Chapter 11
(Maintenance of Motorcycle)
Battery
Storage batteries on the motorcycle should function at
ambient air temperature from -40°C to plus 60°C/ 40°F to
140°F.
As the battery is in service:
regularly check the voltage generator-regulator for 13.5 -
14.5 V across the charging voltage do not allow the
battery to remain discharged for more than 24 hours.
Avoid prolonged discharging as this may bring about
sulphatation of plates use only distilled water to maintain
the normal level of electrolyte. In service, do not top off
the level or the density of electrolyte by adding acid,
unless it is well known that the drop of electrolyte level is
caused by spilling electrolyte out of cells coat bolts, nuts,
washers and tips with petroleum jelly or battery grease.
Use two wrenches for clamping or undoing the nuts to
avoid breaking battery parts. use a small "floating"
charger which will keep the battery from losing its power
while you are not using your bike. This type of charger
won't overcharge your battery, but will keep it active, so
sulfating won't occur. You will be able to find many
chargers of this kind on the market.
Do not interconnect the terminals (wires of
dissimilar polarities) to check for sparking.
Storage of batteries during lay-up.
The batteries
mounted on a motorcycle during winter lay-up and during
suspensions in service should be held charged and
primed with electrolyte.
Before lay-up, fully charge the batteries, replace the
plugs, wash the battery surface with water and wipe dry,
clean the bolts and nuts of dirt and lubricate with
commercial grease.
