There are many things that us riders take for granted. One of which is the state of the battery in our bike. When I think about how to keep my battery reliable I look at how I treat it. As in how much I stress the battery and how often I charge it.

When it comes to increasing the longevity of an automotive battery there are a few things you should be aware of. First, is it clean? If the battery has corrosion on the terminals it will start to cause connection issues due to the deterioration of the lead post. Second, is it charged? If the battery is not at its optimal level when not in use the plates on the inside of the battery will start to sulfate, causing the battery to die faster. Third, evaluate the age of the battery. Manufacturers use the rule that the warranty will last the life of the battery; i.e., 24 month battery free replacement. This is not always true. Batteries are commonly known to exceed their warranties when properly maintained.

How do you keep the battery happy so it will last longer and save you a headache later? Charge your battery when you are not riding the bike. There are many options available for charging your battery. From battery maintainers that plug in and float charge your battery to chargers that have the ability to jump start your motorcycle. Not all of these options are portable and need an electrical outlet to plug into. However, there are float chargers available that are solar powered and can fit in your saddle bag when you travel. The key point is, if it is charged it will survive.

There are some batteries that require electrolytes to be added as needed. These are wet style batteries and are older or cheaper versions. You will need to be aware of the fluid level and check it regularly to increase longevity of that battery. Unfortunately due to this type of maintenance they do not last as long as absorbent glass mats (AGM) or a gel cell battery. Can you understand why we recommend AGM batteries and battery tenders to all of our customers at Chariots of Fire Customs? It saves you time, money and stress!  We are offering everyone 15% off battery tenders for the month of November but if you mention this article, we’ll give you 20% off!