To ensure your bike always starts and runs as it should, you need a reliable motorcycle battery. To better understand what is going on, you want to know how many volts is a motorcycle battery?
In this article, we discuss: are motorcycle batteries 6 or 12 volts, as well as how many volts is a standard motorcycle battery?
How Many Volts Is A Motorcycle Battery? (Voltages Explained)
How many volts is a motorcycle battery? If you have a 12 volt battery-operated motorcycle, the range of operation could vary from 10.5 to 14 volts depending on the charging status. However, there are also occasions for 9 volt motorcycle battery or a 6 volt lithium motorcycle battery.
Fully Charged Motorcycle Battery Voltage
How many volts is a standard motorcycle battery? Once the battery is fully charged and resting, it should read 12.6 volts or higher. However, once it starts being used, it isn’t going to read that high for long. This number should drop once the engine is cranked over.
Voltage When The Motorcycle Is Starting
You could see the voltage drop significantly when you attempt to start the engine. With a 12 volt 14 amp motorcycle battery, the number could drop as low as 10.5 volts and still get the engine running. However, anything lower than this will make it difficult to start the motor.
Voltage When The Motorcycle Is Running
When the motorcycle is running, the battery should be getting a charge from the bike stator. A 6 volt sealed motorcycle battery should run close to six volts, while the 12 volt battery is going to be rated at just around 12 volts. Anything less or more than this could reveal an issue.
Motorcycle Battery Charging Status & Voltage
If you look at a 12 volt motorcycle battery voltage chart, you can see the status of the bike battery at various stages of charging. To maintain the appropriate charge and keep the battery in optimal condition, you want to know the capacity. This table reveals the charging voltage ranges for each cell, as well as the 6 and 12 volt batteries.
Fast charging the motorcycle battery is not the recommended way to maintain the charge. You will want to carefully monitor the charging of the battery or use a smart charger that shuts off automatically when the cells are full.
Battery Charging Status | Voltage Per Lead-Acid Battery Cell | 6V Nominal Batteries Voltage | 12V Nominal Batteries Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Charging | 2.15v | 6.45v | 12.90v |
Trickle Charging | 2.25-2.27v | 6.75-6.81v | 13.5-13.62v |
Normal Charging | 2.30-2.35v | 6.90-7.05v | 13.80-14.10v |
Fast Charging | 2.40-2.45v | 7.20-7.35v | 14.40-14.70v |
How To Determine Motorcycle Battery Charging Status (By Voltmeter)
Whether you are using a 6 volt Indian motorcycle battery or you want to hook up a 12 volt motorcycle battery charger from Walmart, you want to know how to see the charging status with the help of a voltmeter. You can easily determine the current state of the charge without knowing the 6 volt motorcycle battery dimensions.
Here are some steps to follow.
- 1Make sure the engine is off.
- 2Take off the terminal covers and check for any battery corrosion. It’s best to clean the battery corrosion before running any tests.
- 3Attach the positive lead from the voltmeter to the red terminal on the battery.
- 4Attach the negative lead from the voltmeter to the black terminal on the battery.
- 5Check your reading and reference it to the chart below. If the battery isn’t reading where it should, it requires charging.
Voltmeter Reading | State Of Charge |
|---|---|
12.7-13.2v | 100% |
12.4v | 75% |
12.2v | 50% |
12v | 25% |
0-11.9v | Battery is Discharged |
How Many Volts Is A Harley Davidson Motorcycle Battery?
How many volts is a Harley Davidson motorcycle battery? There are two types of maintain the appropriate charge you might be dealing with. Some models use a 6 volt battery, while newer bikes are equipped with a 12 volt battery.
Harley Models That Use 6-Volt Batteries
The Harley Davidson bikes created before the 1960s use a 6 volt battery. If you have a classic Harley, you might need to get a 6 volt motorcycle battery from eBay.
Harley Models That Use 12-Volt Batteries
All newer Harley bikes are equipped with a 12 volt battery. If the bike was produced after the early 1960s, it will include a 12 volt motorcycle battery. t here...
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are some tips for maintaining a motorcycle battery?
The best way to ensure it remains in good condition is to use your 12 or 6 volt motorcycle battery charger any time that it is in storage. If you aren’t riding the bike regularly, hook it up to a trickle charger. With proper care, the motorcycle battery should last between two and four years.
Can you charge a motorcycle battery with a car charger?
The larger automotive batteries can quickly overcharge a motorcycle battery. To ensure proper function, it’s best to use a charger that is specifically designed for the battery located in your bike.
How do I know if my motorcycle battery is bad?
Aside from running a voltage check and ensuring it can hold a charge, a visual inspection will also help you determine if the battery is failing. If the case is bulging or leaking, it is time to replace it.
How long should a motorcycle battery hold its charge?
If you put your motorcycle in storage, the battery might last two to four months. However, it’s best to set up the battery with a trickle charger that keeps it topped off.
Conclusion
How many volts is a motorcycle battery? While it depends on what type of bike battery you are using, it’s simple to check the health with the help of a voltmeter. At the first sign of decreased battery health, replace it to ensure you can get the bike engine running.