Does a Motorcycle Charge Its Battery? (How to Do)

Published on: May 2, 2022
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan

The more succinct answer is Yes, a motorcycle charges its battery while riding or idling. At least 20 minutes riding the bike is enough to charge its battery technically.

Most of the familiar bikes contain alternators and regulators to provide power. These devices help their batteries maintain. Don’t think that the alternating current is plentiful to charge your battery and go on a long ride. In this issue, you can include a charger to charge the battery fully.

I think you want to ask more questions about motorcycle battery charging. This is because I wrote this post including many commonly asked questions and answers to fulfill your expectation.

First of all, I focus on the details on the main topic, does a motorcycle charge its battery? Then, how does it charge, how long time, without changing what had happened, and more? 

Does a Motorcycle Charge Its Battery

The motorcycle battery & engine functions are quite similar to the car battery. The standard bike has an alternator fitting in the regulator to charge the battery. Yes, a motorcycle charges Its battery due to its alternator. Remember, you are only getting this benefit while you drive the bike. Otherwise, the battery doesn’t charge or is less than charged.

Don’t think that normal riding is enough to charge the battery completely. If the alternator and battery are in a wonderful setting, you need only a 30-minute full ride to charge the battery. Depending on the type of motorcycle alternator, you need to run the motorcycle on the road to charge the dead battery. 

Sometimes, you can leave the bike’s headlight on overnight unconsciously. You notice that your battery has been damaged in the sunrise. In this condition, the alternator is a device staying inside a motorcycle engine perhaps not giving proper power to charge the fully dead battery. For this reason, you can use an external charger to completely replenish the charge. 

Before depending on the motorcycle alternator, you have to ensure that your bike can recharge the dead battery. Then you drive the bike at the proper speed and the alternator works most effectively. This feature is very significant that riders depend on. 

Remember, if you notice that the bike doesn’t start due to the fact of the drain or faulty battery, you will better replace it. You can go through the Yuasa batteries to get the highest-performing Powersports. 

Eventually, the mechanism of a motorcycle or bike automatically charges its battery when the buggy is running.

How Does a Motorcycle Battery Charge?

The charging strategy of a motorcycle is the same as the car. The battery, alternator, and the regulator or rectifier are the main factors in charge. Commonly, motorcycle batteries are 12-volt batteries that store electrical energy for usage later. 

Another aspect of the alternator is suitable for creating an alternating current. This works for running bikes as well as charging the battery at the same time. In this case, the rectifier is used to change the alternating current into a direct current for storing in the battery as necessary. The exception is, the alternator also protects against overcharging the battery.

How Long Does it Take to Charge a Motorcycle Battery?

Different batteries require several charge times according to their charging level. Most of the common motorcycle batteries need to take from 6 to 24 hours to completely charge.

Another way to charge the battery is to ride the bike. Yes, when you are driving or riding a bike, your battery automatically charges itself. It’s not appropriate for a thoroughly drained battery. For example, if you want to ride a great distance, the battery charge from the alternating current will not be enough to go. Make sure the battery is fully charged. 

Will Riding My Motorcycle Charge the Battery?

We have already noted in this article, motorcycle engines work together and the battery is charged while riding. A motorcycle contains a stator, also known as an alternator. That means that its stator will generate alternating current (AC) while you’re riding. So, the stator supports charging the battery and prevents overcharging difficulty. Not only this but also helps to keep motorcycle peak action. 

Lead-acid motorcycle batteries are available and cheap although all motorcycle batteries are not the same. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive but don’t need more maintenance. 

Is It Possible to Charge a Motorcycle Battery With a Car Charger

Yes, it’s possible to charge a motorcycle battery with a car charger, but it’s important to make sure the car charger is compatible with the motorcycle battery’s voltage and amperage requirements. Using an incompatible charger can damage the battery.

Does a Motorcycle Battery Charge When the Bike is Idling?

Sometimes, your bike can be idling or staying in one place. The question is whether a motorcycle battery charges when the bike is idling or not. The answer is pretty confusing. Of course, when your motorcycle is left idling, the battery is charged automatically. But, this amount of charge while idling is not adequate for driving your bike along the road.

Even this charge is an incredibly low amperage. That means the low strength of your electric current. But, when you are riding, the motorcycle battery receives more power. The amperage might be around 14 amps during the motorcycle ride.

On the other hand, while idling this amperage reading is less than 1 amp. So, there is no doubt, at the time of the bike idling, the battery doesn’t get enough voltage of charging to ride the motorcycle.  

How Long Does a Motorcycle Battery Last t Charging

Without charging any motorcycle battery goes through dying conditions day to day. That indicates if the bike doesn’t ride for many months, its battery can die. Some modern motorcycle batteries can die if riders don’t charge them regularly or ride them. 

Without running from 2 to 4 months, any standard bike battery can die. If the battery is new, it can last around 3 to 5 months. For older batteries, the time is low such as 1 to 3 months. Be sure after 4 months the batteries die while the bike is sitting. 

In this case, you can recharge your completely dead motorcycle battery. By using a battery charger, you will fully charge the battery again. Once the motorcycle is starting, it is okay to ride.

Safety Precautions to Take When Charging a Motorcycle Battery

Yes, here are some safety precautions to take when charging a motorcycle battery:

1. Use the correct charger for your battery type and voltage.
2. Don’t charge a frozen battery.
3. Keep the battery in a well-ventilated area.
4. Don’t charge the battery near flammable materials.
5. Don’t smoke or bring open flames near the battery.
6. Wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection.
7. Disconnect the battery from the motorcycle before charging.
8. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging.

The Bottom Line

Finally, I happily say that the amazing feature of a modern motorcycle is the battery charge itself. I have already ensured a lot of info about motorcycle battery charging related.

Though charging the battery from the alternator is not sufficient, it is an excellent choice for riding the bike. For long-drive, you can charge your battery completely by using its charger.

Happy riding & enjoying it!

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