How to Fill a Motorcycle Battery
Motorcycle batteries require some minor maintenance to perform properly. One of these steps is to fill the fluid level, or electrolyte, periodically. Filling a motorcycle battery isn't difficult, but safety precautions should be taken to avoid accidental contact with the acidic electrolyte inside the battery.
Items Needed
- safety gloves
- safety glasses
- electrolyte
- funnel
- motorcycle battery charger
- clean paper towels
- Locate and remove the battery from your motorcycle. Depending on your motorcycle, the battery could be located under the seat, on the side of your bike or under a side panel. Consult your owner's manual if you are unsure where it is located.
- Place your motorcycle battery on a flat level surface such as a work bench.
- Put on your safety gloves and glasses.
- Find the plastic caps that cover the vent and remove them.
- Pull the foil seal off of the top of the battery from the electrolyte cells.
- Locate the fill levels etched into the side of your battery. These will help guide you when filling the battery with electrolyte.
- Take the cap off the electrolyte container.
- Use a small funnel and place it in the battery cell opening.
- Turn the electrolyte container upside down and let it pour into the electrolyte cells through the funnel. Fill one cell at a time. Fill to the maximum level taking care not to overfill.
- Leave your battery to settle for 20 minutes. Do not disturb your battery during this time.
- Charge your motorcycle battery for 30 minutes with a battery charger designed specifically for a motorcycle. Do not place the caps back on the battery before charging. This allows the battery to vent.
- Wipe your battery clean with a damp paper towel. Follow this by drying it with a dry paper towel making sure there is no acid on the battery.
- Refit the caps back onto the battery. Make sure they are securely in place.
- Install the battery back into your motorcycle.