After getting a new motorcycle, most riders are excited to push it to its limits and discover all its features.
Amidst all this excitement, very few wonder about their motorcycle’s battery.
On average, motorcycle batteries last between 2 to 4 years.
Below we’ll give you more detail on how long motorcycle batteries last.
Types Of Motorcycle Batteries
Before we get into how long motorcycle batteries last, here’s a quick look at the different types of batteries, as different batteries have different levels of durability.
Gel cell batteries
Gel cell batteries are made up of electrolytes that have been gelled together to avoid splashing.
They’re relatively expensive and don’t discharge too quickly on their own.
If need be, they can also be partially discharged and still not dry out that much.
Wet cell batteries
Also referred to as a conventional acid-filled battery, this type of battery is generally the most affordable option.
Because it is cheaper, this one tends to require more frequent replacement.
AGM motorcycle batteries
Because of their power and efficiency, absorbed glass mat batteries are usually the most expensive type of battery.
AGM batteries use a matting made of silica glass that allows for easier care.
A lot of riders opt to get a sealed AGM battery, as they last longer than wet cells and can be mounted in many different ways.
How Long Do Motorcycle Batteries Last?
The average motorcycle battery can last between two to four years.
However, with proper charging and maintenance, a motorcycle battery can last for three continuous years.
The life of your battery can be affected by a number of factors, and it’s important to note that making it last longer is more cost-effective than having to replace it every so often.
Factors That Affect A Motorcycle’s Battery Life
Here are some factors that can impact the average lifespan of a motorcycle battery:
Usage
Because riders have different lives, they’ll inevitably use their bikes differently.
Some may use their bike to commute to work every day, whereas someone else may only go for leisurely bike rides on the weekend.
A battery that is used daily is more likely to last longer than one that isn’t used for long periods of time.
Weather conditions
The weather in your area is one of the major factors that can determine how long your battery will last.
As many riders know, batteries don’t fair well in cold weather, the same way the battery on your phone might not.
This is because the maximum capacity of a battery reduces as it gets colder.
Motorcycle batteries perform at their best and last longer in average temperature.
Charging
As you may already know, a battery is charged as you ride, but motorcycles have different charging systems, and some are better at charging their battery than others.
Your battery’s charging may also be affected by accessories such as a phone charger, radio, and additional navigational lights.
If your battery has a hard time supporting these accessories, it could die much quicker than anticipated.
How To Maintain Motorcycle Battery
Storage
If it won’t be in use for a while, store your battery in a warm indoor area and keep it charged with a maintenance charger.
Maintenance-free batteries can be left in the bike but should still be connected to a maintenance charger.
Full charging
Always charge your battery when it needs charging and ensure it’s fully charged before reconnecting it.
This involves not allowing your battery to drain completely, as once a battery dies, getting it to full charge again may be extremely difficult.
Water level
Conventional batteries need to maintain an optimal mix of water and acid.
If the water level has dipped, be sure to refill it with distilled water.
Tips To Keep Your Battery Fully Charged
Get a trickle charger
A battery tender or trickle charger is a good way to avoid having a dead battery.
They are designed to automatically charge your battery to the optimal voltage.
Disconnect the battery
If can’t afford a trickle charger and won’t be using your bike for a while, then disconnect the battery.
This is especially important to do over the winter months.
Avoid accidentally connecting the negative to the positive when doing this.
Store your bike in a warm place
Keeping your battery warm is important for mitigating charge loss and extending its lifespan.
Having a heated garage can make this a lot easier but if you don’t have one, make sure you store it in a place that’s as warm as possible.
More Motorcycle Battery Facts
How long will a motorcycle battery last in winter?
If you live in an area with particularly cold weather conditions, then you should be running your motorcycle once per week to ensure it doesn’t die.
Newer batteries can generally be pushed to around two weeks but your battery will more than likely die if you don’t ride your motorcycle within a two-week period.
Most motorcyclists don’t ride in winter in general, so you can just do a quick ride around your block.
Don’t risk doing this if there’s heavy snowfall.
Can I use a car charger on a motorcycle battery?
It’s generally not advisable to use a car charger on a motorcycle battery, primarily because car batteries are typically larger.
Using a charger that’s designed for a car could easily overcharge a motorcycle battery and cause a lot of additional problems.
There may be an instance in which a car battery charger is the only one available, if that’s the case, you can reduce the amps being delivered to your motorcycle battery by inserting a test light between the positive side of the charger and your battery.
How do you know when a motorcycle battery needs to be replaced?
You’ll generally know it’s time to get a new battery after conducting a basic visual inspection of the battery.
Upon conducting the inspection, if you see a crack or bulge in the plastic casing, broken terminals, corrosion, or any leaking fluid and discoloration, then this is a sign that you need to get a replacement battery.