One essential component of any motorcycle is the battery. Without it, your bike won’t start, and you’ll be stuck on the side of the road. But have you ever wondered how many volts your motorcycle battery should have?
First off, let’s talk about the basics…
Most motorcycle batteries are 12 volts, but did you know each battery comprises six cells? Each cell has a charge of 2.1 volts, up to 12.6 volts. That’s why you might see some batteries labeled 12.6 instead of 12 volts. However, some older motorcycles feature 6-volt batteries, which are much less common nowadays.
So, how many volts should your motorcycle battery have?
In this article, I’ll cover all of this and more in detail.
How Many Volts Does a Motorcycle Battery Have?
Most motorcycle batteries are 12 volts (sometimes 6). However, these figures do not represent the voltage the battery runs or charges.
Each motorcycle battery comprises six cells with a charge of 2.1 volts. Therefore, a 6-volt battery contains three cells, and a 12-volt battery contains six cells.
A fully charged 6-volt battery should have a voltage of around 6.3 volts, while a fully charged 12-volt battery should have a voltage of around 12.6 volts.
However, the actual voltage of a motorcycle battery can vary depending on several factors, which we will uncover later.
A healthy motorcycle battery should read above 12.20 volts at rest and between 9.5v and 10.5v on the bike start-up. After the engine has caught, 12 to 14.5V is considered normal.
14.8v and above indicate a problem, and the battery is overcharging. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly test the battery’s voltage to ensure it functions correctly.
Here Are Some Common Models and Their Battery Voltages
| Motorcycle Model | Battery Voltage |
|---|---|
| Harley-Davidson Sportster | 12 |
| Honda CB750 | 12 |
| Yamaha R6 | 12 |
| Suzuki GSX-R750 | 12 |
| Kawasaki Ninja 650 | 12 |
| Triumph Bonneville | 12 |
| Honda Super Cub C125 | 6 |
| Yamaha VMAX | 12 |
| Harley-Davidson Softail | 12 |
| Ducati Monster | 12 |
| Honda Grom | 12 |
| BMW R nineT | 12 |
| Honda Rebel 300 | 12 |
| Vespa Primavera | 12 |
| Royal Enfield Classic 350 | 12 |
| Yamaha XT250 | 12 |
| Kawasaki KLR650 | 12 |
| Honda CRF250L | 12 |
| Harley-Davidson Iron 883 | 12 |
| Suzuki DR650S | 12 |
| Yamaha TW200 | 6 |
| Honda Trail 125 | 6 |
How to Check the Voltage of a Motorcycle Battery
It’s also important to keep your bike well-maintained. Knowing how to check the voltage of your motorcycle battery is essential to ensure it functions correctly.
In this section, I will guide you through checking the voltage of your motorcycle battery.
Materials Needed
Before we begin, let’s gather the materials we will need:
- A digital multimeter
- Safety glasses
- Rubber gloves
Step-by-Step Guide
- Safety first! Wear your safety glasses and rubber gloves to protect yourself from electrical hazards.
- Locate your motorcycle’s battery. It is usually located under the seat or in a side panel.
- Turn off your bike and remove the key from the ignition.
- Take your digital multimeter and set it to DC voltage mode.
- Connect the red probe of the multimeter to the battery’s positive terminal.
- Connect the black probe of the multimeter to the battery’s negative terminal.
- Take a voltage reading. A healthy motorcycle battery should read above 12.20 volts at rest and between 9.5v and 10.5v on the bike start-up. After the engine has caught, 12 to 14.5V is considered normal. If your reading is below these values, it may indicate that your battery needs to be charged or replaced.
- If the voltage reading is low, you can try charging the battery. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to replace it.
Remember, checking the voltage of your motorcycle battery is a simple task that can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Following these steps ensures your battery functions correctly and avoids unpleasant surprises on your next ride.
What Happens When the Voltage is Too Low or High
Low Voltage
When the voltage of your motorcycle battery is too low, you may experience various problems. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Difficulty starting your bike: If your battery voltage is too low, your motorcycle may not start at all, or it may start sluggishly. This is because the battery doesn’t have enough power to turn over the engine.
- Dim lights: Low voltage can also cause your motorcycle’s lights to be dimmer than usual.
- Poor performance: Your motorcycle may not perform as well as it should when the battery voltage is too low. For example, you may notice that your bike doesn’t accelerate as quickly or feels sluggish.
High Voltage
On the other hand, if the voltage of your motorcycle battery is too high, you may also experience some issues. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Overcharging: High voltage can cause your motorcycle’s battery to overcharge, damaging it and reducing its lifespan.
