Types of motorcycle batteries
If a few decades ago only acid batteries for motorcycles were on sale, today you can choose dry gel varieties of batteries that are distinguished by their quality and stability of operation, and their service life exceeds 5 years, during which the battery retains all its performance characteristics.
The most common types of motorcycle batteries today are:
- Acidic.
- Gel.
- Absorbent Glass Mat.
Acid modifications are the simplest designs that have lead plates filled with electrolyte.
During the operation of such batteries, it is necessary to constantly check the fluid level, if necessary, adding acid or distilled water to the jars. Motorcycle lead-acid batteries are made using numerous plates, which make it possible to obtain a reliable current, and the service life of such a battery can reach 5 years. Gel options are the latest development, which allows for smooth capacity and starting current characteristics, which ensures that the motorcycle engine starts even in severe frost. One of the features of AGM batteries is their long service life, which can exceed 10 years. Instead of electrolyte, such batteries use a special gel and insulating pads of lead fiberglass plates.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) devices have a higher cost compared to their acidic counterparts. However, they are more reliable and have better electrical characteristics. In AGM batteries, a special material is impregnated with electrolyte, which is located between the electrode plates. As a result, there is no need to add electrolyte solution, since it does not boil away.
AGM batteries are characterized by higher frost resistance, which is important for residents of the northern regions of the country. In addition, it is worth noting two more advantages of this type of battery:
- high resistance to strong discharge;
- high starting current.
These batteries can be used for 5-10 years. However, they also have disadvantages, which include high sensitivity to voltage changes in the on-board electrical network and the need to purchase a high-quality charger.
Noise when charging battery?
While charging the battery, the electrolyte enters into a chemical reaction with the lead plates, and its constituent acid releases gas (hydrogen) in the form of bubbles. Those. what you hear is the process of slight gas formation in the battery. Visually it looks like boiling.
Explain the differences in the designations of the CTX12-BS and YTX12-BS batteries?
The first letter in the marking indicates the manufacturer's identifier. Different manufacturers use different letters. For example, YX12-BS stands for Sprint plant, CTX12-BS stands for Exide, GTX12-BS stands for Delco. These designations are valid for most lead acid, AGM and gel batteries. But there are exceptions.
Popular gel varieties
If initially classic acid batteries were the most popular on the market, today most motorcyclists choose gel batteries, which are reliable and easy to use.
Such a battery does not freeze even at temperatures of minus 30-40 degrees, it does not require any complex maintenance, including the need to constantly add electrolyte and monitor its level. Some modifications of gel batteries even imply the possibility of replacing the case, which can significantly reduce the cost of operating a motorcycle. If the motorcycle and battery are used correctly, such a battery will last for a long time, fully maintaining its performance characteristics.
We recommend: Choosing a battery: what capacity does the battery need?
The structure of the electrolyte in AGM batteries allows the plates to retain their charge for a long time, and subsequent recharging does not present any difficulty.
On average, such a battery can withstand about 800 charging cycles, without causing any problems during the operation of the motorcycle, guaranteeing reliable starting of the engine.
Buy a cheap 12V battery
You need to take the purchase of a battery very seriously, since a good battery is a guarantee that you will start the vehicle engine without any problems. But where can I buy a good battery ? We recommend purchasing spare parts only from well-known suppliers, among which the online spare parts store “Chinese” //chery-parts.com.ua/Akkumulyatory certainly stands out.
Why you should buy a battery or other spare parts in this store:
- purchase of spare parts to order
- large range of auto parts and components
- flexible pricing policy
- delivery anywhere in Ukraine
- free consultation
Against the backdrop of all that has been written above, almost everyone chooses the path of minimal resistance, purchasing the most affordable batteries “for one season.” Any battery will be enough for this very “season”, and you will not be disturbed by either winter temperature conditions or electrolyte levels and density. You just need to prepare a little money to buy a new one in the spring. True, there is no guarantee of reliability, but there are a lot of propositions in the lower price sector. Chinese, Polish, and even ours, domestic!
