Motorcycle Battery Tips From Yuasa

Performing Monthly Maintenance

Motorcycle batteries only require a little monthly maintenance to perform perfectly. Keep the motorcycle battery charged to 100%, recharging when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the motorcycle battery hasn't been used in more than two weeks. Other than that, follow this simple check list every month:

Check the electrolyte level 
Keep the top free of grime 
Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections 
Clean terminals and connectors as necessary 
Check inside for excessive sediment, sulfation or mossing 
Make sure the exhaust tube is free of kinks and clogs 
Replace caps firmly 
Finish up by testing the motorcycle battery with either a hydrometer or voltmeter. To extend the service life of your motorcycle batteries, make monthly motorcycle battery maintenance part of your routine.

Storing Your Motorcycle Battery

If the vehicle is in storage or used infrequently, disconnect the motorcycle battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Charge the motorcycle battery every two weeks.

For extended storage, remove the motorcycle battery from the vehicle and charge to 100%. Charge motorcycle batteries every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. If stored in a warm area (above 60° F), charge every two weeks. Make sure motorcycle batteries are stored out of reach of children.

Motorcycle Battery Safety

Proper Clothing

Always wear a face shield or safety goggles. 
Wear plastic gloves to prevent acid burns. An apron or smock will protect your clothes. 
Working With Acid

Clean up acid spills immediately using a water and baking soda solution to neutralize (1lb. baking soda in 1 gallon of water). 
Make sure the acid container is clearly marked and the work area is well-lighted and well-ventilated. 
If sulfuric acid is swallowed or splashed in the eyes, treat immediately. Sulfuric acid in the eyes can cause blindness. Serious internal injuries or death can result if swallowed. Used as an electrolyte, sulfuric acid can burn the skin. 
ANTIDOTES: For acid on the skin, flush with water. If acid is swallowed drink large quantities of milk or water, followed by milk of magnesia, vegetable oil or beaten eggs. Do not induce vomiting. Call a poison control center or doctor immediately. For acid in the eyes, flush for several minutes with water and seek immediate medical attention.

Charging Safety

When charging conventional motorcycle batteries, loosen vent caps and ventilate charging area. A buildup of hydrogen and oxygen in the motorcycle battery or in the charging area can create an explosion hazard. 
If the motorcycle battery feels hot to the touch during charging, STOP. Allow the motorcycle battery to cool before charging again. Heat damages the plates, and a motorcycle battery that is too hot can explode. 
NEVER put the red sealing cap back on the motorcycle battery once you take it off. If you do, gases will become trapped and could explode. 
Make sure the vent tube isn't kinked or blocked. Otherwise, gases could build up and explode. 
Properly connect the charger to the motorcycle battery: positive charger lead to positive motorcycle battery post and negative charger lead to negative motorcycle battery post. Unplug the charger or turn it off before you disconnect the leads, which will cut down on the chance of sparks. 
ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING, SPARKS OR FLAMES AROUND CHARGING motorcycle batteries. Charging motorcycle batteries gives off hydrogen and oxygen, which explode if ignited.