Battery Maintenance 101

By Payam Shafinia
Yamaha Motor Canada

Typically, one of the most neglected components in a powersports product is the battery. But a healthy battery can keep you on your machine longer and help avoid disappointing starting issues while saving you money and frustration. So we’ve compiled a few easy tips to help your battery not just last longer but also keep your charging system healthy.

Check Terminals

Ensure that both positive and negative terminals are tight and free of corrosion. A poor connection can cause the machine to hesitate or stall completely.

Consider Your Contacts

Avoid stacking the battery posts with too many accessories. Some machines may be equipped with additional 12-volt connectors on the main wire harness for accessories such as phone chargers and heated grips. Consult your owner’s manual for additional details.

Invest in the Best

Always use a quality charger/maintainer if the machine is not used for extended periods of time. Most battery chargers come with an extension cable that allows you to connect the charger without removing the seat or any other components. Avoid using automotive-style, high-amperage or “quick” chargers. Although they may seem to work (charge the battery), these style of chargers will do internal damage to smaller powersports batteries and reduce the overall lifespan of the battery. If your machine is equipped with a lithium-ion battery, ensure that you use a compatible charger. A charger intended for a standard lead acid battery can quickly overheat and damage a lithium-ion battery. A good charger pays for itself in short time, so invest wisely.

Running on Empty

Avoid charging a low or dead battery with the machine’s charging system by going for a ride. The charging system is designed to keep a good, fully charged battery “topped up.” If the battery voltage is low, the charging system will not “fully charge” like a proper battery charger. If the battery is dead, it will go back to the low voltage it had before the vehicle was run.

It is also detrimental to your vehicle’s charging system to charge a low-voltage battery as it causes the charging system to work harder which produces more heat and the opportunity for component failure. If you suspect your battery to be low on charge, connect it to a quality charger overnight.

Call on an Expert

If your battery fails to operate reliably even after your attempts to charge it, consider taking it to a dealer for load testing. It is possible that some chargers will report that the battery is fully charged while the battery’s amperage capacity remains compromised, leading to poor cranking power.

At this point replacement is the only option. If your relatively new or well-maintained battery still has trouble keeping a charge, consider looking at your machine’s charging system. This may be the early signs of a compromised charging system and warrants testing and service immediately. Consult your local dealer as soon as possible.

TIP: Battery Removal

Always disconnect the negative battery terminal first. Disconnecting the positive terminal first can cause a short against the chassis while the negative is still connected, risking damage to your machine’s electrical system. Reverse this process for installation. Always refer to your owner’s manual for additional details.

TIP: Battery Disposal

Always follow local guidelines for safe and responsible disposal of a battery. Most dealers and municipalities will have provisions for the disposal of expired batteries at no charge.