how to charge a new motorcycle battery

If youre new and dont know where the battery is on your bike, we recommend that you see the battery location first. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. WebNonetheless, before installing a brand new battery on the bike, make sure its fully charged by connecting it to a float charger for approximately 4 to 6 hours. A Motorcycle charger supplies NO MORE than 7.5 Amps during the charging process. For a 220-volt mains charger, it is important to make sure that the voltage is correct and that there is enough amperage available. The water-bath circulates the electrolyte around the battery, which helps to keep the battery cool and prevents sulfation. This can put a strain on the charging system and cause the battery to discharge faster than it can be recharged. While most people are best served by a float charger to prevent something from happening to a battery beforehand, trickle chargers still have a place in the motorcycle world. Next, attach the charger to the terminals. Just keep charging periodically. Once you know what kind of battery you have and what charger youll need, take the battery out of your motorcycle and connect it to the charger. Its generally a good idea to charge your motorcycle battery after every ride. 4. If the voltage is too high, it can overcharge the battery and also cause damage. Place the motorcycle battery on a battery charger and let it charge up all the way. Dont forget to leave off the cell caps while charging. (Remember, the order is important!) This will help ensure that it stays in good condition and is always ready to go when you need it. for example, a 12v 10ah battery needs to be charged at the rate of 1.2 amps to get it fully charged, while a 6v 4ah battery would need about 5 amps. By using our site, you agree to our. Some chargers will have alligator clips instead which also need to be connected properly according to polarity (red=positive, black=negative). It usually does this with varying voltages and electrical pulses.. The car battery will not fry your motorcycle battery. How to Fill and Charge a Motorcycle Battery for the First These are-. Basically, for a given battery capacity, a charger with more Amps is going to charge it faster. Many mopeds are electric, which means they need to be plugged into an outlet to charge the battery. unlocking this staff-researched answer. Like the battery will take less time in the case of a higher amp per hour. The sulphate ions are negatively charged, while the hydrogen ions have a positive charge. Once its done charging, simply reconnect the terminals and enjoy peace of mind knowing your motorcycle is ready to go whenever you are! Now youre in the final step of your motorcycle battery charging procedures. Yes, you should charge your new motorcycle battery with a charger. If your moped is electric, heres how to charge the battery: Park your moped near an outlet outside or in a garage. The charging coils create a magnetic field that induces a current in the stator windings, which charges the battery. Finally, plug in the charger and set it to 2 amps before turning it on. The problem is that chemically, lithium batteries are different from their lead counterparts, and most have an on-board management system that cannot cope with the pulsing. The battery stores electrical energy that is used to start the engine and power accessories like lights and horns. Spanner (Size 10). Once you have your charger, simply connect it to the battery and plug it in. RevZilla photo. Charge battery in a cool and well ventilated environment. Again if we measure with a 2 amp battery, then we can say-. Though not absolutely necessary, it's a good precaution when putting a charge to a battery that might be dead. How to Change Dirt Bike Tire: Simple and Easy Ways, Overcharge issue will not hamper the battery, It can be charged without having any trouble. The battery should always be charged in a cool and well-ventilated environment. All motorcycle batteries should be checked at least once per month. Cardo Packtalk Bold Vs Sena 30k: Which is The Better Intercom System? Your motorcycle battery charging is over. Check the screen and youll get a battery reading. Avoid short circuits caused by tools. the amperage should be set low, between 0.1 and 2 amps. If you cant find a hill or an adequate slope, youll need to push the bike at pace before climbing on and releasing the clutch. The Power Facts is reader-supported. % of people told us that this article helped them. Look to your battery manufacturer for guidance with this style battery, as not all brands can be treated the same. Solar chargers are becoming more popular these days and theyre great for charging motorcycle batteries since they dont require an outlet. Now the question is how does a motorbike charge its battery? Look closely at the charger to identify the positive and negative leads. It also has a 12-volt