How to charge motorcycle battery

A motorcycle battery is the beating heart that powers every adventure on your two-wheels.  It provides the necessary energy to start the engine and supply power to all vital electrical systems. However, sooner or later, even the most cautious motorcyclists may find their motorcycle battery completely discharged.  What should you do in these cases to charge your motorcycle battery?  Is it possible to revive a non-functional battery?

In this article, we will offer a few tips on how to prevent the motorcycle battery from discharging and explain methods for charging the motorcycle battery, even using cables. We'll also cover how to identify if the motorcycle battery needs replacement in case of sudden discharge.

Why does the motorcycle battery discharge and how to recharge it?

The motorcycle battery does not last forever, and as a result, it can eventually become discharged.  Below are the main reasons why this can happen:

• Prolonged inactivity
• Winter At low temperature, the available energy in the battery decreases, making it harder to start the engine.  Additionally, the motor oil viscosity increases, requiring more energy to turn on the engine and putting more stress on the battery.
• The lighting system or alarm can continue to consume energy even when the motorcycle is turned off, causing battery wear.
• Issues with the motorcycle's charging system, such as the alternator or voltage regulator, can result in improper battery charging.
• Loose, corroded, or damaged battery cables.

How to prevent a motorcycle battery discharge?

Now that you understand the main reasons for sudden motorcycle battery discharge, you can take precautions to avoid this inconvenient event. Firstly, we recommend running the motorcycle engine regularly, even if you're not riding it on the road, to keep the battery active.

If you have to leave the motorcycle idle for an extended period, make sure to store it in a dry place protected from the weather agents. Extreme temperatures can affect the battery's lifespan, as mentioned earlier. Moreover, if you cannot start the engine at least once a week, it is best to disconnect the battery.

Periodically check the motorcycle's charging system, ensuring that the battery cables are securely connected and free from corrosion.

An optimal solution to preserve the state of your motorcycle battery is offered by the battery maintainer: click here to learn about it, how it works, and why you should use it.

How to start the motorcycle if the battery is dead

It happens to everyone to try to start their motorcycle and find that the battery is completely discharged. In these cases, there are several ways to handle the situation. If you own a motorcycle with a kick-start system, you can likely start it and use the vehicle.  However, it is essential to recharge or replace the battery as soon as possible.

If you decide to seek assistance from a mechanic, the average cost for a professional battery recharge service is a maximum of Euro 40.  The duration of the charging process varies based on the battery's capacity, its condition, and the type of charger used.  Usually, it takes at least 3 or 4 hours, depending on variables such as the mechanic's workload and other contingent factors.

Therefore, we advise you to follow our instructions and save time and money to get back on your motorcycle immediately.

Additionally, there is also an optimal solution available in the market that allows you to continue using your motorcycle even when the battery is running low. It is a mini starter: GET’s Jump Starter, easy and practical, with multiple functions.

One of the distinctive features of the GET Jump Starter is its ability to function as a Power Bank. Equipped with a 5V/2.4A USB output, it allows you to conveniently recharge all your electronic devices, such as tablets, smartphones, MP3 players, and more. This ensures you always have a reliable source of power available, both during your motorcycle travels and in other situations where you need to recharge your devices.

Alternatively, the most common methods of charging include using a dedicated charger or an external power source.

How to charge the motorcycle battery with a battery charger

In the market, there are various portable battery chargers, simple and practical, specifically designed to recharge car and motorcycle batteries with a voltage of approximately 13.8V.  For example, the GET battery charger represents an advanced solution for charging lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries (LifePO4).

This multi-phase digital battery charger is equipped with a critical analysis system that carefully monitors the battery's activity during the charging process.  This ensures accurate and reliable charging, avoiding overcharging or damage to the battery.

Using this tool is straightforward: simply position the motorcycle in a stable position and make sure it is off.  Next, disconnect the battery cables, starting with the negative cable (black color) and then the positive cable (red color).

Properly connect the positive and negative cables to their respective battery terminals.  Usually, the red cable goes to the positive pole (+) and the black cable to the negative pole (-).  Finally, plug the other end of the battery charger into a power outlet and turn it on.

