motorcycle battery reviews
Easy to maintain and relatively lightweight with low energy consumption and even lower environmental impact, it is easy to see why motorcycles are one of the most convenient modes of transportation. Riding on a motorcycle can be a fun and enjoyable experience, however, regardless of how great your motorcycle is, without the motorcycle battery, then you won't be getting any exciting rides from it. The battery is essentially the heart of your motorcycle, it provides the power needed to kick-start the engine to life and without it, the motorcycle cannot function. Now, if you expect to get the most out of your motorcycle battery, then it is only logical that know you as much about it as you possibly can. Which is why, in this article, we will bring you everything you need to know about motorcycle batteries to help you get the best out of your battery and by extension, your motorcycle. Types of Motorcycle Batteries There are different types of motorcycle batteries currently available on the market today. The main classification of motorcycle batteries is based on if they are sealed, unsealed and rechargeable. Batteries may also be categorized based on their size, shape and amperage ratings. In this article, we are going to focus on the main classification of sealed, unsealed and rechargeable batteries. Unsealed battery Unsealed batteries are the type of batteries that require regular maintenance by recharging. They are known as the u201cold style lead acid batteriesu201d and are not as common in newer bikes as the sealed and maintenance free types. The wet cell lead acid battery is a type of unsealed battery. u2022 Wet cell lead acid battery This battery sometimes referred to as the flooded lead-acid battery. It is one of the most used battery types in motorcycles. The distinguishing characteristic of wet lead acid batteries is that they need to be regularly topped off with distilled water to avoid damages to the motorcycle battery. The battery electrolytes is a mix of distilled water and sulphuric acid. Now, this electrolyte needs to be maintained at the appropriate concentration within the battery. However, when the battery is being charged, water is lost from the wet cells through evaporation. Hence, to maintain the electrolyte concentration, and by extension, the health and longevity of the battery, wet cell batteries need to be topped off with distilled water occasionally. Apart from the need for regular maintenance, a major disadvantage to wet cell batteries is that the maintenance process can be hazardous owing to the presence of the caustic sulphuric acid which can cause burns if it comes in contact with skin and clothing. Thus, extreme caution is recommended when handling this type of batteries. Sealed battery Sealed motorcycle batteries come ready to use and do not require any sort of maintenance. Basically, when you purchase a sealed battery, you do not have to worry about recharging it or topping off the battery fluids. As these batteries are sealed, they are by function, non-spillable and do not need to be recharged. Hence, there is no point where moisture is lost to evaporation and as such, the electrolytes that keep the battery charged remain at the appropriate concentration and will not need refilling. Today, most new motorcycles make use of the sealed and maintenance free batteries. There are 2 main types of sealed battery namely; the gel cell battery and the AGM battery. u2022 Gel cell battery The gel cell battery is a type of sealed motorcycle battery and as the name implies, the battery is filled with silica like gel responsible for suspending the electrolytes in the cell. Because of their sealed functionality, unlike a wet lead acid battery, gel cell batteries do not need 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. u2022 AGM battery The Absorbed Glass Mat battery, popularly abbreviated to AGM battery is a type of lead-acid motorcycle battery. This type of battery is so named because it comes with a mat which is designed to absorb the electrolytes in the battery cells, such that the solution does not slop around as it does in flooded cell batteries. AGM batteries are commonly used in motorcycles with gas engines and they are 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 would explain why they are more commonly used. Features to Consider When Buying a Motorcycle Battery Not all motorcycle batteries are created equal, and we are not just talking about if they are 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 your motorcycle, apart from making sure that it is a type designed for the engine of your motorbike, there are other specifications you will need to look out for before making a purchase. There are a range of options available and it can be overwhelming picking out a battery that will deliver satisfactory performance if you do not know what to go for. That said, here are some features you need to look out for that can help you narrow down your search to ensure you get the best motorcycle battery for your motorbike. u2022 Size and material The first thing to consider when you are looking to buy a motorcycle battery is the size of the battery and the materials it is made with. It is imperative to ensure that the dimensions of the new battery are similar to those of current battery for it to fit your engine perfectly. A small battery may rattle around, unable to reach the cables while a bigger battery could damage your bike. As such, it goes without saying that finding a battery that is compatible with your motorcycle is of utmost importance. About the construction, look out for materials that are durable and offer resistance to heat, pressure, and vibration as these elements are capable of damaging your battery. u2022 Power rating The power rating of a motorcycle battery is represented in volts, this technical detail is a major determinant of the overall performance of your motorcycle battery. Every motorcycle has a voltage requirement for optimal productivity. Using a battery that can not meet your motorcycle's voltage requirement will bring about a reduction in its performance. On the average, a motorcycle battery possesses 12-volts, however, your bike may need something higher or lower depending on its model. Before you complete the purchase, ensure that the voltage of the battery meets the specifications for your motorcycle to avoid damaging it. In cases of doubt, a higher power rating is always recommended. u2022 Cold Cranking Amps The Cold Cranking Amps often abbreviated to CCA is the number of amps a lead acid battery is capable of delivering at 32u00b0F (or Ou00b0C) for 30 seconds while it maintains a minimum of 1.2 volts per cell. If your bike is still new with just a few miles on it, then you might want to go for a battery with lower amps. However, older models of motorcycles or bikes which have a substantial number of miles on the engine will need batteries with a higher CCA. u2022 Performance Another factor to take into consideration is the performance of the