Motorcycle battery

Difficulty starting in the morning may be due to a tired battery. To check the condition of your motorcycle's battery, you'll need a multimeter and follow our guide in this video. You'll see, it's quite simple to do.

- Remember that a battery with a voltage below 11 volts is probably dead,

- Between 11 volts and 12 volts, you can try to recover it with a motorcycle charger that has a desulphation function (for traditional batteries).

-Between 12 volts and 12.5 volts, it needs recharging, but the battery is ok.

- Above 12.5 volts, the battery is charged and fully operational.

Battery capacity is expressed in ampere-hours (Ah). This measurement represents the energy your motorcycle battery can deliver in 1 hour. It's the reservoir of current available. It differs from CCA, which is starting power.

The CCA (Cold Crank Ampair) indicates themaximum current your motorcycle battery can deliver over a 30-second period. This figure determines your battery's ability to start the motorcycle engine. The higher the number, the more powerful the battery will be when starting. It's worth noting that a lithium battery, for an equivalent model, has a better CCA than a traditional battery. This compensates for its lower Ah (Ampere-Hour) capacity.

In absolute terms, lithium motorcycle batteries have a longer discharge cycle than traditional batteries. In winter, when it's cold, the battery is also more resistant. So, for example, at -20°c, a traditional battery will still have 80% of its power, compared with 50% for a standard motorcycle battery. It's also important to know that in winter, you shouldn't hesitate to put your lithium battery through its paces by switching on the headlights or by starting the engine before setting off, as this will warm it up and bring the battery back close to its nominal value.

Pro tip: don't let a lithium battery drop too low in terms of charge, because if you pass a certain discharge threshold, you won't be able to recover. Lithium batteries have a built-in tester, so don't hesitate to consult it.

There are 3 main types of motorcycle battery on the market today: conventional, maintenance-free and lithium.

- Conventional batteries

These are the batteries with the traditional yellow caps on top. The acid is supplied separately, and must be poured into the battery to activate it. The battery level should then be checked regularly and adjusted by adding distilled water. Do not use tap water. Ideally, the battery should be checked once a month. The battery is transparent white, making it easy to see the level.

They should be charged before first use.

This is an economical battery that lasts a long time if you maintain it regularly.

- Maintenance-free batteries

Same principle as conventional batteries, you just pour in the acid to activate them. But there's no need to top up the level. Once closed, it's all over. They last from 3 to 5 years.

As with conventional batteries, they should be charged before first use.

Maintenance-free motorcycle batteries include gel batteries. The electrolyte is no longer liquid acid, but a gel. This means you can position the battery horizontally without worrying about leaks. Ideal for off-road use, they are often found on trail bikes or high-end motorcycles. In the event of an accident, the risk of splashing is greatly reduced. They are, of course, maintenance-free and normally already charged, but don't hesitate to check their charge level, which depends on storage conditions at the manufacturer's or distributor's premises. They are, of course, more expensive than acid batteries. BS SLA batteries, for example, are gel batteries.

- Lithium batteries

Lithium batteries are the most efficient. They are more compact and lighter than traditional batteries. For a battery that generally weighs 4.4 kg without maintenance, it will weigh just over 1 kg with lithium. This is a significant gain, especially if you're a competitive rider looking to reduce the weight of your motorcycle. High-performance, they are recommended for large single-cylinder bikes and short trips where the traditional battery doesn't have time to recharge. They also withstand storage, so you can theoretically go through the winter without recharging. They are, of course, more expensive than traditional batteries. Skyrich batteries are original equipment on Ducatis and KTMs.

Professional advice

On older bikes, it's a good idea to check the charging circuit. A faulty regulator can damage a Lihium battery, or even cause a fire if it overheats.