With this method, which also allows recharging without removing the battery, it takes about 5 hours to recharge the battery, although times may vary depending on the specific battery.

Charging the motorcycle battery with a car

If you don't have a battery charger available, you can try starting the motorcycle using an external power source like a car with a charged battery. How to connect the cables to charge a motorcycle?

It is a very simple operation.  Connect the jumper cables between the car's battery and the motorcycle's battery, ensuring to match the correct polarity (red cable to the positive pole (+) and black cable to the negative pole (-)).  Start the car and let it run for a few minutes before attempting to start the motorcycle.

Many motorcyclists wonder which cables they should use.  First of all, it is crucial to use cables suitable for vehicles of similar size and power to ensure that the current is sufficient for recharging the motorcycle battery.  There are various types and lengths of cables available on the market, and we always recommend using three-meter cables to handle any situation.

The cables for charging the motorcycle battery are usually red (positive) and black (negative), equipped with clamps at the ends.

Adding acid to the motorcycle battery: why, how, and when to do so

Most motorcycle batteries available today are sealed lead-acid batteries, commonly referred to as gel or AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries.  These batteries come pre-charged with the electrolyte acid and do not require additional acid during installation.

However, if you own an older motorcycle or a traditional lead-acid battery, you might need to add electrolyte acid, which is purchased separately from the battery.  When purchasing the acid, check that it is compatible with your battery.

When handling the battery acid during the DIY refilling process, always wear eye protection and gloves to ensure safety.  Acid is corrosive and can cause damage to the skin and eyes.  Visually check the level of electrolyte acid in the existing battery through the designated filling caps.

It should be located above the battery plates but below the upper edge of the filling hole. If it is low, you can remove the caps and add the electrolyte acid through the designated hole.

After adding the electrolyte acid, you may need to recharge the battery using an appropriate battery charger.

How to tell if the motorcycle battery needs replacement

Replacing the motorcycle battery becomes necessary in various scenarios, shown by specific signals or conditions that can affect the performance and reliability of the vehicle's electrical system.

Over time, the capacity of the motorcycle battery may decrease due to normal wear and tear. If it fails to hold enough charge to properly operate the motorcycle or if it discharges suddenly during starting, it is a sign that a replacement may be needed.

There are also situations where the battery sustains physical damage, such as corrosion, acid leaks, or shell deformations.  These can cause damage not only to the vehicle but also to the user, and therefore, the battery should be replaced immediately, with proper attention to its correct disposal.

If the motorcycle shows signs of slow starting, weak lights, or other electrical anomalies despite being tested and recharged correctly, it may be necessary to replace the battery if it is of poor quality or defective.

The cost of replacing the motorcycle battery is relatively affordable and does not require long waiting times.  A mechanic can take care of it in just a few minutes.  The cost varies depending on the size of the motorcycle and the brand of the battery: some, for smaller motorcycles, can cost as little as Euro 30, while larger batteries can go up to Euro 150.  If you do not replace the part yourself, the cost of labor in a workshop starts from about Euro 30.

How long does a motorcycle battery last?

The motorcycle battery has a limited lifespan and eventually reaches the end of its cycle. The "survival time" of a motorcycle battery varies based on the brand, model, and usage conditions but usually ranges from 2 to 5 years.

It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for battery maintenance and replacement, as well as to use an appropriate battery charger, to preserve its lifespan over time.

Maintaining the battery of your motorcycle properly charged is essential to ensure optimal and long-term performance. To find the accessories and charging solutions you need, we recommend visiting Athena's e-commerce platform.

Here you will find a wide selection of chargers, cables, starters, and lithium batteries, especially for off-road motorcycles, specifically designed for the needs of the most attentive motorcyclists. You will find high-quality and reliable products compatible with a variety of brands and models.

Do not underestimate the importance of having the right tools and accessories to recharge your motorcycle battery. Investing in quality chargers, cables, starters, and lithium batteries will ensure safe and efficient charging, avoiding inconvenience and prolonging the useful life of the battery.