FAQ BS Motorcycle batteries batteries/charging

How do you determine the state of charge of your battery?

The specific gravity of the acid is over 1.265 at 26,7°C (conventional type batteries only) Maximum Voltage output across battery terminals can be maintained at constant level for two hours.
Open circuit voltage is stabilized at 12.7v or higher and at 6.3v or higher for 6 volt batteries.
Charge Level
Specific gravity
Voltage (12V) 
Voltage (6V) 
100%
1,265
12,7
6,3
75%
1,225
12,4
6,2
50%
1,190
12,2
6,1

How should a battery be maintained? 

• Always keep the acid level between lower and upper lines on the front side of the container for conventional type battery.
• Do not let the battery stand in a discharged condition.
• Charge battery once a month.
• When motorcycle is stored over 30 days, plug in a bs-charger automatic battery charger to maintain a proper storage charge.
• Keep battery top clean, dry and free of dirt.
• Clean battery terminals to prevent corrosion. Inspect vent tube, ensuring that it is not bent, twisted or clogged.
• Protect the battery from strong impacts or shocks.

WHY DO WINTER MONTHS SEEM TO BRING MORE BATTERY PROBLEMS?

Battery capacity is greatly reduced by cold since it has a decided numbing effect on the electrochemical action.
The basic duty of a battery is to start of engine. Battery must “crank”, or rotate crankshaft at the same time it maintains sufficient voltage to activate ignition system until the engine fires and maintains constant rotations (runs).
Since it is more difficult for a battery to deliver power when it is cold, the engine will require more power to turn it over during winter seasons.
T(°C)
CCA from fully charged battery at several temperatures
Power required to crank engine with specific oil condition
27°C
100%
100%
0°C
65%
155%
-18°C
40%
210%

WHAT IS SULFATION?

When the battery has been left for a considerable amount of time in a discharged condition, some discoloration with white lead sulfate crystalline deposits may appear on plates.
Discoloration also appears as a result of the air contact due to low electrolyte level, or when a new battery has been filled with acid and stored without being charged. This phenomenon is called sulphation. When every plate has been sulfated, the activity of the affected area is permanently impaired, and the battery may not be restored to its original capacity.

WHY SHOULD I CHARGE MY BATTERY ONCE A MONTH?

When not in use, a battery has effect of auto-discharge on a daily basis sometimes up to 0.5-1%.
This rate of discharge depends on the weather. For information you can apply following data sheet:
27°C
-0,0025 Sp. Gr per day
0°C
-0,001 Sp. Gr per day
-18°C
-0,0003 Sp. Gr per day

WHAT CAN CAUSE A NEW BATTERY TO FAIL SOON AFTER INSTALLATION?

 If a new battery becomes unserviceable within a few days after its installation it may be due by one or more of following reasons:
  • An incorrect charge
  • A short circuit in the electrical system or battery terminals are dirty or not properly connected
  • Electrical capacity of the battery is insufficient for the size of the vehicle (see also capacity of the battery is not at its correct level!)
  • The battery has been inadequately activated, dissipating its electrochemical strength
  • The battery presents a sulfating effect due to time between activation (acid filled in)  and first charging need to completely activate electrochemical properties.