Dead Motorcycle Battery: Recharge or Replace?

You have a dead motorcycle battery: Should you recharge it or replace it?
Here are two to test your motorcycle battery, and one way to test your motorcycle's charging system. That way you'll know whether or not you need to replace, or just recharge your motorcycle battery, and you won't replace your motorcycle battery unless you need to.
We'll also cover how to check your charging system, since you could be having battery issues because of a bad charging system, regulator rectifier, etc. If you have a faulty charging system, you could end up having to replace multiple batteries and be left stranded.
Basically, I'll show you how to test your battery and charging system, and help you to make sure you don't aren't spending any money unless you need to.
LINKS TO WHAT I USE (BEST PRICES I COULD FIND):
Multimeter (best price I could find) amzn.to/3GxSTbh
Battery load tester (same one I use) amzn.to/3HQhNox
Battery tender pigtail amzn.to/3trQiMj
FULL ARTICLE: youmotorcycle.com/dead-motorc...
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Battery Test 1: Multimeter
2:12 Battery Test 2: Load Test
3:33 Battery Tender Pigtail
3:55 Testing Charging System
6:15 Conclusions
#motorcyclemaintenance #deadmotorcycle #motorcycleservice

[@YouMotorcycle]

LINKS TO WHAT I USE (BEST PRICES I COULD FIND): Multimeter (best price I could find) amzn.to/3GxSTbh Battery load tester (same one I use) amzn.to/3HQhNox Battery tender pigtail amzn.to/3trQiMj

[@RandomGuyComments]

Very informative! Literally never seen this covered and been watching a plethora of YT videos on bikes since the platform started.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks Matt! Trying to help riders as best I can!

[@Kevin__Tate]

Thanks. I never stopped to think my inexpensive multimeter that's primarily used to test AA and AAA batteries around the house would also work to confirm 12+ volts in my motorcycle battery.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks Kevin. Ironically, I never stopped to think my inexpensive multimeter that's primarily used to test motorcycle batteries aroudn the garage would also work to test AA and AAA batteries. You should make a video and show me how to do that now haha.

[@halnwheels]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. I have the same load tester which I got at Harbor Freight a while ago. I wasn't sure if the 100 amp load of the tester would be too much for the battery. I feel more confident now to use it on my 28AH motorcycle battery. Thanks for the great video.

[@YouMotorcycle]

I think it says on the label right on to only hold for 10 seconds, and they know it's made for 12volt batteries, so I wouldn't sweat it, but I also wouldn't hold it for any longer, and then charge it up again right after testing! Glad you liked the video! :)

[@YouMotorcycle]

HOW TO FILL, CHARGE, & REPLACE A NEW BATTERY (for max. performance & lifespan): kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ3QmKmYisioqaM

[@themillionairebiker9381]

Thank you for that information. I'm going to go check mine now b/c I'm not sure if my issue is the battery, my tender, or the bikes charging system. Ride Often and Ride Safe ✌️

[@alphahotel0076]

Absolutely awesome video!!! PLEASE KEEP DOING THESE THEYRE AWESOME!!!!

[@YouMotorcycle]

I GOT YOU BROTHER!!!! Thanks! :)

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

Adrian, a very useful solid video on helping good folks with the care and maintenance of their bikes. Eric

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for the kind words! I made a very similar video three years ago, I still get at least one comment every month or two on how bad the audio is, so I wanted to make it for people. Still not perfect but good enough! lol

[@tomreece1058]

Thank you for the informative content. I am purchasing a multi-tester tomorrow.

[@YouMotorcycle]

For the small price it's a tool that will last you a lifetime. Best of luck

[@Olaverda]

Excellent excellent explanation. Clear, concise. Top marks 👍

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks so much, I'm glad it was helpful! I have a video on how to fill/setup a new battery in case you need it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ3QmKmYisioqaM

[@je4444]

Very educational, thanks for this video!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, I appreciate that! Have a good one!

