The motorcycle battery is an essential operating component of any motorcycle that provides the power needed to start the engine and run the electrical systems. However, like all other batteries, motorcycle batteries can be failed or become damaged. That causes a variety of problems for the motorcycle. We are going to discuss the signs that can indicate a bad motorcycle battery.
We are going to explore all the possible symptoms that can signal a failing battery. Understanding the signs of a bad battery can help you to take necessary action in a timely, avoiding costly repairs and ensuring that your motorcycle runs smoothly and safely.
Difference Between a Dead Battery and a Bad Battery
It is important to understand the difference between a dead battery and a bad battery. A dead battery simply means that the battery is unable to hold a charge, and it can often be easily fixed by recharging or replacing the battery. A bad battery, on the other hand, means that the battery is damaged or faulty, and it may need to be replaced.
In most cases, dead batteries can be revived by a jump start. Usually, when a battery goes bad, there is no way to revive it. No matter how much you charge it, a bad battery can’t hold a charge.
Potential Causes that Tell a Motorcycle Battery is Bad
The Motorcycle is Taking Longer to Start:
One of the main causes of a motorcycle taking longer to start is a weak or failing battery. When you turn on the ignition key several times but fail to start the engine there could be a problem with the electricity supply due to some form of damage in the battery.
There may not have enough power to turn over the engine. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, overcharging, or a lack of maintenance. If the battery is not used frequently, it can lose its charge and may not be able to start the motorcycle. Additionally, if the battery is overcharged, it can cause damage to the internal components, reducing its ability to hold a charge.
Deformed Battery
Deformation of the battery can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to extreme temperatures, physical damage, overcharging, leakage, broken terminals, bulges, cracks or bumps. The deformation can cause the battery to lose its ability to hold a charge or function properly.
Exposure to high temperatures can cause the battery to swell, and if it is left in this condition, it can lead to leakage or in extreme cases, rupture of the battery. Physical damage, such as dropping or hitting the battery can also cause deformation, which can lead to a loss of electrical contact between the terminals and the battery posts, preventing the battery from working properly.
The Battery is Unable to Hold a Charge
You have charged your battery but sometimes the battery has drained and it runs out of power almost immediately that means your battery can longer hold power and needs to be replaced. A battery that is unable to hold a charge can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, overcharging, or a lack of maintenance.
The battery may not be able to hold a charge due to sulfation, which is the build-up of lead sulfate crystals on the battery’s plates. This can prevent the battery from charging properly and can cause it to lose its ability to hold a charge. Sulfation can occur when the battery is left in a discharged state for an extended period of time, or if it is overcharged. Additionally, a lack of maintenance, such as not keeping the battery terminals clean, can also contribute to sulfation.
Before going to replace your motorcycle battery thoroughly check your vehicle to ensure that it’s not some other issue that’s causing the problem. Issues like a bad alternator can also affect your battery’s ability to hold a charge
Horn and Headlights are Failing:
The horn and light are two important components of a motorcycle that allow the rider to send signals to communicate with other drivers on the road. So if these parts won’t work properly you may face a critical safety risk.
If your motorcycle horn and light fail to work properly that leads to your battery being down. If the battery is weak or failing, it may not have enough power to run these systems. You will notice that your headlights are not as brilliant as
In addition, a problem with the charging system or the electrical system can cause the horn and headlights to fail. If the charging system is not working correctly, the battery may not be able to charge, and this can cause the battery to fail, leading to problems with the horn and headlights.
Corroded and Broken Battery Terminals
When your battery’s terminals are corroded incorrectly, that may cause your battery not to function properly.
Corrosion can build up on the terminals, preventing a proper connection and causing a loss of power. The terminals can also break or become loose, causing the same problem. Corrosion can occur due to exposure to moisture, which can cause a build-up of rust and other contaminants on the terminals.
Another factor is, if the terminals are not tightened properly, or if they are exposed to vibration, they can become loose or break, preventing a proper connection.
Discoloration
A battery losing its color let you know that its serving days are closing to an end. You should plan on replacing the old battery as soon as you can.
Discoloration of the battery can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to extreme temperatures, overcharging, or a lack of maintenance. The discoloration can indicate a problem with the battery and can cause it to lose its ability to hold a charge or function
The Battery is Leaking Acid:
Usually, Severe oxidation leads the battery to leakage. The leaking acid normally comes out through the terminals or fissures that form as a result of chemical gas build-up which usually leads to the bulging and cracking of the battery’s case.
The leaking acid can cause damage to the motorcycle and can also be dangerous. A battery in this condition is not only a near-death stage but also unsafe to drive with.
Extremely cold weather is another main cause of leakages in motorcycle batteries. The battery acid may ice up in such conditions, causing the body of the battery to expand. To avoid this, keep your bike in a warm place during the colder seasons. You can as well remove the battery and keep it separately away from the cold garage.
The Battery is Too Old:
As batteries age, their performance can degrade, and they may need to be replaced. A top-notch motorcycle battery should take you through four years of service without any indication of wearing out. After that time the battery may lose its ability to hold a charge or function properly, causing problems with the motorcycle. That time, you need to get a proper size battery for your motorbike.
Alternating Multi-meter Reading
Usually, you get normal multimeter readings when you check it. But if every attempt you make to read the voltage gives you inconsistent readings every time you attach the voltmeter, you should worry about your battery. An alternating multi-meter reading can indicate a problem with the battery, such as a short circuit or a failure of the internal components.
Sometimes there is a worst-case scenario when you test your battery after charging, and it fails to record any measurements. That indicates that your battery is bad and needs a replacement ASAP.
Final Words
It’s important to keep an eye on the signs of a bad battery and take actions as soon as possible, as a bad battery can cause a variety of problems for the rider, including difficulty starting the engine and running the electrical systems, and can even damage the motorcycle. Regular maintenance and testing of the battery can help prevent these problems and ensure that the motorcycle runs smoothly and safely.