Motorcycle Dual Battery Setup: Do's Don'ts and Myths

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Motorcycle Dual Battery Setup: Do's Don'ts and Myths. In this video, I am displaying the products I will be using for my motorcycle dual battery setup: 2 Goldwing factor batteries YUASA GYZ20L, 3 positive 4 gauge battery cables, 1 battery ground cable 4 gauge, 150 Amp Blade Fuse by InstallBay, 150 Amp Battery Isolator by WirthCo. I will also be answering the questions from the previous comment section and explaining the Do's and Don'ts for a dual battery setup along with some myths that I will attempt to debunk in this video. Please Like, Share, Subscribe, and turn on notifications to support this channel as you leave your comment in the comment section below.

[@mainstreet9120]

Thank you! You’re a great teacher.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Thank you, my sister, the only problem I had with this setup is I should have purchased two new batteries from the start. The original primary battery was no good which caused me to waste time to complete this initial setup. Other than that, I love it.

[@MarvelousAudioM-E-B]

My bad, you were referring to the CCA & you're correct on that!

[@levylovits]

I love the isolator

[@CaptainVelveeta]

By far, the most comprehensive video I've seen on KZbin so far...thanks for putting the work in.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

You are very welcome and happy holidays to you and yours.

[@AG-dt5hy]

Great video, I have a 2019 roadglide and I'm interested on investing on a quality sound system. My main concern was the battery and this video answers just that. So thanks again

[@KyleSoldani]

Awesome, thanks for putting this together! Just started looking into this today on my little dual-sport.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

You will love it.

[@Thebonesoftrees]

Wonderful post. Getting an old Goldwing soon. This is fantastic. Cheers from Vancouver Island BC.

[@MarvelousAudioM-E-B]

Thank you Sir, keep doing great things! I don't own a Gold Wing but I'm a subscriber.

[@worldfamouspopcorn19]

Good set-up Carnell👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@miko62dc]

Thanks for the info! It’s all good!!

[@Crane_pond_Chronicles]

Thanks so much I plan on a minibike build and this is the info I needed

[@rcube7255]

Fantastic video. Superbly explained !

[@Around14]

This was an incredible video and very instructive...thank you!!

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Thank you, my brother

[@pfunks641]

thank you mate so good. good presentation.

[@islandbikers8027]

Thank you brother I started a dual battery set up but it was not right after watching your video took me one hour to get it right get me a battery isolator fuse block and I’m back on track thank you so much

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Please keep in mind this setup is used as a secondary way for your bike to start after the primary battery dies. If you are planning to use a high power radio system or install a lot of devices check out my other video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2Wqdn58qbejpMk

[@harlanhilman]

Great video, thank you sir!

[@92ofdapac]

Great breakdown thanks

[@martyfly8619]

Thank you sir ! Much obliged.

[@law0472]

Awesome video thanks so much

[@hoberrydan4023]

Thanks I have a mb200 massimo moped, i have a bluetooth sound system. This will allow me to be loud as hell. Thanks sir!!!!!

[@levylovits]

Bro i thought you were doing black face. Good video and informative

[@sachac5435]

cool vid thanks

[@howardmoses6280]

hey bro----good representation---------i;m learning all the time-----hope to see you at wingding ----mo

[@gw4287]

Love this video....?? Im looking to do the same thing to my 06 Yamaha Stratoliner because i have installed 4 -5.25 speakers and 2-8in. subs on 2-400 watt taramps amps and i cant play music long, lights dim the louder the volume and i have to keep charging battery because the bike wont start once it sits a few days. My question is do i buy same size battery or do i go with a larger battery for this project? Thanks

[@ralphwarom2514]

Sweet. I'm actually hoping that I can save my bike by adding a second battery.

[@MarvelousAudioM-E-B]

Great video: one concern though. Having the dual battery will increase the amperage when in parallel. Basic electronic circuitry. This falls under amperage in parallel.

