How to choose a battery for a motorcycle

Best Budget Motorcycle Batteries

Models in this group are intended for motorcyclists who rarely use their “iron horse”. Such batteries do not have outstanding characteristics; they are not able to load a large number of local systems installed in the bike. Nevertheless, they are reliable in operation and operate in various climatic conditions.

Delta CT1207

The Russian battery manufacturing company Energon, owner of the Delta brand, produces products in Chinese factories. Experience, domestic manufacturers have been on the market since 1994, allow us to produce products that are in demand among motorcycle owners.

Battery advantages:

Good current for starting the motor: 105 A.
Solid battery capacity for products in this group: 7 A/h.
Compact dimensions: 152x87x95 mm and light weight: 2.5 kg.
Long working life: 6 years.
Low level of self-discharge – 6% per month.
Convenient marking. The owner of the bike will not confuse the plus and minus thanks to the different colors of the contacts and the “+” and “-” signs.
The potential buyer will also be pleased with the reasonable price of the Delta CT1207.

Battery cons:

The date for filling the electrolyte is not indicated.

Tyumen Leader

The company's products from Tyumen have gained credibility among users for the quality of their products. The Tyumen Leader model is no exception. This reverse polarity battery can be considered universal. It is installed on motorcycles and scooters, mopeds and jet skis. The battery has a significant capacity for this group of products - 9 A/h, starting current - 45 A.

Battery advantages:

Small dimensions: 140x77x135 mm.
Durable housing made of impact-resistant polypropylene.
Resistant to discharge/charge cycles.
Use in a wide temperature range: from -40 to +65°C.
Clear indication of the electrolyte level in the container.
Resistance to deep discharges.

Battery cons:

Not detected.

Minamoto YTR4A-BS

The battery from Japanese manufacturers Minamoto YTR4A-BS has a capacity of 2.3 A/h and produces a cold cranking current of 25 A (at T=-18°C). The product has a modern design; the sealed housing prevents electrolyte leakage.

Battery advantages:

Minimum self-discharge.
Universal application: placed on snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs and jet skis.
Does not require maintenance.
Possibility to use the battery in any position. There is no reduction in performance or leakage.
A special production technology allows you not to add water during the entire service life.
The battery is adapted to difficult Russian climatic conditions.

Battery cons:

Not detected.

Types of motorcycle batteries

All motorcycle batteries are divided into 2 groups - acid and gel (GEL).

Gel aggregates are the most expensive. Acid is also used as a filling, but upon contact with the plates it turns into a gel. This option has many advantages:

longest service life;
no need for maintenance;
Electrolyte will not leak even from a damaged housing.

Despite all these advantages, such batteries also need periodic recharging. The charger must be special.

The group of acid batteries includes WET and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) units.

The classic WET version is attractive due to its low cost, but has a number of disadvantages:

shortest service life;
the need to regularly check the electrolyte level and top it up (if possible);
instability to deep discharge.

The cost of AGM acid batteries is an order of magnitude higher, but this is compensated by their greater reliability and stability, decent service life, and high starting current. The acid freezes and does not evaporate, so refilling is not required, and the units are called maintenance-free. Not without its drawbacks:

you need a high-quality charger;
The battery is sensitive to voltage changes.

Rules and methods for charging a 12 Volt motorcycle battery

When charging a 12 V battery, you must follow the rules to extend the life of the element.

General charging scheme

The general charging algorithm includes the following actions:

Fast charging

The method involves applying high current. The charge can be restored in a few hours. The procedure resembles standard charging, but the current parameters have maximum values. Before starting the process, make sure the battery is suitable for fast charging.

Manufacturers do not recommend frequently applying high current. The electrodes are damaged, which is why the battery begins to work incorrectly after installation in the motorcycle. Repeatedly exceeding the recommended current parameters leads to an explosion.

Charging an acid battery

The current strength when restoring the charge of such a power source should be 1/10 of the capacity. The desired parameter is set using the regulator. Charging continues until the voltage reaches a value equal to the number of battery cans multiplied by 2. When the charge is restored, bubbles begin to appear on the surface of the electrolyte. Having reduced the current by 2 times, continue charging.

Constant current

The required current power is calculated by dividing the battery capacity by 10. At 6 A/h, 0.6 A is sufficient. This current is obtained using a pulsed device.

Using this method, the motorcycle owner must regularly evaluate the properties of the electrolyte. The current is adjusted every hour. When the voltage increases to 14.4 V, the parameter is reduced by 50%.

Stabilization of voltage and density indicates complete restoration of power.

Charging at a stable voltage

The degree of charge recovery of a 12-volt motorcycle battery is determined by the voltage of the charger. It takes 24 hours for the battery to fully recover. The output voltage should be 16.4 V. The battery is charged automatically, no measurements are needed. 100% charging is indicated by equalization of the voltage at the terminals of the battery and charger.

Using a current stabilizer

The part smoothes out voltage surges that can damage the battery. Malfunctions can occur when connecting a completely discharged element to a charger that produces 10 A. The voltage increases to 12 V, and the plates are deformed, shorting the banks. Stabilizers prevent such breakdowns. The charger is set to a current equal to 5% of the battery power. At 100% charge the indicator will drop to 0.

Pulse current

A charger operating on this principle produces alternating current. The parameters increase or decrease at certain intervals. The current can be pulsating or asymmetrical. In the second case, the polarity takes on a new value in each cycle. Charging with the pulsating method is carried out by changing the current characteristics.

Charging a maintenance free battery

The terminals of a closed battery are connected to the terminals of the charger, taking into account the polarity. Select the minimum current power. The device is connected to the mains.

To properly charge the battery, select a current strength of 1/10 of the power of the power source. The value is determined using an ammeter. When a parameter is changed, it is returned to its original value. The battery is charged until the voltage increases to 13.8 V.