Main characteristics of the battery
Gel batteries for motorcycles have a number of parameters that are typical exclusively for batteries from two-wheeled vehicles. These main characteristics include:
- Compact dimensions. Unlike car batteries, such gel-based batteries must be compact in size, which allows them to be installed in a small compartment near the engine or under the saddle. At the same time, compact dimensions must be combined with the necessary technical characteristics, which will be sufficient to start the engine.
- Connection terminal type. When choosing a particular battery for a bike, you need to remember that motorcycle batteries can have five different connection terminal configurations. Some manufacturers of motorcycles have smaller diameter connection terminals, which forces the use of special batteries. Finding a universal battery for all motorcycles can be problematic.
- Capacity indicators. This indicator determines the longevity of the battery, as well as the total amount of charge that is stored in the battery until it is completely discharged. When choosing a battery model, you need to pay attention to its capacity indicators, which must correspond to the data in the technical documentation for a particular motorcycle.
The correct choice of battery will guarantee a reliable start of the motorcycle engine, while the biker will be spared any difficulties with the operation of two-wheeled equipment. A properly selected battery will retain its charge for a long time, providing a high starting current.
What brands should you pay attention to?
Which manufacturers should you give preference to? Among the companies you can trust are the following brands:
- Exide.
- Banner.
- Varta.
- Bosch.
This is only a small part of the motorcycle batteries that can be found on the market. In addition, many companies that produce car batteries also have batteries for motorcycles in their product range.
Battery Features
Most modifications of motorcycle batteries are designed for a starting current of 12 Volts.
It is at this voltage that the engine and all attachments receive the necessary charge that is required to start the power unit. One of the features of using motorcycle batteries is that the battery drains quickly. This is explained by the fact that when the equipment is idle, the alarm system, clock, controller and various internal combustion engine systems continue to work, which leads to a load on the battery and its rapid discharge. That is why it is recommended in winter, when equipment is idle, to remove the battery and recharge it at home.
Charging the battery and checking it
You need to check the charge of a battery you are purchasing (and subsequently, periodically of an already purchased one), since its service life and capacity retention depend on this indicator. You can use a voltmeter or multimeter to check the voltage.
The resulting battery voltage indicator must be greater than the nominal value. If the standard rating is 12 V, then the norm for it will be a voltage of 12.8 V. If this figure is less than 12 V, then a deep discharge occurs. If the voltage is less than 12.5 V, the battery is half discharged. When the generator and relay regulator are operating, the voltage should be 13.6 V.
Proper Maintenance
The trouble-free operation of a motorcycle battery will largely depend on the quality of service provided to the battery.
In each specific case, depending on the type and model of the battery, they will require appropriate maintenance from the motorcyclist, including regular recharging and proper storage of the battery. In the simplest acid batteries, the case should be washed once a year, for which the electrolyte is drained, distillate is added and the case is cleaned of any existing contaminants. You will also need to regularly clean the terminals, for which you use fine-grain sandpaper. This cleaning of the terminals improves contact, preventing oxidation of problem areas.
You can check the charge of a motorcycle battery using a multimeter. Such measurements are carried out with the engine not running, as well as with the engine running, which makes it possible to determine the presence of leakage current and the correct functioning of the generator.
Most fans of two-wheeled transport put their motorcycles in the garage for the winter and remove the battery. It is necessary not only to remove the battery from the motorcycle, but also to recharge the battery immediately before the start of the motorcycle season, for which appropriate rectifiers are used. It is recommended to store the battery at room temperature, since in the cold in the garage the electrolyte and gel can freeze, which subsequently leads to a rapid discharge of the battery.
We recommend: Methods for measuring battery capacity: how big is the battery?