[@luvthemlabs982]

Excellent Simple Video!!! 5 Stars- Thank You!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Lol thanks! 👍

[@cwTheDrummist]

This is brilliant! Great explanation. Thank you!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words. IF you do need to buy a new battery (but don't have a charging system problem), this video talks about 7 things that effect your motorcycle battery's life and performance (good stuff to know before you buy a battery): kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWOukGdoaMyres0 Lastly, WHEN you do need to replace your motorcycle battery, I strongly recommend setting it up yourself so you can make sure you're doing it properly and getting the best longevity and performance out of it you can. Here's how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ3QmKmYisioqaM Thanks again!

[@paulm4137]

Hi Adrian - Another great video. I have always kept my bikes on a trickle charger and haven't had any battery problems, yet. I'm going to get a Load Tester and start checking a few times a year. And good to know you can use the pigtail instead of taking things apart to get on the battery terminals.Definitely worth it not to get stranded. Thanks!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Hey Paul, thanks for the kind words. Trying to be helpful to people. Always a smart move to keep the bikes on the trickle chargers. I wouldn't check them too often. No use to put an unnecessary heavy load on the battery more than is necessary. Also a good idea to fully charge the battery before and after the load test. But if I was going to get either a load tester or a multimeter, I might go with the multimeter because it has a wider range of uses. Load tester is definitely easy to use though!

[@7judas77]

thanks for this video. it really helped me sort some crap out with these batteries. wanting to be self-sufficient with this kind of stuff but not knowing how is a real pain in my bean-bag. Sincere-iously, it's the emotional equivalent of having a chaffed scranus. so thanks again for the salve.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for this awesome comment lol. This is exactly why I started my channel. I wanted to help out other riders by making the kind of content I wish was available back when I learned this stuff. Glad it was able to help you out!

[@rockstarboxer]

Thanks bro! Yup my Gsxr charging system sucked wasn’t sure if it was the case but your video helped

[@YouMotorcycle]

Awesome! Gsxrs of certain years were known for regulator rectifier failures. Hope you get it all sorted out. Ride safe brother!

[@DmacDomage]

Thanks. Awesome video

[@YouMotorcycle]

Happy to help! Subscribe for more!

[@johnanderson9735]

All great tests! I keep my bikes on a tender when not riding because some have electronics with a constant slight drain. If it sits to long those parasitic drains can ruin the battery. This should be considered for any vehicle.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Definitely a best practice. I do the same thing and it's one of the things I recommend everyone do as well if they're able to.

[@bigbark4627]

Excellent man, excellent. Wanted to know what the numbers meant when going up, down, left & right! 😵‍💫 Vry knew 2 using a multimeter & got battery issues. This was real helpful 👍

[@YouMotorcycle]

That's awesome! Once someone shows us, it's easy to understand, but until then, who knows what's going on! haha

[@dehood]

very useful video - saving it

[@YouMotorcycle]

Happy to help and thanks for leaving a comment! :)

[@user-yn9cn2yz6v]

Something else your test showed is that the voltage didn't drop below 10 volts while starting the engine which indicates a good battery. Also you don't need a meter to tell the charging system is working - just watch the headlights brighten as you rev the motor! Great videos, very clear and fun to watch!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Fair point. That works in a pinch. Thanks!

[@calieboy1509]

Thanks for the video it’s stuff like this that if you jus5 take the time to watch the video you’ll actually learn something that will stick with you forever.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for the encouragement I appreciate it! I wanna be the Bill-Nye of motorcycles when I grow up haha.

[@calieboy1509]

@@YouMotorcycle and do you have any videos of you where to get a flat I have a inflated but not a fix it flat Can I use any fix a flat ?

[@YouMotorcycle]

You mean a flat tire? Some flat tires can be patched or plugged, some can't. It's going to depend on where the puncture is. I have a video that might help if you have 6 more minutes lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpDaapmVfqecjck

[@thehooverfamily9589]

Thank you!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Happy to help! If you find that you need to replace it this is your next step: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ3QmKmYisioqaM

[@ThePsvan]

Good vid. Waiting a couple of hours after charging to test the battery voltage was a new idea to me. I think you mentioned something else briefly but another charging system problem to look out for is too much voltage when the motor is running. My Suzuki started having brighter than normal dash lights a while back. I thought maybe I was imagining it but I checked with a multimeter hooked up to the battery terminals while it was running and it was over 18 volts! I stopped riding it around before I fried anything and got a new regulator/rectifier. With the new reg/rec installed it went right back to about 14.3 volts.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Was it a GSXR by any chance?

