How to Charge Your Motorcycle Battery

Charging your motorcycle battery is simple, but you must understand the fundamentals of motorcycle batteries and how they work to operate them safely. The first thing you must do is to identify:

• The type of motorcycle battery

• The type of motorcycle battery charger

• The condition of the motorcycle battery

Understanding this will determine your next steps and allow you to charge your motorcycle battery safely. We’ll break this down to help you along the way.

How Long Does it Take to Charge Your Motorcycle Battery?

Motorcycle batteries come in different shapes, sizes and capacities. Depending on the motorcycle battery you have, the equipment used to charge the battery, and the age of the battery, the time it takes to charge will vary. Typically, charging times can range from 6-24 hours. The initial 70% can take 5-8 hours with the remaining 30% taking an additional 8-10 hours. Motorcycle batteries charge in a non-linear fashion, so it’s worth charging for longer to ensure it’s fully charged. Bear in mind that a trickle charger is recommended to extend the life of your motorcycle battery. Most new motorcycle batteries will ship with roughly 80% capacity, so it’s worth charging for 2-4 hours before your first use.

How Long to Charge a 12v Motorcycle Battery?
Depending on battery type, battery age, battery condition, and the type of battery charger you have, a 12v motorcycle battery can take between 6-24 hours to fully charge.

How Long to Charge a Dead Motorcycle Battery?
A dead motorcycle battery requires 12-24 hours to charge when using a trickle charger. Smart chargers can speed up the charging process without risk of overheating and overcharging.

How Long to Charge a New Motorcycle Battery?
New motorcycle batteries typically have 80% charge stored. You might find that 4-6 hours of charging will get you to 100% capacity. However, to be safe, charging for 12-24 hours will ensure your motorcycle battery is fully charged and ready for installation.

How Long to Charge a Motorcycle Battery with a Trickle Charger?
A trickle charger, also known as a ‘battery maintainer’, can take up to 1-3 days to fully charge a motorcycle battery. It operates using a slow, continuous charge at a low rate to reduce wear on the motorcycle battery. It’s the safest but slowest way to maximise the longevity of your motorcycle battery.

How Long to Charge a Motorcycle Battery with a Battery Tender?
A battery tender, or a smart charger, can variably charge your motorcycle battery depending on several factors, including different charging modes and variable output levels to maintain the life of your motorcycle battery. A battery tender can also maintain the charge level of your motorcycle battery during extended periods of being unused, thus prolonging the life of your motorcycle battery. A battery tender will take between four and 20 hours to charge your motorcycle battery.

Can You Charge a Motorcycle Battery While Riding?
If your motorcycle battery is almost completely dead, simply riding is unlikely to recharge your battery sufficiently. Depending on the engine RPM and the duration of your ride, your motorcycle battery can gain charge while on the go. An hour’s ride can see your motorcycle battery gain between 20-50% of its charge. Another factor to consider is the alternator type on your motorcycle. Higher RPM machines will output higher amps and charge your motorcycle battery faster.

How Long Do Motorcycle Batteries Last?

Motorcycle batteries typically last 2-5 years, depending on the type of motorcycle battery you have and how it’s treated during its life-cycle. Lithium-ion, lead-acid and electric motorcycle batteries all have different characteristics that are important to understand to extend the lifespan of your motorcycle battery.

How Long Do Lithium Motorcycle Batteries Last?
Lithium-ion motorcycle batteries last between two to five years before they begin to show signs of wear. Lithium-ion batteries can include a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) which reduces the risk of overcharging and unnecessary wear on the internal components of the motorcycle battery.

How Long Do Electric Motorcycle Batteries Last?
Batteries on electric motorcycles last around three to eight years. You can extend the lifespan of an electric motorcycle battery by avoiding cold temperatures and overcharging. Maintaining the battery charge between 20-80% can significantly increase the lifespan of the motorcycle battery.

Why Do Some Motorcycle Batteries Die Fast?
Since motorcycles aren’t as versatile as cars, they can often be left unused for extended periods, which can negatively affect the longevity of the motorcycle battery. Cold conditions are particularly bad for motorcycle batteries. Even if you store your motorcycle safely, the heat of the engine or excessive accessories drawing power from your motorcycle can negatively affect the lifespan of your motorcycle battery. It’s recommended that you regularly maintain and clean your motorcycle battery.

How Long Should a Motorcycle Battery Last on One Charge?
A typical motorcycle battery will hold its charge for between two to five months. Lithium-ion motorcycle batteries hold their charge longer due to having a low self-discharge rate, whereas a lead-acid motorcycle battery will begin to deplete after two months. A fully charged motorcycle battery, on average, will last one to three months without significant discharge.

