We all know that a motorcycle battery's amp-hour rating (AH) is measured by its ability to sustain one amp of current for one hour. A 7AH 12-volt battery will provide enough power to start your motorcycle's motor and power its lighting system for three to five years if it's used on a daily basis and maintained properly. However, when the battery fails, the failure to start the motor is usually detected, accompanied by a noticeable rattling sound. Testing the battery voltage and then applying an electrical load to it can help determine the condition of the battery, often without removing it from the motorcycle. Then you can determine the condition of your battery, so as to determine whether it needs to be replaced.
Static voltage test
Step 1
We first turn off the power, then use a screw or wrench to remove the motorcycle seat or battery cover. Expose the location of the battery.
Step 2
Then we have the multimeter that I prepared when I went out, we need to use the multimeter, and set the multimeter to the direct current (DC) scale by setting the setting knob on the surface of the multimeter. Only then can our batteries be tested.
Step 3
When we test the battery, we need to touch the red probe of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery, usually indicated by a plus sign. Touch the black probe to the negative terminal of the battery, usually indicated by a negative sign.
Step 4
During this process, we need to note the battery voltage displayed on the multimeter screen or meter. A normal fully charged battery should have a voltage of 12.1 to 13.4 volts DC. After testing the voltage of the battery, the order in which we remove the battery, remove the probes from the battery, first the black probe, then the red probe.
Step 5
After our test just now, if the voltage indicated by the multimeter is lower than 12.0 volts DC, it means that the battery is not fully charged. At this time, we need to charge the battery for a certain period of time, then connect the battery to an automatic battery charger until the battery display fully charged state.
Step 6
Go through the previous steps and retest the battery voltage using the method above. If the battery voltage is lower than 12.0 VDC, it means that your battery may have been used for a long time, or there is something wrong with the battery internally. The easiest way is to replace your battery.
Another way is to load test
Step 1
It is also the same as the static test. We use the setting knob on the surface of the multimeter to set the multimeter to DC scale.
Step 2
Touch the red probe of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the battery, indicated by a plus sign. Touch the black probe to the negative terminal of the battery, indicated by a minus sign. The voltage indicated by the multimeter should be greater than 12.1 volts DC, which indicates that we are in a normal state of the battery under static conditions.
Step 3
Our operation this time is different from the last operation. We need to turn the motorcycle's ignition switch to the "on" position to apply an electrical load to the battery. Be careful not to start the motor during this process.
Step 4
During our testing, be sure to note the battery voltage displayed on the multimeter's screen or meter. Our 12V 7Ah battery should have at least 11.1 volts DC when loaded. After the test is over, we remove the probes from the battery, first the black probe, then the red probe.
Step 5
If during this process, your battery voltage is lower than 11.1 volts DC, then it may be that the battery voltage is insufficient, especially the lead-acid battery, which will greatly affect your use effect, and you need to replace it with a 12V 7Ah motorcycle battery as soon as possible.
Post time: Apr-11-2023