[@ThePsvan]

@@YouMotorcycle Nope, it's a lowly GS500E

[@PurpleOnThree]

Thank you for this...glad I chose this video to start with...my battery is going on 4 years old and is on a tender for the winter...it's the original battery so I'm not sure what the brand is. But I don't want to be stranded so I will test my battery for sure before spring riding season. I do have the battery tender pigtail so yay me!! And by the way, Eric from Kraken's Garage sent me your way. He's got some great content. 🏍💜💯

[@YouMotorcycle]

That's awesome. I'm watching his latest video right now. Pigtails make life easy. If you have any questions feel free to give me a shout

[@YouMotorcycle]

Omg I'm the featured person?! 😯😯😯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@YouMotorcycle yep!! Surprise, surprise! Great job!! 💯💯💯

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@YouMotorcycle thank you!! 💜💜💜

[@nickskywalker2568]

That was really good! I bought my first bike, I knew nothing about bikes before, it is a second hand chinese bike, I regret it now haha. I brought it to the mechanic, had to change the battery as well as the stator and rectifier. I would love to see a video on the charging system and how to test it/repair it. In the end this chinese bike is going to be the occasion for me to learn about how to repair bikes

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks. Good suggestion for a future video!

[@KazoMoto]

Awesome.

[@BikeBoatandTravel]

Good video Adrian. I keep my battery from my Spyder on a tender indoors for the winter. But, I have never thought of checking the charging system after I reinstall it in the spring and periodically through the season.... good tip, Thanks.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks! I keep them all on tenders in the garage via pigtails but indoors would probably be best!

[@carvalhonj]

Version 1 e version 2 video are very helpful. Thank you

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks! 😁

[@dmha1655]

Thanks

[@YouMotorcycle]

Happy to help! If you end up needing to replace your motorcycle battery you should check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ3QmKmYisioqaM

[@charleselliott1568]

I like your videos

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks very much. I like your comments!

[@TheCanadianBubba]

One additional tip might be to ensure the connections are well cleaned and tight.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Yup good call. I've saved a couple people from a trip to the shop just by tightening up their connections!

[@spagogin]

Thanks for the very informative video. My pigtail is connected to what's called an 'output terminal' on my fusebox for attaching electrical accessories. Could I still use that pigtail connection to check with a multimeter as you instructed in the video? It's a pain to access the actual battery connections.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Should work. It's gotta get power to and from the same battery. PS: Thanks!

[@spagogin]

@@YouMotorcycle You'd think so. :) Thanks!

[@hahihihi333]

Nice🐕

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks!

[@davidcamilli170]

Great

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks man. Hope this helped!

[@dvancamp6710]

I really liked your presentation...until 3:55 into it where you were going to show how to use the pigtail to charge the battery but you went right to testing the charging system! 😞 Still a useful video!

[@YouMotorcycle]

Sorry! The battery charger should have a matching plug, so what you're seeing on the right side, a couple seconds earlier... the two connectors are identical. so you just plug them into each other.

[@Chuubs]

Hey Adrian, great videos and a great learning tool for people getting into motorbiking. I just wanted to check something. I don't have the battery tender connector that you have in the video (CTEK one is on order with a full tender system) so would I be ok to check the motorbike charing system to put my multimeter on the terminals on the battery when checking this? Or should this only be done once I have the connector? Thanks in advance :)

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks! Size, shape, look, brand... don't let any of that bother you. They're going to have a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The rest is just details :) If you find that you get a negative number, for example, -12.76, it just means you have the positive and negative backwards, switch them around and you'll see it's 12.76.