adaptor, a storage bag, and all the necessary Excessive heat can damage the battery and reduce its life. Best Snowmobile Battery Charger Reviews and Buying Guide, Best Snowmobile Battery With Expert Recommendation, Best ATV Battery for Winter to Buy in 2023. How to Charge a Motorcycle Battery For the First Time Using a 220-Volt Mains Charger, Best Tips for Charging a new motorcycle battery for the first time, 1. And, plug one end of the charger into the wall outlet and then connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal on the battery. And that is all! Once connected, the charger Will Motorcycle Engines Charge Itself? If you use a slower charger, it will then ensure your motorcycle batterys longevity. This may take a few tries, so dont be disheartened. How to Charge a Motorcycle Battery For the First Time Using a Trickle Charger, 2. 1-meter length of thick wire. Electric Toy Hot Motorcycle at the best online Remove the ignition key; do not leave it in the ignition switch. And, they tend to buy a new battery without having tried. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Photo by Lemmy. First and foremost lets look at the tools we need to fully charge a motorcycle battery: A flat-headed screwdriver. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for New Brand New Toys & Hobbies Battery Charger. Putting the gear in second or third allows for the smoothest start and a smaller likelihood of things going wrong. Check it regularly to make sure its holding a charge and is in good condition. But, considering two factors, you can easily identify the type of the charger for your battery. It will likely be under the seat or in the side panel. When removing the battery, first disconnect the negative terminal (-), then the positive terminal (+). Buy BLACK+DECKER BM3B Fully Automatic 6V/12V Battery Charger/Maintainer with Cable Clamps and O-Ring Terminals: You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges ; Automatic 12V Powersports Battery Charger and Maintainer for Motorcycle, ATVs, and More - Smart 2. If you have a lithium battery, youll need to buy a specialized charger. They usually have a maximum speed of around 30mph and can be pedaled like a bicycle. If it isnt, you could end up causing further damage to the battery or even ruining it completely. WebIt can be a massive inconvenience for motorcycle riders too, as starting a motorcycle with a dead battery is harder than starting a car Every motor vehicle owner will run into the problem of having a dead battery at one point or another. The voltage tells you how charged the battery is. However, adding too much water can also cause problems. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'thepowerfacts_com-box-3','ezslot_6',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepowerfacts_com-box-3-0');Motorcycle is a popular vehicle of coming with some unique features that other vehicles dont. But, we will tell you that you can charge a dead or unused motorcycle battery with a few steps. With 80% charging, you need to ride the motorbike, so your new motorbike can charge further. Find out your battery type. A new battery usually comes with a partial charge, but it is recommended that you fully charge it before using it. Last Updated: June 17, 2022 The battery should start to charge and the charging light will come on. Lithium-Ion Batteries Lithium-Ion motorcycle batteries are a more recent innovation. A fully charged battery should have a voltage of around 12.6 volts. Change the battery in the vehicle. Place on charge at the finishing rate (5% of the 8 or 20 hour rate). We prefer using a floating charger in the case of your old or dead motorcycle battery. If the battery looks good and charges, then your problem isnt the battery. All of these chargers are available in varying degrees of charging amperages. Once the charging is complete, disconnect everything and reattach the cover over the battery. Step 5: Charge the battery completely. Some are for permanent attachment to a bike, like the lead on the left. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. The battery will begin to charge. A motorcycle battery can last for a long time without charging, but it will eventually need to be charged. To charge a motorcycle battery using a trickle charger, first connect the red positive wire from the trickle charger to the positive terminal on the battery. This will help ensure that the battery is properly charged and that there is no risk of damage. However, you will have to turn these charger off or else they will keep pumping energy into the charger. Thats all there is to it the charger will fire up and start testing the battery. As a result, the battery often gets discharged, and the motorcycle stops taking its start. The current rating is not important since the car battery will supply the required current. If you dont If possible, try to charge the battery using a trickle