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What Are Motorcycle Batteries?
What Are Motorcycle Batteries?
The motorcycle battery serves as a secondary power source for the engine, enabling smooth operation of the machinery and systems such as lights, horns, brakes, etc. Regularly replacing the motorcycle battery to ensure its smooth functioning is crucial. In this article, let's explore in detail about motorcycle batteries along with important considerations when charging or replacing them.
Currently, motorcycles have two types of batteries: wet cell batteries and dry cell batteries. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages during usage, which also affect the price of motorcycle batteries.
Motorcycle Battery (Source: Internet)Functions of Different Types of Motorcycle Batteries
Here, let's differentiate the functions of the two types of motorcycle batteries: wet cell batteries and dry cell batteries.
Functions of Wet Cell Motorcycle Batteries
There are various types of wet cell batteries, but the most commonly used type for motorcycles is the 12V battery with 6 compartments.
The internal structure of this battery consists of multiple rectangular cells. Each cell has a screw cap containing a lead plate and diluted sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution with suitable concentration. The cells are interconnected, functioning as a single battery. All cells have water filling holes, electrolyte filling holes, and vent holes for gas release.
Wet cell batteries essentially consist of lead acid with liquid electrolyte solution, containing solvent and electrolyte to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, supplying power to devices when connected in a circuit. During usage, the acid gradually depletes due to chemical reactions. Therefore, periodic refilling is necessary to prevent battery dry-out. After about 2 years, when the lead plates corrode, the battery also needs replacement.
Wet cell batteries have water filling holes and electrolyte filling holes (Source: Internet)Functions of Dry Cell Motorcycle Batteries
Dry cell batteries are designed for motorcycles, consisting of components capable of conducting electricity well in a sealed state. This is an improvement from wet cell batteries with gel or solid electrolytes, often compact in size and without vent holes. Dry cell batteries are highly regarded for the following advantages:
- Compact and tidy battery body, ready for immediate use without water spraying.
- Low internal resistance, high discharge capacity, no self-discharge when not in use, hence minimizing damage.
- No corrosion of surrounding components due to electrolyte leakage.
- No need for electrolyte ratio measurement and recharging like wet cell batteries.
- Using gel acid, thus having higher lifespan and discharge capacity.
If wet cell batteries need replacing approximately every 2 years, dry cell motorcycle batteries can be used for over 4 years without recharging or replacement. Hence, this battery type is also known as maintenance-free batteries.
Dry cell batteries are also known as maintenance-free batteries (Source: Internet)3 Most Popular Types of Motorcycle Batteries Today
The top 3 best motorcycle battery types on the market today are Globe batteries, GS batteries, and Đồng Nai batteries. These are also the types used by leading motorcycle brands in Vietnam such as Honda, Yamaha, SYM, Piaggio, Suzuki, etc.
Globe Motorcycle Battery
Globe is the world's largest battery brand offering various types such as communication batteries, automotive batteries, and marine batteries. Globe motorcycle batteries are highly regarded for their design and functionality.
– Origin: Taiwan
– Advantages:
- Advanced design prevents acid leakage after prolonged use.
- Integrated venting system prevents explosion hazards, ensuring safety.
- Utilizes high-grade lead material for efficient energy storage, charging, and power supply.
- Battery casing made from PP plastic material is impact-resistant, heat-resistant, and deformation-resistant during usage.
- High durability battery with low self-discharge rate.
Globe motorcycle battery features advanced leak-proof design (Source: Internet)GS Motorcycle Battery
GS motorcycle batteries are manufactured by the parent company GS-Yuasa Corporation Japan, the first battery brand in Japan established in 1917. It is currently the main battery supplier for Honda and many other major automobile and motorcycle manufacturers.
– Origin: Japan
– Advantages:
- Lightweight with optimized materials.
- Designed for safe operation, leak-proof, and explosion-proof.
- Utilizes advanced alloy electrode materials, resistant to falling out or oxidation.