[@Chuubs]

@@YouMotorcycle Thanks buddy, just checked my bike battery and the bike charging system. I had bought my bike from a friend who had it sitting around for a few months and hardly did any mileage, then when I bought it I was having starting issues every other day. But doing these checks you've guided me through I'm pretty confident I just need to use the bike more and the battery will become more reliable. I have a tender etc on order and have another battery coming as a stand by. I'm now going to watch some more of your content to level up my mechanical knowledge. Thanks again dude!! :)

[@YouMotorcycle]

Batteries don't get better unless they're being recharged now and they weren't before. Is that the case?

[@Chuubs]

@@YouMotorcycle Yup, I've been charging it and going for long rides. The only time I had issues starting was if I left the bike for a day or two then tried to start it, but when being used daily for more than half hour its been fine

[@YouMotorcycle]

That should have failed the test. How did you test it?

Hi there @YouMotorcycle thanks so much for this video! I had a dead battery, I charged it fully, let it sit for 2 days, then used the multimeter and it read a solid 12.6v, after turning the key lighting up the dash etc. the multimeter read 10.4v and then hitting the starter, the engine turned over a couple times but didn't turn on at all. Does this mean my battery is actually totally shot? I'm just a little confused because it read 12.6v. Thanks in advance.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Battery is taking a charge, holding a charge, but has no cranking power. So when you put a load on it, it fails. If you had a battery load tester it would probably fail. Unfortunately sounds like time to replace the battery.

@@YouMotorcycle thanks so much for getting back to me. Super helpful!

[@westcoasttv4847]

On my 3rd battery. I didn't know if it was the battery or my charging system. I got the first 2 where u add the acid but they both failed no sure if it was because the store added the acid and didn't wait the 30 minutes before putting the caps in. Every time it went dead the caps were coming out of the holes. I got a new sealed battery today and so far so good but I will be going to get a multimeter tomorrow to check my charging system. Anybody have any other suggestions?

[@YouMotorcycle]

Hey, how did the charging system test go?

[@GB600RR]

how about replacing acid or cleaning batt cells & adding acid back. did several times and batts leasted more when 6-8 years

[@YouMotorcycle]

From my understanding, refilling an old battery casing with new acid wasn't recommended... but I honestly can't remember why not. If it works for you, rock on! I'll be doing another video on another tip to extend motorcycle battery longevity though... stay tuned :)

[@GB600RR]

@@YouMotorcycle not with a new one, goal is to use charger with shock option when you fill with dist. watter and when you put same aciid back

[@adayinthelife5772]

What if you are charging it off the bike and its not fully charged but reading mid 13s or higher ?

[@YouMotorcycle]

What, and more specifically, when, do you mean?

[@techtinkerin]

Lol BS battery, that's funny. I actually have the same one. At least they labeled it accurately.😂 Thanks dude

[@YouMotorcycle]

Haha. Thanks. Ride safe!

[@Knotfest09]

I bought a new yuasa battery 3 days ago for my motorcycle and it charged for 1 hour before plugging it in and I drove it on the highway for 2 hours and then I rested it for a day when I checked the next day its voltage is always in 12.4v and then dropping to 12.3 engine start at 14.2v does my battery needs more chrage or is it normal for new battery? hope you can help.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Sounds totally normal. How was the battery prepped?

[@Knotfest09]

​@YouMotorcycle thanks for the response Sir. no hard starting one push start and i feel more power on acceleration I was just wondering because I thought it should be 12.6v when the battery was new compared to when I bought the motorcycle the voltage was 12.6v at resting I'm sorry, I'm just a beginner in this kind of stuff.

[@withindistruction54]

Mines been sitting for two years. Last year I tried charging it with a battery tender and kept dying.

[@YouMotorcycle]

I wouldn't even have tried charging it after leaving it sitting for that long. It's like not feeding someone for two years and then performing CPR. It's dead bud. You killed it lol

[@Turco949]

2:50 Nope, I'd not go 10 seconds, no more than 5-6 seconds when load testing a motorcycle battery with such a device that was designed for car testing batteries! Going more than 5-6 seconds would seriously shorten the lifespan of a mc battery.

