Are you like the majority of riders? Does your motorcycle spend a portion of the year sitting in the garage? If so, there are a few things you must consider. Today however, we are going to speak about one specific thing, battery maintenance.
As we drive our vehicles on a daily basis the charging system maintains the proper level of charge on the battery. On the other hand, when we leave our equipment sitting idle the charge on the battery will dissipate. This is caused from extreme heat, cold, parasitic drains or simply lack of use. To combat the effects of the above listed potential drains on your battery you can implement a couple of basic habits into your routine.
As we drive our vehicles on a daily basis the charging system maintains the proper level of charge on the battery. On the other hand, when we leave our equipment sitting idle the charge on the battery will dissipate. This is caused from extreme heat, cold, parasitic drains or simply lack of use. To combat the effects of the above listed potential drains on your battery you can implement a couple of basic habits into your routine.
1) Keep your battery terminals clean. As with many things, cleanliness can eliminate many negative effects of our surroundings. By cleaning your battery terminals one to two times per year, you will ensure that your terminals are making good contact and receiving the necessary charge from your charging system.
2) Make sure that all accessories are turned off when not in use. It can be easy to overlook this, so don't assume that you have all items turned off. Take just a minute to be certain.
3) The use of a battery tender is the best way to maintain maximum battery performance. By installing a quick disconnect lead onto your battery terminals, you can simply attach the battery tender when the vehicle is not in use. The battery tender will charge the battery when needed, and shut off automatically when not needed. The installation of the battery tender is quite simple, and well worth the 10 minutes it will take to accomplish this task.
Today we have covered a few basics on battery maintenance. By following the above guidelines you will find that the life of your battery can be extended to its fullest potential.
In summary, as we near the time of year when most of our recreational vehicles tend to set for extended periods of time, please consider exercising a few forms of routine maintenance that will allow you to jump back into the riding season with a huge smile on your face. There is a lot to be happy about when you saddle up for the first time each year knowing that you have done all things possible to ensure that your next ride starts as a pleasant one.
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