Why Your Motorcycle Battery Keeps Dying So Fast (And Possible Solutions)

Nothing ruins the thrill of jumping on a motorcycle like hitting the starter and being met with silence or a rapid clicking instead of your engine roaring to life. Although you can push-start your motorcycle if the battery dies, this isn't always a convenient or safe thing to do. Push or jump starts are only a quick fix and a stall could leave you stranded again. It's also important to know why your battery died, particularly if it's a chronic issue with your bike.

A common electrical issue with cars and motorcycles is parasitic drain. These vehicles are packed with electronics like clocks, central locking systems, charging ports, and more. Short circuits in any of these devices or their wiring can make them continue to draw power after you turn off the ignition. Over time, that small but constant electric draw will leave your battery weakened or completely drained of juice.

A parasitic drain isn't the only thing sucking the life out of your motorcycle's battery; it could be your route or riding habits. Most motorcycle charging systems don't do much at idle, so extended stop-and-go driving in the city will also drain your battery quickly. Riding more frequently at highway speeds will keep the battery charged and might even mask a parasitic drain.

Nothing lasts forever, especially consumables like motorcycle batteries. You should expect your bike's battery to serve you for two to five years, after which its cells have reduced storage and output capacity. If the battery tests to the proper voltage and amperage but you still hear a clicking when you fire the ignition, check the terminals. Look for corrosion and loose or damaged terminals and cables, all of which can contribute to rapid battery drain. It's also important to use a battery with enough capacity for your motorcycle. An underpowered battery might work just fine for a few days but over time will succumb to the demands on it, especially if you've added accessories to your bike.

Getting the maximum performance and life from your motorcycle battery requires a little attention. Make sure it's mounted properly and all the connections are good before taking off on a ride. The $17.99 Astro AI digital multimeter is a good tool to troubleshoot your electrical system, but a specialized device like the Ancel B10112V battery tester can provide you with more diagnostic info. You might be able to find wiring diagrams online or at your local library; those will help you trace electrical gremlins as well.

Your eyes and ears are your most important tools; always keep on the lookout for physical damage or unusual changes in your bike's appearance or performance. If you notice corrosion on the battery terminals (usually a green or white powder), disconnect the cables and use a wire brush to clean the terminals and posts. If you plan on storing your bike for a long time (especially during winter), pick up one of these handy trickle chargers to keep your battery topped up during long periods of inactivity. You can also disconnect your battery to avoid corrosion and parasitic drain during long periods of non-use or install a battery cut-off switch. You'll also want to keep track of how long you've owned a motorcycle battery.; if it's at or beyond five years old and you notice telltale signs like weak lights and sluggish starts, it's likely time for a new one.