Types of Motorcycle Batteries
There are numerous types of motorcycle batteries available today on the market today. The key classification of motorcycle batteries is dependant on if they are sealed, unsealed and rechargeable. Batteries can be categorized based on their size, shape and amperage ratings. In the following paragraphs, we are going to concentrate on the main classification of sealed, unsealed and rechargeable batteries.
Unsealed battery
Unsealed batteries are of batteries which need regular maintenance by recharging. They may be known as the “old style lead acid batteries†and aren't as common in newer bikes since the sealed and maintenance free types. The wet cell lead acid battery is a type of unsealed battery.
• Wet cell lead acid battery
This battery sometimes called the flooded lead-acid battery. It's one of the most used battery types in motorcycles. The distinguishing sign of wet lead acid batteries is because they need to be regularly topped with distilled water to avoid damages to the motorcycle battery. Battery electrolytes is really a mix of sterilized water and sulphuric acid. Now, this electrolyte has to be maintained at the appropriate concentration inside the battery. However, when the battery has been charged, water sheds from the wet cells through evaporation.
Hence, to keep the electrolyte concentration, and also by extension, the health and longevity of the battery, wet cell batteries have to be topped served by distilled water occasionally. In addition to the need for regular maintenance, an important disadvantage to wet cell batteries is the maintenance process can be hazardous because of the presence of the caustic sulphuric acid which could cause burns when it comes in contact with skin and clothing. Thus, careful attention is recommended when handling this type of batteries.
Sealed battery
Sealed motorcycle batteries come ready to use and do not require any kind of maintenance. Basically, by collecting a sealed battery, you do not have to worry about recharging it or topping from the battery fluids. Because these batteries are sealed, they may be by function, non-spillable and never need to be recharged. Hence, there is no point where moisture the skin loses to evaporation and therefore, the electrolytes that keep the battery charged stop at the appropriate concentration and will not need refilling. Today, most new motorcycles make use of the sealed and maintenance free batteries. There's 2 main kinds of sealed battery namely; the gel cell battery and also the AGM battery.
• Gel cell battery
The gel cell battery is a form of sealed motorcycle battery and because the name implies, it is filled with silica like gel in charge of suspending the electrolytes inside the cell. Due to their sealed functionality, unlike a wet lead acid battery, gel cell batteries do not require maintenance. Even if the battery breaks, there will be no spillage or leaking of electrolytes. Also, they are not prone to corrosion, thanks again to the sealed design.
• AGM battery
The Absorbed Glass Mat battery, popularly abbreviated to AGM battery is a type of lead-acid motorcycle battery. This kind of battery is so named because it comes with a mat that is designed to absorb the electrolytes in the battery cells, such that the solution doesn't slop around as it does in flooded cell batteries. AGM batteries are generally used in motorcycles with gas engines and they're the latest battery technology. Like the gel cell batteries, AGM batteries come sealed and as such do not require any type of maintenance. Although their performance output is somewhat similar to that of gel cell batteries, AGM batteries are not as expensive as their sealed counterpart which will explain why they are more commonly used.
Features to think about When Buying a motorbike Battery
Not all motorcycle batteries are top quality, and we are not only talking about if they're sealed or unsealed in this case. Batteries are available in a wide range of specifications and if you are looking to get a new battery for the motorcycle, besides making sure that this is a type made for the engine of the motorbike, there are more specifications you will need to look out for before making a purchase. There are a number of possibilities and it can be overwhelming picking out a battery that delivers satisfactory performance if you do not know what to get. That said, below are a few features you should look out for which can help you narrow down your search to ensure you get the very best motorcycle battery for your motorbike.
• Size and material
The first thing to consider if you are looking to buy a motorbike battery is the size of it and the materials it's made with. It's imperative to ensure that the dimensions of the newest battery resemble those of current battery for it to fit your engine perfectly. A small battery may rattle around, unable to reach the cables while a greater battery could damage your bike. As a result, it goes without saying that finding a battery which is compatible with your motorcycle is very important. About the construction, look out for materials which can be durable and provide resistance to heat, pressure, and vibration as these elements are designed for damaging your battery.
• Power rating
The ability rating of a motorcycle battery is represented in volts, this technical detail can be a major determinant from the overall performance of your motorcycle battery. Every motorcycle features a voltage requirement of optimal productivity. Utilizing a battery that can not meet your motorcycle's voltage requirement brings about a reduction in its performance. About the average, a motorbike battery possesses 12-volts, however, your bike may require something higher or lower depending on its model. Prior to deciding to complete purchasing, ensure that the voltage from the battery meets the specifications for your motorcycle in order to avoid damaging it. In the event of doubt, a higher power rating is always recommended.
• Cold Cranking Amps
The Cold Cranking Amps often abbreviated to CCA is the number of amps a lead acid battery can perform delivering at 32°F (or O°C) for Thirty seconds while it maintains a minimum of 1.2 volts per cell. In case your bike is still new with simply a few miles on it, then you might desire to go for a battery with lower amps. However, older types of motorcycles or bikes which may have a substantial quantity of miles about the engine will require batteries with a higher CCA.
