10 Signs Your Motorcycle Battery Needs Replacement
A weak battery usually shows up when you least expect it.
Now it's time for a trip!
Helmet on. Gloves on. Route planned.
You press the START button.
But the bike doesn't start.
Sometimes the engine cranks slowly. Sometimes the screen flickers. Other times, you hear nothing but a clicking sound. That's when most riders begin to consider replacing their motorcycle battery.
However, the reality is that a battery can sometimes fail without much warning. But in many cases, there are signs that the battery is getting weak. Most riders overlook these signs because the bike still starts, so they put off getting the battery checked.
Below are 10 indications that your motorcycle battery could be in need of replacement.
1. It takes the bike longer to get started
It's harder for the bike to start.
This is typically the first warning sign.
The bike used to start instantly. Now the starter finds it difficult to turn the engine over. The engine takes longer to crank and may only start after two or three attempts.
Slow start-up times are among the most frequent battery signs of trouble.
If this continues, get the battery checked.
2. You hear a clicking sound
Pressing the starter results in a clicking noise instead of the engine cranking.
That typically indicates that the battery doesn't generate sufficient power for the starter motor.
It doesn't necessarily indicate that the battery is actually dead, but it is a good indication that something is amiss. Loose battery terminals, a poor connection or a problem with the starting system can also cause clicking. Don't delay if it is a frequent occurrence.
3. The Headlights Look Dim
Your motorcycle lights can provide you with a wealth of information.
If the headlight isn't as bright as usual or the indicators appear dim, the battery could be low. It could also indicate a problem with the charging system.
In modern motorcycles, the battery supports the electrical system, including the display, lights, sensors and fuel injection system.
Check weak lights in the daytime so that they can be detected when the bike is parked.
4. The Display flickers or resets
Digital displays, fuel injection, ABS and ride modes, as well as sensors, are available for premium motorcycles and modern bikes.
If the display flickers, resets, or starts up abnormally, the battery might not be working properly.
A few times, the clock is reset. The trip meter will reset occasionally. At times these warning lights are not even triggered by any clear reason.
These small electrical signs can't be overlooked.
5. The Battery Needs Frequent Charging
It is not unusual to charge the battery after prolonged parking.
If you need to charge it repeatedly, there may be a problem with the battery holding a charge. It's one of the obvious indications that the motorcycle battery needs to be checked.
It could also be worth checking the motorcycle's charging system, especially if the battery is relatively new.
6. Bike has been parked for too long
Leaving a motorcycle in a garage for extended periods of time without riding is a bad idea for motorcycle batteries.
The battery can lose its charge if the bike has been parked for weeks/months. With top-of-the-range motorcycles, weekend bikes, touring bikes and superbikes which are not used daily, this is common.
Occasionally the battery can be recharged.
If the bike is left idle for extended periods of time, a suitable battery tender or battery maintainer can come in handy.
7. Swollen or damaged Battery
A healthy battery shouldn't be bulging, cracked, leaking, or heavily corroded.
Don't turn a blind eye if the battery case is puffed up. Visible damage can occur due to heat, over-charging, age or internal failure.
Leaks or heavy corrosion around terminals are also indicators of problems.
If so, don't continue to use the battery. Have it checked and replaced if necessary.
8. Bike starts fine and then has difficulty later
A few batteries do not behave very well.
The bike could start out in the morning, but then after a brief stop it has a difficult time getting going.
Or it seems fully charged but becomes weak again the next day.
That is typically an indication of a failing battery that is not holding power. If it keeps happening, the battery can no longer be relied upon.
This can be irritating as the problem seems random.
This is dangerous for those who ride long distances.
However, it is worth checking the charging system as well before replacing the battery.
9. Battery is old
All batteries have a useful life.
The lifespan of a motorcycle battery can vary based on the factors such as usage, weather, charging conditions, battery type, and maintenance practices.
Some batteries last longer than others, depending on how they're used and maintained.
When your battery is a couple of years old and starting to have problems, it may be time for a change before it fails altogether.
Don't assume that an old battery is useless today, it might still work tomorrow.
This makes it important to take the battery's age into account along with its performance.
10. The accessories drain the battery even more quickly
Many bikers make use of accessories with their motorcycles.
Electronics, such as phone chargers, auxiliary lights, GPS units, trackers, alarms, heated grips and more can add to electrical load.
These accessories can exacerbate the battery's weakness if one is already weak. Poorly installed accessories or excessive electrical load can also put extra demand on the charging system.
If the bike is having trouble with accessories, test the battery/charging system. It's not necessarily the accessory. The battery may already be nearing the end of its life.
Battery Maintenance Matters
Proper battery maintenance can help extend battery life.
Maintain clean and tight terminals. Do not leave the bike unused for extended periods of time. If the bike is parked use a proper charger or battery tender. Never overload the electrical system with poor-quality electrical accessories.
In addition, if a new battery is continually losing power, inspect the battery charging system. However, it is not always the battery itself which is the culprit. It may be due to wiring, regulator/rectifier failure, stator/alternator failure or parasitic drain.
Guessing may cost you money.
Final Thoughts
This motorcycle battery is small, but it determines whether or not your ride gets off the ground.
Some of the warning signs are slow cranking, clicking noises, low lights, reset displays, frequent charging, old battery, and battery damage.
Don't wait until you discover you have a dead motorcycle battery.
Replacing your motorcycle battery at the right time can prevent unnecessary stress, avoid unexpected breakdowns, and keep your bike ready whenever you need it.
If you are looking for a replacement, explore motorcycle batteries, including IntAct motorcycle batteries, and other motorcycle maintenance essentials at Baycity Powerparts.
