Poorly functioning batteries are one of the most common causes of motorcycle breakdown. They tend to be difficult to reach and consequently often get overlooked. If your lights are dim or the starter sounds weak try charging the battery. If that doesn’t help, then you probably need a new one. It’s better to get a new one at this stage rather than risking getting stranded.
However there are some checks you can do before buying a new one including:
- If you are not using your motorcycle at all, start the bike once or twice a week and let the engine run for at least 15 minutes (stay on your bike outside when doing this)
- A colder engine takes more out of the battery to start, so if possible start your car during the warmer part of the day rather than first thing in the morning
- Check your battery’s age – most batteries are stamped with date codes and a battery more than five years old may be at risk of failure, especially if the bike is only making short or infrequent trips
However if your motorcycle still doesn’t start Bikesure have a range of tips on how you can get a new one at a great price:
Motorcycle batteries come in three types: standard batteries, self-sealed batteries and factory sealed batteries. The type you need is based on your bike’s make, model and age and how much you are willing to pay.
The easiest way is to check with the manual, but if you have an older bike or have bought it second hand this is not always possible. If it is secondhand don’t assume that it is necessarily fitted with the correct battery. The engine size is a key factor and most modern motorcycle batteries have their parts coded with CT, CTZ, YTZ and YT to help with identification – they are either gel acid or maintenance free. The motorcycle FAQs on White Dog Bikes answer a lot of common battery queries.
Total Motorcycle is a mine of technical information about most makes of motorcycle with guides and other resources. Once you’re pretty sure what you need there are some good battery specialists online that offer competitive prices and can give advice about what you need.
Tayna Batteries offers next day delivery and also is contactable by telephone to double check you have made the right choice.
Get Geared comes out well in customer surveys and their online battery selector simplifies ordering options. Delivery options are from next day to five to ten days.
DK Motorcycles has a comprehensive range, ordered by make as well, with an estimated delivery time of two to four days.
MDS offers free delivery and same day dispatch for orders up to 4.30pm on a weekday.
When your battery arrives, double check it is the right one before you install it – this can save you time and money in the long run.
Don’t forget when you are changing your battery to wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, to guard against splashes of acid. And if the battery for your bike is sensor-equipped, remember to replace the sensor at the same time you change the battery.