Precautions when working with batteries
Batteries constantly produce explosive hydrogen, especially while charging. To avoid the potential risk of fire when working near a battery, the following guidelines should be followed:
Do not smoke near batteries.
Keep sparks, short circuits, or other sources of ignition away from the battery.
When disconnecting/connecting current-carrying cables, be sure to first turn off the consumers, turn off the ignition, and turn the key to the off position.
Ensure proper ventilation of the battery charging area.
The charger must be turned off in the following cases: a) when connected to a battery; b) when disconnected from the battery.
The ground wire (-) must be disconnected from the battery first and connected last.
Common faults
12 Volt motorcycle batteries can be subject to a number of malfunctions associated with both manufacturing defects and improper battery operation. These common faults include:
- Sulfation of the plates, which causes rapid battery discharge. This sulfation is a chemical reaction that occurs as a result of improper charging of the battery, storage of the battery in inappropriate conditions and frequent discharge of the battery.
- Short circuit. When the plates are short-circuited, deformations of the active components are observed, and in the future it becomes impossible to use such a battery.
- Swelling and destruction of lamellar blocks.
The most common cause of motorcycle battery failure is mechanical damage. Due to cracks in the working compartments or case, the battery loses electrolyte and quickly becomes unusable . Therefore, when operating the motorcycle, you should not allow it to fall to the ground, which will damage the battery.
Good to know
To protect the terminals from oxidation and the appearance of a white coating, they need to be cleaned, securely fastened and only then lubricated with grease (technical Vaseline, Litol, Solidol, etc.) or protected with a special acid-resistant mastic.
The battery being serviced must have a special tube for removing gases; it must be taken outside the motorcycle and not closed; it serves to remove gases and condensate during operation.
You can insert the battery into a rubber or plastic box that is slightly higher than the battery. Then, if the electrolyte suddenly spills out, it will not get on the frame and other parts of the motorcycle.
Source
Recommendations for battery operation
When using the battery, you should regularly check the correct operation of the electrical circuit and the absence of short circuits.
The presence of such problems with the circuit leads to increased load on the battery, and, ultimately, sulfation of the plates is noted. With proper use, self-discharge rates will be minimal. But if iron particles or other contaminants get into the acid, the battery will quickly discharge, requiring additional recharging literally after a few days of parking the vehicle. Due to the presence of chips and cracks on the battery case, electrolyte may leak. Depending on the type of battery, there are two possible solutions to this problem. Liquid batteries are not repairable and require replacement. But gel batteries allow you to replace the case by replacing the lead plates and dense filler from the damaged battery.
When choosing batteries for motorcycles, you must first decide on the type of battery. Today, the most popular are gel modifications, which retain their performance characteristics for a long time, ensuring reliable engine starting even in severe frost.
The characteristics of the starting current and battery capacity should be compared with the parameters recommended by the motorcycle manufacturer. This is the only way to choose a high-quality battery that will last for many years.
Why do batteries differ in size?
The dimensions of the battery depend on the number and size of lead plates. This, in turn, determines the battery capacity (Ah) and the power output. Sometimes batteries with the same capacity also have different sizes, this is due to different standards of motorcycle manufacturers.
How tight should the battery terminal bolts be?
The bolts on the battery terminals should be tightened as securely as possible, but without fanaticism. Since weak terminals can lead to problems with starting the engine, oxidation of the terminals, burning and melting of contacts, sparking (and, as a result, an explosion of the battery).
What is battery acid and is it caustic?
As we already wrote above, battery acid (electrolyte) is nothing more than dilute sulfuric acid. It is very dangerous and requires very careful handling using protective equipment, such as special gloves, an apron and safety glasses! Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing!
Recommendations for selection
When choosing a battery for any vehicle, you need to focus on the main indicators of these devices.
