Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience, and every component of your bike plays a vital role in maintaining that thrill, especially the motorcycle battery. Whether you are a seasoned biker or a newbie, you might have wondered: "How do you store motorcycle batteries?" or "How long can a motorcycle battery sit unused?" Let's unravel these questions and more to ensure the longevity of your battery and keep your motorcycle in prime condition.

Understanding the Basics

Motorcycle batteries, especially AGM batteries, need regular maintenance to deliver their best performance. But, during winters or when you're not riding your motorcycle for a prolonged period, it's crucial to store the battery correctly to prevent dead batteries and save you from the cost of frequent replacements.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to maintain a motorcycle battery when not in use:

1. Check the Battery: Before storing, inspect the battery for any damages. Check if the battery is fully charged, as a fully charged battery has less chance of freezing and can be stored for a longer period.

2. Clean the Battery: Clean the terminals with a solution of baking soda and distilled water to remove any corrosion.

3. Disconnect and Store: Disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal. It is essential to remove the battery from the bike to prevent any accidental drain.

4. Use a Trickle Charger: A trickle charger ensures your battery is kept at optimal charge. It's recommended to use a smart charger that can switch off automatically when the battery is fully charged, preventing overcharging.

"Remember, charging process and battery maintenance are critical steps in maintaining your motorcycle battery."

Deltran Junior 800 12V Battery Tender

 

Smart Storage: The Do's and Don'ts

Smart storage can increase the lifespan of a motorcycle battery. Store your battery in a cool, dry place, preferably at room temperature. Also, consider using battery chargers that can switch to float mode once the battery is fully charged. These chargers maintain the battery at optimal charge, which can be particularly beneficial in cold weather.

Do not expose the battery to extreme temperature fluctuations, as it can lead to battery damage. Storing a battery in freezing conditions can cause irreversible damage, while exposure to high temperatures can result in battery leakage.

"In battery care, a golden rule to remember is that batteries should never be stored on a concrete or metal surface, as these can drain the battery."

Lastly, remember that different types of batteries require specific maintenance. For instance, the absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries offer a maintenance-free operation and are a better choice for motorcycles. They do not require distilled water and are less prone to leakage.

With these tips and guidelines, you are now better equipped to store your motorcycle battery properly, maintaining its performance, and prolonging its life. Keep an eye out for our next blog, where we will explore more about motorcycle battery chargers and how to charge a motorcycle battery efficiently. Until then, ride safe!

Exploring Different Types of Motorcycle Battery Chargers

If you've kept your bike idle during the winter or haven't used it in a while, you might find the battery has lost its juice. It's essential to understand how to efficiently charge a motorcycle battery, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

Trickle Chargers vs. Smart Chargers

There are a few different types of chargers available, but the two most common ones are trickle chargers and smart chargers. A trickle charger provides a constant current to the battery, which can be helpful to maintain the battery’s charge level. However, the risk with trickle chargers is that they can overcharge and potentially damage your battery if not monitored.

On the other hand, a smart charger is an advanced tool that can diagnose, recover, charge, and maintain your battery. It automatically adjusts the charging process depending on the battery's needs, reducing the risk of overcharging.

"A smart charger is like a dedicated mechanic for your battery; it knows when to charge, when to stop, and when to maintain."

Charging a Motorcycle Battery

Before connecting a charger to the battery, ensure that your motorcycle battery is clean. Here are a few steps to safely charge a motorcycle battery:

1. Remove the Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal. This is crucial to prevent any accidental short circuits.

2. Connect the Charger: Connect the charger to the battery, positive terminal first, then the negative terminal.

3. Set the Charger: Set your charger according to the battery type and capacity. If you're using a smart charger, it will automatically detect the appropriate settings.

4. Monitor the Charging: While charging, keep an eye on the progress. If you notice the battery getting excessively warm, disconnect the charger immediately.

Battery Charging Safety Tips

While charging your motorcycle battery, remember to prioritize safety. If your battery is a sealed type, never attempt to open it. Always charge in a well-ventilated area to allow any gases produced during charging to disperse.

"Safety first! Always read the instructions that come with your battery charger. They contain essential safety advice specific to the model."

Also, make sure you're using a charger designed for motorcycle batteries. Using a car battery charger can provide too high an amperage for a motorcycle battery, potentially damaging it or even causing a safety hazard.

Knowing how to properly charge your motorcycle battery will ensure a longer battery life and reliable bike performance. In our next blog post, we'll discuss how to choose the best motorcycle battery for your ride. Stay tuned!

Choosing the Best Motorcycle Battery for Your Ride

In our previous post, we navigated the world of charging motorcycle batteries. Now let's take a leap further. A battery is more than just an energy storage device; it is the heart of your motorcycle, providing the necessary power to keep all the electrical components up and running. Let's delve into the key factors that can help you make an informed decision when purchasing a new motorcycle battery.

Understanding Battery Types

When it comes to choosing a motorcycle battery, the first thing you need to understand are the types of batteries available. Here's a brief rundown:

• Lead Acid: These are traditional batteries that are usually cheaper but require regular maintenance. They contain a liquid electrolyte solution that can spill if the battery is tipped or damaged.

• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): These are a type of lead-acid battery that is sealed and maintenance-free. The electrolyte is absorbed into a mat, making the battery spill-proof. AGM batteries are more resistant to vibration and typically have a longer lifespan than traditional lead-acid batteries. Check out our collection of AGM batteries for more details.

• Gel Cell: Gel batteries are similar to AGM but use a gelified electrolyte. They are extremely resistant to vibration, totally leak-proof and require no maintenance. Here's our collection of Gel batteries.

• Lithium: Lithium batteries are lightweight, have a high power output, and require little to no maintenance. They are more expensive but offer great advantages like faster cranking for engines. Here's our collection of Lithium batteries.

Poweroad PLFP-14BR Lithium ION Battery 

Battery Power & Bike's Requirement

A battery's power should match the power requirements of your bike. If your motorcycle has a lot of electrical accessories or if you ride in colder climates, you might need a battery with higher cold cranking amps (CCA).

Battery Size

Ensure that the battery fits into your motorcycle's battery compartment. You can refer to your bike's owner's manual or our blog on understanding motorcycle battery sizes to get an accurate size fit.

Brand and Warranty

When buying a new battery, consider the brand's reputation and the warranty offered. A long warranty period often indicates a high-quality battery.

"A good motorcycle battery is an investment. Opt for quality brands with good reviews and warranties for peace of mind."

In the end, the best motorcycle battery for you will depend on your specific needs, the type of motorcycle you have, and how you use it. In our next blog post, we'll discuss the top motorcycle battery brands powering your ride.