How to charge motorcycle batteries

Before charging the battery, you should first draw a diagram of its connection and only then remove it from the motorcycle. After bringing it into the house (apartment), you need to wait some time for it to warm up to room temperature. In this case, you need to choose a place where there are no open sources of fire nearby. After this, you can connect the charger, observing the polarity.

For acid batteries, the charging current should be 10% of the capacity. The process continues until the voltage is 14.4 V. Visually, this can be seen by the formation of gas bubbles on the surface of the electrolyte. At this point, you need to reduce the current and leave the battery to charge for another two hours.

Gel batteries or AGM batteries are charged almost the same way. The current is also 10% of the capacity. In this case, the input voltage should not exceed the threshold values, which for many batteries are 14.2-14.4 V. More accurate data is contained in the instructions for each battery. Only here you no longer need to reduce the current, you just need to wait for the process to complete. This usually takes about 10 hours.

Good to know

What does the Ampere/Hour characteristic mean?

The battery capacity is measured in Ampere/Hours (AH) - this is the main characteristic. For example, if you discharge a battery with a current equal to 1/20 of its capacity (at 12 Ampere/Hour, the current will be 0.6 Ampere), then the battery will be discharged to a voltage of 10.5 V in 20 hours. This is just the method chosen. So a 12 A/H battery with a discharge current of 1 A will be discharged in 10 hours, and with a discharge of 12 A - in 35 minutes. This relationship is nonlinear..

Is it possible to use a car charger to charge a motorcycle battery?

It is possible if the battery capacity differs slightly. Or, if the charger provides regulation of the charge current. In the case of accelerated charging of the battery, its resource is significantly reduced. Remember that the optimal charge current should be 1/10 of the battery capacity in Amperes!

Why do you need to maintain electrolyte levels?

Lead-acid batteries use an electrolyte that is sulfuric acid diluted with water. During operation, water evaporates and the concentration of sulfuric acid increases. Concentrated acid can corrode the internal cells of the battery, leading to the formation of sediment, which can subsequently lead to a short circuit.

What to do if the electrolyte level in the battery has dropped?

You need to purchase distilled water and add it to the battery. The electrolyte is dilute sulfuric acid. During the operation of the battery, only a slight evaporation of water occurs, which needs to be topped up. Under no circumstances should you add new electrolyte, only distilled water! It is necessary to periodically check the density of the electrolyte with a special device; check in accordance with the instructions included with the battery!

Noise when charging battery?

While charging the battery, the electrolyte reacts with the lead plates and its constituent acid releases gas in the form of bubbles. Those. what you hear is the process of slight gas formation in the battery.

Explain the differences in the designations of the CTX12-BS and YTX12-BS batteries?

The first letter in the marking indicates the manufacturer's identifier. Different manufacturers use different letters. For example, YX12-BS means Sprint battery, CTX12-BS means Exide, GTX12-BS means Delco. These designations are valid for most lead-acid and gel batteries. But there are exceptions.

How to check if a motorcycle battery is fully charged?

The voltage on a fully charged battery should be at least 12.8 Volts. 12.5 Volts corresponds to a half-charged battery.

The motorcycle has a new battery installed, but every time after charging it quickly discharges. What reasons?

There can be several reasons for rapid battery discharge. Below we list the most common ones: – A faulty alarm or an alarm that has been on for a long time. – A faulty charge relay can result in the battery simply not being recharged by the generator while driving. You can check the functionality of this device by turning on the headlight and increasing the engine speed - the brightness should increase. If the brightness decreases, your regulator most likely needs to be replaced. – Faulty generator. To check its performance, it is enough to measure the voltage on the battery; with the relay-regulator and generator running, it should be 13.6 Volts.

What do you need to know about battery charging/discharging?

If the voltage on the motorcycle battery is not lower than 12.0 Volts, it’s okay, but you need to charge it as quickly as possible, otherwise sulfation will develop. Another important thing is that deep discharges shorten the battery life. But if the voltage on the battery is below 12.0 Volts, which indicates an unacceptably deep discharge, then the battery will indeed fail soon, since irreversible processes have begun.

What is the service life of a motorcycle battery?

The service life of most motorcycle batteries is three years. To a large extent, this indicator depends on the operating mode of the battery and its correct storage during the winter season.

When I install a battery on a motorcycle, which terminal should I connect first?

The first thing you need to do is connect the positive (+) terminal to the battery. Make sure there are no flammable liquids nearby, as connecting the terminals may cause a spark.

What happens if you reverse the polarities?

In the best case, the fuse will blow, in the worst case, you will need to buy a new battery.

What kind of white residue forms on old batteries?

The white coating is lead sulfate, a crystalline substance into which lead plates turn over time. The process of formation of lead sulfate is called sulfation and leads to the destruction of the battery.

How to choose a battery for a scooter and how to maintain it

At first, they were rather a kind of entertainment, but over time scooters became one of the most popular means of transportation almost all over the world. Lightness, ease of control, high maneuverability plus high reliability, low operating costs, affordable price - this is what a modern scooter is.

In their design, scooters are similar to mopeds, so popular in the second half of the last century. The main difference is the presence of a variator and a battery. A scooter battery is needed not so much for the sparking process, but for the operation of various sensors, indicators, instruments, sound and light alarms, and, most importantly, for the operation of the starter. The batteries installed on scooters are virtually no different in design and principle of operation from car batteries (except for size). Typically, a scooter battery has a voltage of 12 V, although there are models equipped with 6 V batteries.

What types of batteries are there for scooters?

1. Acidic. The first scooter models were equipped with just such batteries. The usual electrolyte is poured into them - a mixture of distilled water and sulfuric acid. They are still found on many models. Acid batteries are low cost, and electrolyte can be added to them as needed. The main disadvantage of such batteries is poor sealing.

2. Gel. Inside them there are also lead plates, the space between which is filled with gel - a jelly-like thick mass. The gel battery for scooter is characterized by high performance and durability. He is not afraid of splashing and spreading of electrolyte when tipped over. The disadvantage of such a battery is its high cost.