One of the main characteristics of a battery is capacity. If you use a low-capacity battery on a motorcycle with a large power plant, the starting current may not be enough. We recommend: Starting and traction battery for electric boat motor
During the cold season, starting the engine is difficult due to low temperatures. Considering this fact, it is necessary to select batteries with a reserve capacity. However, you should also not purchase a battery with an excessively high indicator of this parameter, so as not to waste money.
The inrush current indicator directly depends on the device capacity. The higher it is, the easier it will be to start the power plant. For motorcycles, you must purchase 12-volt batteries. Scooters should be equipped with devices with a voltage of 6 V.
The dimensions of the battery are also important. It is possible to ensure reliable connection of the terminals and fastening of the battery only if the unit fully fits the installation location. Since motorcycle batteries are more susceptible to vibration and weather conditions than car batteries, greater demands are placed on their housing. First of all, we are talking about tightness. The best choice in this situation would be gel batteries and AGM .
Today, manufacturers produce a large number of varieties of housings and terminals. The standards do not regulate this issue, so it is necessary to select a battery similar to the one that failed.
If the motorcycle owner has the financial means, then it is worth giving preference to AGM and GEL batteries.
How to choose the right battery?
The choice of battery is carried out according to the following criteria:
1. Capacity. It is measured in ampere hours. The larger the capacity, the correspondingly larger the battery size. Make sure the model you want to purchase is the right size. If your “iron friend” has extra space, you can safely select a battery with a larger capacity than was installed.
2. Battery type. Batteries are divided into acid and gel (AGM). They differ not only in their properties, but also in appearance. Acid batteries have a white body and 6 plugs on top. And gel ones (AGM) are distinguished by a solid black body. They are considered more advanced, but also more expensive. In general, both types of battery models can be installed on a motorcycle.
3. Manufacturer. Above we have provided a list of brands that produce the best motorcycle batteries in our opinion. If you have decided on the capacity and type, all that remains is to decide which manufacturer you trust more.
Maintenance rules and possible malfunctions
Motorcycle owners should periodically check the voltage at the battery terminals. For a battery in good condition, this indicator should be from 12.6 to 12.9 V (for 12-volt batteries). If the battery is not capable of producing the rated voltage without load, it must be recharged. The requirements for this process are no different from car batteries:
- the charge current indicator should be 0.1;
- For GEL and AGM type batteries, it is advisable to purchase a special charger that allows for stable charging performance and automatic shutdown after the process is completed.
When the battery is in a discharged state for a long time, the sulfation reaction of the electrodes is activated, which negatively affects the life of the device. It should also be remembered that in the cold season the battery needs to be recharged more often.
A deep discharge poses a serious danger to the battery . To avoid trouble, you should not leave your motorcycle parked with the power unit on. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the on-board electrical network. To do this, it is enough to regularly check the voltage at the battery terminals. If an acid battery is used, then it is necessary to monitor the level of the electrolyte solution and periodically add water.
Imported batteries (for example, Bosh, Varta, Banner, etc.) are very popular among bike owners.
However, today Russian motorcycle batteries can also be of good quality, but at the same time their cost is lower. For example, TITAN 6MTS-4A, made using AGM technology, or gel MOTO ZDF 1204 GEL.
Acidic
These are standard motorcycle batteries with liquid acid electrolyte filled inside. They are characterized by their low cost and average degree of reliability. The battery can work properly for 3 to 5 years.
This type of motorcycle battery differs from its automobile counterparts in that it goes on sale in a dry-charged state. Liquid electrolyte is usually included in the package.
An acid is used as an electrolyte, which evaporates over time. And its vapors have a negative effect on wires and connectors. In addition, the frame itself suffers, including the rear spring. In other words, such batteries have the same disadvantages that car batteries have.
Services
The motorcycle owner must regularly monitor the electrolyte level in all banks and, if necessary, top up the contents of the battery containers (if this is a serviced model). The battery should be charged only as needed, avoiding deep discharge and overcharging.
Carrying out these measures will extend the life of the battery and will prevent sulfation of the plates.
AGM
