Below you will find everything you need to know about motorcycle batteries including a buying and fitting guide plus the latest reviews.
A charged motorcycle battery is an important part for your ride. Make sure you select a great motorcycle battery and you will always be ready to go.
Note: Information presented on this page is for educational purposes only. Always rely on your motorcycle owner’s manual and battery manufacturer’s information for full user handling, care, installation, etc.
Motorcycle Battery Buying Guide
Before you buy a motorcycle battery make sure to consider the following points. An excellent battery in your motorcycle can save you a lot of trouble, especially after a winter stop in cold conditions. So before you buy, make sure to review these important points from our motorcycle battery buying guide.
Selecting a Battery
Different motorcycles use different types of batteries. There are a wide variety of sizes and model types to fit the variety of motorcycles wet, dry, with-sensor, without. Make sure you get the right battery for your particular bike. After you narrow it down to the right size, model, and type for your bike, you still may have several options. Be sure to check that the technical specs of the battery match up with your particular bike before you hand over your cash.
Fit For Your Bike
Be sure the battery fits perfectly in your bike. If the size is not right the battery will move around and cause damage in the battery box.
Engine Compatibility
A larger cc motorcycle engine requires a higher chargeable battery, while a smaller engine only uses a small motorcycle battery.
Expiration
An expiration date isn’t just for the food in your fridge, it applies to motorcycle batteries too. You want a battery that is no more than six months old based on the shipping date. If you can’t find the date or the shipping-date-code on the battery yourself then ask a knowledgeable vendor.
Longevity
Choosing a battery with a long life is important if you use your bike for short trips or if you live in a location where the climate is warm. Short trips mean that the alternator doesn’t have much time to recharge the battery, while high temperatures can wreak havoc on the electrolyte solution and components of the motorcycle battery. Long distance touring bikes need to have motorcycle batteries which can be used for long distances before they give out.
Warranty
Look for a battery with the longest free-replacement warranty. Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty on factory defects.
Climate & Start Up Power
Cold-cranking amps (CCAs) are the number of amps a lead-acid battery can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell. This is important especially in a cold climate when engine conditions are at their worst and battery power is at its lowest. As a general rule: the higher the CCAs, the greater the starting power of the motorcycle battery.
Battery Type
A self-sealed or factory-sealed motorcycle battery should not require any maintenance, just installation. Unless your bike’s user manual says otherwise, a maintenance-free battery should never be replaced with a conventional one. Remember, a conventional battery needs routine maintenance.
Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable motorcycle batteries are eco-friendly and cost effective. Though they are slightly more expensive than non-rechargeable models, you can always recharge them and they will last quite some time. Keep in mind, most modern motorbike batteries have their parts named with CT, CTZ, YTZ and YT.
Motorycyle Battery Useful Tips & Facts
This motorcycle battery guide is all about the things you should think about before buying and installing your motorcycle battery. Useful points that make dealing with motorcycle batteries much easier.
- Apart from wear & tear, temperature impacts the workings of a motorcycle battery the most. The lower the temperature the less effective the chemicals inside the battery. Which means, the colder the weather the worse your motorcycle battery works. If you do need to replace the battery, realize that batteries are shipped without acid so when buying mail order, you will need to fill-up with your own acid.
- Motorcycle batteries from a battery shop can be 50% cheaper!
- A motorcycle battery has three main functions:
- enables the engine to start with the electrical starter
- works as an extra power supply
- works as an absorber for high surges of electricity
- If you have an older battery be sure to check the electrolyte levels often (add distilled water on low levels)
- A wet cell 12 volt battery will give you between 12.5 and 13.2 volts when fully charged.
- Normally, you can expect a motorcycle battery to last you about three years.
- When charging a battery you should never exceed one-tenth of the rated amp-hour capacity.
- If you don’t ride often consider getting a smart charger to keep your battery topped up and in the best condition.
- When your bike starts to have problems starting, check your electrics ASAP. It will help avoid problems on the road.
- Remember to charge the battery on your bike. Aa 12 volt system needs to generate more volts to accurately load the battery (normally around 14 volts).
- The vent hose on batteries is extremely important – the acid vapors can discolor your paint, chrome, etc. Use special motorcycle batteries and place the vent hose in the right place.
- Sealed batteries are extremely handy for motorcycles and if possible worth getting for your motorcycle. Less hassle, maintenance, and worries.
- Winter weather can drain your battery power quickly. Use a charger to keep it topped and remember that a discharged battery can freeze and crack your casing.
- Always make sure the battery is securely fitted, the cables attached firmly, and the vent hose routed properly.
- Batteries discharge at a rate of 0.5% – 1% every day.