Do Motorcycle Batteries Come Charged?

Depending on the type of motorcycle battery, you can expect it to come with some level of charge when bought for the first time.

• Dry batteries - these are shipped without electrolytes and are filled when activated

• Absorbed Gas Mat (AGM) batteries - these are shipped partially charged, so you can install them and be on your way in no time. However, it’s still recommended to fully charge your motorcycle battery before use.

• Flooded ‘wet’ batteries - these are charged while dry and shipped without the acid pack. Either the retailer or the customer will add this acid pack and continue the charging process until complete.

How Long Can Motorcycle Batteries Sit Unused?

Different motorcycle batteries are more capable of holding their charge than others. A lithium-ion battery can sit for months without severe issues, whereas lead-acid batteries begin to deteriorate after a few weeks. Environmental conditions, like heat and moisture, can affect the lifespan of your motorcycle battery, so it’s recommended that you keep them in a cool, dry place when not in use.

A battery maintainer is an effective, safe way to store a motorcycle battery when it’s not in use. These are similar to a trickle charger and keep a consistent power level to extend the life of your motorcycle battery.

Types of Motorcycle Batteries

Motorcycle batteries come in all shapes and sizes. It can be hard to know which is which. This section of the guide will help you understand the important things to look out for with motorcycle batteries.

Lithium Motorcycle Batteries
Lithium motorcycle batteries are some of the more lightweight and compact batteries that are popular for their long lifespan and fast charging. They are more expensive than other motorcycle batteries, but the premium price tag comes with a plethora of benefits. They also handle extreme temperatures better than their counterparts, meaning they are a popular choice among endurance/adventure motorcyclists.

Lead-acid Motorcycle Batteries
A lead-acid motorcycle battery is the most common battery on this list. They function via chemical reactions between lead plates and acid and are one of the more versatile battery types for motorcycles. They’re affordable and are compatible with most standard chargers. Due to having more volatile components, they require more maintenance than lithium batteries and are more sensitive to temperature and environmental factors.

Dry Cell Motorcycle Batteries
Dry cell motorcycle batteries are designed to be as maintenance-free as possible. They have a sealed design which means acid leaks aren’t a concern for users. Similar to lead-acid motorcycle batteries, they contain electrolytes that react with a gel or a fibreglass mat which creates a ‘dry’ state. Their robust design means they’re durable for rugged use cases, making them ideal for off-road machines.

AGM Motorcycle Batteries
An Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery is made using glass mat technology and is fully sealed, which means they don’t leak. As a result, they’re more expensive but can have a long lifespan if well-maintained. They’re one of the best batteries for holding a charge and can last up to eight times longer in extreme heat when compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.

Gel Cell Motorcycle Batteries
Gel cell motorcycle batteries are similar to lead-acid batteries, but instead of acid reacting with a lead base, it’s a gel format. This makes gel cell batteries better for more durable use cases where acid leaks could be a risk. They require little upkeep and they hold their charge extremely well, meaning less time charging and more time riding.

Sizes of Motorcycle Batteries

Bikes with different power outputs, styles, and designs demand certain motorcycle batteries. Enduro bikes will require a rugged, durable motorcycle battery, whereas a tourer bike would benefit from a larger battery to prolong the time between charges.

Common battery sizes are:

• YTX: Typical for sealed and AGM batteries

• YT: Typical for maintenance-free batteries, such as gel and dry cell batteries

• YT and GT: Typical for gel batteries but with varying dimensions

What Voltage Are Motorcycle Batteries?

Motorcycle batteries are likely 12-volt or 6-volt, the latter being less common as bikes have become more powerful.

12v Motorcycle Batteries
12v motorcycle batteries are the most common in modern motorcycles. As the name suggests, it delivers 12 volts of power to the bike, allowing the user to operate the bike and the electronics. The most common types of 12v motorcycle batteries are lead-acid, AGM and lithium-ion.

6v Motorcycle Batteries
6v motorcycle batteries are less common in modern motorcycles, but are typically used for scooters, mopeds and motorcycles that don’t demand as much power as a modern counterpart. 6v motorcycle batteries are most commonly found as lead-acid, AGM or lithium-ion batteries.

What Amps Are Motorcycle Batteries?