3. Lithium-ion. Having a small size and weight, these batteries are widely used in racing models. The principle of their operation is the same as that of acid ones, the only difference is in the materials used. The lithium-ion scooter battery has high energy density and low self-discharge flow. Their main disadvantage is that when completely discharged, irreversible consequences can occur, leading to the battery being damaged, and overcharging or overheating can lead to destruction of the plates.

How to charge a scooter battery Any battery needs to be periodically checked to ensure it meets the specified parameters. Scooter batteries are no exception. In maintained and low-maintenance batteries, it is necessary to regularly monitor the level and density of the electrolyte. To check the condition of maintenance-free batteries, an integrated charge level indicator is used. The voltage at the terminals is determined either using a load plug or on a special stand.

Regardless of the type of battery, it needs to be recharged periodically. To avoid overcharging the battery, as well as to save yourself from constant monitoring of the charging process, the best option is to purchase an automatic charger, which itself will diagnose the battery and select the required current and charging time. Moreover, the cost of such a device is not so high.

Compliance with the most basic operating rules is the key to the fact that the scooter battery will serve its caring owner for more than one or even two years.

What is a battery?

What's inside? Yes, everything is the same as before, since the fundamental design of batteries has remained unchanged since time immemorial: lead plates and acid.

A standard car battery consists of six 2-volt cells, resulting in an output of 12 volts. Each cell consists of lead grid plates coated with an active substance and immersed in an acidic electrolyte.

The negative plates are coated with finely porous lead, and the positive plates with lead dioxide. When a load is connected to the battery, the active substance enters into a chemical reaction with the sulfuric acid electrolyte, producing an electric current. In this case, lead sulfate is deposited on the plates, and the electrolyte is accordingly depleted. When charging, this reaction occurs in the opposite direction, and the battery's ability to produce current is restored.

A car battery has three functions: firstly, it starts the engine, and secondly, it powers some electrical devices, such as alarms and telephones, when the engine is not running. And finally, it “helps” the generator when it cannot cope with the load.

The battery is usually adjacent to the engine. But this unit cannot tolerate high temperatures. Noise regulations force manufacturers to increasingly plug any openings in the engine compartment, causing engine bay temperatures to rise. This is perhaps the biggest challenge for battery manufacturers today.

After all, the upper limit of the operating temperature of these devices is 100 degrees C, after which the electrolyte simply boils. But even if the temperature does not reach the fatal limit, but only approaches it, the battery life is still reduced by three to four times.

A lead-acid starter battery is a secondary source of electrical energy. This means that after a deep discharge, its performance can be completely restored with the help of a charge - passing an electric current in the direction opposite to the one in which the current flowed during the discharge.

The battery operates on the principle of converting electrical energy into chemical energy (during charging) and the reverse conversion - chemical energy into electrical energy (during discharge). Active substances of a charged lead battery that take part in the current-generating process:

on the positive electrode there is dark brown lead dioxide;
on the negative electrode there is spongy gray lead.

The electrolyte is an aqueous solution of sulfuric acid with a density of 1.28 g/cm3, which, like the active mass of the electrodes, takes part in the current-generating process.

During the discharge process, the active mass of both the positive and negative electrodes is converted into lead sulfate (white). Therefore, the theory that describes the chemical processes that occur during the charging and discharging of a lead battery is called the double sulfation theory. In this case, the density of the electrolyte decreases towards the end of the discharge to 1.08-1.10 g/cm3.

Today, the most common car batteries are with a nominal voltage of 12 V. Their capacity ranges from 36 to 190 Ah.

Types of batteries sold in Russia

Lead-acid starter batteries have their own design and technological features, depending on the design, however, their design has a lot in common. All of them contain opposite electrodes, separated by separators, which are placed in a vessel filled with electrolyte.

Depending on the materials used in production and the design, technological and operational features used, modern batteries can be divided into two main types: classic design and maintenance-free design.

Classic (traditional) performance

The foundations of the traditional design of batteries were formed at the beginning of the 20th century and gradually transformed to the modern state as new structural materials appeared, but their operational shortcomings remained.

In Russia, traditional batteries are produced both in monoblocks with separate covers, sealed with bitumen lubricant, and in monoblocks with a common cover, sealed by contact-heat welding.

Rechargeable batteries with separate covers (Fig. 1) are assembled in one multi-cell case - a monoblock ( 2 ), made of ebonite or other acid-resistant plastic, divided by partitions ( 16 ) into separate chamber cells (banks), according to the number of batteries in the battery. Each cell contains a block consisting of alternating positive ( 5 ) and negative ( 3 ) electrodes separated by separators ( 4 ). It is a separate battery with a voltage of 2 V. The space between the bottom of the monoblock and the upper edges of the supporting prisms fixing the electrodes ( 1 ) is used for heating sludge - sediment formed during operation due to the floating of particles of the active mass of the positive electrodes. When the volume of sludge space is filled, the lower edges of the opposite electrodes short-circuit and the battery loses its functionality.

Rice. 1 Battery with separate covers

The electrodes consist of an active mass deposited on a current conductor of a lattice structure - a grid. Separators separate the reagents involved in electrochemical transformations and also provide the possibility of diffusion of the electrolyte from one electrode to another. The side of the separator facing the positive electrode to facilitate access of the electrolyte to the surface of the active mass is ribbed.

Bourne ( 8 ), which serves as an external current drain of the battery, connects adjacent batteries in series with each other to form a battery. Pole terminals ( 9 ) and ( 14 ) are welded to the output terminals of the outermost batteries of the battery, which serve to connect the battery to an external electrical circuit. The positive (9) and negative (14) terminals have different diameters, which eliminates the possibility of polarity reversal when connecting the battery to the vehicle's on-board circuit.

A shield ( 7 ) is installed in the upper part of the electrode block to protect the upper edges of the separators ( 4) from damage when measuring the level and density of the electrolyte.

