Gel vs AGM Motorcycle Battery: Which One Is Better?

Most riders do not think about their battery until it dies, and their motorcycle battery no longer holds a charge.

Before this moment, it was happily doing its job:

• Supplying the needed power to the motorcycle
• Allowing it to start
• Powering the display
• The lights
• Other electrical accessories

But as soon as it began to die:

• It started causing problems.
• The motorcycle became increasingly harder to start.
• It took longer to crank.
• The display malfunctioned.
• In the worst-case scenario, it just clicked when trying to start your motorcycle.

Now, when the time comes to replace your battery, you may be wondering what to choose between a Gel battery or an AGM battery.

What Is A Gel Battery?

A gel battery is a sealed lead-acid battery in which the electrolyte is mixed with silica to form a gel-like substance that helps keep the electrolyte in place.

Gel batteries are commonly used in deep-cycle applications where a steady power supply is needed over a longer period.

Although they can be used in motorized vehicles, they are less common in motorcycle starting applications unless the motorcycle is designed to use one.

A motorcycle battery needs to have enough power to give a burst of electricity to the starter in order to allow the motorcycle to start, especially if it is a larger motorcycle.

Therefore, although gel batteries can provide good performance, they need to be charged correctly in order to function properly.

What Is An AGM Battery?

An AGM Battery, or an Absorbent Glass Mat battery, is a sealed lead-acid battery that uses a glass mat separator that holds the electrolyte in place, making it well suited to applications where vibration resistance is important.

AGM Batteries are widely used within the motorcycle industry because of their:

• Good starting performance
• High vibration resistance
• Low-maintenance operation

As a general rule, when it comes to motorcycle batteries, an AGM battery is often a preferred choice for many motorcycle applications, including premium motorcycles.

However, the motorcycle manufacturer's recommended battery type and specification should always come first.

Main Difference Between Gel And AGM Battery

The main difference between a gel battery and an AGM battery lies within their construction.

A gel battery uses silica to turn the electrolyte into a gel-like substance, while an AGM battery uses a glass mat separator to hold the electrolyte in place.

Due to the fact that their construction is different, the charging profile is different for each battery, and they can behave differently under certain circumstances.

Although both are sealed, low-maintenance batteries, when it comes to motorcycle batteries, the right choice depends on the motorcycle's specifications.

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Starting Power

When it comes to motorcycle batteries, starting power is typically one of the most important aspects.

The battery needs to have enough power to supply electricity to the starter in order to allow the motorcycle to start whenever you need it.

If it does not have enough starting power, it will make your life miserable as the motorcycle becomes much harder to start, or completely impossible to start.

When it comes to starting performance, an AGM battery can be a strong choice for many motorcycle applications, which is one reason AGM batteries are widely used in the motorcycle industry, including on many premium and larger motorcycles.

Gel batteries can also provide good starting performance when they are designed and specified for motorcycle starting applications, but they are less commonly used for this purpose.

For a rider, there is nothing worse than a motorcycle battery that will not allow them to start their motorcycle.

Charging Needs

Another major difference between AGM and Gel batteries is their charging needs.

Both an AGM battery and a gel battery need to be charged according to the correct charging requirements. Gel batteries can be particularly sensitive to overcharging, while AGM batteries can also be damaged if they are charged incorrectly.

As a rule of thumb,

when it comes to motorcycle batteries, an AGM battery is often a preferred choice and a gel battery should only be used if the motorcycle is compatible with it,

because the battery's charging requirements need to match the motorcycle's charging system and any battery charger or tender being used.

Incorrectly charging a gel battery can damage it or shorten its life, while an AGM battery can also be damaged if charged incorrectly.

Main Rule Of Thumb

An AGM battery is often a preferred choice for motorcycles, and a gel battery should only be used if the motorcycle is compatible with it.

Maintenance

When it comes to maintenance, there is not much that needs to be done for either a gel or AGM battery.

Both are sealed batteries that require little maintenance, unlike a flooded battery that may require electrolyte levels to be checked.

Nevertheless, even though there is not much that needs to be done, there are some basic guidelines that every motorcycle owner should follow in order to prolong their battery's lifespan.

The terminals on the battery should be clean from corrosion and build-up and the connections should be tight.

If you are planning on storing your motorcycle for a long period, keep it connected to a compatible battery tender to help keep the battery charged. Even the best motorcycle battery can lose charge or have its lifespan reduced if it is not taken care of properly.

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Battery Life

The battery life of a motorcycle battery cannot be determined solely by the battery technology, as it greatly depends on how often and how the motorcycle is used.

