There are several factors that can have an effect on your motorcycle’s battery life. For example, the amount of time that you spend riding the bike, the type of battery that is fitted, and the age of the battery itself are some main factors that contribute to battery performance. Even if you take care not to put unnecessary strain on your motorcycle battery, for example, by remembering to switch off your lights before the engine is switched off and taking breaks when riding long distance, there’s still no absolute guarantee that your battery will never fail. The best way to avoid getting stranded due to battery failure is to have it checked over by an experienced mechanic regularly. However, it’s also good to be aware of the signs to look out for that could indicate that your motorcycle’s battery is failing. These include:
#1. Problems Starting
If your motorcycle is having a harder time starting than it used to, then this could be a prime indication of a problem with the battery. Like any vehicle, motorcycles require some electrical power to get started, so if you have found yourself needing to try a few times before your bike will start when you turn the key in the ignition, it might be time to think about replacing the battery with a Yuasa better model (click here) for details on this type of battery). If the old battery is declining, it will become more and more difficult to get your motorcycle going and rely on it to stay powered while you are on the road.
#2. Fading Horn and Lights
When you are riding your motorcycle, the horn and lights are two very important tools that enable you to quickly and effectively alert other drivers to your presence on the road. If your motorcycle’s battery is beginning to fail, then one of the most obvious signs of this could be that the horn and lights begin to fade. If you are riding your motorcycle at night and you notice that your headlights are not putting out as much power or covering less of a range than they used to, it may be time to get your battery checked. It’s likely that the volume of your horn will also be affected, so be alert to the sound next time that you use it.
#3. Uncertain Multimeter Readings:
It’s recommended that all motorcycle owners invest in a multimeter tool, which can be used to test battery power and make it easier to detect a fault with the battery at any time. When using a multimeter to test your motorcycle’s battery, an uncertain reading is the most likely indicator that there is a problem that needs be addressed. In general, a multimeter reading that signifies a problem with your motorcycle battery will be less than twelve volts, which is the normal reading for a fully-functioning battery.
#4. Several Electrical Components
Today, most models of motorcycle come with a range of attached electrical components, which will increase the battery usage. Popular electrical components such as heated gear will use up more battery power and cause it to work overtime whilst trying to keep every part of the motorcycle running correctly. Whilst modern motorcycle batteries are designed to cope with this type of strain, if you own one, it’s important to have the battery checked on a regular basis – especially if you use your motorcycle a lot.
#5. Long Periods of Idleness
If you have not ridden your motorcycle for a while, this could be a reason why you are having some difficulty when it comes to getting it started. If you do not ride your motorcycle regularly and have returned to it after a long period of idleness to find that it has become unresponsive, this is a sure sign that your battery will need kick-starting or replaced with a new one. It’s important to understand that a motorcycle battery can still die, even if it has not in use for a long time. In fact, being left unused can increase the likelihood of any vehicle battery losing power.
#6. Age
One of the biggest indicators that your motorcycle may be in need of a new battery is that you simply cannot remember the last time you had your battery replaced. In general, a high-quality motorcycle battery will last you on average four years before it will start to wear out, potentially leading to problems. Once your battery begins to wear out, it will stop retaining a full charge, which can lead to several mechanical issues and faults with your bike. If it has been four years or longer since you last had your motorcycle battery changed, then it’s probably time to start thinking about investing in a replacement.
These are just some of the most common indicators that your motorcycle battery needs replacing.
