Are you riding on borrowed time? If you’re cruising with an old motorcycle battery, it may be ready to head to a recycling center before long. Check out the likely lifetime of your motorcycle lead-acid battery and where you can go to pick up a battery, motorcycle helmets on sale and other must-have replacement parts and gear to stay safe on two wheels.
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How Often You Should Replace Your Battery?
Most motorcycle batteries happily power your starter and other electrical devices for about four years. After that time, you may experience reduced battery power and a sudden failure of this component. There are a few things you can do to check the life of your battery, maintain it and keep your motorcycle running with less trips to the recycling center.
First, consider replacing your outdated battery. There aren’t a lot of solutions to sulfation and other long-term lead-acid battery issues, so it’s best to shop for a new battery and other Kawasaki motorcycle parts online before your battery dies unexpectedly. A new battery gives you peace of mind during your daily commute or long road trip.
If your battery is less than four years old, keep it going with routine inspection and maintenance. First, be sure you have the right battery in the first place. Comparing wet cells, gel cells, AGMs and cold crank amp ratings can be overwhelming, so do yourself a favor and shop online. Chat with a reputable agent at a leading online motorcycle parts store to confidently order the best battery for your ride.
Next, be sure your battery is properly installed. A loose cable or corrosion can reduce the efficiency of the system and prevent your battery from charging effectively. If you’re storing your bike for more than a few weeks, consider disconnecting your battery. Most motorcycle batteries will slowly drain after months of sitting around, and a battery drained in this way may not recharge.
Signs of a Bad Motorcycle Battery
The most obvious sign of a dead battery is a lack of power. If your starter, radio or headlights don’t turn on, your battery is either drained or dead. Determine the state of your battery with a voltmeter. If the reading is below the recommended amount, it’s time for a new battery.
Some batteries fail without warning, while others give you plenty of signs. If your horn, headlights or other electrical devices are fading, these symptoms are likely caused by a dying battery. Check your warranty and battery lifespan. Some manufacturers offer a long-lasting warranty, but any battery over four years old may not offer optimal levels of power.
Physical cracks, leaking fluid or serious corrosion are also strong signs that your battery has seen it’s last. Be careful removing a damaged battery, as the acid inside it can give you a nasty burn.
Visit a leading online motorcycle parts store to swap out your bad battery. Order a leading battery option, motorcycle fairings, safety gear and other must-have items to prepare for a safe, unforgettable ride. Swap out replacement parts in your own garage with convenient delivery options.