Testing motorcycle batteries isn’t hard, but it does require that you have some tools on hand, such as screwdrivers and/or wrenches to remove the battery from the bike if needed.
I got my new bike and I was unable to get it inspected as I did not have access to a Multimeter.
The best way to test your motorcycle battery and be sure you don’t have to replace it is by using a multimeter, which can measure voltage, current and resistance.
You don’t need to own one of these tools; many auto parts stores will let you use their multimeter if you buy or show them the battery.
Motorcycle Battery Charger
When your batteries are getting old, they may not recharge back up fully. If you suspect that is happening, try using a motorcycle battery charger and charge them up overnight.
If they still have trouble holding a charge, then it might be time for new ones.
A good multimeter can determine if your batteries are actually bad or just having charging issues. To do so, use a multimeter and check each cell in your battery individually.
You should get around 12 volts per cell. If you get less than 12 volts per cell, then you will need to replace those cells (or possibly even your whole battery).
To do so, use a wire cutter to cut off any rusted or damaged terminals on your current battery.
Then attach new cables with crimp connectors (available at most auto parts stores) onto each of those terminals and secure them with electrical tape.
Then connect those cables to their corresponding terminals on your replacement battery.
Be sure not to mix up positive and negative wires! Also make sure all connections are tight before starting it up again!
Jumping The bike’s battery
The easiest way to test your bike’s electrical system is by jumping it. The only thing you need for this method is another vehicle that also has its engine running.
Your car should have 12V power and ground running from your battery.
Most cars do, but it’s always good practice to check before you assume something, because most mechanics are trained with one simple motto: Assume nothing!’
With that said, if you want to make sure your car does indeed have 12V power and ground running from your battery, take off a negative cable (the black one) and connect it to a piece of bare metal on any exposed part of your engine.
Battery Tester Light
If you have a motorcycle with basic electrical accessories like headlamp, taillight, and brake light but your bike’s not starting or turning over, it’s possible that your battery is dead.
You can easily check if it’s just not enough power by plugging in a battery tester light into one of your bike’s outlets (with or without one of these handy adapters).
If it doesn’t come on at all when you hit start, you likely need a new battery.
But if it comes on dimly before dimming out completely when you hit start, you probably just need to charge up your current one again.
The latter will be easier than ever thanks to method 1 below.
Checking Specific Gravity
This method is cheap and simple. Find out what type of batteries you are using on your bike. Common types are 6V Sealed lead acid (SLA), 12V SLA, Gel, NiCad and NiMH (nickel metal hydride).
Check with your owners manual or check under your seat for their specific type.
Once you know what kind of battery you have, go to a well stocked auto parts store and buy an inexpensive hydrometer ($5-10) that has been made specifically for checking automotive batteries.
Check Voltage
The easiest way to tell if your motorcycle battery is good or not is by checking it’s voltage.
You can do that with a voltmeter (available at any auto parts store for $15-$25). To check it with a voltmeter, first turn off your bike and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Then remove one of the spark plugs and attach one end of your voltmeter lead to that plug and then touch alligator clip to other end on ground connection (if you don’t have an alligator clip, you can use an unused bolt hole in your frame). Now turn on your bike.
A good fully charged 12v battery should read anywhere from 11 volts-12.8 volts. If it doesn’t then you will need to replace it.
Also read: Can A Dead Motorcycle Battery Be Recharged-An Ultimate Guide
Also watch this video to fix your issue
Conclusion
Sure, there are other ways to make sure your bike is getting enough juice. But if you don’t have access to tools like a multimeter, then here’s an easy and effective way.
Just use your key! As always, leave us a comment below if you have questions or more ideas on testing motorcycles with batteries that might help out our fellow bikers in need.