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

I have seen that 24 volt on a Motorcycle! We name the Prospect appropiately"Flame"! haha ha Good Tech Video brother....That Isolator works better that the old Ford Soleniods too! haha ha MOtorMan OUttttt

[@zebulon2.198]

While the fuse is a safety device, there is a great chance that if you ever use the secondary battery alone to start the bike it will blow. Regarding your comment on the guy trying to double his ampacity by adding a battery - If you connect two batteries in parallel WITHOUT the isolator it will definitely double the starting capacity. I'm a retired master electrician, not some random guy. Pretty good video but the camera was off the subject most of the time.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

That is the whole purpose of all my videos. I talk about what I have done. I'm not some guy who claims to have a master's title or degree. This video talks about the isolator as the main subject and how it is used and /or purpose. Somehow, you watched this video to make a comment that takes the isolator out of the picture! Are you that hateful? Your next actions will be note-worthy to read! Thanks for the comment but you stepped away from the isolator to make a point, which makes your statement irrelevant.

[@mikefarmer2121]

05 ROAD ROD, Awesome

[@kevinharris9521]

Do I have to put on battery tender when storing for the winter

[@EscobanasJobette]

Everytime you installed a 2nd battery for your motorcycle or any vehicle, you need smart dual battery isoalator from TrueAm. It automatically charge and separate 2 batteries to make sure they will function when you need them.

[@dmcneill1704]

Thank you for replying so quickly, I understand everything from the Main battery to the Aux battery, but do I use my original positive cable on the bike with the main cable from the Isolator together on the positive side on the main battery.? Thanks again.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Yes, the original setup does not change, you have additional cables coming from the primary + to the isolator and then to the 2nd battery + terminal, and additional cable coming from the primary - going to the 2nd battery -. also you will need to change out the stock battery screws for longer ones to hold the additional cables, the stock screws are too short when you add the additional cables.

[@dmcneill1704]

Thank you so much for your help, I'm up and running, You B DA Man, Thank you a thousand time.

[@jimmywalthall1255]

I like all that information, but if I'm doing to do a Dual battery system, I'm coming down there to you Cornell to get my shit done right... No time some, the Oldman don't ride like he used to...

[@efrainhurtado7024]

So With this set up I don’t need to change anything ? No regulator? No stator? Nice!!.. Thanks for the information It’s a great video

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Do not change anything, just make sure both batteries are the same, do not mix match!

[@efrainhurtado7024]

@@CarnellLuckettSr Thank you...

[@Bass.Player]

Hey brother; Batteries connected in parallel add current capacity. If you have two 50 amp batteries in parallel they are now capable of 100 amps at 12 volts. (sans any parasitic losses) Batteries connected in series maintain the current capacity of one battery but the voltage doubles. Two 12 volt 50 amp batteries connected in series will net; 24 volts at 50 amps capacity. The only thing I would do different is; connect the ground for the secondary battery to the frame because connecting the ground from the secondary battery to the primary battery means the the primary battery ground cable has to carry the current of two batteries. (that is if the isolater EVER connects the two batteries in parallel) Peace

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

You are correct, in this video, I said the user stated he was adding 2 batteries together to increase the cold cranking amps = CCA, the demonstration you just posted in Amp Hours = AH. The CCA does not change at all but the capacity as you stated doubles. In general, you can say as you increase the CCA, the AH also increases. However, you cannot increase CCA by putting two batteries together.

[@Bass.Player]

That is correct; I was giving a further explanation to what you said because this sort of stuff is confusing for some folks...

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Thanks, I know it confuses a lot of people that is why I stay away from all the electrical components jargon to help others to understand it, again thank you, brother.

[@dmcneill1704]

Hey Carnell, Do I still use my regular Negative and Positive connection on my main battery with the Isolator?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

1 - The + on main connects to the Isolator and from the isolator to the + on 2nd battery. 2 - The isolator should be grounded to the frame of the bike. 3 - The - on main battery should be connected to the - on the 2nd battery **If you are using a different isolator besides the one in this video please read those instructions for that particular isolator.

