Why Is My Motorcycle Battery Not Holding A Charge?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Is Dead. The first and the most obvious reason why your motorcycle battery is not charging is

because the battery is dead

. A dead battery is no more capable of holding an electric charge. And hence, if you find that the bike battery is dead, you need to replace it with a new battery as soon as possible.

Why does my battery keep dying on my motorcycle?

There are several reasons why a motorcycle battery drains while riding including a bad battery terminal connection,

corroded battery terminals

, a bad stator, a bad rectifier/regulator, too many electrical add-ons, too old of a battery, and if you have a newer motorcycle, an automatic shut-off will happen if the battery …

What can drain a motorcycle battery?

  • Overloading the Battery. Overloading the battery with too many accessories greatly reduces its lifespan. …
  • Faulty Voltage Regulator. This problem is common with high mileage bikes. …
  • Poor Ground Connection. …
  • Leaky Circuit. …
  • Heat and Vibration.

How do you fix a battery that doesn't hold a charge?

  1. Prepare the battery. Put on the safety glasses. …
  2. Perform a load test. Connect the load tester to the positive battery terminal first and then to the negative post. …
  3. Remove the cell covers. …
  4. Perform a hydrometer test. …
  5. Test the cells. …
  6. Add the treatment chemicals (optional).

What are the symptoms of a bad battery on a motorcycle?

Signs of a bad battery include

broken terminals, a crack or bulge in the plastic casing

, as well as any leaking fluid or discoloration.

Will riding my motorcycle charge the battery?

The Basics

Most motorcycle batteries are lead-acid batteries and

should be charged in addition to the charge it receives from your riding

. The fact of the matter is unless you are going for a road trip or will be riding continuously for hours, the alternator is not powerful enough to fully charge the battery.

Can a motorcycle run without battery?

In modern motorcycles, battery is an integral part required to start the engine. … So, can your motorcycle run without a battery?

Most modern motorcycles cannot run without a battery

. If the battery is at marginal health and some life is still left in it, motorcycle can be started with a push/bump start.

Why motorcycle suddenly stops?

If while you were riding you noticed unusual noises coming from your engine, and your engine temperature is running hot, then chances are your oil level is down. Another common reason with motorcycles that stop running is

electrical

. And the most common of electrical problems is simple: a fuse that has blown.

How long should a motorcycle battery hold its charge?

The average motorcycle battery will die after

2 – 4 months

without running. Newer batteries can last longer with an average of 3 – 5 months until dying whereas older batteries will not last as long giving it an average of 1 – 3 months until the battery dies while the motorcycle is sitting.

How long do motorcycle batteries last?

According to Motor Gear Expert, a sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery usually lasts from

about three to five years

. A conventional acid-filled battery has a lifetime of two to five years. If you suspect it's time to replace your motorcycle battery, the following are tips on how to do it right.

Why would a battery not hold a charge?

Here's a quick rundown of some of the most common causes of a battery that won't hold a charge: … When you drive the car, the battery isn't getting recharged, i.e., there is a mechanical charging problem. There is

a parasitic electrical drain on the battery

, possibly caused by a bad alternator.

Why would my battery keep dying?

Some of the most common reasons for a car battery to die repeatedly include

loose or corroded battery connections

, persistent electrical drains, charging problems, constantly demanding more power than the alternator can provide, and even extreme weather.

How do you rejuvenate a dead battery?

  1. Use Epsom Salt Solution. …
  2. The Hard Hand Cranking Method. …
  3. The Chainsaw Method. …
  4. Use Aspirin Solution. …
  5. The 18-Volt Drill Battery Method. …
  6. Use Distilled Water. …
  7. The Hot Ash Method.

How do you know when your motorcycle needs a new battery?

You'll know your motorcycle needs a new battery

when it struggles to start or the engine won't crank at all

. However, you can also replace the battery as a preventative measure when it's about 3-5 years old. This will help give you peace of mind knowing that you won't get stranded when using your motorcycle.

Can a bad battery make your motorcycle run bad?


Yes a bad battery can make motorcycles not run well

, shorted cells in the battery will cause the voltage coming from the alternator to get shunted to ground, eventually as more cells short out this will drop the voltage low enough that it will affect the fuel pump and the ignition coils.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.