Imagine starting your motorbike with an incorrect battery. This will be an exercise in futile; no amount of effort you put in it will make it work. You need a compatible one to get the bike to power up and work. When replacing a battery, choosing the right equivalent is critical to avoid the compatibility issue. A motorcycle battery size chart offers a practical solution. However, interpreting the chart requires careful consideration. Here are the tips that can help you do this.
Match the Dimensions to Your Motorcycle
Motorcycle compartments are specifically designed for specific battery sizes. A reference chart lists the dimensions in millimeters or inches, covering length, width, and height. Always double-check the battery’s physical size against your bike’s original equivalent. While at it, consider tight spaces or modifications that might affect fitting. You will then use the size chart to identify batteries with the exact or nearly identical dimensions for your model. The chart often specifies which models fit which bike model.
Verify Terminal Type and Orientation
You can also check the terminal type and orientation on the chart since an incorrect terminal position can hamper installation. Most of these charts include a section dedicated to relaying this information. They are often presented as pictograms or diagrams like “+” on the left and “–” on the right when facing the battery. Some include abbreviations like “L” (left positive) or “R” (right positive) to indicate where the terminals are located. Stand the battery upright as it would sit on the bite, then use the chat to determine the terminals’ positions.
Check the Voltage Compatibility
To check the voltage compatibility, start by checking your user manual. The document will contain the recommended voltage for your bike. Typically, the voltage will range from 6V to 12V, depending on the bike. You will then inspect the existing for an indication of voltage. After finding this information, locate the voltage column in the chart and match your model to an equivalent. You can choose to upgrade by switching from lead-acid to lithium-ion equivalent. However, avoid selecting one with significantly lower voltage or excessively higher voltage.
Assess Performance Ratings
This reference lists performance ratings for each battery model available in the market for current bikes. It’s usually represented as Amp-Hour (Ah), representing the battery’s capacity to provide a certain current over an hour. Additionally, you will find cold cranking Amps. This is the measure of how much burst of power the batter can deliver at -18°C for 30 seconds. Assess and compare the Ah and choose a battery that matches or slightly exceeds your original battery. If you live in a cold climate, prioritize a batter with higher cold cranking Amps to ensure reliable starts.
Confirm Brand Equivalents
A motorcycle battery size chart will often cross-reference popular brands and their equivalent models. To confirm the equivalent, you should start by identifying your current battery specifications. This calls for checking the model number and performance rating besides terminal orientation. You will then use this information to find other models with similar specifications. Note that there can be variations in names or prefixes. Ensure clarity to avoid confusion, which can be costly.
Choosing the correct type of battery or its equivalent for your bike is crucial. This is because getting it wrong can be costly. Your charging system may spoil or be inconvenienced in so many ways. Therefore, use the reference chart provided by the battery distributors for the correct selection.