The Amp-Hour (Ah) of a motorcycle battery determines its total capacity. Common ratings are:

• 3Ah to 6Ah: Scooters, junior dirt bikes

• 7Ah to 12Ah: Regular motorcycles with engines between 250cc and 600cc

• 14Ah to 20Ah+: Touring bikes and machines with over 1000cc engines

How to Dispose of Motorcycle Batteries

Before you dispose of the battery, it should be prepared to prevent leaks or contamination. Always wear safety gear, such as gloves and goggles and keep the battery upright at all times, especially if you’re dealing with lead-acid batteries with acid inside. Never dispose of your motorcycle battery in general waste and never burn a battery. This could release toxic fumes and damage your health. The best way to dispose of motorcycle batteries is to take them to a local waste disposal centre, where they will be ethically disposed of without risk to the environment.

Where to Dispose of Motorcycle Batteries
Requirements will vary depending on the retailer, but most automotive stores will dispose of your motorcycle battery. In some cases, these retailers can recycle the battery and recover up to 95% of the lead contents to be reused. Motorcycle batteries should never be thrown away with regular household waste due to the risks associated with acid leaks and contamination of the environment. Searching online for your local battery compliance scheme is the best way to safely dispose of motorcycle batteries.

How to Replace Motorcycle Batteries

When replacing motorcycle batteries, it’s important to understand more about your motorcycle to ensure you stay safe. Most motorcycle batteries are found under the seat, under the fuel tank, or under the side covers. Your motorcycle’s service manual will tell you the exact location and instructions on how to replace it.

How to Connect Motorcycle Batteries

Once the motorcycle battery has been removed (see below), you can follow these steps to connect your new battery:

• Charge your new motorcycle battery before installation

• Place the battery in the compartment and secure it with the strap/holster

• Connect the cables to the terminals, starting with positive (red) and then negative (black)

• Test the battery by turning on the ignition and testing the lights, the horn etc.

• Start the motorcycle and check that the battery provides enough power to crank the engine

• Reinstall the relevant body panels that protect the battery

Which Terminal Should be Used First when Connecting a Motorcycle Battery?
Always start with the positive (red) terminal when connecting your motorcycle battery, followed by the negative (black) terminal.

How to Disconnect Motorcycle Batteries
Typical steps on how to disconnect a motorcycle battery are:

• Make sure the engine and ignition are turned off

• Remove the relevant panels to access the battery compartment

• Disconnect the negative (black) cable using a wrench

• Disconnect the positive (red) cable using a wrench

• Remove the strap/holster that holds the battery in place and lift the battery from its compartment

How to Test a Motorcycle Battery

Regular tests are important to maintain your motorcycle battery and prolong its life. Visual and physical checks can be done regularly to check the terminals for corrosion, the body for leaks and swelling, and the case temperature for overheating.

How to Test a Motorcycle Battery with a Multimeter
A multimeter can help you test your motorcycle battery. This is a device that can show you readings of the voltage and the charge state of the battery. Touch the red probe to the positive (red) terminal of the motorcycle battery, and do the same with the black probe to the negative (black) terminal. A fully-charged battery should read between 12.6 and 12.7 volts.

How to Check the Motorcycle Battery Charging System
The battery charging system is what keeps your motorcycle battery charged while the engine is running. A poorly maintained battery charging system can lead to electronic failures and an unreliable motorcycle.

A multimeter comes in useful here. Set it to 20V and turn the bike off, including the ignition. Connect the multimeter to the battery – red probe on the positive (red) terminal, and black probe on the negative (black) terminal.

If the voltage is below 12.0 volts, the motorcycle battery might be showing signs of wear and insufficient charge retention.

How to Jump A Motorcycle Battery

You can jump-start a bike using the battery of another motorcycle:

• Turn off both motorcycles and make sure they’re not in gear

• Connect the positive (red) cable from the dead battery to the positive (red) terminal on the functioning battery

• Attach the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal on the donor battery

• Attach the other end of the negative (black) cable to an unpainted metal part of the motorcycle

• Turn on the functioning motorcycle

• Turn on the dead motorcycle and keep it running for a few minutes

Disconnect the cables in reverse order:

• Remove the black clamp from the frame

• Remove the black clamp from the donor’s negative (black) terminal

• Remove the red clamp from the donor’s positive (red) terminal

• Remove the red clamp from the other motorcycle’s positive (red) terminal

• Let the motorcycle run for around 20 minutes to allow the alternator to charge the battery. Alternatively, go for a ride!

How to Jump A Motorcycle Battery With a Car
The process is similar to when using another motorcycle, with one exception:

NEVER start the engine on the car. Only ever turn on the ignition.

There you have it. Everything you could possibly need to know about motorcycle batteries, all in one place. From assistance with maintaining a healthy battery to information about their voltage and practices for efficient charging, this guide has it all.