• Performance
Take into consideration to take into consideration is the performance with the battery, this refers back to the power your battery is capable of producing. Battery power with low power will require more frequent maintenance and charging than these with a higher power. Your riding style determines the performance of the battery you receive. If you tend to ride with greater regularity, you will need a battery with much better than average performance. You don't want to have to charge a fee battery continually during a long ride. Because besides this being time wasting, it's going to definitely reduce the longevity of the battery.
• Warranty
It's understandable that you should always get a battery by having an extended warranty from the manufacturer. In this way, if the battery develops any fault within the period of coverage, you can return it to the manufacturer for assist with it.
The way to Install a Motorcycle Battery
Listed here are the basic guidelines for installing a bike battery
• Step one, remove the old battery. To achieve this, first of all, disconnect the bolt from your negative wire and put it out of the positive wire and metals.
• Next, disconnect the positive cable from the bolt, equally as in step one. After successful disconnection, gently take away the old battery from the holder.
• Place the brand new battery in the battery holder and begin reconnecting the disconnected cables.
• This time, start with the positive cable. Attach the positive wire to the positive terminal then connect the negative wire to the terminal.
• Ensure the battery is secured instead and you are done.
Battery Maintenance and care Tips
As previously mentioned, some batteries are easy to maintain, hence, they do not require the any type of special care or attention to keep them running in excellent condition. However, the traditional motorcycle batteries require regular maintenance to make sure that their functionality just isn't lost over time. When it comes to batteries, a very important factor is certain, they will definitely fail eventually, how long it lasts will be dependent on the way you treat it while it is still functioning. Based on manufacturers, the common life expectancy of a motorcycle battery is between Two to five years. Nonetheless, if you do not take proper care of your battery, you might find yourself needing an upgraded sooner than later. Below are some motorcycle battery maintenance and care tips to ensure that your batteries have a healthy and long lifespan.
• Always undertake visual checks as much as possible, at least once every month is usually recommended. Clean it posts and terminals regularly in order to avoid accumulation of dirt and sulfates, the dirty connection makes it harder for it to start the engine. You may use a steel wire brush to completely clean around the battery posts, water, and sodium bicarbonate will take care of the sulfate build-up. Also, remember to check the connections to ensure there are no loose wires.
• Top off the water levels of your battery cells with distilled water at least twice a month to keep the electrolyte concentration at the required level.
• Never allow your battery to become fully discharged before charging it. However, if your battery is completely discharged and you also need to jumpstart it, make certain that it is fully charged prior to deciding to set out to ride from it.
• Do not overcharge your motorcycle battery since this will only boost the chances of battery damage. Utilizing a smart motorcycle charger is one way to avoid your battery from overcharging. Just plug it for your bike and once the battery is fully charged, the smart charger will disconnect automatically. Connecting your battery to a smart charger won't just keep your battery at optimum voltage, it will ensure that the ECU memories and alarm systems are kept active.
• Most batteries are not equipped fully charged so always make sure that your new motorcycle battery is fully charged before installing it in your engine.
• A motorcycle battery is not supposed to be warm to feel while it is charging. You may notice an increase in temperature while charging battery, disconnect it and let it cool before trying to recharge it. Overheating while charging could cause the lead plates from the battery to warp which will inevitably damage your battery.
• While recharging your battery may seem like an easy process, be aware that you are working with explosive gases therefore it is best to wear protective clothing.
• Never charge your battery with open vent caps. Always reinstall your caps after adding water before beginning the recharging process.
• When you are done charging your battery, to start with, switch off the charger before disconnecting the cables from the charger from the battery.
Factors that will Damage Motorcycle Batteries
Now you know how to look after your motorcycle battery, you should also learn about the factors that damage your battery and shorten its lifespan drastically. Below are a few of the things you need to avoid when dealing with a motorcycle battery;
• Heat
Exposing your battery to excessive heat will destroy it. Store your motorcycle battery in cool not however, not cold temperatures. High temperatures will heighten the rate of discharge of batteries and temperatures beyond 130°F are designed for drastically lowering the lifespan of your battery. Do not allow your battery overheat and it away from heat if you'd like it to last long.
• Vibration
In case your battery just isn't properly mounted, then vibrations from the motorcycle might cause the battery to rattle. The very last thing you need is the motorcycle battery rattling around inside your engine. Ensure that your batteries are properly mounted if you want it to last longer. You can install bumpers and supports within your battery box to aid. If the style of your motorcycle has a tendency to have strong vibrations, a maintenance free battery is the more suitable type for it.
• Freezing
Unless your battery has been fully charged, then it really should not be stored at really low temperatures. It is because, at sub-freezing temperatures, battery cells will discharge, turning the acid to water which will freeze at 32°F. Beyond discharging the battery, such low temperatures can buckle the plates and crack the truth, damaging battery.
• Riding style
Your riding style have a huge impact on how long your battery lasts. Short trips which involve turning the engine on / off frequently, will draw current repeatedly since the battery will need to work harder to ignite the engine every time you turn it on. This will cause the battery to release at a quicker rate. Thus, if you are intending to be driving round the city a lot, you may want to watch out for your battery.
Conclusion
It wouldn't be misplaced to say the battery is one of the most important parts of the motorcycle because, without it, you will not be going anywhere with that bike. This informative guide offers everything you should know about motorcycle batteries - from your different types of motorcycle batteries to features to consider when you are searching for the best motorcycle battery in addition to maintenance easy methods to take care of your battery. Follow this guide and we can guarantee that will get the best from your battery.