Each battery, after installing the electrode block into the chamber-cell of the monoblock, is closed on top with a separate plastic or ebonite cover ( 15) . It contains two holes with bushings for the output connectors of the electrode block. Between them there is a threaded hole for filling electrolyte and periodic maintenance of the battery during operation. After filling the electrolyte, the threaded hole is closed with a polyethylene plug ( 11 ), which has a small ventilation hole ( 13 ) designed to allow gases to escape during operation.

To hermetically seal new dry-charged batteries, a blind boss is made in the upper part of the plug above the ventilation hole. To ensure normal operation, this surge must be cut off after filling the electrolyte into the battery.

rechargeable batteries with a common cover in a monoblock made of propylene-ethylene copolymer appeared 2.

The monoblock ( 1 ) contains electrode blocks consisting of opposite electrodes ( 2 ) and ( 3 ), separated by separators ( 4 ). These blocks are connected to each other using shortened inter-element connections ( 6 ) through holes in the partitions ( 5 ) of the monoblock. The cover ( 7 ) is made uniform for all six batteries. The properties of thermoplastic plastic made it possible to use the contact-heat welding method for sealing a battery with a common cover, which ensures the preservation of tightness both around the perimeter and between individual batteries in a wide temperature range (from −50°C to 70°C).

Rice. 2 Battery with common cover

Maintenance-free design.

The disadvantages of traditional lead batteries are due to the fact that the antimony contained in the alloy of the positive current leads gradually, as they corrode, passes through the solution to the surface of the negative electrode. The deposition of a large amount of antimony on the surface of the negative active mass reduces the voltage at the battery electrodes, at which the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen begins. Therefore, at the end of the charging process and with a slight recharge, rapid gas evolution occurs, accompanied by “boiling” of the electrolyte due to the electrolytic decomposition of the water entering it.

Over the past 20-25 years, as technology has developed and equipment has improved, several types of so-called “maintenance-free” batteries have appeared. Their main distinguishing feature is the use of alloys with a reduced antimony content or without it at all for the production of current leads.

The design improvement when creating maintenance-free batteries also lies in the fact that to increase the electrolyte reserve without changing the height of the battery, one of the battery electrodes is placed in an envelope separator, which is made of microporous polyethylene material with low electrical resistance. In this case, the short circuit of electrodes of different polarities, in the absence of failures in the operation of the assembly equipment, is practically excluded. Therefore, support prisms become unnecessary, and the electrode block can be installed directly on the bottom of the monoblock cell. As a result, that part of the electrolyte, which was previously located in the slurry space between the prisms and did not take part in the operation of the battery, is now located above the electrodes and replenishes its reserve, consumed during battery operation.

Initially, such batteries began to be produced in the USA based on a lead-calcium alloy (0.07-0.1% Ca; 0.1-0.12% Sn; the rest is Pb) for current leads, positive and negative electrodes. This reduced gas emissions, which ensured the operation of the battery without adding water for at least two years. The water consumption of these batteries is so low that the designers removed holes for adding water from the covers and made the batteries completely maintenance-free. At the same time, the self-charging of the batteries slowed down by more than 6 times. However, with several deep discharges, such batteries quickly lose capacity and their starting characteristics sharply decrease, which is why they are not widely used in Europe and Russia.

At the same time, batteries of the “calcium plus” (hybrid) system appeared in the USA containing up to 1.5-1.8% antimony and 1.4-1.6% cadmium in the positive current lead and lead-calcium negative current lead. The characteristics of these batteries in terms of water consumption and self-discharge are twice as good as those of low-antimony batteries, but still not as good as those of lead-calcium batteries.

By the beginning of the 80s, the production of maintenance-free batteries began to develop rapidly in European countries. But there they took the path of using alloys with an antimony content reduced to 2.5-3.0%. However, such batteries have water consumption and self-discharge 2-3 times higher than batteries with calcium current leads. Later, so-called hybrid batteries appeared in Europe.

Finally, in the late 90s, both in the USA and Western Europe, the production of batteries with current collectors made of a lead-calcium alloy with the addition of new alloying components, including silver, which are not afraid of deep discharges, began.

In Russia, maintenance-free batteries with a capacity of 44 to 90 Ah with current leads made of a low-antimony alloy with an antimony content of 1.7-3.0% are produced.

It should be noted that the operation of batteries without holes for topping up water requires more accurate operation of the vehicle's energy saving system, as well as a more attentive attitude of car owners to the condition and proper operation of electrical equipment. First of all, this concerns the tension of the generator drive belt and the serviceability of the generator itself, as well as the voltage regulator. The condition of the latest generation batteries is also negatively affected by the presence of current leaks in the electrical system or alarm system.

Gel batteries

Among the varieties listed above, this category is the most expensive, but at the same time the most advanced. The electrolyte here is a gel-like substance, which is achieved by adding silicon oxide. As a result, it does not freeze or evaporate. And even if the case is damaged, the substance will remain inside.

GEL

The service life is from 600 to 800 charge-discharge cycles, which equates to 10-12 years.

Service

These batteries do not require any special maintenance. However, from time to time it is necessary to clean the housing from dust and dirt, and also ensure that there is no oxidation of the terminals. That's all.

Advantages and disadvantages

Among the obvious poles we can mention the lack of full service, since this is not necessary. Such batteries are safer to use and more reliable than other analogues, with the exception of AGM batteries, since they are slightly similar in design.

Wide range of operating temperatures – from -60 to +50°C. In other words, they are adapted to any extreme conditions while maintaining productivity. They are also not afraid of deep discharge. After purchasing a gel battery, you can use it immediately, since there is no need for additional recharging.

There are also some downsides, and first of all, the high cost. It can be several times higher than the prices for lead-acid analogues. But again this is due to novelty, durability and reliability.

In addition, such devices are characterized by increased requirements for the charging procedure, and also do not tolerate changes in voltage and current. Therefore, it is advisable to take a charger equipped with current regulation.