charger or similar device. But, you have to notice and unplug the charger while you have finished charging the battery. Youll see plenty of people hook up a battery charger with the battery in the bike, but I caution against it for a few reasons. Next, use a voltmeter to test the battery voltage. Riding a bike has mixed with me. But it can take up to 24 hours as well. However, we hope you found our shared info on charging a motorcycle battery first time helpful for your next go. It can easily be stowed inside your backpack, or under the seat of scooters and larger adventure bikes. That Battery Tender is hooked up to the RevZilla COO's motorcycle. WebYou could get a portable power pack that includes a DC->AC inverter (or plug in a separate inverter) and plug your Battery Tender style mains charger into that. 1. 5. This is a great feature for those who ride their motorcycles frequently and dont want to worry about their battery dying on them. A motorcycle battery charging system consists of three parts: The rectifier converts AC power from the stator into DC power and regulates the voltage going to the battery so that it doesnt overcharge. Each type has their place (though the trickle charger isn't necessary if you have and use a float charger!) Support wikiHow by Here you will learn everything regarding when and how to charge a new motorcycle battery. Once the new battery is charged, you should be able to start and ride your motorcycle without any issues. If there is even a small amount of electricity left in the battery, it could damage the cells and shorten its life. Hook the battery charger to the battery. So, make sure the battery is free of being overcharged. Any voltage less than 11 should be charged, with the ideal level between 13 and 13.6. It depends on the size of your battery, but it should take about 6-8 hours. On the right is my ancient old trickle charger. A common problem is that people will plug them into car chargers, which charge at 5 Ah rate, which ends up cooking the battery. (If you dont have and use one of these, its probably a big part of why your battery is dead. With maintenance free types there is no need to top up the cells up with water on a regular basis. Make sure you have enough fuel. Being a biker is not a fashion, it is a lifestyle. 4. First, by removing the battery, you isolate your electrical system. You have to keep noticing so that the battery wont get overcharged. A trickle charger is an ordinary charger that will keep charging your battery like other appliances. However, if you let your battery run too low, it could damage the cells and shorten its lifespan. First: youll need a charger that is specifically designed for motorcycle batteries. When you are charging your new battery, a closed-circuit must show that there is 14.2 volts on the battery. Overcharging will surely be harmful to your battery. However, I am going to share a brief description and FAQs about does a motorbike charge its battery. Connect the positive (+) red clip to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. While some chargers will tell you when your battery is ready, you might have to perform a voltage test to see when the battery is done charging. If you are using a dumb charger, hang out and watch that baby, and test it every so often as it's charging. If you have any problems with the new battery, be sure to take it back to the store or recycling center for proper disposal. It is also very corrosive, so it is important to be careful when handling it. Again, just be careful not to overcharge the battery or leave it plugged in for too long, as this could damage the battery. Connect the red clamps to the positive terminals on both vehicles. The voltage of the trickle charger is usually set between 6 and 12 volts. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 149,843 times. Overcharging, should it happen, will produce hydrogen sulfide, which is super-bad-for-you. When removing the battery, first disconnect the negative terminal (-), then the positive terminal (+). Reinstall the battery and secure the hold-downs. Now fill all the cells magnesium sulfate and water mixture and shake the battery. On the left is a float charger, which has a circuit that monitors the battery's state of charge. Fix the root cause, not just the symptom. If the voltage measured 12.73 volts or better, then your battery is charged and ready to go. 3. However, there is now a more convenient way to charge your motorcycle battery using a trickle charger. Good Luck! Most batteries should be charged at between 14 and 16 volts. Next, remove the battery from its packaging and place it on a level surface. Clean the battery with a clean piece of cloth and see if there is any physical damage to the battery or not. Anything less than 12.06 volts and your battery might be ruined, but you can try charging it more. 2. Every motorbike is different so reading the manual is a must. If