Types of Motorcycle Batteries
Types of Motorcycle Batteries
If your motorcycle battery dies while you are riding, it’s a big problem. Not only will it be difficult to start your bike, but it can also be embarrassing.
To avoid this, it’s important to keep your battery in good condition by regularly checking the electrolyte level and cleaning your terminals. Choosing the right battery is important.
Lead Acid
Lead acid batteries are the most common type of battery used in classic motorcycles. They’re made up of a plastic case containing six ‘cells’ each containing a set of lead ‘plates’ immersed in a solution of sulphuric acid and water called an ‘electrolyte’.
Essentially, a lead acid battery works by causing a chemical reaction between the lead and the electrolyte that produces a voltage (often referred to as’rechargeable voltage’). The number of cells is often marked on the case of the battery in a way that makes it easy to see which one you need for your bike.
You need a battery that can generate enough ‘cold cranking amps’ to start your bike and keep it running at full power. This can mean a lot of energy being stored in your battery so it must be strong. It’s important to look for a battery that’s made of good quality material and is designed with your needs in mind, as well as keeping in mind that some types are more expensive than others.
The best choice for your bike is an AGM lead acid battery, which has a’sealed’ design that prevents spillages and keeps the acid inside the battery. AGM batteries don’t need distilled water to be added and will also not release toxic gasses into the atmosphere like conventional flooded/wet cell type batteries.
Another advantage of AGM batteries is that they’re very strong and can be mounted on the side of your bike without a risk of damage. However, they’re not’maintenance free’ and require regular acid servicing as the acid must be drained out of the case.
AGM batteries can last much longer than conventional flooded/wet cell batteries, and they’re also able to be charged more quickly when used regularly. But they’re prone to a build-up of lead sulfate crystals that can reduce their life span.
AGM batteries are also more sensitive to ‘deep discharge’ than conventional flooded/wet cell batteries, which means they need to be recharged every 4 to 6 weeks, or as often as you’re using your bike. You should use an intelligent motorcycle battery charger that’s designed to work with lead acid batteries, as they’re very different in their charging requirements from a typical car battery charger.
AGM
Motorcycle batteries are a critical part of a bike’s electrical system. They power everything from the engine to the lights and the sound system. The type of battery used depends on the bike’s power requirements.
The most common lead acid batteries are flooded and sealed, but some people also choose gel or lithium cell batteries. These types of batteries are more expensive than flooded and sealed but have many advantages over their counterparts.
AGM stands for absorbed glass mat and refers to batteries that use a glass mat instead of traditional battery plates. The mat is made from a material that absorbs the electrolyte, which makes it spill proof and less likely to be damaged by vibration.
This is the same technology that’s used in marine batteries, and it can also be found in other applications. It is more durable than a flooded battery, and will last much longer.
Another benefit of AGM batteries is that they do not require watering service. This is because the liquid stays within the battery’s case, where it cannot escape.
They’re also more resistant to thermal runaway, which occurs when a battery generates too much heat than it can dissipate. This can cause the battery to become dangerous, and could even damage nearby batteries in a domino effect.
AGM batteries also have lower internal resistance, which allows them to deliver more power than flooded lead acid or gel batteries. This also means that they’re better for high-load situations.
The AGM design makes them very durable, and they can handle a lot of vibration, bumps, and stops. In Motorcycle Batteries addition, they’re not susceptible to the sulfation problems that flooded batteries often have, which can lead to premature failure.
Lastly, AGM batteries are more tolerant to overcharging than flooded and sealed batteries. If you’re charging an AGM battery, be sure to use a regulated battery charger that controls the voltage and current that’s being applied.
If you’re looking for a high-performance and maintenance-free battery for your motorcycle, an AGM battery is the way to go. They’re easy to install, spill-proof, and can withstand a lot of vibration. They are also a great choice for those who are on a budget, but want the same benefits of a high-performance battery.
Gel
Gel Motorcycle Batteries are a fantastic option for your bike, especially if you want something that is spill-proof and can be installed anywhere. Aside from the fact that they are maintenance-free, gel batteries also have a high recharge speed and are very resistant to overcharging.
These types of batteries are also much more resilient to Motorcycle Batteries deep discharge than other batteries, which is great if you regularly ride long distances or if you use your bike for work purposes. However, they can also be sensitive to overcharging, so you will need to be aware of this.
The way that gel batteries work is quite simple: Lead-acid is combined with a silica gel to create a fluid-like substance, or gel. The liquid electrolyte is then placed within this gel and is held together by the gel.
During use, the lead-acid produces oxygen and the sulphur dioxide gas. This creates a chemical reaction that results in the formation of a thick, gel-like substance called a silica gel.
This gel is then positioned on top of the battery plates to hold them in place, and also acts as a thickening agent that enhances its internal structural integrity. It also holds the active material and lead plates in place, helping to protect them from damage during storage and use.
Because of this, a gel battery will last much longer than a traditional wet-cell or AGM battery. This is mainly due to their lower discharging rate, which means that they won’t degrade as quickly.
They are also more resilient to heat and can withstand a greater amount of vibration, making them a good choice for bikes with a lot of power. This is because the gel in the battery absorbs a lot of vibration and thereby prevents them from getting damaged or breaking down.
These batteries are typically more expensive than wet-cell and AGM types, but they also present many advantages over them. For example, they are spill-proof and can be installed in any orientation without leaking, which is ideal for bikes that are often fitted at angles. They also emit less toxic gases, which makes them safer to use than a wet cell battery.
Lithium-Ion
Lithium-ion batteries are becoming more popular with modern bikes. They offer a number of benefits over lead acid, including faster charging and higher energy storage to weight ratios. However, there are some drawbacks to using lithium-ion batteries, as well.
The primary disadvantage of lithium-ion batteries is that they have a much slower self-discharge rate than lead-acid batteries. This means that it is important to keep them topped up, even when you are not using your bike.
Another issue with lithium-ion batteries is that they require a battery management system (BMS). A BMS is a sophisticated charger that is designed to balance your discharge/recharge loads on the battery so that it does not suffer any overheating or fires.
A lithium-ion battery has a much larger capacity than lead-acid batteries and will last longer, but they need to be charged on a regular basis or they will become weaker over time. Some companies recommend disconnecting a lithium-ion battery when not in use, while others recommend connecting it to an external charger every few weeks.
This makes it important to choose a good charger that is specifically designed for your type of motorcycle battery. Many cheap chargers will not work with a lithium battery, and can cause it to overheat or even catch fire.
Lastly, lithium-ion batteries can also suffer damage from cold weather. As a result, you should not leave your motorcycle in a cold garage or trailer.
Lithium-ion batteries have the highest energy density of all commercially available motorcycle batteries, meaning they can store more power in a smaller space than their lead-acid counterparts. This is important for electric vehicles, as it allows them to have a lower weight and increase range.