Li-Ion

The best premium motorcycle batteries

Such models are characterized by high capacity and inrush current. They are intended for installation in motorcycles operated in difficult climatic conditions or regularly subjected to heavy loads. Therefore, the features of this type of battery include tightness and increased wear resistance.

Deka ETX30LA

★★★★★ editorial assessment

100% of buyers recommend this product

Fiberglass porous battery separators ensure electrolyte absorption and retention. This contributes to stable operation of the device in conditions of strong shaking, complete tightness and high power from the start.

The storage capacity is 26 Ah, the starting current is 400 A. The model does not lose capacity during long-term storage. After being left in a discharged state for a month, the Deka ETX30LA replenishes its energy reserve by 100%.

Advantages:

lack of sulfation;
long service life;
does not require maintenance;
low self-discharge;
vibration resistance.

Flaws:

high price.

The Deka battery can be installed in land or water vehicles. Recommended for purchase by owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Bombardier jet skis and similar models.

Exide AGM 12-31

4.9

★★★★★ editorial assessment

96% of buyers recommend this product

A special feature of the model is the presence in its design of an absorbent fiberglass separator. It absorbs electrolyte and eliminates the need for regular maintenance of the device. The drive can be installed at an angle of up to 90 degrees, making it compatible with a variety of equipment.

The battery capacity is 30 Ah, starting current is 430 A. Increased starting power guarantees stable engine ignition in difficult climatic conditions. Safety and stability of use are ensured by the absence of gas emission during charging and resistance to fire.

Advantages:

low level of self-discharge;
durability;
heat resistance;
large capacity;
safety of operation.

Flaws:

large dimensions.

Exide AGM 12-31 is worth purchasing for owners of sports or recreational equipment. This battery is suitable for both water transport or snowmobiles, and for off-road all-terrain vehicles or motorcycles.

Yuasa YIX30L-BS

4.8

★★★★★ editorial assessment

88% of buyers recommend this product

The body and cover of the device are made of polypropylene, which eliminates corrosion and guarantees resistance to oils and gasoline, as well as mechanical damage. The model requires virtually no maintenance and is filled with water only once - before use.

The battery capacity is 30 Ah, weight - 9.9 kg. Other features of the battery include stable operation in any conditions. It is provided due to heat resistance and anti-vibration properties. The lower part of the body is reinforced with a special fiberglass tray that can withstand and soften high-force impacts.

Advantages:

quick engine start;
no rust;
thermal insulation coating;
ease of maintenance;
low self-discharge.

Flaws:

overcharge sensitivity.

Yuasa YIX30L-BS has universal dimensions for installation in various types of motorcycles. A good choice for owners of motorcycles, scooters, jet skis and snowmobiles manufactured by Aprilia, Cagiva, BMW, Ducati, Suzuki, etc.

Motorcycle battery manufacturers, best models, prices

Motorcycle batteries are offered by various manufacturers. It is worth highlighting a few of the best models:

Exide Bike 12-31 . The capacity of this French AGM battery is 30 Ah, reverse polarity. The average cost is about 7,000 rubles, 1 year warranty.
Banner Bike Bull Gel . This Austrian gel unit has direct polarity and a capacity of 10 A/h. Average cost is 3,500 rubles, 2-year warranty.
Varta YB30L-B . The capacity of this German representative is 30 A/h, the polarity is reversed. Cost about 6,000 rubles, 1 year warranty.
Delta EPS1230 NANO-CEL . This Chinese battery has a capacity of 30 Ah and reverse polarity. Average cost 6500 rubles, 1 year warranty.
Bosch M4 F60 . This German representative has a capacity of 30 A/h and reverse polarity. It costs about 6,000 rubles, 1 year warranty.
Yuasa YIX30L-BS . This is a Taiwanese battery with a capacity of 30 A/h with reverse polarity. Its cost is about 13,500 rubles, 1 year warranty.

The modern market offers a variety of motorcycle batteries from various manufacturers. When choosing, it is important to consider the type of unit and its technical parameters. After installing the battery, you need to monitor its charge.

Gregory

Blog author

Service Features

Some WET batteries are sold dry-charged and require preparation before use. The sales package for such batteries should include a container with electrolyte in the form of a cassette. The preparation is as follows:

Remove the protective film from the battery plugs
Remove the plug made in the form of a strip from the electrolyte container
Turn over the electrolyte cassette, align its holes with the battery holes and insert into them. Press the cassette and pour electrolyte into the battery
After filling the battery, you need to wait 3-4 hours for the battery plates to become saturated. The battery temperature should be room temperature, i.e. approximately 20℃. In low temperatures it is better to wait longer
The battery is almost ready for use. But the battery charge will be about 80% of what is required.

As an unwritten rule, it is better to charge any type of battery before first use. In the safest way, i.e. slow charging with direct current at 1/10 of the rated capacity. Charging time is approximately 10 hours. Then you should let it sit for about 30 minutes. The voltage at the terminals should be at least 12.5 volts.

Periodic maintenance is not difficult:

Clean and wipe the battery itself, paying special attention to the terminals. Ensure that the battery and wire ends are securely fastened. The holes for exhausting gases must always be free; clogging leads to the accumulation of gases and deformation or damage to the housing. It is advisable to check the electrolyte level in maintained batteries at least once a month.

If the level is insufficient, it is necessary to add distilled water.

If you have to add water frequently, you should check the motorcycle's charging voltage. With the engine running and lights on, the voltage should be 13-14.2 volts. Periodic monitoring of the charging voltage is required for all types of batteries. It is necessary to monitor the density of the electrolyte in the batteries being serviced.

In unattended ones, you need to pay attention to the color indicators. All types of batteries should be recharged periodically using a charger. Alarms, watches and motorcycle electronics consume energy when parked and while traveling, especially with lights on; the battery charge may not be fully restored.

