How have you recently dealt with motorcycle battery problems? You must have had a difficult time diagnosing and resolving your battery issues. Worse, if you don’t know what warning indicators to watch for in an outdated battery.

Signs of a Bad Motorcycle Battery

There are several signs that your motorcycle’s battery needs to be replaced or repaired. These issues are always an indicator that you should act as soon as possible to save the battery’s life. When the battery you have is causing recurring difficulties, you should always consider replacing it. Here are some of the primary indicators that your motorcycle battery needs to be replaced.

1. Built-up Sulfation

If your battery has built-up sulfation, it means that the lead sulphate crystals have grown large enough to impede the flow of electrons. This will cause your battery to take longer to charge and eventually lead to complete failure.

2. Your Motorcycle is Taking Longer to Start

If it takes your motorcycle longer to start than it used to, it could be a sign that your battery is losing its ability to hold a charge. This is usually caused by built-up sulfation, but it can also be caused by other factors such as a bad connection or a faulty charging system.

3. The Battery Terminals are Badly Corroded

Corroded battery terminals can prevent the flow of electricity and will cause your motorcycle to have starting problems. If you notice that the terminals are starting to corrode, you should clean them with a wire brush and some battery terminal cleaner.

4. Receding Horn Volume and Dimming Headlights

If you notice that the horn on your motorcycle is sounding softer than usual or that the headlights are dimming, it could be a sign that the battery is losing its ability to hold a charge. This is usually caused by built-up sulfation, but it can also be caused by other factors such as a bad connection or a faulty charging system.

5. The Battery is Leaking Acid

If you notice that the battery is leaking acid, it means that the internal plates are starting to break down. This will cause the battery to lose its ability to hold a charge and will eventually lead to complete failure.

6. Your Battery is Too Old

If your battery is more than five years old, it’s probably time to replace it. If your battery is more than five years old, your motorcycles will have less power and may not start on cold mornings.

7. Alternating Multi-meter Reading

If you try to take readings from your battery, you should be concerned about inconsistent voltmeter readings.

When you use your voltmeter correctly, you should be able to read precise measurements. However, if every effort to read the voltage yields inconsistent readings every time you attach the voltmeter, you should be concerned about your battery.

The worst-case situation is that you test your battery after it has been charged, and it fails to record any readings. That means your battery is dead and needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

When the voltmeter reads zero, it signifies the battery is dead and has to be recharged. However, if the same reading continues even after charging, you’ll need to go shopping for a new battery soon.

Conclusion

The main reason most motorcycles’ batteries never survive to full age is carelessness on the owner’s side. If you give your battery the care it needs, it will reciprocate by serving you well for a long time.

However, even with great care, some things are just inevitable. Some faults will always come, and your battery will be problematic either way. You should always be on the alert to read these symptoms in time and where possible, get a new battery for replacement.

Signs of a Bad Motorcycle Battery

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