[@MarvelousAudioM-E-B]

2 concerns: why isn't there a fuse between primary battery & isolator? If a surge comes from the primary the isolator is rated at 150, it would appear it would blow a fuse inside the isolator. I'm aware the instructions on the isolator doesn't call for a fuse there but I'm simply Wondering if the isolator serves as the fuse from the primary. Awesome 👍 video regardless 👌!

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Thank you, my brother, The Isolator in this configuration is ALWAYS working in a single battery mode until you push the button to turn on the parallel mode. No need for the fuse between the primary battery and isolator when the isolator is not used until an emergency, "the motorcycle won't start because the primary is dead" and, of course, as you already stated, the instructions do not require you to install one.

[@inmyownstateofmind144]

A few things are not correct but the main thing I would correct asap is that long ground you have running to the secondary cell. If you'd like me to explain any further lmk. But great video boss other then that.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

You are correct and Thanks, but for demonstration purposes, this display had to used to show everyone exactly what I was talking about

[@aajaanron]

@macillathethrillaskrillagogetta I'd appreciate if you clarify, got me wondering now. Thanks

[@pfunks641]

gonna be 🔥 lmao!

[@KillTheRemedy]

Great info! Just wondering if this would work well with a couple Lithium-Ion batteries... The Lithium-Ion is lighter in ur bags and gives u more room etc... But, Im guessing the set up allows your auxiliary battery to deplete regularly which isnt a big deal if you can just charge it back up etc... But i read that repeatedly depleting a Lithium-Ion battery will kill it relatively quickly. So basically would this set up be better with Lithium-Ion or nah?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

I think you may be getting these two mixed up with each other: The practical difference between Lithium batteries and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is that most Lithium batteries are not rechargeable but Li-ion batteries are rechargeable. ... A lithium battery should never be recharged while lithium-ion batteries are designed to be recharged hundreds of times. Please keep in mind: I used this setup to have a way to start my bike after completing a light show contest, the primary battery would go dead very quick. The 2nd battery was used in parallel mode to start the bike. If you will be using the 2nd battery to run your electronics like I'm currently doing, running both batteries is parallel mode WITHOUT the Battery doctor works best. Good Luck.

[@KillTheRemedy]

@@CarnellLuckettSr Cool! So i watched ur other 2 vids on ur dual battery set up & ur quad batt set up. Got another question though now. 🤣 If you run them permanently in parallel... Are you still using an inline fuse between the hot terminals? And if so... What information on the battery or maybe the charging system do you look at to figure out the size of the fuse between the batteries. Im on an older model road glide and wanna add another amp, but im told my bike cant handle it. I dk why they say that, but i think a dual battery set up and maybe an upgrade to the 58(?) amp charging system will get me where i wanna be to drop in an additional amp. Thanks again for the info and vids. Im learning a lot. PS- dont give up on me cus i said im on a Harley. 😂

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

@@KillTheRemedy LOL, it's all good my brother. No inline fuse on either setup dual or quad. after changing to a better performance battery everything is working perfectly.

[@travisguillet2809]

Dose it work on a atv 4 wheeler

[@butchtraci2946]

If I remove the fuse, does it mean the primary batt wont drain if i run my system powered by 2nd batt? also how or where can i get the isolator that charges the second batt...tia

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Both batteries work together as a single unit in a parallel configuration. The 2nd battery has no way to charge by doing what you are stating but somehow I feel you already know that! These isolators are changing rapidly, what I posted here 3 years ago has drastically changed since then with improvements,. Simply put, do research on isolators to fit your needs.

