The battery is an important component of your motorcycle. In fact, if it is not working at all you will not be able to start your bike. As with an auto battery, there is a shelf life of your motorcycle battery, and even with proper maintenance you will need to replace it at some point. To prevent getting stranded with a non-working motorcycle, there are signs to look out for that indicate a dying battery.
Free AutoZone Battery Testing
The main purpose of a motorcycle battery is to start and run your bike. Hence, although there are a number of signs that indicate your battery is not fully charged, the telltale sign that it is completely dead is that it will not start at all. Some of the operational signs you may notice if your battery needs a charge or a replacement include:
- Difficulties starting the bike
- Fading radio, headlights, or horn
- Trouble holding a charge and the need to charge the battery frequently
- Poor voltmeter reading
If you notice any of these signs, there is a good chance that your battery is experiencing some difficulties. The good news is that AutoZone offers free battery testing for both car and motorcycle batteries, so you can find out what is going on and prevent it from dying completely on you.
Tips for When Examining Your Motorcycle Battery
Along with operational signs, there are physical signs that indicate you may need a new motorcycle battery. As a general rule, it is a good idea to perform monthly maintenance checks on your battery so you can discover any potential problems in time.
Once a month, you should take the battery out of the motorcycle and inspect it in an area that has good ventilation and visibility. When you disconnect it, make sure you disconnect the negative terminal first.
One indication that a car battery dead,or is soon to be, is that it is bulging or cracked. The same is true for a motorcycle battery. This indicates that there is a buildup of gas in the battery, and it should be replaced right away. Next, inspect the terminals for corrosion. If present, use a brush to clean it off. If they are badly corroded, or broken, a replacement is recommended.
Look at the color of the battery. If it is discolored, it could just be from stains, or it may be an indication of a more serious issue. An expert should take a closer look to determine the cause of the discoloration. Another thing to pay attention to is if there is any leakage from the battery. The leaking of acid indicates severe oxidation, which can make it dangerous to ride, so replacement is necessary right away.
Take Steps to Prevent a Dead Motorcycle Battery
A motorcycle battery is prone to losing a charge, especially in extreme temperatures and due to infrequent riding. It helps to understand the operational and physical signs that indicate when a battery is chronically losing a charge and needs a replacement.