[@YouMotorcycle]

Interesting point, thanks!

[@marmrlss7332]

Hey man! I failed the second grade!

[@YouMotorcycle]

That's ok too. My mom failed the first grade, she went on to become a professor 😂

[@David-xl9cp]

Don’t buy cheap or unknown manufactured batteries, just buy a Yuasa, and know it’s going to last, especially if you use a battery conditioner like the OptiMate 3 Motorcycle Battery Charger & Tester.

[@YouMotorcycle]

I agree. I'm currently experimenting with a no-name lithium. I'll post a progress video on that over the winter (it's been a full year now), and I'm also going to be doing another video about desulphating battery maintainers because I think you bring up a good point: the charger you uses does make a difference!

[@David-xl9cp]

@@YouMotorcycle Yes, probably does make a difference with the correct charger, some just charge with is not good, you need one that cycles the battery and does periodical condition checks automatically. In the UK these cost around £55.

[@davidterrobias7120]

My battery became 17V. Is it still okay to use it with my motorcycle?

[@YouMotorcycle]

Test the battery on a load charger and see. Some auto shops will do it for you for free.

[@Richard-pe4cx]

i will get my multi meter out

[@YouMotorcycle]

Right on! 👌

[@mohtashimali9669]

Mine is at 9.3V , what should i do

[@YouMotorcycle]

Do like the video says!

[@techtinkerin]

Replace it because it's knackered

[@Neeko_Z]

My yuasa read 10.70 -.- whyyy it’s only been 6 months total

[@YouMotorcycle]

How have you been using it (or not using it) and how was it first setup? Why did you need to replace the previous battery 6 months ago? Have you tested your charging system?

[@Neeko_Z]

@@YouMotorcycle well I ride at least 2 days a week to get to work, that’s 2hrs there. Plus maybe an hr or 2 more during the week. Nothing long distance. And year round (NJ) even in very cold temps. I initially replaced the battery I believe because it did die, but then wouldn’t hold a charge for very long. Anyhow.. now I know to at least charge my bike intermittently. Which I never did.. I haven’t checked the charging system yet! I will shortly.

[@YouMotorcycle]

I always keep my batteries on a charger over the winter. The cold is very hard on them. Let me know if the charging system is okay. Riding with a weak battery will also cause your charging system to work harder, which could wear it out faster, so your old battery could have done some damage if it's an older bike that already had a lot of wear, but hopefully not.

[@Neeko_Z]

@@YouMotorcycle I have a 2020 Yamaha tracer 900, the only owner. Now at 8,417mi so after charging the battery it read 12.82. Then this morning I took a reading and got 12.65. (Is that normal?) I then checked the charging system, it shot up and then after one rev at about 5k rpm I got a reading at 14.41

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@Neeko_Z sounds perfect

[@sirkamla]

The battery you test is drained?

[@YouMotorcycle]

No only test a recharged battery. If you test a drained battery it will fail the test.

[@JihadHorse]

I’ve got my bike in 2018 brand new done 60k miles on it and battery is still the one it came with But I’m being told I need to buy a new battery for £100 for my 2022 mt09 Because I made the mistake of leaving the battery in the bike for a whopping 8 months without any use. Now, when I turn the key, only the ABS light flickers for a few seconds, and nothing else happens.

[@YouMotorcycle]

I'm assuming you already tried the steps in this video? If so, lesson learned on not to neglect your toys

[@Wildtamson]

Shit I abused mine 😳

[@YouMotorcycle]

Hey, it happens 😁 we make mistakes now so our older selves won't have to. Live and learn :)

[@Wildtamson]

@@YouMotorcycle I dumped it put a hole in the stator cover finally just put it back together n got oil in it won’t crank assuming the battery is dead after sitting for a while

[@jogendranaik7058]

Hindi language

[@YouMotorcycle]

@@jogendranaik7058 what about it?

[@jeanmorales6159]

Thank you

[@YouMotorcycle]

Thanks for leaving a comment! Ride safe!