to produce an electrical current and will eventually cause it to fail. For this reason, it’s important to check your motorcycle battery regularly and add distilled water as needed to keep the electrolyte level topped off.
Different Types of Motorcycle Batteries and Their Voltages
Choosing the right motorcycle battery can be a daunting task. There are so many different types on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for your bike. However, by understanding the basics of motorcycle batteries, you can narrow down your choices and find the best battery for your needs.
There are two main types of motorcycle batteries: AGM batteries and lead-acid batteries. AGM batteries are more expensive, but they offer a number of advantages over lead-acid batteries. For one, AGM batteries are sealed, so they don’t require regular maintenance like lead-acid batteries do. Additionally, AGM batteries are much less likely to leak acid, making them a safer option.
AGM batteries generally come in either as a 12 Volt AGM Battery or a 12 Volt LiFePO4 Battery. A standard fully charged 12 Volt AGM Battery should have around 12.8V and should stay above 12 Volts until it is about 75% discharged. A LiFePO4 should be at around 14V when fully charged and be around 13V when 75% discharged.
Lead-acid batteries, on the other hand, are less expensive and more widely available. If someone refers to a 12-volt battery, they probably mean a lead-acid battery. They also have a longer battery life than AGM batteries. Ultimately, the best battery for your motorcycle will depend on your budget and your specific needs.
How to Care for a Motorcycle Battery/ Maintenance
Voltage Testing
Motorcycle batteries are an essential part of the bike’s electrical system. In order to ensure that the battery is in good health, it is important to check the open circuit voltage (OCV) on a regular basis. The state of charge of the battery can be determined by voltage testing. A voltage reading of 12.6 or higher indicates a healthy battery, while a voltage drop below 12.4 volts indicates a bad battery.
Voltage testing can also help to determine if a battery is overcharging or undercharging. If the voltage reading is consistently above 13 volts, this indicates that the battery is overcharging, while a voltage reading that is consistently below 12 volts indicates that the battery is not receiving enough charge.
By voltage testing your motorcycle battery on a regular basis, you can ensure that it remains in good health and continues to provide reliable power to your bike.
Cleaning
One of the most important parts of any maintenance is ensuring you keep your parts clean and in good condition. You should clean the battery terminals with a brush and water regularly. This will help to prevent corrosion.
Fluids
Third, you should check the level of electrolyte in each cell of the battery. The electrolyte level should be at least halfway up the lead plates. If it is below this level, you will need to add distilled water.
Charging
Finally, you should recharge the battery if it has been discharged below 12 volts. It’s important to always maintain a good motorcycle battery charge. Motorcycle batteries require maintenance in order to stay in good condition. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your motorcycle battery will last for many years to come.
Equipment
A voltage tester is one of the most important tools for motorcycle battery maintenance. It helps you to determine whether your battery is charged and functioning properly. Jumper cables are also important, as they can be used to jump-start a flat battery.
A wire brush and some rags are also essential to help keep those battery terminals clean. Remember always make sure the bike is turned off and avoid touching the battery with your bare hands.
Finally, it is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of an emergency / dead battery. The best way to do this is to keep a spare battery on hand, so that you can swap it out if necessary.
Although they can be a little expensive sometimes it’s just best to throw a new battery in. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your motorcycle battery will always be in top condition.
Are Battery Chargers Worth It?
Regular Charger
A motorcycle battery charger is a device that supplies electrical current to a motorcycle battery to charge it. The charger does this by converting alternating current (AC) from the power outlet into direct current (DC) that the battery can use.
Most motorcycle chargers also include a converter that helps to regulate the charging process and prevent damage to the battery. Many modern chargers also come with features such as built-in timers and temperature sensors that further improve safety and efficiency.
Overall, a good motorcycle battery charger can help maintain the right voltage to extend the life of your battery and keep your bike running smoothly.
Trickle Charger/Battery Tender
A motorcycle trickle charger is a charging system that maintains the charge of a motorcycle’s battery at a full charge. It is also known as a battery tender or smart charger. A trickle charger is used to prevent the battery from being discharged and to extend its life.
When the charging system is not in use, the trickle charger will automatically turn off. A trickle charger is easy to use and is an essential piece of equipment for any motorcycle owner.
A Battery Tender is always a good idea for riders living in cold weather areas or for other riders who only ride for part of the year or only do short trips.
It’s important to note that whilst a trickle charge will help maintain your bikes battery it will only charge it at a very slow speed. This slow speed charging is best for your battery’s health and will help maintain it for the long run. As the name implies these types of charges trickle energy so if your batteries charge level is low it will take a long time, depending on the type of battery to get back to a good level.
Can I Just Charge the Battery by Riding?
Motorcycles are unique in that they rely on a self-charging battery to power the ignition system. This means that as long as the bike is running, the battery will receive a charge. However, it’s important to note that the charging process is not instantaneous.
It takes time for the battery to reach a full charge. For example, if the motorcycle is idling at 1,000 rpm, it will take about an hour to charge the battery. If the motorcycle is being ridden at higher speeds, the charging process will be even faster.
So how long do you need to ride to charge a motorcycle battery? The answer depends on how fast you’re going and how much charge the battery needs. However, in most cases, you can expect to ride (not idle) for at least 30 minutes before the battery is fully charged.
What’s The Difference Between a Motorcycle and a Car Battery?
The main difference between a motorcycle battery and a car battery is the size. Motorcycle batteries are smaller and have less capacity than car batteries. This is because motorcycles require less power to start than cars. Another difference between motorcycle batteries and car batteries is the type of acid used in the electrolyte. Car batteries use sulfuric acid, and motorcycle batteries use lead-acid.
The main similarity between motorcycle batteries and car batteries is that they both need to be regularly maintained in order to stay in good condition. This includes checking the electrolyte level, cleaning the terminals, and charging the battery when it is discharged. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your motorcycle battery will last for many years to come.