Motorcycle battery: choice, specifications

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Typically, a motorcycle battery is a stand-alone 12 volt battery. The exception is bikes with an engine whose volume is less than 50 cubic centimeters. The features of the operation of the element under consideration include the influence of weather factors, significant vibration and susceptibility to mechanical deformations. When choosing a motorcycle battery, you should consider the tightness of the case, protection from vibration and leakage of the working fluid, as well as the capacity and dimensions of the cell.

Motorcycle battery: types

Acid batteries are the most affordable. A battery of this type requires regular diagnostics of the electrolyte level, as well as a check of the supplied voltage. This makes it possible to prevent sulfitation and failure of the unit. The actual service life of the element is from three to five years.

AGM motorcycle batteries are a more expensive and reliable option. For these elements, the working fluid is placed in special compartments. The compact design incorporates multiple lead plates to increase the inrush current. Anti-freeze electrolyteprotect fiberglass overlays, no hydrogen is released during operation, and the life of such an AB is from five to ten years.

Motorcycle gel battery

Such instances are among the most reliable options of their kind. The electrolyte in such batteries is mixed with a special solution that prevents evaporation and freezing of the composition. The motorcycle gel battery is maintenance-free, if damaged, the body can be replaced, since the gel-like filling remains in working order.

The structure of the electrolyte and the excellent quality of the charge of the working plates allows you to keep the charge for a long time. On average, the period of operation of the cell is approximately 800 charging cycles. With proper maintenance, such a battery can last more than 10 years. The disadvantages of the device include the high cost and the need to use a special charger. To maximize the life of gel-type batteries, they must be tested and charged.

Key Features

A motorcycle battery has a number of specific parameters. These include:

1. Dimensions. In this context, the batteries must match the dimensions of the installation compartment, as well as fit the technical specifications, according to the vehicle data sheet.
2. The connection terminals play an important role. Motorcycle batteries (12V) havemore than five different connection configurations. Much depends on the intention of the manufacturer. In this regard, it is very problematic to choose a universal package.
3. Capacity. This value must meet the requirements provided by the developers. If a battery with a lower rating is used, it simply may not have enough reserve to start the starter. This will be especially felt at sub-zero temperatures.

Features

The battery for a motorcycle has a certain starting current, usually oriented for aggregation with a voltage of 12 volts. With this comparison, the two-wheeled vehicle gets more engine power, regardless of its size.

It is worth noting the reason for the self-discharge of the battery. In the event that the equipment is idle, the internal combustion engine system, controller, alarm clock and other additional elements continue to work. This results in a loss of battery capacity, especially in winter.

Maintenance

The battery for the IZH motorcycle and other domestic units needs regular maintenance. This procedure includes:

• Flushing the case, allowing you to optimize the functionality of the battery as a whole.
• Cleaning the terminals. It helps to improve contact with work surfaces and avoid oxidation of problem areas.
• Diagnosis of the device by connecting a multimeter.

Because most owners leave the motorcycle in a cold garage, you need to remember how to chargemotorcycle battery. The best solution would be to dismantle the battery, flush it and then charge it, according to the instructions. It is desirable to store the element at room temperature, since the electrolyte may freeze in the cold, and with an increased thermal regime, it will simply cease to perform its function due to rapid discharge. The optimum storage temperature is from +2 to 30 degrees. At the same time, the device requires recharging every 50-60 days.

Faults

12V motorcycle batteries are subject to a number of faults that may be due to factory defects or misuse. This category includes:

1. Sulfation of the plates, which causes an accelerated discharge of the battery. The process occurs as a result of improper charging of the device, frequent discharges and storage of the battery in the wrong place.
2. Short circuit in the mechanism. When the plates are shorted, deformation of the active components occurs, which leads to the impossibility of further operation of the battery.
3. Destruction or swelling of plate blocks.

Another common reason why motorcycle batteries (12 V) can fail is mechanical damage. In the event of cracks in the case or working compartments, the use of the battery has a very limited period or unsuitability for further operation.

What should I pay attention to?

When operating a motorcyclebattery, attention should be paid to the possibility of an internal break in the network, which occurs when there is no contact between the battery and its output contacts. You also need to make sure that the element is not subject to unauthorized discharge. This factor occurs when contaminated filler or iron particles enter the system. Under normal maintenance, the degree of self-discharge is unlikely.

Leakage of working fluid from the system may occur due to cracks or chips on the battery case. Depending on the type of battery, two scenarios are possible. If the battery is dependent on the integrity of the core and is equipped with a liquid type electrolyte, the cell should be discarded and replaced with a new one. With helium batteries, you can do it differently. It is enough just to replace the case. The motorcycle battery, which starts at $30 and depends on the principle of operation and composition, is available for any model, despite the fact that two-wheeled cars are more picky in this regard than cars on four ramps.