For long-term storage, the battery should be removed and fully charged.

When storing, you need to charge it once every two months. Storage temperature is room temperature, heat and cold are not recommended.

Conventional WET can be recharged for cars by setting the appropriate current. AGM and GEL require special chargers that provide stable voltage and current, and automatic shutdown when fully charged.

MY MOTORCYCLE

The article is devoted to the technical features of the operation and maintenance of motorcycle batteries. Here you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions and reveal basic terms and concepts. If you notice any inaccuracies in the description, or want to supplement the article, use the comment form below.

What does the Ampere/Hour characteristic mean? Is it possible to use a car charger to charge a motorcycle battery? Why do you need to maintain electrolyte levels? What to do if the electrolyte level in the battery has dropped?

Noise when charging battery? Explain the differences in the designations of the CTX12-BS and YTX12-BS batteries? How to check if a motorcycle battery is fully charged? The motorcycle has a new battery installed, but every time after charging it quickly discharges. What reasons? What do you need to know about battery charging/discharging? What is the service life of a motorcycle battery? When I install a battery on a motorcycle, which terminal should I connect first? What happens if you reverse the polarities? What kind of white residue forms on old batteries? What causes sulfation? How to prevent sulfation? If I disconnect the battery, will it discharge? Why do batteries differ in size? How tight should the battery terminal bolts be? What is battery acid and is it caustic? How to store a battery in winter? Precautions when working with acids Precautions when working with batteries

Recommendations for battery operation

When using the battery, you should regularly check the correct operation of the electrical circuit and the absence of short circuits. The presence of such problems with the circuit leads to increased load on the battery, and, ultimately, sulfation of the plates is noted. With proper use, self-discharge rates will be minimal. But if iron particles or other contaminants get into the acid, the battery will quickly discharge, requiring additional recharging literally after a few days of parking the vehicle.

Due to the presence of chips and cracks on the battery case, electrolyte may leak. Depending on the type of battery, there are two possible solutions to this problem. Liquid batteries are not repairable and require replacement. But gel batteries allow you to replace the case by replacing the lead plates and dense filler from the damaged battery.

When choosing batteries for motorcycles, you must first decide on the type of battery. Today, the most popular are gel modifications, which retain their performance characteristics for a long time, ensuring reliable engine starting even in severe frost.

Charging out of the box

If you buy a children's electric car in winter, you don't have to worry about charging the battery until late spring, when the riding season begins. Manufacturers guarantee that an unopened battery can be stored for up to 5 years.

If the weather allows you to ride, you should not fully charge the battery before your first ride, using the factory charge, and you should also try to avoid completely discharging it. Many children's electric cars are equipped with a charge indicator, which allows you to replenish energy in a timely manner, avoiding complete discharge. If such an indicator is missing, you can understand that the car needs to be connected to the power supply by reducing the maximum speed and acceleration dynamics. In this case, it is recommended to stop walking and return to the charging point.

How to properly charge a gel battery for a motorcycle

Selecting a charger

It is important to remember that using a charger designed for car batteries for a motorcycle battery is not always the best solution. This can immediately destroy the battery

You can choose a so-called “intelligent” charger with several setting modes, including a motorcycle one. A “smart” charger always “knows” how to properly charge a 12-volt motorcycle battery.

In addition to imported chargers, there are also good domestic analogues on sale at a more reasonable price. For example, the Benton BX-1 universal charger produced in Izhevsk. In any case, the main criterion for choosing a charger should be the ability to charge such a battery with small currents.

There are car chargers with the ability to control amperage (current indicators). If your car memory has this capability, you can use it. But provided that the battery is charged at minimum currents. The capacity of a motorcycle battery is significantly different from that of a car battery. Therefore, you should know the voltage and current indicators in order to understand how to charge a motorcycle and moped battery with a car charger. For example, a car battery with an output voltage of 12 volts can have a capacity of 55, 60 Ah or higher. And a motorcycle battery with the same U 12V indicator has a capacity of, on average, 2.3 Ah.

If we proceed from the calculations that any battery should be charged with currents equal to 10% of its rated capacity, we can judge what value the amperage should be in both cases. Its necessary indicators for properly charging a motorcycle battery should be set many times lower, and this should never be forgotten.

Charging frequency

Sometimes, when talking about gel batteries, beginners mistakenly think that if the manufacturer guarantees their allegedly “uninterrupted” use for 10 years, they do not need to be charged. This is not true, because any battery requires regular maintenance and charging. Even if it is classified as unserviceable.

In order for the gel battery for a motorcycle to last longer and exhaust all its necessary resources, it is charged at least once a season. Recharging is done as needed. You should monitor the battery charge level regularly, without forgetting about it, in order to avoid deep discharge.

How to check the battery charge on a scooter or motorcycle? Using a tester or multimeter, you can always measure the voltage at the battery terminals. If the indicator is above 12.7 V, the battery holds a stable charge and will not need recharging in the near future. If the voltage is lower, you need to monitor the indicator and, at the first opportunity, charge the battery with a suitable charger, which is recommended to take with you. Especially if you plan to ride long distances, or participate in “energy-intensive” competitions and motocrosses.

Battery charging progress

In order to always remember how to properly charge a gel battery for a motorcycle, you should learn a simple but important algorithm of actions:

To properly charge the battery if it is severely discharged or is being charged after the motorcycle has been idle for a long time, it will take at least 10-12 hours of continuous contact with the charger.

Connect the charger using crocodile clips to the battery, observing the polarity (“plus” to “plus”, and “minus” to “minus”).

Connect the charger to the network.

If you are using a charger with an adjustable current rating, adjust the minimum amperage using your multimeter.

The charging current should be 10% of the rated battery capacity. Example: a standard motorcycle battery with an output voltage of 12 volts and a capacity of 2.3 Ah should ideally be charged with currents of no more than 0.2 A. However, practice shows that the current can be slightly higher. Especially if you need to “boost up” the battery after a long stay without work

It is important to prevent the battery from “overheating” and carefully monitor the entire process. Especially if you charge a motorcycle battery using a car charger.

