BATTERY CARE AND MAINTENANCE

It is important to identify the type of battery fitted on your bike.

A few smaller bikes are still being fitted with the conventional flooded (wet cell) batteries that need to have the electrolyte level checked regularly, and these are easily distinguishable by the removable caps and the UPPER and LOWER or MAX and MIN level lines marked on the front, along with the slightly see-through body that just about allows a view of the level of the electrolyte within.

Most bikes have a maintenance-free VRLA/SLA (valve-regulated lead-acid/sealed lead-acid) battery, of either the AGM or Gel type, that, after the initial filling and charging, you can consider a sealed unit, but not totally maintenance-free. Some bikes are being fitted with Lithium batteries from new, and they are becoming more popular as an upgrade.

When removing and fitting a battery always disconnect the negative (-) lead first and reconnect it last.

General checks for all battery types:

• Check the battery leads are tight on the terminals, and the leads and the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Clean the terminals and lead ends and cover them with a dedicated battery terminal spray or petroleum jelly (Vaseline).
• Keep the battery case clean.
• If the bike is not being used regularly, charge the battery using a dedicated and preferably intelligent motorcycle battery charger every month to six weeks. Do not use a car battery charger. Note that Lithium batteries have different charging requirements to lead-acid batteries and require a different type of charger. Always follow the instructions on the battery and the charger.

The electrolyte level in conventional wet/flooded batteries goes down as part of the natural electrochemical process in which water in the electrolyte turns to gas and is released via the vent. If the level drops too low and it exposes the lead plates to the air, they will deteriorate rapidly leading to battery failure.

It is important to make a regular check of the electrolyte level and top it up with deionised or distilled water. Do not use tap water, and do not refill with battery acid. If you have to add much water, the battery may need recharging.

Checking electrolyte levels on a conventional lead acid battery:

• Support the bike upright on level ground. Access the battery as described in your handbook. Most batteries are under the seat or behind a side panel. Remove the battery if you can’t get visual access to the level lines.
• The electrolyte level should be visible through the battery body and must lie between the UPPER and LOWER or MAX and MIN level lines. If the level is low, even if only in one cell, remove the battery.
• Remove the cell caps and fill each cell to the upper-level mark with deionised or distilled water. Do not use tap water (except in an emergency), or overfill. The cell holes are quite small, so use a small funnel or a clean plastic squeeze bottle with a small spout to add the water. Fit the cell caps.