[@dmcneill1704]

Hi Carnell, I have everything hooked the right way on my Battery Doctor, but the Auxiliary battery dies after going to work 4 or 5 days with the music on and sometimes my light strips. And on weekends I'll ride all day, by the end of day the battery is very low and the cuts on and off. I'm running a Radio, a Light strips and an Amp, Could you help me? Thank you.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

As I stated in my dual battery setup parallel mode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2Wqdn58qbejpMk the setup you are currently using is for starting your bike after the primary battery has died. The battery doctor switches over to the 2nd battery to allow you to start your bike. If you want to run your accessories off the 2nd battery follow the video and removed the Battery Doctor and connect both batteries in parallel mode as shown in my video.

[@TheSavo111]

So if you had accessories on your bike it would never drain your primary battery correct? Seeing that it is hooked to your secondary. Or am I thinking about this the wrong way?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Any accessories that YOU add to your bike should always connect to the 2nd battery. Both batteries must be rated the same and the primary battery must be connected to an isolator to prevent the accessories on the 2nd battery from draining it. The bike must be on for this to occur. In parallel mode, yes you can drain both batteries because both act as one in parallel mode, the bike must remain on to prevent the drain.

[@joejefferson1004]

Question? When it's time to store bike over winter.. Can you still put a battery tender? Or do you need Two battery tenders?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

For storage, you will only need 1 battery tender for a dual-battery setup. I use 2 battery tender, only because I want quicker charging time because I do not store my vehicle for the winter.

[@joejefferson1004]

@@CarnellLuckettSr OK I gotcha 👍🏾

[@joejefferson1004]

@@CarnellLuckettSr Thank you for the information 💯💪🏾

[@islandbikers8027]

Mr pernel I have a 2009 Harley Davidson ultra classic and I’m running to battery because I have a lot of music no from my primary battery to my isolator from my isolator to my 150 fuse from my 150 fuse to my secondary battery positive on from my negative on my secondary battery go to the frame on the bike all my accessories music light is on the secondary battery but for some reason if the bike is not running my second are about to go died real fast what did I do wrong

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Before you start connecting both batteries, both batteries should be fully charged and of the same caliber (Amps and volts and sometimes the same brand work best). #1 Your first mistake is, On a music bike such as yours you need to remove the isolator because your amplifiers work best using both batteries. Therefore, your connection should be: The primary positive connects directly to the 2nd battery positive and the 2nd battery ground goes directly back to the primary ground (Not grounded to your bike frame). An isolator is only used with a 2nd battery so you can have a battery to jump start your motorcycle when the primary has died but on a music bike that setup will not work for you because your music system needs both batteries all the time. #2 your second mistake, your fuses can go to (either battery) but it has to be set up as a 2nd connection, example: The primary positive connects directly to the 2nd battery positive, and another connection is made from the (primary battery OR 2nd Battery) that goes to your 150 AMP fuse, that fuse goes to your Amplifier. This is MY current setup, The > symbol is used as "GoTo". #1: My Primary Battery positive > 150 Amp Fuse (Not Needed) > the 2nd battery positive. #2: My primary battery positive > Amplifier fuse > Amplifier. #3: My 2nd battery ground > Primary battery ground (Not bike frame). #4: My 2nd battery positive > 150 AMP fuse > Fuse plate /block for accessories > all other accessories will connect to this fuse plate /block and each connection must have a fuse to operate. Hope this helps and good luck!

[@islandbikers8027]

👍 ok my primary battery is the battery that comes with the bike my secondary battery is a lithium ion battery . It’s that my problem?? And thank u for Reaching out to me

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

@@islandbikers8027 Look at it this way, your setup - you got an 18 wheeler jumping off a pinto. Get you a 2nd lithium and you can hook it up any way you want "regardless of what you have connected to which battery."

[@islandbikers8027]

@@CarnellLuckettSr thank you sir you are doing a good job helping people 🤛🏽💪

[@charoliwag1484]

How many amps do i need to use in my ktm 1290 motorcycle?thanks

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

To do what?