- Burnt-out bulbs: High voltage can also cause your motorcycle’s bulbs to burn out more quickly than usual.
- Electrical problems: If the voltage is too high, you may experience electrical problems with your motorcycle. For example, you may notice your bike’s electronics malfunctioning or your battery getting hot.
That said, monitoring your motorcycle’s battery voltage is essential to ensure it’s within the proper range.
If the voltage is too low or high, it can cause various problems affecting your bike’s performance and lifespan.
By taking care of your battery and monitoring its voltage regularly, you can keep your motorcycle running smoothly for years.
What to Do if Your Motorcycle Battery Voltage is Low?
It can be frustrating to see when your battery voltage is low. But don’t worry; there are solutions to this problem.
In this section, I will discuss the causes of low voltage and solutions to help you get back on the road.
Causes of Low Voltage
There are several reasons why your motorcycle battery voltage may be low. Here are some common causes:
- Old Battery: Over time, all batteries will eventually lose their ability to hold a charge. If your battery is old, it may be time to replace it.
- Electrical Issues: Faulty wiring, corroded connectors, or a damaged charging system can all cause low voltage.
- Parasitic Drain: Some accessories, like alarms or GPS systems, can drain your battery even when your motorcycle is turned off.
Solutions for Low Voltage
If you’re experiencing low voltage in your motorcycle battery, here are some solutions to consider:
- Charge Your Battery: The first step is to ensure your battery is fully charged. You can use a battery charger or take a long ride to charge your battery.
- Replace Your Battery: If your battery is old or damaged, it may be time to replace it. Check your owner’s manual for the correct battery size and type.
- Check Your Connections: Make sure all your connections are clean and tight. Corroded connectors can cause low voltage.
- Find Parasitic Drain: If you suspect a parasitic drain, disconnect any accessories and see if the voltage increases. You may need to have the accessory serviced or replaced if it does.
- Check Your Charging System: If your battery is fully charged but still experiencing low voltage, your charging system may be faulty. Take your motorcycle to a mechanic to have it checked.
By following these steps, you can diagnose and fix the problem quickly and get back on the road. Always check your battery regularly and keep it well-maintained to avoid future issues.
What to Do if Your Motorcycle Battery Voltage is High?
While low voltage can be frustrating, high voltage can also pose a risk to your motorcycle’s electrical system.
There are several reasons why your battery voltage may be high and several solutions that can help you get back on the road.
Causes of High Voltage
Here are some common causes of high motorcycle battery voltage:
- Overcharging: Overcharging is the most common cause of high voltage. It occurs when the charging system provides too much voltage to the battery, causing it to overcharge.
- Faulty Regulator: A faulty regulator can also cause high voltage in your motorcycle battery. The regulator controls the voltage output from the charging system, so a malfunctioning regulator can cause the battery to receive too much voltage.
- Loose or Damaged Wires: Loose or damaged wires in the charging system can cause high voltage by creating resistance and impeding the flow of electricity.
Solutions for High Voltage
If you’re experiencing high voltage in your motorcycle battery, here are some solutions to consider:
- Check the Voltage: The first step is to check the voltage of your battery. You can use a multimeter to measure the voltage output. If the voltage is consistently above 14.5 volts, it may be a sign that your battery is overcharging.
- Check the Regulator: The regulator is the most likely culprit if your battery is overcharging. Have a mechanic test the regulator to determine if it’s working correctly. If it’s faulty, replace it.
- Inspect the Wiring: Check all wiring in the charging system for loose connections, corrosion, or damage. Replace any damaged wiring and tighten any loose connections.
- Disconnect Accessories: Some accessories, like heated grips or auxiliary lights, can draw extra power from the battery and cause it to overcharge. Try disconnecting any accessories to see if the voltage returns to normal.
It’s essential to address high voltage issues promptly to avoid damaging your battery or other components in your motorcycle’s electrical system.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the voltage of your motorcycle battery is crucial to ensuring that your bike runs smoothly.
As I have discussed, most motorcycle batteries are 12 volts on the spec sheet, but in reality, they are about 12.6 volts because each battery comprises six individual cells, and each cell has a charge of 2.1 volts.
When testing your motorcycle battery voltage, you should aim for a reading above 12.20 volts at rest and between 9.5v and 10.5v on the bike start-up.
It’s important to note that older motorcycles feature 6-volt batteries, so you must ensure the correct voltage battery if you have an older bike.
By testing your battery voltage regularly and choosing the correct voltage and amperage battery, you can ensure that your motorcycle is always in top condition and ready to hit the road.
References
Video References
Myke tutoriales
Moto Travel USA
Ryan Urlacher