The Life of the Motorcycle Battery

Today we will share some insights into the inner workings of the much maligned but often ignored life of the motorcycle battery. Nothing is more frustrating to the rider than making big plans and having them ruined when the bike will not start. Hopefully the information in this article will help prevent this mishap.

Regardless of battery type, two factors can drastically affect the life of a battery. They are proper initial activation and maintenance over time. Battery technology has made great strides in the last few years.

However, all batteries types including the conventional lead acid, the maintenance free YTX and the new YTZ sealed batteries, require specific activation procedures which must be strictly adhered to. Batteries have memories.

If a battery is used to start a motorcycle before it has been fully charged it will never reach full power; no matter how long it is charged afterwards. Rushing the installation of a new battery with the theory "the bike will charge it up the rest of the way" will invariably shorten a battery's life.

Even the latest and greatest batteries, no matter how powerful, lose power just sitting. Some motorcycles draw electrical current even with the key off. To keep a battery alive in such a system it is necessary to either unhook the battery or keep it hooked up to a maintainer charger.

For example, the new Honda Opti-Mate charger will recover, monitor, and maintain the latest sealed batteries without running the risk of overcharging. Overcharging creates another enemy to longevity: excessive heat. Batteries lose power three times faster at 104 degrees than at 32 degrees, a major factor here in our desert climate.

Hopefully, this information will save you some time, frustration and money.

Happy Motoring!
Alan Hartman

Canyon Honda
8420 East Butherus Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-607-5000
www.canyonhonda.com