[@wiseives]

“New mortorcycle name is gonna be flames” lol

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

It took me a minute to realize you were quoting me from the video, thanks for the reminder.

[@wiseives]

BTW, great info. I'll be using this to guide me this weekend

[@Basher189]

sir!is it safe to use (CAPACITORS 50v10000uF(m) connect to BATTERY!?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Only a person who already know the answer to this question will ask it. There is nothing about a capacitor in this video but to answer your question, "if you know what you are doing it can be done, is it safe? Well, The capacitor only become dangerous when it is fully charged, but due to internal resistance in the battery and the capacitor, when connected the voltage across the resistors decreases, so the current decreases as well. If that did not make sense to you, leave it alone".

[@Basher189]

@@CarnellLuckettSr thnks..👍🤗

[@galetynefield2850]

What about charging cable? Relocate to secondary as well?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Yes, for parallel connection + to + and - to -.

[@ugorangelgemesio1013]

Dude, im from Brazil and dont understand right some things and i have a project with 72v motorcycle; Can i wire in serie 2 batteries of 36v?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Overseas you guys have a series of 72-volt battery connections (12 volts x 6 Batteries = 72 volts) that are already pre-built for you! Why are you trying to re-create the round wheel? To simply answer your question, go buy the 72-volt connection system that is already built.

[@ugorangelgemesio1013]

@@CarnellLuckettSr i just want do that because 2x 36 battery is cheaper than one of 72v with same amperage

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

@@ugorangelgemesio1013 I understand and yes it can work BUT, ALL BATTERIES will need to be the same brand and amperage in order for it to work properly. Simply put, you can NOT mix-match batteries, it will not work properly and may cause damage to your equipment. if it is not set up correctly, good luck!

[@zanastumasonis]

in parallel increases capacity, in series increases voltage, so when you said that combining two (in your case its parallel) doesnt increase total cca I would say that is not correct

[@mecie9]

Hello I'm Cam, I set up a dual battery system on my bike. The only thing is my 2nd battery is not charging from the alternator. Please help me correct this problem.

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

The only way a 2nd battery will not charge in a dual battery setup is if the 2nd battery was completely dead from the start. Both batteries have to be fully charged before connecting them in parallel mode for a dual battery setup to function properly.

[@mecie9]

@@CarnellLuckettSr ok thank you.

[@ronaldpierce8325]

can you use lithium batteries for your duel battery set up?

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

Yes, you can. I'm currently running 3 Lithium batteries for my motorcycle and trailer setup.

[@ssgundertaker]

Hey bruh would this setup work on a m109

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

A dual battery setup can work on any motorcycle as long as you have the storage to hold both batteries. That's the hard part, creating/fabricating brackets or having enough storage.

[@ssgundertaker]

@Carnell Luckett Sr I went to shop that does this and show them your video and they said I wouldn't need the isolator and fuse. that they never did that now I'm confused so which way is good can you speak on the pros and cons

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

@@ssgundertaker I agree about the isolator. I did another video a few months later after this video announcing a 3 battery setup and retirement for Black Flash the Goldwing. The dual battery setup on the motorcycle without the isolator was a lot better but I would never hook up the 2nd battery without an in-line blade fuse coming off the Primary battery going to the 2nd battery. Any shop that knows better will agree, the fuse will blow if an overcharge/current occurs, that blown fuse breaks the connection going to the 2nd battery which prevents the 2nd battery from receiving that overcharge/current. Some people do it because they have the knowledge and capabilities to monitor both batteries, and others will install an isolator to take away the burden of monitoring, it all depends on your level of confidence and knowledge.

[@wickedlokz1849]

Can you add a motorcycle battery to a truck battery

[@CarnellLuckettSr]

why on earth would you want to do that? both batteries need to be compatible to run in parallel mode.

[@wickedlokz1849]

I wasnt sure and thats why I asked but thanks for the help tho and cause I never done it and just ask cause I wanted a back up battery on my tahoe