Do not turn off the power until the battery is fully charged

Modern gel batteries often have an indicator installed that signals a color change at the end of the charging process.

Voltage readings during the entire process should not exceed 14.2-14.4 V. Gel batteries are very sensitive to high voltage. They can quickly fail if its level gets higher.

Motorcycle battery: answers to common questions

1. Parameter value A/H (Ampere/Hour)

The main characteristic of any battery is its capacity. By the capacity of the battery, one can judge the ability of the battery to provide a current of a certain strength for a given period of time, which is precisely measured in the ratio Ampere/Hours. Let's take a 100 Ah battery as an example. What does the battery capacity tell us in this case? That it will be able to produce a working current of 1 Ampere for 100 hours. And if a motorcycle battery consumes more than one Ampere, let's say two Amperes? Then this battery will provide not 100, but 50 hours of battery life with a current consumption of 2 amperes. It is worth considering that there is such a thing as a voltage drop at the battery terminals, which at 12 Volts can reach 10.5 Volts. Now let's once again return to our example with a 100 Ah battery and apply the parameter of voltage drop across the terminals to it. What result will we get? The battery will be discharged not in 100 hours, but in approximately 85. If the discharge current, relatively speaking, is equal to the value of the total capacity of the battery, then the battery will be discharged not in 1 hour, but almost 2 times faster.

2. Is it possible to charge a motorcycle battery from a car battery charger?

If the capacities of the batteries for a motorcycle and a car are approximately equal, then they can use one charging device (car). If the battery capacities do not match, then in this case the car charger must be able to regulate the power of the charging current. Regulation of the charge current should be at the level of one tenth (1/10) of the total capacity of the motorcycle battery, no more, otherwise the battery may quickly exhaust its service life.

3. Is it really necessary to monitor the electrolyte in the battery?

Delta batteries can be either serviced or maintenance-free. In maintained batteries, it is imperative to monitor the electrolyte level. Over time, the electrolyte in the batteries becomes less, and due to this, the upper part of the plates begins to dry out, and subsequently collapse and crumble to the bottom, which can lead to a short circuit. In addition, due to a lack of electrolyte, the upper part of the plates can overheat and become deformed, which in turn also leads to negative consequences with the destruction of the plates.

4. How to react to a decrease in electrolyte in the battery?

If you notice that the electrolyte level in your Yuasa motorcycle battery has dropped, you can simply add water, but not from the tap, but only with distilled water. After this procedure, the electrolyte density level is usually checked, which should not be below operating limits. It is strictly forbidden to replenish the electrolyte with a new electrolyte composition.

5. What does noise mean when charging a battery?

During recharging (charging) of the Vostok battery, chemical processes begin to occur in it, which are accompanied by the release of gas and bubbles. For a clear example, a kettle boiling on the stove, in which similar processes occur, is well suited.

6. How to make sure your motorcycle battery is fully charged?

In order to make sure that your motorcycle battery is fully charged, it is enough to measure its voltage level at the terminals, which should be at 12.8 Volts. If the voltage level is 12.5 Volts, then the battery is half charged/discharged.

7. Why does it quickly discharge when buying a new motorcycle battery?

One of the reasons for this result may be improper operation of the generator. This parameter can be measured with the engine running. If there is 13.6V at the motorcycle battery terminals, then there is no cause for concern. Another common cause is a malfunction of the control relay. In this case, the running engine simply does not charge. To verify this malfunction, you can turn on the motorcycle headlights and gradually increase the engine speed. Dimmed light from the headlights will be evidence of a failed relay. And another reason for the rapid discharge of a new motorcycle battery may be the incorrect operation of the alarm system, which does not show external signs of its active phase of operation, and at the same time discharges the battery, and the owner of the motorcycle does not even suspect anything.

8. Parameters that you need to pay attention to when charging/discharging the battery

To ensure the longest possible service life of the battery, it is recommended to systematically check the voltage at its terminals. This preventive measure will allow you to track the moment when the minimum permissible value of 12 volts is approaching and recharge the battery in a timely manner. If you do not notice or do not pay serious attention to this fact, then the process of sulfation will begin in the battery plates, which is a sure sign of imminent battery failure.

9. How long can a motorcycle battery last?

Most manufacturers developing batteries for motorcycles (not only motorcycles, but also various all-terrain vehicles, scooters, jet skis, ATVs, etc.) guarantee the service life of their batteries for at least 5 years. But it is worth considering that in order for the battery to serve you faithfully for so long, it needs to be provided with timely maintenance, if required, and proper storage. If the ambient temperature is too low or too high, the battery will lose its performance and may quickly lose its charge.

10. Does the polarity of a motorcycle battery matter?

The main condition for connecting a battery to a motorcycle is that its technical characteristics meet the expected requirements. First of all, the battery must be physically correctly located in its compartment so that there are no protruding parts that can interfere or cause discomfort in the operation of the motorcycle. When buying a battery for a motorcycle, it is important to make sure that the location of its terminals corresponds to a similar wiring arrangement on the motorcycle. After the battery has taken its place, it must be connected, starting with the terminal responsible for the positive value (+). After this, the negative terminal is connected. When connecting, a spark may form, which requires increased caution from the motorcycle owner. If, when connecting a battery, the polarity of the terminals is reversed, it can damage it, even requiring you to purchase a new battery. But you can get away with only the failure of the fuse. In any case, you should carefully consider the process of connecting the battery to the motorcycle.

11. Why can you notice a white coating on batteries?

The white coating on batteries is nothing more than sulfate, which is a consequence of chemical reactions occurring in the lead plates. Lead in batteries converts to sulfate over time, a process called sulfation. Sulfation is one of the main reasons for the limited service life of rechargeable batteries.