Regular riding can help keep the battery charged, provided the rides are long enough for the charging system to replace the energy used during starting.

On the other hand, a motorcycle that is used less frequently may see its battery discharge sooner if it sits for long periods without proper charging.

Heat, accessories, short rides, improper charging, and not using the motorcycle for extended periods of time can all negatively affect your battery.

Both AGM and Gel batteries can have a similar lifespan, but they both greatly benefit from proper charging and maintenance.

Which Battery Handles Vibration Better?

Vibrations are an inevitable part of riding a motorcycle, but the amount of vibration largely depends on what kind of motorcycle you have.

Both AGM and Gel batteries can offer good vibration resistance, although the actual performance depends on the battery's construction and application.

Which Battery Is Better For Premium Motorcycles?

An AGM battery is often a preferred choice for a premium motorcycle because it offers good starting performance, requires minimal maintenance, and provides good vibration resistance.

Many premium motorcycles use AGM batteries as original equipment.

Nevertheless, a gel battery can also be used for a premium motorcycle if it is compatible with the motorcycle, but it is important to keep in mind that a gel battery typically has specific charging requirements, which may not be suitable for every motorcycle.

Remember that if the original battery was an AGM battery, it is generally best to use the same battery type unless the manufacturer approves an alternative.

Can You Replace AGM With Gel?

It is not a good idea to guess when it comes to choosing the right battery for your motorcycle.

Many riders make the same mistake of trying to replace their AGM motorcycle battery with a gel battery, because both are sealed batteries.

The truth is, AGM and gel batteries are not automatically interchangeable, and there are numerous aspects to consider before simply replacing an AGM battery with a gel battery or the other way around.

Battery size, voltage, Ah, CCA, terminal position, charging requirements, and the manufacturer's recommendation all play an important role.

If a gel battery is not suitable for your motorcycle, it may not perform as it should.

Although the physical size and the terminal position may fit, the charging requirements may not match, which can cause problems with battery performance or lifespan.

A wrong battery may work fine for some time, before you realize that it fails to perform properly.

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Which Battery Is Better For Weekend Bikes?

Many premium motorcycles are often called weekend bikes, because they are typically driven on Sundays, during the weekend, or during breakfast rides.

Regardless, it is very important to keep such motorcycles in good condition, most notably the battery.

An AGM battery along with a compatible battery tender can be a good choice in this case, provided the AGM battery is the type recommended for the motorcycle. The battery tender can help keep the battery charged while the motorcycle is not being used.

This, in turn, can help prolong the battery's lifespan and reduce the chances of a motorcycle not starting because the battery has discharged.

The same can be done with a gel battery and a compatible battery tender, as long as the charging requirements are taken into consideration.

Cost And Availability

An AGM battery is widely used when it comes to motorcycle batteries, which is why they are often easier to find in the appropriate size and specification.

AGM motorcycle batteries are available from a number of manufacturers.

While there are gel batteries available as well, they are typically less common for motorcycle starting applications.

The cost of a battery depends on the manufacturer, voltage, Ah, CCA, and other factors.

A cheaper battery from an unknown manufacturer may fail to perform as it should, or simply fail prematurely, therefore it is important to invest in a quality battery that matches your motorcycle's requirements.

Signs Your Battery Needs Replacement

The signs that indicate that a battery may need to be replaced are largely similar for both AGM and gel batteries.

• The motorcycle becomes harder to start.
• It takes longer to crank.
• There is a clicking sound when trying to start the motorcycle.
• The display malfunctions when the engine is turned on.
• The lights burn dimmer than usual.
• The battery needs to be charged more often.
• The motorcycle refuses to start after sitting for a few days.

These signs can also point to a charging system or electrical issue, so the battery should be checked before replacement.

Final Thoughts

A gel battery and an AGM battery are both sealed lead-acid batteries, but an AGM battery is often a preferred choice for a motorcycle battery because it offers good starting performance, requires little maintenance, and provides good vibration resistance.

A gel battery, on the other hand, is less common for motorcycle starting applications and has specific charging requirements that need to be considered.

Although an AGM battery is often a preferred choice when it comes to motorcycle batteries, it is important to choose an AGM battery that matches the motorcycle's specifications.

Apart from choosing the right battery, it is extremely important to maintain the battery in order to prolong its lifespan.

When it comes to AGM batteries, motorcycle battery replacements, battery maintenance products, and other premium motorcycle accessories, they can be found at Baycity Powerparts.