Motorcycle Battery Sizes: The Last Article You Need to Read
Going over a motorcycle battery comparison chart can become confusing pretty quickly. This is especially true for when you are trying to read a chart detailing motorcycle battery sizes.
That is where this article should come in handy. This article intends to simplify the details regarding different motorcycle sizes for you so that you can not only make an informed purchase for your next battery but also have something user friendly to refer back to whenever you need to.
Table of Contents
Using Your Current Battery as a Reference
Getting the right size of battery for your motorcycle is essential. That is why you need to use the specifications of your current battery (the one being replaced) as a starting point towards buying a new one that fits.
Keep in mind that any battery you purchase needs to have the same amperage, cold cranking amps (CCA), reserve capacity, and voltage as your original battery. The reserve capacity of a battery is an indicator of how long the said battery will be able to retain a charge.
Also, make sure to match any unique specifications that your original battery might have had, such as any extra attachments. Even if you plan on getting a more technologically advanced battery than your original, you should still let your old battery’s specs guide you.
About Motorcycle Battery Sizes
This is a very broad and very important topic when it comes to motorcycles in general and motorcycle batteries specifically. Different types of batteries of the same voltage can be of different sizes. For instance, a gel cell battery of 12V may be smaller in size than a wet cell battery of 12V.
Motorcycle battery sizes can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the manufacturer, the voltage, the battery type, etc.
Finding the Right Size Battery for Your Motorcycle
The physical dimensions of your motorcycle battery are just as important as its technical features. Motorcycles tend to have limited space in their battery compartment.
So, though a smaller sized battery may work, you will most likely fail to fit a larger sized battery than your original into your motorcycle. This means that you are losing time by having to return the new battery, and maybe even money if the purchase was non-refundable.
To avoid such mishaps, properly measure your current battery’s dimensions, or measure the battery compartment. You want to get a battery that will fit just right, not more or less than that.
A smaller battery may work fine, but you will still be taking a chance by giving it room for moving around and damaging itself and maybe even your vehicle.
If your current battery is not the same as the one that the motorcycle came with, then try to find your motorcycle’s instruction manual. You will most likely find out all the information you need about the battery size for your motorcycle in there.
Upgrading Your Motorcycle Battery
Once you know what size battery to get, you might venture further and try to upgrade to a more advanced battery for your motorcycle. However, you might run into a new set of problems here.
Predictably, you might want to upgrade from a conventional wet cell battery to something more advanced like a gel cell battery or an AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery. The latter two options are maintenance-free, which means that they do not require regular refills and can be recharged using a simple charger.
However, some older model motorcycles are not equipped to run on these more advanced battery types, so definitely research on whether your motorcycle is suitable for these upgrades or not.
Being able to upgrade may broaden your options in terms of battery size because, say, a gel cell battery is installable in any orientation (due to it being spill-proof). So you may be able to fit one into your battery compartment even if it technically is the wrong size of the battery.
Conclusion
You can get creative when buying a new battery, but make sure you do not get carried away. Always use the specifications of your motorcycle’s original battery as a reference point.
Additionally, to lengthen the lifespan of your new battery, try to find the best trickle charger for motorcycles. Also, make sure to always carry a portable motorcycle jump starter if your battery does end up letting you down.
The right battery (in terms of physical and technical features) will likely last you about 3 years without any issues.
