Ask any throttle jockey around and he (or she) will tell you: When it comes to owning a motorcycle, it’s all about the power. That’s why any serious rider must know a lot about motorcycle batteries.
For starters (no pun intended), the voltage designations on batteries – 6 volt or 12 volt – don’t accurately represent the true voltage of motorcycle battery. A 12-volt battery should register between 12.5 and 13.5 volts, while a 6-volt battery should be between 6.5 and 7.2 volts when tested with the ignition turned off. A 12-volt battery that drops below 12.4 volts on a regular test will begin to show problems with starting. Batteries are charged to about 80 percent of capacity when new, which is why they need a top-off charge before being installed.
There are two types of motorcycle batteries: conventional and maintenance free batteries. Conventional batteries require regular addition of water and battery acid (electrolyte). Once charged and installed correctly, maintenance-free batteries take very little care, as the name implies.
A motorcycle that’s driven and maintained regularly should get about three years of service from a battery. To maintain a conventional motorcycle battery properly, check the levels of water and battery acid and top them off. Always use distilled to de-ionized water to avoid contamination. Also charge both types of batteries monthly to make sure they’re in top condition.
Finally, get a volt meter to check the battery’s charge as well as the charger. This attention will make sure the battery is able to start the motorcycle.
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