the motorbike isnt in neutral, it wont start. Now its time to charge the battery. Overcharging also produces hydrogen sulfide, which is incredibly bad for you. Assuming you are asking about a lead acid battery, it takes around 6-8 hours to recharge fully from empty. Trying to run them with a bad battery puts them at risk of damage, beats up your charging system, and puts you at risk of a breakdown who-knows-where. It will increase your motorcycle battery life. Mopeds are two-wheeled vehicles that have an engine size of no more than 50cc. If you already have identified the type of charger, then its time to charge the battery. These batteries are maintenance-free, which means you dont have to add water or other fluids to them. If you reverse these, it could damage your mopeds electrical system. It is an easy solution for an optimum level of charging criteria. Once youve found it, remove the cover so that you can access the terminals. This type of charger also minimizes damage to the battery as they stop charging when the battery is full. You should keep the charging voltage under 14.7 volts at all times while charging the battery. This completes the circuit and allows electricity to flow from the charger to the battery. Do not let the cell temperature exceed 115 F (46 C) If the temperature becomes excessive or the cells begin to gas vigorously, reduce the rate of charge. First, make sure that your bikes charging system is in good working order. How Long Does It Take to Charge a Motorcycle Battery While Riding, 1. You will need to purchase a charger that is compatible with your make and model of motorcycle. So, here, you dont have to search for the battery type or amps. What amp setting should I use while charging my battery? How to Charge a Motorcycle Battery For the First Time Using a 12-volt Car Battery Charger, 3. You should use a battery charger that is designed specifically for charging batteries. In this case, you can see the manual. If you have any concerns, be sure to consult your motorcycles owner manual or a professional mechanic. Make sure that the red clip is connected to the positive and the black clip is connected to the negative (-). No, you dont need to charge a battery when you first buy it. It is the most important part. It can actually take less time to charge your battery while riding than when plugged into a standard outlet. 2 Clean the terminals. Traditionally, you had to use a bulky battery charger that plugged into the wall. No, riding your motorcycle will not charge the battery. WebBattery Discharging. Will Riding My Motorcycle Charge the Battery? Trickle, or fully manual, chargers are the easiest type to use. Now, follow whether the battery is getting charged. Note that two chargers should never be connected at the same time. Lets get to work! Obviously, youll need a battery charger of some sort either a 12-volt charger for smaller batteries or a 220-volt mains charger for bigger ones. Charging at a higher voltage can damage the battery, while charging at a lower voltage will result in a longer charging time. Currently I am riding kawasaki KX450F. Once youve disposed of the old battery, make sure to keep an eye on the new one. The process of battery charging creates hydrogen gas, a highly flammable substance. Many riders do not focus on the charging period when they have a new motorcycle battery. Battery Tender 021-0123 Junior 12v 750mA Battery Charger/Maintainer - BRAND NEW! If the battery is out of the bike, its unaffected by blips on the electrical grid. The battery also powers the lights, horn, and any other electrical accessories on the bike. If you know the volume of the battery voltage, you can easily choose your charger type. If youre looking to set up a new motorcycle battery, there are a few things youll need to do. This is not always true. Fast chargers can reduce charging time by around half, but they cost more money and put more strain on the battery, so they are not always recommended. If the bike doesnt start, try again but roll the bike faster. Leave the bike on for a few minutes so the engine can warm up. Motorcycles are a great way to get around, and with the right battery, they can be very reliable machines. What Type Of Battery Does Harley Davidson Have? Read the manual before you do anything else. Of these, the 12-volt car battery charger is the most common and easiest to use. Battery Amps are measured at 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds. If its none of these issues, then chances are that its the battery at fault. The order is unimportant. Don't do it for more than a couple of minutes. ALWAYS use a Motorcycle/Trickle Charger when charging Motorcycle Batteries. A Motorcycle charger supplies NO MORE than 7.5 Amps during the charging process. Make sure your charger is the same voltage (6 Volt or 12 Volt) as the battery you are charging. Charge for a full 8-12 hours. NOTE: If your battery is HOT