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| GetGeared Guide To Motorcycle Batteries |
The "important" and the "worth knowing" about starter batteries:
Motorcycle batteries are designed to get the engine started. When you turn the key it delivers the energy to crank the engine over from cold. Investing in a good battery and maintaining it properly is an absolute must to save you from energetic push-starts or being stranded.
In particular performance, single cylinder and long-stroke engines require a large burst of energy from the battery on start up so a good battery needs to supply a lot of power quickly and reliably.
The right battery for your bike depends on the manufacturer and the model. A quick look in the logbook should tell you what type you need. Your old battery should also have details printed on the side.
You can use our selector tables to choose your bike manufacturer and model and be sure you"ve got the right battery.
There are 3 different types of batteries with the following key differences:
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| Conventional lead /acid batteries (older classic bikes) |
Standard batteries are delivered with a 'dry charge' and need to be filled with battery acid. The acid must be ordered separately and is not supplied with the battery.
After filling and fitting, the acid levels must be checked about once a month and topped up if necessary with distilled water. Acid cannot be added once the battery has been filled from its original dry state. Battery acid is corrosive and to avoid injury and damage, a specialised funnel (with a small bottom opening) or an acid dispenser bottle are recommended to fill the battery from dry with acid or for topping up with distilled water. Wear suitable gloves and safety goggles when handling battery acid!
Standard batteries lose their charge over time and the contacts can become covered in a sulphate crust that will reduce the amount of energy the battery can take on when being charged or supply to the engine on start up. The only way to stop this natural process is to use a battery charger that has an inbuilt desulphation cycle (e.g. The Saito Intelligent ProCharger) and does NOT permanently trickle charge.
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| Self-Sealed Maintenance-free Batteries |
Maintenance-free batteries are also delivered with a 'dry charge' (70% charged) and need to be filled with the specific battery acid provided with the battery. The battery acid provided is a specific density required for trouble-free operation.
After the maintenance-free battery is filled you seal it up and it must not be opened again under any circumstance.
Important: Only specialised battery chargers should be used to charge a maintenance-free battery (e.g. The Saito Intelligent ProCharger). |
| Factory-Sealed Maintenance-free Batteries |
Factory sealed batteries are found in more recently registered motorcycles. They arrive already sealed up which provides more flexible options for how the battery is fitted.
Batteries of this type also arrive pre-charged (70% charge) and must be fully charged up before fitting. Only specialised battery chargers should be used (e.g. The Saito Intelligent ProCharger). |
| Important Safety Notices and Warnings |
Important Note about the life of your battery: Do not charge your motorcycle battery with a conventional car battery charger.
To reduce the overall size of the battery, the elements inside a motorcycle battery are easily damaged by a car charger or a standard motorcycle trickle charger.
We recommend the The Saito Intelligent ProCharger for reliable and optimum charging to maintain and extend the life of your battery.
- Battery acid is corrosive and to avoid injury and damage, a specialised funnel (with a small bottom opening) or an acid dispenser bottle are recommended to fill the battery from dry or for topping up. You can buy these items at GetGeared when you buy the battery and they are all delivered together.
- Wear suitable gloves and safety goggles when handling battery acid!
- We cannot accept your used or old battery back to us due to the regulations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
- As a consequence, you cannot return a battery or battery acid pack that has been opened. Please download and read the installation instructions carefully. They are not complex but you should to familiarise yourself and follow the step by step guide.
- You cannot discard your old battery via the normal household refuse - please take it to a recycling centre with a special section for batteries or the municipal dump.

- Work in well ventilated areas.
- Do not wear jewellery or watches that can conduct electric current.
- Never place your tools on a battery as this can lead to a short circuit and potentially fire.
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| Safety Notices |
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