/ Featured Article
Top 3 motorcycle battery myths debunked
Let’s put these battery-related myths to rest once and for all.
Your motorbike does run on gasoline, but it also relies significantly on its battery to start it up and power other critical electrical components in its systems. A healthy motorcycle battery is crucial not just for starting your bike, but also for ensuring that it functions at its best at all times. This is especially true with today's generation of high-tech, performance-oriented big-displacement motorcycles.
As is the case with all things bike-related, there are several myths surrounding your motorcycle’s battery. Some of them are more harmful than others, so it may be worthwhile to take a look at some of them, and put them to rest once and for all. After all, having a healthy battery goes a long way in keeping your motorcycle reliable and dependable. Let’s get started, shall we?
Using the kill switch will damage your battery
Most bikes include an emergency engine shutdown or killswitch, especially the larger, more performance-oriented ones. It's normally the big red switch above the starting button on the right side of the handlebar. The starting button is sometimes even included within the killswitch assembly. It's a common question if using the killswitch every time you turn off your motorbike is safe, and whether doing so may harm your bike's electrical system and battery.
As it turns out, using your killswitch to turn off the engine is perfectly safe. The killswitch is a simple switch that turns off your motorbike engine by cutting the passage of power to the ignition. It has the same effect as turning off your vehicle's ignition via the key, or even flipping the side stand down. So go ahead and killswitch your heart out. It looks great and gives you the impression that you're Maverick from Top Gun. To avoid exhausting your battery, make sure you remember to switch your key off, after pushing the killswitch.
Not using your bike will preserve your battery
Contrary to popular belief, not riding your motorcycle isn't good for your battery. This is because the stator, regulator, and rectifier in your motorcycle's charging system are in charge of recharging your battery while you ride. Mind you, simply idling your engine for a few minutes won't do the trick, either. As a result, keeping your bike unattended for weeks on end will almost certainly result in a dead battery. Your bike's battery will usually die after four weeks of sitting without being used and will need to be replaced. On high-performance bikes with plenty of electronics, this duration is usually significantly shorter.
The fact that your battery is still being used even when the bike is shut off is why your motorbike can only sit for so long before it dies. This is due to accessories like your immobilizer and the ECU's memory, which keeps track of your bike's riding modes, time, and trip data, among others. If you'll just be riding your motorbike on occasion, you might want to invest in a trickle charger, which will charge your battery gradually as needed. That way, even if your bike has been in storage for a long time, you won't have to worry about it not starting.
Motorcycle batteries don’t need any maintenance
The majority of new motorcycles come with maintenance-free batteries. While this may appear to be a great feature, the term "maintenance-free" should not be taken literally. Yes, this implies you won't have to replenish the battery's electrolytes. This does not, however, imply that you may entirely disregard your battery. Of course, it's a good idea to check on it now and then to make sure it's in excellent working order. Cleaning your motorcycle's battery compartment and making sure the terminals are free of corrosion and debris all help to extend the life of our batteries.
Related Articles
-
Check out these 4 things if your motorcycle's handling seems to be off / Featured Article
If you’ve noticed that your motorcycle has been handling in an odd manner, there could be a number of issues beneath the surface.
-
Here's why mid-size adventure bikes just make sense / Featured Article
Adventure bikes are commonly associated with big engines and a hefty stance. Does it really have to be this way?
-
The unseen dangers of carrying too much cargo on your motorcycle / Featured Article
Let’s take a moment to discuss the dangers of overloading your motorcycle, and the safety and mechanical issues that may arise due to this.
-
Read this if you think you'll save gas money by getting a big bike / Tips & Advice
It’s often argued that getting a motorcycle can help you save money in the midst of rising gas prices. Is this really true?
-
Last-minute Christmas gift ideas for your rider friends and family / Featured Article
Struggling to think of gift ideas for your motorcyclist friends and family? Read on to get some inspiration this gift-giving season.
Latest Features
-
Check out these 4 things if your motorcycle's handling seems to be off / Featured Article
If you’ve noticed that your motorcycle has been handling in an odd manner, there could be a number of issues beneath the surface.
-
Here's why mid-size adventure bikes just make sense / Featured Article
Adventure bikes are commonly associated with big engines and a hefty stance. Does it really have to be this way?
-
Are motorcycles really more environmentally friendly than cars? / Featured Article
Yes, motorcycles are more fuel efficient and space-saving than cars, but are they more environmentally friendly?