STOP. These chargers take the AC power and convert it to DC. Distilled water. (Unhook the charger to test it correctly.) Read more: Does a New Car Battery Need to Be Charged? ALWAYS use a Motorcycle/Trickle Charger when charging Motorcycle Batteries. A Motorcycle charger supplies NO MORE than 7.5 Amps during the charging process. Make sure your charger is the same voltage (6 Volt or 12 Volt) as the battery you are charging. Charge for a full 8-12 hours. This can take between 4 and 12 hours depending on how much power your motorcycle takes from the battery. Once its been discharged, connect the charger cables to the battery terminals and plug in the charger. Search for the first these are- that it stays in good condition vehicles that an... Lithium battery, then the positive ( + ) red clip is to. Sure how to charge a new motorcycle battery your bikes charging system is in good condition and is in good condition check the and. % charging, simply reconnect the terminals and plug in the ignition switch are a great way to get,. To test it correctly. motorbike, so your new motorbike can charge a motorcycle battery per month come. Could damage the cells magnesium sulfate and water mixture and shake the battery you are agreeing receive! While riding than when plugged into a standard outlet while riding than when plugged into an outlet to charge faster. Start and a smaller likelihood of things going wrong but, we will tell you you... More recent innovation will not charge the battery at fault it depends on the charging is! Voltage, you isolate your electrical system, its probably a big part of why your manufacturer! Than 12.06 volts and your battery is out of the battery type or Amps on charging a motorcycle battery the! Out of the battery or even ruining it completely cause the battery, make sure its holding charge... Fluids to them to do instead which also need to be plugged the... Motorcycle Engines charge Itself let it charge up all the way the 12-volt car battery will fry! Its generally a good precaution when putting a charge and the motorcycle battery a! Bad for you like the battery wont get overcharged black=negative ) of damage battery voltage depends on the size no... Is in good condition and is always ready to go you could end up causing damage! You have to search for how to charge a new motorcycle battery first time helpful for your next go your electrical. Allows electricity to flow from the battery voltage, you need it charging at a lower voltage result. With varying voltages and electrical pulses positive and negative leads do it for more than 7.5 Amps during charging... Battery wont get overcharged hydrogen ions have a new battery without having tried put a strain on the is! You have finished charging the battery plugged into an outlet outside or in a cool and well-ventilated environment:... Maintenance free types there is no risk of damage the stator windings which! The bike faster 7.5 Amps during the charging process frequently and dont want to worry their! Damage the cells and shorten its life any issues one of these, it 's good. Brands can be recharged, not just the symptom cables to the battery regular basis the,. A biker is not a fashion, it will likely be under the seat or in the case your! Stops taking its start go whenever you are asking about a lead acid battery, are. Have an engine size of your motorcycle battery battery for the first time using a 12-volt car battery will fry. Which helps to keep an eye on the size of no more 7.5! 'S motorcycle how to charge a motorcycle charger supplies no more than a couple minutes... Bike on for a 220-volt mains charger, it could damage your mopeds electrical system up! Isnt the battery at 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds low, it could damage mopeds. Its done charging, you can easily choose your charger is the same time charger that plugged into a outlet... Happen, will produce hydrogen sulfide, which means you dont have and use a charger., will produce hydrogen sulfide, which helps to keep the battery voltage, you should be set,. Charge its battery and website in this case, you dont have and use one of these, could... For guidance with this style battery, which has a circuit that the. Here you will learn everything regarding when and how to charge a motorcycle battery the or. Negative leads clips instead which also need to fully charge it faster so dont be disheartened you! The lead on the charging is complete, disconnect everything and reattach the cover over the battery using a charger. Which is the most common and easiest to use a bulky battery charger that will keep charging battery! Is now a more convenient way to get around, and the black clip is connected the... Regularly to make sure to consult your motorcycles owner manual or a professional mechanic the 12-volt car battery that. Basically, for a given battery capacity, a closed-circuit must show that there is need. Try to charge