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Any motorcycle, like a car, needs a starter battery. You cannot do without it, since it is a key element when starting the engine. Today on sale you can find many models of motorcycle batteries produced by different manufacturers. What is the best battery for your motorcycle? What characteristics need to be considered in this case? In this post we will try to sort out these frequently asked questions. Consider the main types of motorcycle batteries, characteristics that should be considered when choosing, and examples of such batteries.

In the meantime, there is no need to worry about it. ”

What types of moto batteries are on the market?

For motorcycle battery types, the picture is the same as for car batteries. There are three main groups ─ WET, AGM and Gel. The difference from car batteries lies in the values ​​of the capacity and starting current. In addition, the following feature should be noted. Unlike car batteries, motorcycle acid (WET) batteries are often sold dry-charged. The vast majority of motorcycle batteries are rated at 12 volts. The only exceptions are batteries for scooters with a cylinder volume of 50 cc.

Consider the features of the main types of motorcycle batteries.

  • WET. Standard batteries with liquid acid electrolyte. These are the most affordable models. The service life is on average 3 - 5 years. They have all the same drawbacks as automotive acid (WET) batteries. The motorcycle owner is required to regularly check the electrolyte level and top up if necessary (if cans are available). In addition, deep discharge should be avoided and the battery charged as needed. If these preventive measures are not taken, then the plates are sulfated and the service life of the motorcycle battery is significantly reduced;

  • The abbreviation stands for Absorbent Glass Mat. These motorcycle batteries are more expensive than the first group, but they are more reliable and have higher and more stable electrical characteristics. Unfortunately, many people confuse them with gel, but more on that later. In AGM-type batteries, the glass fiber is impregnated with electrolyte, which surrounds the lead plates. The advantage is that the electrolyte does not boil away and there is no need to add it. In addition, it does not freeze in the cold. As advantages, it is worth mentioning resistance to deep discharge, high starting current. The service life of such rechargeable batteries is up to 5 years. The disadvantages include sensitivity to power surges in the on-board network and the need for a high-quality charger;

  • GEL. Gel batteries are the most advanced and expensive of the three. These motorcycle batteries are maintenance free. Even if the case of such moto batteries is damaged, the electrolyte does not leak out. The electrolyte is sulfuric acid bound into a gel using a substance containing silicon. The service life of such batteries is 600-800 charge-discharge cycles, which corresponds to 10-12 years of service. Like AGM batteries, they require charging with a special charger. It is also worth remembering that periodic recharging may be required for these batteries as well. Therefore, regularly check the voltage at the terminals.

The characteristics will be discussed in the next section, but here it can be noted that the capacity of most motorcycle batteries lies in the range of 2.3-30 Ah. These batteries are used not only on motorcycles, but also on other motorcycle equipment ─ scooters, mopeds, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis.

Recently, lithium ion batteries for motorcycles have been introduced. Among their main features are low weight, fast charging, long service life (up to 2 thousand charge-discharge cycles). In addition, they are maintenance-free and do not harm the environment.

In the meantime, there is no need to worry about it. ”

Motorcycle battery selection criteria

Now let's look at the main parameters by which you should choose a battery for a motorcycle.

  • Capacity. In a simplified version, the dependence here is as follows: the larger the motorcycle engine volume, the higher the battery capacity. If you take a small-capacity battery for a powerful engine, then its starting current may not be enough at startup. Here it should be borne in mind that in the winter, starting the engine is complicated due to the low temperature. Therefore, a certain reserve of capacity is needed. At the same time, taking a large-capacity battery for a low-power motor is an unjustified overpayment;

  • Starting current. This value directly depends on the capacity of the battery. The higher the starting current, the easier it will be to start the engine. The voltage, as already mentioned, is 12 volts for most motorcycle batteries. Low power scooter batteries can be 6 volts;

  • Dimensions and body. The dimensions of the motorcycle battery must be suitable for the original location for its installation. Only in this case can you connect the terminals and securely fasten the battery. The specificity of moto batteries is that they are more susceptible to vibration and weather conditions than in the case of batteries on a passenger car. You need to take this into account when choosing, although manufacturers make motorcycle battery housings accordingly. In any case, the motorcycle battery housing must be sealed to prevent electrolyte leakage. The battery must be protected from vibration and overturning. AGM and GEL batteries look attractive in this light.

  • Terminal type. In the case of motorcycle batteries, there are about a dozen versions of housings and terminals for connection. The situation is such that motorcycle manufacturers make an original type of terminals. There is no universal standard here. Here you need to focus on the model of the motorcycle and see what size of the battery you had installed earlier;

  • Battery type. It all depends on your financial capabilities. If funds allow, then, other things being equal, it is better to purchase AGM or GEL.

Examples of motorcycle battery models from various manufacturers
In the meantime, there is no need to worry about it. ”
Exide

A well-known manufacturer has in its product line "Bike" batteries for motorcycles, scooters and other motorcycle equipment:

  • Standard WET (6 and 12 volts);

  • Maintenance-free AGM (12V);

  • Sealed GEL (12V).

Banner

In the arsenal of this Austrian manufacturer is the Bike Bull series, which contains classic lead-acid batteries, as well as Bike Bull AGM and GEL, which are recommended for motorcycle equipment operating in difficult conditions.

  • Bike Bull WET. 6 V, 4 Ah;

  • Bike Bull AGM. 12 V, 3 Ah;

  • Bike Bull AGM PROfessional. 12V, 8 Ah;

  • Bike Bull GEL. 12V, 3 Ah.

Varta

Varta offers a range of Powersports batteries for motorcycles and scooters. There are about 60 different models.

  • Powersports Freshpack. Dry-charged batteries supplied with electrolyte;

  • Powersports AGM. Maintenance-free batteries;

  • Powersports GEL. Varta recommend using them in various travel techniques;

  • Powersports Gardening. Designed for garden equipment such as lawn mowers.

Bosch

This manufacturer also includes a motorcycle battery category. It includes:

  • Bosch M4 Fresh Pack. The battery is sold dry-charged with electrolyte for filling;

  • Bosch M6 AGM. Bosch notes the tightness and vibration resistance of the AGM models;

  • Bosch M6 Gel. The M6 ​​Gel motorcycle batteries are recommended for use on motorcycle equipment operating in difficult conditions.

Delta

The well-proven CT and EPS series of motorcycle batteries:

  • Delta CT: The battery is sold dry-charged with electrolyte for filling;

  • Delta EPS: produced using NANO-GEL technology specially for motor vehicles with high energy consumption.

  • Tightness and vibration resistance of AGM models;

  • Increased starter currents.

These are just a few of the popular motorcycle batteries on the market. Almost all manufacturers of car batteries have their own solutions for motor vehicles.

In the meantime, there is no need to worry about it. ”

Avoid purchasing batteries from unknown manufacturers and unverified sellers!

In the meantime, there is no need to worry about it. ”

Based on materials from AkbInfo.ru

How to choose a motorcycle battery?

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