If your starter is weak and your lights start to dim, it's probably time to charge your motorcycle battery. Ditto when you have not used your bike for more than 2 weeks. Storage is not good for batteries. Oftentimes, it results to their inability to hold a charge. For these reasons, a motorcycle battery charger is a must-own device for owners of this two-wheeled vehicle. You may want to get a volt meter as well.
The Importance of a Well-maintained Battery
A well-maintained battery allows for easy starting. Especially with the popular push button start, battery performance is very important. Otherwise, you will be relegated to the tedious kick start alternative.
But starting is not the only function affected by battery performance. Other electrical components are influenced as well- the horn, lights, and whatever electrical gadgets you have installed. You do not want the performance of these parts compromised because of a weak or dead battery, especially if you are on the road and far from home. Even your safety could be at risk.
Get a Good Motorcycle Battery Charger
Battery chargers seem like simple devices using a mature technology. Such bring the case we often go for the cheapest one. Although charging per se may be similar in the majority of battery chargers, the safety features vary and this accounts for the price difference.
True, most battery chargers have a fuse as protection, but oftentimes this is not enough. The expensive ones have a built-in circuit breaker for added protection. In fact the more advanced, albeit costly, models have an inverted polarity safety circuit. This provides protection in the event that you erroneously mismatch the polarity, which would normally cause a short circuit.
Trickle charging performance is another area wherein these products differ. This should be taken into account when making your choice.
The Power of the Sun
Although the use of solar power to charge batteries is not a new technology, making these panels portable, resilient, and affordable is a fairly recent occurrence. Gone are the days wherein solar panels are heavy, fragile, and expensive.
Given this new development, products like Sunlinq 12w were introduced in the market. These solar panels are durable and lightweight, and these qualities make them ideal for motorcycle battery charging when the necessary electricity is unavailable.
But having a solar charger does not excuse one from performing periodic battery examination and maintenance. Always remember that "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure"
Battery Charging 101
1 Make sure that the vent caps are loose, and the charging area well- ventilated. There is a possibility that the oxygen and hydrogen present in the battery can cause an explosion.
2. Excess heat, while charging, can damage battery plates. When this happens, allow the battery to cool before proceeding.
3. Ascertain that the vent tube is not blocked. Trapped fumes may build up and explode.
4. Make sure that the charger is properly connected. This is especially so if your charger does not have an inverted polarity safety circuit.
5. It is best to trickle charge your battery once a month to keep it in top condition.
Riding a motorcycle is fun provided that it is accident and trouble free. To this end, it is best that regular maintenance is done.
Impactbattery.com is the site to log on if you are in the market for a motorcycle battery chargers. It even provides information regarding solar batteries and solar battery panels like the Sunlinq 12w.
No comments:
Post a Comment