Motorcycle Battery Chargers

Motorcycle battery chargers are an essential tool for any motorcyclist looking to keep their battery in good health, especially during colder months or extended periods off the road. Whether you’re maintaining your battery or bringing it back to life, a dedicated motorbike battery charger ensures optimal charging without the risk of damage.

Why You Need a Motorcycle Battery Charger

Motorcycle batteries tend to discharge over time, especially when the bike is not used regularly. This can lead to a flat battery, leaving you stranded at the worst possible time. A high-quality battery charger helps by:

• Maintaining charge during winter storage (trickle/maintenance charging)
• Extending battery lifespan
• Ensuring your bike starts first time
• Preventing sulphation and other battery damage

Types of Motorcycle Battery Chargers

There are various types of chargers designed specifically for motorcycle batteries:

• Trickle Chargers: Slowly charge and maintain your battery over time without overcharging.
• Smart Chargers: Automatically detect battery type and condition, and adjust the charge accordingly.
• Battery Tenders: Ideal for long-term storage, keeping your battery at the perfect voltage.
• Multi-Stage Chargers: Provide several charging phases including desulfation, bulk charging, and float charging.

Do NOT Use a Car Battery Charger on a Motorcycle

It may be tempting to use a standard car battery charger on your motorcycle, but this can seriously damage your bike’s battery. Car chargers typically deliver too much current for a smaller motorcycle battery, risking:

• Overheating
• Battery cell damage
• Reduced battery lifespan
• Potential safety hazards like leaking or explosions

Always use a charger that is specifically designed for 6V or 12V motorcycle batteries with a lower amperage output (typically 0.5A to 2A).

Key Battery Terms Explained

Sulphation (and De-sulphation)

Sulphation occurs when a lead-acid battery is left partially discharged for an extended period. Lead sulphate crystals build up on the battery plates, reducing capacity and performance. If left untreated, sulphation can become permanent. Many modern motorcycle battery chargers include a de-sulphation mode, which uses controlled pulses to break down these crystals and help restore battery function.

Deep Cycling

Deep cycling refers to the process of discharging a battery to a low level and then fully recharging it. While deep cycle batteries are designed for this, standard motorcycle batteries are not. Repeated deep discharges can damage them. Chargers with smart monitoring can help prevent deep cycling damage by maintaining an optimal charge level at all times.

Equalisation

Equalisation is a controlled overcharge used to balance the charge across all cells in a battery. It’s typically used for flooded lead-acid batteries to prevent stratification and improve overall battery efficiency. Some advanced chargers offer an equalisation mode, but this function should only be used with the correct battery type and under guidance, as it is not suitable for sealed or AGM batteries.

Features to Look for in a Good Motorcycle Charger

• Automatic shut-off to prevent overcharging
• Compatibility with lead-acid, AGM, gel, or lithium batteries
• Reverse polarity protection
• Weather-resistant casing for outdoor use
• LED indicators for charge status

Maintain Your Motorcycle Battery Year-Round

Using a smart motorcycle battery charger regularly can prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your battery in peak condition. This is especially important if your bike is stored for long periods or used seasonally.

Shop Motorcycle Battery Chargers Online

We stock a wide range of reliable motorcycle battery chargers from top brands. Browse our selection today and keep your motorbike charged, ready, and on the road.