Batteries typically last 3-5 years before they require replacement, but you don’t have to spend the money to get a new one if your battery is only starting to fail.
Here are three reasons your brand new motorcycle battery may be dead and how you can fix it on your own!
Remember that the following should only be used with lithium batteries and not old-fashioned lead-acid batteries as the solutions below may damage the internal components of your battery if it uses any other kind of battery technology.
I just got a new bike and suddenly its battery became dead. I was confused about what to do, and I was unable to make sure what has happened with my battery.
Then I consulted an expert cousin of mine who helped me recur the problem.
Review your motorcycle battery maintenance
First, you have to start by keeping track of how long your battery has been sitting around. If it’s been a year or longer, it’s likely that it’s simply drained and needs to be recharged before use. You should also check your motorcycle’s charging system.
If there are any loose or corroded connections or other faults, you need to fix them first.
Finally, take a look at your alternator belt; if it shows signs of wear or damage, replace it first. It could cause issues with your charging system in addition to leaving you stranded on the road.
Check your motorcycle battery terminals
Before you jump to any conclusions, it’s a good idea to check your motorcycle battery terminals for a few things. First, take a look at them to make sure they’re clean and free of corrosion.
If there’s oxidation present, it can block contact with your cables and prevent a proper connection from forming when you try to start your bike.
Also, be sure there are no damaged parts or debris in the battery or on its connections that could impede current flow.
Next up: Is your battery still holding a charge? If so, then it should have plenty of power left in it—there’s just one more step before we move on.
Clean the terminals with baking soda
It’s not a miracle cure, but it works! To prevent corrosion from building up on your terminal connections, try scrubbing them with baking soda.
It sounds weird, but it actually works! Plus, baking soda is cheap and non-toxic. Mix some into a bowl of water and use an old toothbrush to get in between those battery connections (which can be tough to reach).
Rinse off thoroughly when you’re done and let dry. Make sure to follow up with a little petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on your terminals too.
Just don’t forget which wire goes where! Sometimes even good batteries will fail because they were installed incorrectly.
Use specific tools for cleaning
It is important to keep your battery healthy and clean. Dirt on a motorcycle battery will drain its life, so keeping it spotless is key for long-term maintenance.
There are several different methods for getting your dirt off, including using a wire brush or scraper. However, both tools can damage your battery if used incorrectly.
Make sure to read instructions before getting started and test it out on an old piece of scrap metal first.
If you’re still having trouble with corrosion, try using baking soda and water paste on a rag to scrub away dirt.
Once you’re done cleaning, wipe down your batteries with a mixture of distilled water and baking soda for safety’s sake.
Repeat every month if you don’t ride often
As with most things in life, you get out what you put in. If you want to ride more often, then make sure your bike is ready for action.
Make small investments over time—such as getting your bike serviced and buying quality accessories. It will save you from headaches down the road.
It’s also good to note that many riders actually look forward to maintaining their bike; it’s a labor of love, after all!
Check the water level in your battery
Many brand new motorcycle batteries do not have water inside them. Check and make sure you have some water in your battery before trying to charge it up.
If your motorcycle is new, it may not even come with water already inside of it. It’s important to always check before trying to charge a battery that doesn’t contain any liquid.
If you don’t and you short-circuit your battery, you could damage something else on your bike or even cause an explosion.
Also read: How To Fix Electric Bike Display Not Working
Conclusion
Rechargeable batteries have a limited number of charges in them and they will die prematurely if they’re drained too many times.
The type of bike you have can have an impact on how long your battery lasts, but regardless of what you ride, it’s best to always maintain them properly.
A good rule is to fully charge your battery once every month during warm weather and once every 3 months during cold or dry weather.
Always remove any corrosion from terminals before recharging and make sure you charge your battery in a cool area away from direct sunlight or extreme heat.
Check that all connection areas are free from corrosion as well, as any corrosive build-up could lead to an electrical short while charging.