12. Why does sulfation occur?

A number of factors contribute to this process:

The battery remains uncharged for a long time;
A drop in battery voltage below 10.5V is already a factor that can damage the battery, and a deep discharge only aggravates the situation;
Charging not completed completely;
At a minimum load current in a low temperature environment;
During long-term storage/exposure of the battery at elevated temperature conditions (40+ degrees Celsius)

13. Is it possible to avoid the sulfation process?

In order to avoid sulfation, the motorcycle’s electrical system, which is responsible for the operation of the battery, must be in good working order. Moreover, if the motorcycle is not used for quite a long time, then for this period it would be a good idea to disconnect the wiring from the battery terminals. And if sulfation has already taken you by surprise, then long-term charging of the battery with a low current can help get rid of it.

14. Does the battery drain when not connected?

Yes, the battery, whether connected or disconnected, will drain. But if it is disabled, this process is much slower. It is in this regard that the recommendation is to disconnect the battery from a system that is not used for a long time.

15. Why do batteries have different dimensions?

The dimensions of the batteries are determined by the power. The larger the dimensions of the battery, the more lead plates it can accommodate and the higher the performance characteristics of the battery. However, battery technology manufacturers are forced to standardize their products in terms of dimensional parameters. Quite often you can notice that an agm battery of the same capacity and voltage from different manufacturers has almost identical dimensions. In addition, some manufacturers produce lines of batteries specifically designed for certain models of motorcycle equipment.

16. Correct fixation of wiring to the terminals of the motorcycle battery

In order to avoid such unpleasant consequences as sparking, unstable engine starting, corrosion, the tightening of the bolts on the terminals must be reliable enough to ensure tight contact of the wiring with the terminals, but not so strong that the terminals are subject to deformation.

17. Is battery acid dangerous?

Definitely yes! The so-called battery acid is an electrolyte composition that consists of dilute sulfuric acid. Any work with electrolyte requires special protection for hands and face. Neglecting this rule can lead to irreparable burns.

18. What else do you need to know about careful handling of battery acid?

When working with any battery, it is recommended to use protective equipment in the form of an apron, glasses or mask;
If you do get battery acid on you, then ordinary ammonia will help you neutralize it; after treating your clothes, you can wash off the residue with plain water. If you don’t have ammonia on hand, then simple baking soda can replace it;
Even if you have nothing to neutralize the acid that gets on you, you should rinse the contact area with clean, cool water for 10-15 minutes. If after contact with acid you feel any discomfort, you should immediately consult a doctor;
For a motorcycle, sulfuric acid from a battery does not pose any threat, because... its concentration is not high enough. However, it would not be superfluous to wash it off from the place where it landed;
If you decide to prepare an electrolyte with your own hands, then an important rule applies: you need to add acid to water, and not water to acid. The entire procedure is carried out using a non-metal container and funnel, with the mandatory use of protective equipment against contact with acid. You need to add acid to the water in a small stream, while stirring the contents of the container. The reason why it is strictly forbidden to add water to sulfuric acid is that this process generates a large amount of heat, and the process is accompanied by the release of small splashes that can get on everything, which is unsafe. The acid itself should be stored in a place protected from direct sunlight and high temperatures;
If you are charging a serviceable type battery, be sure to leave the valves open so that the gas released during chemical reactions can escape freely. If this is not done, the battery may not withstand the internal gas pressure and will simply explode;
All battery charging work must be carried out in a well-ventilated area;
Smoking and placing open sources of fire near the battery is prohibited;
All wiring manipulations should be performed only with the motorcycle engine turned off;
Before connecting the charger to the battery, make sure it is unplugged;
When disconnecting the battery, it is important to know that the ground wire is disconnected first; when connecting, it is connected last.

19. What to do with motorcycle batteries in winter?

Many motorcycle enthusiasts are very familiar with the term “closing the season.” In the Russian Federation, this time falls in late autumn, with the appearance of the first snow. To preserve their “horses,” the owners place them in special boxes, where they wait out the winter and early spring. As mentioned above, when the battery is not used for a long time, it is better to disconnect it from the wiring or completely remove it from the motorcycle. Removal may be recommended if the storage temperature in the box is below zero. While this temperature is suitable for a motorcycle, it is not suitable for its battery. A motorcycle battery requires a positive ambient temperature, but not exceeding 40 degrees. And so that the battery does not become stale during storage, it is recommended to periodically give it a “shake”, discharging it several times and charging it with a low current.

20. Additional information

Solid oil helps protect the battery terminals from the oxidation process;
Operating a serviced battery involves moving the gas exhaust pipe outside the motorcycle, which should not be closed or clogged with anything;
Sometimes when servicing a battery you may encounter an electrolyte leak. If you place the battery in a small container or slightly larger box in advance, this will protect you from spilling the electrolyte mass.

The use of this article without indicating the original source (website www.abars.ru) with an active link is prohibited.

Which battery to buy

Primary and probably most serious: beware of purchasing a counterfeit battery. In the markets, they may even give you a partially empty battery - with a reduced number of plates! To prevent this, you don’t need to pay money for the first cheap battery you see, but it is advisable to spend a little time before purchasing on the Internet searching for official battery sellers who provide them with a warranty of at least 1 year and documents, or resort to recommendations professionals from the same web. Of course, someone may say that the best solution is to come to the official service center of the brand and buy the battery recommended by the scooter manufacturer. This is quite accurate, but not the most accessible solution.

If the model of your scooter is more or less common and was produced exclusively for one market (European, American or Japanese), then the trading organization has a chance to look at the price list and choose a battery based on the scooter modification or battery encryption. It is perfectly. But if you are the owner of something unusual, domestic, or the model was sold in different markets in various configurations, then the ruler will help you! Measure the seat, secure the placement and shape of the terminals, and only then look through catalogs on websites or call stores. If the battery you found fits perfectly into place, but has small deviations in capacity, it’s not a disaster; differences of 1-2 Ah are not fatal.