- High lifespan, stable operation, durable.
GS battery originates from Japan's first battery brand (Source: Internet)Đồng Nai motorcycle battery
Hailing from a leading battery manufacturer in Vietnam, offering a variety of types from motorcycle batteries to large-capacity ones. Đồng Nai batteries meet international standards and are highly regarded for their quality.
– Origin: Vietnam
– Advantages:
- Utilizing advanced manufacturing technology.
- High electrical power capacity.
- Strong charging and discharging capabilities during operation.
Đồng Nai battery boasts high electrical power capacity (Source: Internet)How much does a motorcycle battery cost?
Depending on the battery size, you can choose between affordable or high-end motorcycle battery types. Generally, all three types of Globe, GS, and Đồng Nai batteries have similar basic prices. Below is a price list of popular battery types from GS and Globe brands.
- Price of GS 4Ah motorcycle battery: 280,000 VND. This type is commonly used for Wave, Vision, Air Blade 110, Future, Yamaha Cuxi…
- Price of GS 5Ah motorcycle battery: 290,000 VND, used for Dream, Wave, and early models of Future, Jupiter, Sirius…
- Price of GS 6Ah battery: 365,000 VND for SH, SH Mode, Air Blade 120, Lead 125, PCX, NVX, Grande…
- Price of GS 7Ah motorcycle battery: 480,000 VND. This type includes both high and low 7Ah batteries. The high battery is used for SH, Dylan, PS… while the low one is for Attila, Force.
- Price of 9Ah motorcycle battery: 580,000 VND. 9Ah high battery for Piaggio Fly, 9Ah low battery for Spacy, Attila Elizabeth.
- Price of Globe 10Ah battery: 750,000 VND for Piaggio Vespa GTS, Vespa LX 2010…
The choice of motorcycle battery depends on the fuel tank size (Source: Internet)When should you replace a motorcycle battery?
When you notice the following signs, you should replace your motorcycle battery to avoid affecting its operation.
- Battery swollen, leaking dirt on the surface.
- Weak or intermittent horn sound when pressed.
- Dim or foggy headlights.
- Weak or one side not working turn signals.
- When starting, the bike is at gear 0, no N light, or oil needle does not rotate.
- Engine check light blinking continuously when starting.
Additionally, consider the lifespan of the battery type to promptly maintain or replace as needed. For wet-cell batteries, replace them after about 2 years of use for optimal performance. Dry-cell batteries should have their voltage replaced after 3-4 years.
Depending on the battery's lifespan, it's advisable to replace it to avoid disruptions during operation (Source: Internet)Notes when charging the battery
It's advisable to take the battery to reputable facilities for charging. If charging at home, certain precautions should be taken to avoid long-term effects.
- Prior to charging the motorcycle battery: Before connecting the battery charger, ensure that the input and output match the manufacturer's specifications. For instance, 3-phase 200V AC (200V/210V/220V/230V) or 3-phase 400V AC (340V/360V/380V/400V/420V/440V/460V). Check the electrolyte level in the battery before charging. If the electrolyte level is too low, it needs to be supplemented with distilled water from the manufacturer to ensure the quality of the charging process and the battery's lifespan. Carefully connect the charger terminals to the battery before starting the charger.
- While charging the battery: The temperature of the electrolyte should not exceed 55°C. Close all vent holes during charging. Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area, away from sources of fire or sparks and areas with static electricity.
- After charging: Do not immediately connect the battery to the engine; let the battery cool down to 30 – 45°C for at least 30 minutes. Ensure that the battery is fully charged to avoid reducing its lifespan or damaging it. Each battery has a certain number of charge-discharge cycles.
Hence, depending on the type of motorcycle battery, maintenance or replacement according to its lifespan is necessary to avoid disruptions during usage. If charging at home, it's essential to understand the battery and the appropriate charging process for each type. For more articles on the same topic, visit the Mytour website – a leading reputable information source today.
