Motorcycle batteries
Introduction
A battery is a crucial part of a motorcycle because when it is dead, your motorbike will not be able to locomote. Motorcycle batteries always they self-discharge themselves one percent in a day. Infrequently used batteries or old ones may eventually go dead.
If your battery is dead or has been staying dormant for a long time, it is important to charge it correctly for you to use. This article describes excellent steps that you can take to charge a motorcycle battery correctly and safely.
- Remove The battery from the bike
This is the first step to charging your battery though taking the battery off your motorcycle may be a big pain based on your motorcycle model. It is essential to charge your bike’s battery away from the motorbike. Why? This is because when you are charging the battery, you will be running an electric current through it and remember the battery contains sulphuric acid. At times too much charge can result in the melting of the casing resulting in the spilling of the acid or even exploding of the battery. If such an accident occurs while the battery is still on the bike, it can lead to more fatal accidents and losses.
How Do You Disconnect Your Battery?
It requires maximum care to disconnect a battery from your bike. The procedure is as follows:
- Disconnect the negative cable first which is usually black
- Remove the other positive cable
- Now remove the battery from the frame
- Get To Know Your Battery Type
Various motorcycles have different types of chargers. It is, therefore, crucial to understand the type of battery for your motorbike before connecting any cable. Your battery can be one of the following popular types:
- Lithium-based, e.g. lithium-ion, lithium phosphate or lithium iron
- Gel
- Lead-acid
- Absorbed glass mat
The mentioned types of batteries can all be charged using a conventional charger except those batteries which are lithium-based. This is because lithium-based types have unique internal structures. The charging process may vary depending on the battery brand. It is, therefore, crucial to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions so that you can save yourself from some grief.
- Know The Type Of Charger You need
When you recharge a dead battery, you tend to create some chemical reaction inside it. The process can cause some damage to the battery. However, some chargers can be used to minimize the destruction of your battery and keep it run longer.
What are the various types of chargers that you can use to charge your battery?
- Smart Chargers
Smart chargers are the most convenient ones because they do all the work. The chargers can change the charge rate at various intervals hence minimize damage. Some of these chargers have an electric pulse that aids in speeding along with the chemical reactions. After charging is over, the chargers shut off, and this prevents overloading.
- Float Chargers
This type of charger is different from the smart charger because it does not shut off after charging. Float chargers are always equipped with some electronics that help the device cycle off and on. The chargers cannot recharge a battery that is dead, but they can be left on a battery connected with no risk of overcharging.
- Trickle Chargers
These types of chargers need to be monitored regularly because they do not shut off automatically after completing charging. Trickle charging involves charging a battery that is fully charged at a rate that is equal to the battery’s self –discharging rate. This enables the battery to stay at a state of fully charged. A trickle charger will not charge a battery if there is a load drawing the current. Lead-acid batteries are good examples of motorcycle batteries that can be charged using trickle chargers.
The best chargers to use are smart chargers because they charge your battery automatically, and they help in preventing overloading. Otherwise, trickle chargers can also be used though you will have to keep an eye on it so that it does not affect your battery.
- Charge Your Battery
Before connecting any cable to your battery, ensure that you are in a well-ventilated environment. Why? Because during the charging process, batteries produce hydrogen gas. After taking that precaution, you can now hook up the cables in their proper order and hook them to the correct terminal. By so doing, you will end up with a live battery that is ready for the track.
Conclusion
The mentioned steps will help you charge your motorcycle battery correctly and resurrect your dead battery. If your dead battery fails to revive after following the mentioned steps, you will have to visit an auto parts shop where and purchase a new one. But before you can precede going to an auto parts shop, you should try to use a trickle charger for your motorcycle or any other charging tools.