Off-Season Storage
If possible, remove the battery from the vehicle.
CLEANING: Clean the battery and terminals using a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize any electrolyte on the battery case making sure that nothing enters the battery during cleaning. You can also use this same solution to clean the battery compartment of the vehicle. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
INSPECT FOR DAMAGE: After the battery is cleaned, inspect for signs of damage or extraordinary wear that may have occurred while in service. If you have any concerns about the condition of the battery, you should seek the advice of a mechanic or a battery specialist.
Conventional batteries:
check the electrolyte levels in each cell. The level of electrolyte must be maintained above the minimum and at or below the maximum level markings on the side of the battery. Check electrolyte levels only on a level surface. If the electrolyte level is below the minimum level mark, carefully add distilled water, avoiding overfill. Once the levels are adjusted, replace the vent caps and charge the battery according to the requirements in the battery owner’s manual.
Premium AGM batteries, or those referred to as "maintenance-free":
Do not require electrolyte level maintenance and must never be opened once in service or permanent damage and battery failure will occur. As with conventional batteries, once you have cleaned and inspected the battery, charge it per the manufacturer’s instructions.
STORAGE: Once the battery is at a full state of charge, store it in a cool dry area away from children and pets. Select a location which allows access to the battery so the state of charge can be determined, or simply attach a battery charger/maintainer to it.
CHARGING: Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. If stored in a warm area (above 60°F), charge every two weeks.
Spring Start Up
For a Conventional style battery (those with removable vent caps or strips):
Check the electrolyte level in each cell.
The level of electrolyte must be maintained above the minimum and at or below the maximum level markings on the side of the battery. Check electrolyte levels only
on a level surface. If the electrolyte level is below the minimum level mark, carefully add distilled water, avoiding overfill. Once the levels are adjusted, replace vent caps and charge the battery according to the requirements in the battery owner’s manual. After
adjusting the levels, make sure the filler plugs or vent strip are secured and the battery is free of dirt and corrosion.
Note: If the electrolyte levels have fallen below the minimum level for an xtended period of time, replacement may be required.
Clean the battery.
Use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize any electrolyte that may be on the outside of the battery. Brush this solution on the battery and terminals using an old tooth brush and rinse with clean water. Dry the battery using a soft rag or paper towel and make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Clean terminals with a small wire brush or emery cloth if there is any corrosion. Make sure the vent tube is clear.
Check the state of charge.
While the battery is not connected in any circuit, use a voltmeter to check the battery’s open circuit voltage. See battery owner’s manual for suggested voltage readings.
If the voltage is below the specified reading or if electrolyte levels have been adjusted, a boost charge is required. Note: Although the battery may exhibit acceptable open circuit voltage, it may not be in the best state of health. Deterioration from corrosion or sulfation can cause diminished overall electrical capacity. To check for overall battery capacity, take the battery to a motorcycle service center for a capacity test. Most shops can perform a simple resistance test on the battery and ascertain the battery’s overall state of
health and advise whether or not the battery should be replaced or returned to service.
Charge the battery.
Refer to the battery owner’s manual for charging and stand times. Charge in a well ventilated area away from children and pets. An automatic taper type charger is
always recommended for use on Powersports batteries. Never use a high current or fast charger for boost charging as permanent damage or personal injury could occur.
For a Premium AGM sealed maintenance-free battery:
Electrolyte level is not serviceable. The battery is
permanently sealed and must never be opened.
Clean the battery.
Use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize any electrolyte that may be on the outside of the battery. Brush this solution on the battery and terminals using an old tooth brush and rinse with clean water. Dry the battery using a soft rag or paper towel and make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Clean the terminals with a small wire brush or emery cloth if there is any evidence of corrosion.
Check the state of charge.
While the battery is not connected in any circuit, use a voltmeter to check the battery’s open circuit voltage. See battery owner’s manual for suggested voltage readings. If the voltage is below the specified reading, a boost charge is required.
(See below).
Note: Although the battery may exhibit acceptable open circuit voltage, it may not be in the best state of health. Deterioration from corrosion or sulfation can cause diminished overall electrical capacity. To check for overall battery capacity, take the battery to a motorcycle service center and have a capacity
test performed. Most shops can perform a simple resistance test on the battery and ascertain the battery’s overall state of health and advise whether or not the battery should be replaced or returned to service.
Charge the battery if needed.
Refer to the battery owner’s manual for charging and stand times. To ensure maximum performance and service life of the battery, we recommended use of an Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer designed to switch to float mode (once the battery has reached full state of charge) and maintain it there. This feature allows attachment of the charger to the battery for an extended period of time without concern for overcharging.