Motorcycle Battery Maintenance

Regardless of how hardcore a rider you are, most of us do not ride as often during the winter months. If you do store your bike for extended periods of time, for the winter season, or if you are planning a major project that will keep your bike off the road, maintaining your battery will insure that your bike is ready to go when you are ready to ride.

Storage can be hard on batteries. In fact, non-use can leave them unable to hold a charge.

Maintaining Your Battery

Here are a few things you can do to extend the life of your battery and make sure the battery is ready when you need it.

  1. Store your bike in a place that is always warmer than 32 degrees. If your bike is outside remove the battery from your bike and store it in a location that is always warmer than 32 degrees. This will insure that your battery does not freeze and crack.
     
  2. If you remove the battery from your bike DO NOT store it on a concrete or metal surface, place the battery on a wood or other non-conductive surface. Batteries stored on concrete or metal will discharge over time.
     
  3. Place a charger on your battery. Trickle charge your battery at least once a month. You can also use a Battery Tender. Battery Tenders maintain a battery in a charged condition indefinitely. A battery that is fully charged will have a longer life and is less likely to freeze during cold winter weather.

Battery Tenders

These battery chargers (tenders) will fully charge a battery, then maintain the charge at the correct level. Maintaining a proper charge on a battery will also EXTEND it's life.
Super Smart Battery Tender Plus
Battery Tender Plus 		Super Smart Battery Tender Jr.
Battery Tender Jr
Both of these tenders include a Ring Terminal Harness Accessory and alligator clips for use with multiple batteries.

The Ring Terminal Accessory is a very easy and no hassle way to take care of those charges your battery might need. It stays connected right to your battery posts. You just tuck it away for a quick connection when you need it.

Keep in mind...

Battery acid can HARM exposed skin and paint.

Always work with a battery in a well-ventilated area.

If your battery is not a "Maintenance Free" or sealed battery, replenish electrolyte to the proper level with distilled water before charging.

Refer to your Owner's Manual for specific battery information for your model.

Take Care - Ride FREE
Hersey