A reliable battery is at the heart of every motorcycle’s performance, ensuring smooth starts and uninterrupted rides. Whether you're an everyday rider or someone who takes their bike out for occasional joyrides, understanding how to properly charge and maintain your battery can extend its lifespan and prevent inconvenient breakdowns.

In this guide, Yuasa’s battery experts share essential charging tips, recommended tools, and advice on handling emergency battery situations. In fact, there is one tip that could save you a lot of frustration and money.

Regular Maintenance Charging

Consistent battery maintenance is key to longevity. However, the ideal charging schedule varies based on riding frequency and habits.

Not every rider has the same habits. From daily commuters or riders who use their bike as their main transportation, whether short or long distances, to those who only get a few chances to ride a year, there are different “right ways” to charge their batteries.

• Daily Riders (or a Few Times a Week): If you regularly take long rides, charging once a month is sufficient. For shorter rides, a weekly or biweekly charge is recommended to keep the battery in top condition, especially if those rides are around 5 miles or less consider more frequent charges.
• Moderate Riders (2-3 Times a Month): It is important to check your battery about once a month, charging it at this time is the best option for you.
• Occasional/Recreational Riders (Less Than Once a Month): Even if the bike is seldom used, a monthly charge helps maintain battery health and prevents deep discharge. You should still check to ensure your battery has a full charge once a month, even if you keep your battery on a maintainer.

Battery Charging Tips & Tricks

To ensure optimal performance and a hassle-free experience, consider these expert recommendations:

• Use the Right Accessories: If your battery is equipped with a ring terminal and SAE plug, charging is simple—just connect a maintainer without the need for extra tools.
• Be Aware of Common Issues: If your battery appears unresponsive despite attempts to charge it, it may need replacement rather than a recharge. Additionally, always check that battery cables are securely fastened before assuming the battery is at fault.
• Debunking Charging Myths: One of the biggest misconceptions is that “maintenance-free” batteries do not require charging. In reality, this term means the battery does not require fluid level checks, but it still needs periodic charging to function correctly.

Emergency Charging: Jump Starts & Dead Battery Scenarios

Even with regular maintenance, unexpected battery failures can occur. Knowing the right steps to take in an emergency can make all the difference.

Jump-Starting Safely:

• Never jump-start a fuel-injected motorcycle if the fuel pump does not activate.
• If using a vehicle to jump-start, ensure the vehicle is turned off before connecting the cables to avoid electrical surges and damage. Failing to do this can destroy your battery. For a full guide, check out our Jump Start Guide.

What to Do if Your Battery Dies While Riding or After Parking:

• First, check the battery cables. Loose cables can mimic a dead battery and prevent proper operation.
• If cables are secure but the bike still won’t start, a replacement battery may be necessary.

Reach out to your Yuasa Authorized Dealer for expert assistance if you are looking for capacity testing, or a replacement battery.

Recommended Yuasa Chargers for Road Trips & Maintenance

For riders looking to keep their batteries maintained both at home and on the road, Yuasa offers a range of reliable chargers:

• 1.2 Amp Battery Charger and Maintainer: for batteries less than 18 amp hours
• 2-3 Amp Battery Charger and Maintainer: for batteries more than 18 amp hours
• Coming later this year, Yuasa will be introducing two new products to our accessories line.
  • A 900mAMP Battery Charger and Maintainer, ideal for batteries less than 18 amp hours and the only Yuasa maintainer compatible with lithium batteries.
  • A Bluetooth Battery Tester capable of wirelessly providing battery life information via a mobile phone app.
• Any Yuasa charger is compatible with Yuasa batteries, ensuring efficient and safe charging.

Additional Resources

Need more guidance on battery care and maintenance? Check out these expert resources for tips on proper battery selection, safety, and seasonal storage.

• Can I Buy Yuasa Batteries on Amazon?
• Essential Safety Tips from Yuasa for Motorcycle Safety Month and Beyond
• Essential Winter Storage Guide for Powersports Batteries
• Selecting the Proper Vehicle Battery
• Proper Battery Disposal

Stay Powered with Proper Charging Practices

Whether you’re hitting the open road every day or storing your bike for the season, battery maintenance should always be a priority. Following these expert-recommended charging schedules, using the right tools, and being prepared for emergencies will help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of your Yuasa battery.

For more battery maintenance insights, visit our Battery Maintenance & Storage guide, or learn How to Extend the Life of Your Battery.

Ready for a new battery, use our battery search tool, or Find a Yuasa dealer near you.

For over 45 years, Yuasa Battery has been manufacturing powersports batteries to uncompromisingly high standards, making them the largest American manufacturer and distributor of batteries for motorcycles, snowmobiles, scooters, all-terrain vehicles, side-by-sides, and personal watercraft.