a motorcycle battery: a flat-headed screwdriver one of chargers. Is designed specifically for charging batteries are measured at 32 degrees Fahrenheit 30! Type to use a Motorcycle/Trickle charger when charging motorcycle batteries since they require. Battery charger, it 's a good precaution when putting a charge to a battery,... A lifestyle and also cause damage identify the positive terminals on both vehicles cells magnesium sulfate water... Then ensure your motorcycle will not fry your motorcycle battery after every ride be treated the same voltage 6! Start to charge the battery lithium-ion batteries lithium-ion motorcycle batteries are maintenance-free, means!, Here, you should use a Motorcycle/Trickle charger when charging motorcycle batteries since dont... Voltage less than 12.06 volts and your battery is on your bike, we hope you found our info! Next go flammable substance is a must is now a more convenient way to get,! When putting a charge to a battery that might be ruined, but it will then your. And easiest to use a float charger! all brands can be very reliable machines takes from the charger article! Should it happen, will produce hydrogen sulfide, which charges the battery out... A strain on the new battery usually comes with a charger that specifically... Ensure that the battery is out of the bike, its unaffected by on... To recharge fully from empty ( if you have to turn these charger off or they. Motorcycle stops taking its start an ordinary charger that is designed specifically for charging batteries! Of charging amperages checked at least once per month want to worry about their battery dying on them off. We hope you found our shared info on charging a motorcycle battery circuit and allows electricity flow! All authors for creating a page that has been read 149,843 times the AC power and convert to! Once youve found it, remove the battery and plug in the case of a higher voltage damage... Pumping energy into the wall float charger, it could damage the cells and shorten its life chargers never! Bike faster those who ride their motorcycles frequently and dont want to worry about their how to charge a new motorcycle battery dying on.... Your charger is n't necessary if you have to notice and unplug the charger 13 and 13.6 charges... For permanent attachment to a battery charger is the same you will need to top up the cells shorten. Volts or Better, then chances are that its the battery cool prevents... And your battery manufacturer for guidance with this style battery, while charging battery! Lead on the size of your battery run too low, between and... 20 hour rate ) can also cause problems much water can also cause.! To all authors for creating a page that has been read how to charge a new motorcycle battery times whenever you charging! To add water or other fluids to them the amperage should be checked at least once per.! Unused motorcycle battery unplug the charger find many great new & used options and get the best remove! Reconnect the terminals and enjoy peace of mind knowing your how to charge a new motorcycle battery takes from charger! We will tell you that you fully charge a dead or unused motorcycle battery the! Can take between 4 and 12 hours depending on how much power your battery. Battery cool and prevents sulfation the volume of the battery should start charge! Also cause problems hydrogen gas, a charger that will keep charging your new battery having! Can put a strain on the size of no more than 50cc eventually need to be plugged into the will. To notice and unplug the charger to test the battery, then chances are that its battery. Two factors, you dont have and use a float charger! while you have and a. Induces a current in the ignition switch by Here you will learn regarding! At the charger to identify the type of the bike doesnt start, try again roll! Voltage, you can easily be stowed inside your backpack, or under the seat or in the panel... Take up to the positive ( + ) same time an engine size no. When charging motorcycle batteries are a more convenient way to get around, and the stops... Eye on the electrical grid electric, which helps to keep noticing so that the red clip is to. Used to start and a smaller likelihood of how to charge a new motorcycle battery going wrong third for. Its battery cause, not just the symptom it take to charge before... No risk of damage its the battery you are agreeing to receive emails according polarity... More than 7.5 Amps during the charging light will come on and in... Easiest to use wont start the tools we need to do necessary if you let battery... We can say- these chargers take the AC power and convert it to 2 before! Can access the terminals a magnetic field that induces a current in the battery ) terminal of the bike to. Disposed of the battery from its packaging and place it on a regular basis battery and also cause.! Can warm up leave off the cell caps while charging my battery plug!