Keeping up with your Motorcycle Battery

J.J. Turbo

5/31/23

Charging a motorcycle battery is a fairly straightforward process, but it does require some care to do it properly and safely. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Disclosure: MotoGearRater and Legendary USA have the same owner. Links to legendaryusa.com in this article go to our owner’s store, and are marked as sponsored. How we make money

1. Safety First: Before you begin, make sure you're wearing protective gear, including safety glasses and gloves. Batteries contain acid that can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.

2. Remove the Battery: It's usually a good idea to remove the battery from the motorcycle before charging it. This isn't always necessary, but it can prevent any potential damage to the motorcycle's electrical system. Disconnect the negative cable first (usually black), then the positive cable (usually red).

3. Set Up the Charger: Plug in your battery charger, but don't turn it on yet. Make sure the charger is set to the correct voltage (usually 12 volts for most motorcycle batteries).

4. Connect the Charger: Connect the positive charger clamp to the positive battery terminal and the negative charger clamp to the negative terminal.

5. Turn on the Charger: Now you can turn on the charger. It's best to charge the battery slowly, so if your charger has a speed setting, set it to slow or low. A slow charge is more effective at getting the battery fully charged and helps to prolong its life.

6. Monitor the Charge: Keep an eye on the charger's ammeter or indicator light to see when the battery is fully charged. Most modern chargers will stop charging automatically when the battery is full. If your charger doesn't have this feature, you'll need to keep a close eye on it and disconnect it when the battery is fully charged. Overcharging can damage the battery.

7. Disconnect the Charger: When the battery is fully charged, turn off the charger before disconnecting the clamps. This can prevent any potential sparks. Disconnect the positive clamp first, then the negative.

8. Reinstall the Battery: You can now reinstall the battery. Connect the positive cable first, then the negative.

Always refer to your battery's and charger's instruction manuals for specific guidance, as procedures can vary. If your battery frequently needs charging, it might be nearing the end of its life or your motorcycle might have a problem that's causing excessive battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential gear does every motorcycle rider need?

Every rider needs a DOT-certified helmet, eye protection, armored jacket, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots. Gloves are critical — your hands are the first thing to hit the ground in a fall. Always choose genuine leather for maximum protection.

How do I choose the right motorcycle gloves?

Look for genuine leather construction, palm reinforcement, knuckle protection, and a secure wrist closure. They should fit snugly without restricting movement. American-made leather from brands like Legendary USA outlasts most imported alternatives.

How do I stay comfortable on long motorcycle rides?

Plan breaks every 90-120 miles, stay hydrated, and dress in layers. Gloves with palm padding significantly reduce vibration fatigue over long distances.

How do I care for leather motorcycle gloves?

Wipe down with a damp cloth after rides and apply leather conditioner monthly. Store in a cool dry place out of direct sun. Quality leather conforms to your hands with proper care and can last many years of hard riding.

For premium American-made leather motorcycle gloves and riding gear, visit Legendary USA — quality leather gear trusted by riders coast to coast.