Question: Why do I need to periodically charge the motorcycle battery?

Answer: If you keep the battery uncharged completely and you let it drain, the life span will decrease considerably.

Question: Could I place the battery straight on the bike to charge it?

Answer: This charging method means that the battery is about 80% efficient and can damage the new battery.

Question: Is it possible to use car charger or a high rate charger?

Answer: NEVER do that! The car charger forces the battery and can really damage it. The size of the battery on the motorcycle is smaller and the car charger can over-charge it and burn it.

Question: Why does the lead acid battery have to be on the high level?

Answer: The lead acid batteries need the electrolyte (water + sulphuric acid) to function. If the water evaporates, the acid concentration will be stronger and it will corrode the internal part of the battery.

Question: What do I use if I want to top up my old battery?

Answer: Usually the old battery models need distilled water. You can use that.

Question: When I charge the battery I hear a popping or fizzing noise. What is that?

Answer: The sound is produced by the electrolyte that is reacting to the lead plates that are inside the battery. The electrolyte is releasing some oxygen and that causes bubbles to appear and they give that noise. It is nothing wrong going on. But that noise should be really smooth, so that, if you are 50 meters away from the motorcycle, you should not hear it.

Question: My battery has CTX9-BS on it. Is it the same as a YTX9-BS?

Answer: Yes. Usually they are the same. The first letter “C” and “Y” comes from the manufacturer’s name but the battery type is the same.

Question: How do I check to see if the motorcycle battery is fully charged?

Answer: Take a volt meter and check it. The well charged 12 volt battery must have between 12.5 & 13.5 volts.