Motorcycles are a bundle of energy, if there was ever o […]
Motorcycles are a bundle of energy, if there was ever one, condensed tightly into the smallest space. With all the trappings of modern man it makes sense to make the ride as easy and comfortable as possible. The lights, blinkers, indicators, audio gizmos and whatnots of technological advances that flood man in this age and time all demand clean power to be fed incessantly. And the most popular and reliable source that has served the purposes most conveniently and adequately is the motorcycle battery. It is capable of supplying increasingly larger and maintenance free DC power without lots of fuss.
Motorcycle batteries come in as many shapes, sizes and power capacities as the number of motorcycles donning the roads. Each machine's demands vary so very much from that of the others that the manufacturers of motorcycles opt to have batteries from the battery manufacturers. The charging rates of the motorcycle batteries, the discharge rate, the duration and optimum amperage and voltage of discharge define the electrical properties that differentiate each battery from one another.
The electrolyte, meaning in chemical terms the acid that goes into making the charges constituting the current that makes things work, like the lights, the blinkers and even used for spurring the engine to life instead of conventional kick-start, feed the electrical power generated is one of the most common types of batteries found in motorcycles.
It would do a world of good for motorcycle riders to be informed and aware of the ratings of the batteries that reside in their machines. Being educated about the periodic maintenance and top-up that the motorcycle battery requires would go a long way in ensuring longer life and consistent performance from the batteries.
It is also equally important to check the specific gravity and voltage levels to avoid irritating inconveniences. As the days wear on one could find salt deposits on the terminals that grip the electrodes (made of lead generally). Cleaning them periodically would save valuable contact assurance and also contribute to longer life of the battery.
To sum it all- know your make of motorcycle battery. It will in all probabilities vary with each motorcycle make. Be educated about the periodic maintenance it demands. Don't overcharge it or, on the other hand let the battery go into deep discharge. Clean the terminals if and when required. Enjoy the multiple benefits that the batteries can offer just by being aware.