battery, this refers to the power your battery is capable of producing. A battery with low power will require more frequent maintenance and charging compared to those with a higher power. Your riding style will determine the performance of the battery you get. If you tend to ride more frequently, you will need a battery with better than average performance. You do not want to have to charge you battery continually while on a long ride. Because not only is this time wasting, it will definitely decrease the longevity of the battery. u2022 Warranty It goes without saying that you should always go for a battery with an extended warranty from the manufacturer. This way, if the battery develops any fault within the period of coverage, you can always return it to the manufacturer for help with it. How to Install a Motorcycle Battery Here are the basic guidelines for installing a motorcycle battery u2022 Step one, remove the old battery. To do this, first of all, disconnect the bolt from the negative wire and place it away from the positive wire and metals. u2022 Next, disconnect the positive cable from the bolt, just as in step one. After successful disconnection, gently remove the old battery from the holder. u2022 Place the new battery in the battery holder and start reconnecting the disconnected cables. u2022 This time, start with the positive cable. Attach the positive wire to the positive terminal then connect the negative wire to its terminal. u2022 Ensure the battery is secured in its place and you are done. Battery Care and Maintenance Tips As earlier mentioned, some batteries are maintenance free, hence, they do not require the any sort of special care or attention to keep them running in excellent condition. However, the conventional motorcycle batteries require regular maintenance to ensure that their functionality is not lost through the years. When it comes to batteries, one thing is certain, they will definitely fail one day, how long it lasts will be dependent on how you treat it while it is still functioning. According to manufacturers, the average life expectancy of a motorcycle battery is between 2 to 5 years. Nonetheless, if you do not take proper care of your battery, you may find yourself needing a replacement sooner than later. Below are some motorcycle battery care and maintenance tips to ensure that your batteries enjoy a healthy and long lifespan. u2022 Always undertake visual checks as often as possible, at least once every month is recommended. Clean the battery posts and terminals regularly to avoid accumulation of dirt and sulfates, the dirty connection makes it harder for the battery to start the engine. You can use a steel wire brush to clean around the battery posts, water, and baking soda will take care of the sulfate build up. Also, remember to check the connections to ensure there are no loose wires. u2022 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. u2022 Never allow your battery to become fully discharged before charging it. However, if your battery is completely discharged and you need to jumpstart it, ensure that it is fully charged before you set out to ride with it. u2022 Do not overcharge your motorcycle battery as this will only increase the chances of battery damage. Using a smart motorcycle battery charger is one way to prevent your battery from overcharging. Just plug it to your bike and once the battery is fully charged, the smart charger will disconnect automatically. Connecting your battery to a smart charger will not just keep your battery at optimum voltage, it will also ensure that the ECU memories and security systems are kept active. u2022 Most batteries do not come fully charged so always ensure that your new motorcycle battery is fully charged before installing it in your engine. u2022 A motorcycle battery is not supposed to be warm to the touch while it is charging. If you notice an increase in temperature while charging the battery, disconnect it and let it cool before trying to recharge it. Overheating while charging can cause the lead plates of the battery to warp which will inevitably damage your battery. u2022 While recharging your battery may seem like an easy process, always remember that you are dealing with explosive gases so it's best to wear protective clothing. u2022 Never charge your battery with open vent caps. Always reinstall your caps after adding water before you begin the recharging process. u2022 When you are done charging your battery, first of all, switch off the charger before disconnecting the cables of the charger from the battery. Factors that can Damage Motorcycle Batteries Now that you know how to take care of your motorcycle battery, you should also learn about the factors that damage your battery and shorten its lifespan drastically. Here are some of the things you should avoid when dealing with a motorcycle battery; u2022 Heat Exposing your battery to excessive heat will destroy it. Store your motorcycle battery in cool not but not cold temperatures. High temperatures will increase the rate of discharge of batteries and temperatures beyond 130u00b0F are capable of drastically reducing the lifespan of your battery. Do not let your battery overheat and keep it away from heat if you want it to last long. u2022 Vibration If your battery is not properly mounted, then vibrations from your motorcycle may cause the battery to rattle. The last thing you need is your motorcycle battery rattling around in your engine. Ensure that your batteries are properly mounted if you want it to last longer. You can install bumpers and supports in your battery box to help. If the model of your motorcycle tends to have strong vibrations, then a maintenance free battery is the more suitable type for it. u2022 Freezing Unless your battery is fully charged, then it should not be stored at very low temperatures. This is because, at sub-freezing temperatures, the battery cells will discharge, turning the acid to water which will freeze at 32u00b0F. Beyond discharging the battery, such low temperatures can buckle the plates and crack the case, damaging the battery. u2022 Riding style Your riding style will have a huge impact on how long your battery lasts. Short trips which involve turning the engine on and off frequently, will draw current repeatedly as the battery will have to work harder to ignite the engine every time you turn it on. This will cause the battery to discharge at a quicker rate. Thus, if you are going to be driving around the city a lot, you may want to watch out for your battery. Conclusion It would not be out of place to say that 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 guide offers everything you need to know about motorcycle batteries - from the different types of motorcycle batteries to features to consider when you are looking for the best motorcycle battery as well as maintenance tips on how to take care of your battery. Follow this guide and we can guarantee that will get the most from your battery.
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