How to choose right battery for your premium motorcycle?
Worn out batteries can kill a ride before it even starts.
Your riding gear is on. The route is ready. The group is waiting in anticipation. You press the starter.
Nothing.
Or perhaps it starts up once, is a bit slow the next time, and you're not sure if it will perform well (or at all) the rest of the day.
For high-end motorcycles, the battery is not something that should be taken lightly. The bikes are frequently equipped with high-tech electronics, lighting systems, sensors, displays, fuel injection systems, intercom charging controls, auxiliary lights or GPS.
This is why it's important to select the right premium motorcycle battery.
Choosing a battery is about more than finding one that fits the battery box. It's about picking the right one for your motorcycle, riding style, electrical load and replacement requirements.
The Importance of Having the Right Motorcycle Battery
A motorcycle battery isn't just for starting the bike.
It is used for the electrical system, to assist in lighting, fuel injection, ensuring electronics stability and providing energy to the bike before the engine comes into play.
In the case of a weak battery on a basic motorcycle, it can be a nuisance. However, it can be a greater hassle on a high-end motorcycle.
The motorcycle may not start. Warning lights may appear. Electronic systems may behave unexpectedly. The starter may crank slowly. If left unattended for too long, you can end up at the wrong place.
A premium motorcycle battery instills confidence in the rider. The bike fires up correctly, the electrical system is steady and there's less pressure before each ride.
Use the Right Battery Size!
Fitment is the first thing to consider.
While a battery may appear the same way on the outside, slight variations in size, terminal arrangement, voltage, number of cells and shape can make a difference. Premium motorcycles may have a small battery compartment and the battery you choose may not fit.
When purchasing a motorcycle battery, be sure to verify your:
- Model
- Year
- Variant
- Battery code
- Voltage
- Ah rating
- Terminal configuration
Don't purchase based on an image of the product.
The best way to go is to find a battery that meets the recommended specifications listed in your owner's manual or by a trusted mechanic.
OEM Motorcycle Battery or Aftermarket?
There are plenty of questions that are often asked by many riders when it comes to buying an OEM motorcycle battery or opting for an aftermarket one.
The OEM motorcycle battery is designed to meet the original specifications of the motorcycle. If you're not feeling like a risk taker, it's generally a good idea if you want to go down the factory replacement route.
An aftermarket motorcycle battery that fits the proper specification and is a reputable brand can be used as well.
It's not an OEM or aftermarket thing.
It's all about quality, compatibility and reliability.
A low-cost battery can be good value at first, but will come back to haunt you if it fails prematurely or doesn't hold a charge long enough to power your bike.
What is an AGM Motorcycle Battery?
AGM batteries are found in lots of high-quality motorcycles.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) is a term used for an Absorbent Glass Mat battery. Simply put, an AGM motorcycle battery is a sealed, more stable and maintenance-free battery compared with a traditional flooded battery.
The advantages of AGM batteries are widespread use due to the fact that they are generally more resistant to vibration, require less maintenance, and provide good starting performance.
This can be helpful for high-end motorcycles since they can be ridden at higher speeds, parked for longer or have more electrical accessories and equipment.
When your motorcycle was built, it may have been fitted with an AGM battery; in most cases, it is more advantageous to replace it with an AGM battery or another appropriate replacement that meets the motorcycle's specifications.
Consider Cold Starting and Electrical Load
Many premium motorcycles require more starting power, especially larger-capacity bikes.
The battery may not have enough power to crank the starter properly, resulting in slow starts. This is more readily apparent after the bike has sat for a few days and/or when the weather changes.
When considering accessories, think about them as well.
The battery and charging system will have to work harder if your bike features:
- Auxiliary lights
- Phone charger
- GPS
- Tracker
- Heated grips
That doesn't necessarily mean that you should just go out and purchase a larger battery. It is essential to determine the proper battery to use with your motorcycle's electrical system.
Baycity Power Parts gel motorcycle battery for bikes, dependable all-weather power
Signs You May Need a Motorcycle Battery Replacement
A battery will often start to show signs of problems before it fails.
- Starting the bike takes longer
- Weak starter sound
- Dim lights before starting
- Display resets
- Frequent battery charging
- Starts well one day but struggles the next
When this continues on a regular basis, it might be necessary to consider a motorcycle battery replacement.
Don't let the battery go flat if you ride long distances or own a premium motorcycle that isn't easy to push start or troubleshoot on the road.
Maintaining Your Premium Motorcycle Battery
Like any other battery, a good battery requires basic maintenance.
If the bike isn't ridden on a regular basis, use a compatible battery tender or maintainer. Premium motorcycles can slowly drain the battery if left unused for several weeks.
Maintain clean and tight terminals.
Check for corrosion.
Don't overload the electrical system without understanding the electrical load.
If your bike still doesn't start even if the battery is new, then have the charging system inspected.
The battery may not always be the problem. It could be the regulator, alternator, wiring or parasitic drain.
Buy From a Trusted Motorcycle Store
Don't buy a motorcycle battery from just anywhere.
The proper fitment, original product, correct specification and reliable support are required. Very cheap or unbranded batteries may not offer reliable performance.
From motorcycle batteries, oils, filters, brake pads, chains, sprockets, lubricants, riding accessories to maintenance products, Baycity Powerparts is a helpful source for riders.
Buying from a motorcycle specialist makes it easier to choose the right battery with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right premium motorcycle battery is about more than price.
You need the correct size, correct specification, reliable starting power, proper fitment, and a battery type that suits your motorcycle.
An AGM motorcycle battery may be the right choice for many premium bikes, while an OEM motorcycle battery can be useful for riders who want factory-style replacement. A quality aftermarket battery can also work well when chosen correctly.
The main thing is to avoid guessing.
Check your bike’s requirement, buy from a trusted store, and replace the battery before it leaves you stranded.
A strong battery may not be the most exciting motorcycle part, but every great ride starts with it.
