In the recent past, the number of motorcycles hitting the road has continued to increase. With the ever-rising cost of living, people are looking for ways to save their hard-earned money. Choosing a bike as opposed to a car is one way to save money as bikes consume less fuel. Besides, their maintenance cost is low as compared to a standard vehicle.
Motorcycles operate similarly as it is in a car. For example, they have batteries, which do the same job as the battery found in a vehicle. The battery found in a bike requires some charging as it is in the case of a car.
How much time do I need to charge my motorcycle’s battery while riding?? Typically, it takes about five to eight hours to charge your battery while riding. However, you must understand that the charge-time is affected by various factors.
For example, for the battery to charge, your bike must be on the move. Therefore, the number of stops you make while riding can determine how long the battery will take to charge.
How Does a Motorcycle Charging System Works?
By digging shallowly over the internet, you will learn that the sales of motorcycles have gone up recently. The sudden rise is because people now find bikes interesting. With a bike, you don’t have to get stuck in the traffic madness. Motorcycles can easily access narrow passages as compared to cars which ask for wide roads. Most people buy bikes for fun, and use them during the holidays.
There is nothing that feels awful than your motorbike bailing on you in the middle of nowhere. It’s for this reason that you’re always advised to ensure that your battery is in the best state, and that includes your battery. Like it is with cars, motorcycles have a regulator, which ensures that your car charges while you’re riding.
One disadvantage with the regulator in your bike is that it can’t provide enough power your battery needs to get full. But, without the stator/regulator, your bike’s power would drain instantly.
What is a stator? I hear many people asking this question. A stator is a component in your bike that provides the power needed to move while charging the battery as well. As many would say, the stator in a bike’s engine is similar to the electromagnet stuff found on Iron Man’s chest.
What Are the Differences Between a Car’s Regulator and Bike’s Stator?
As stated earlier, both the alternator and a bike’s stator are similar. They both are tasked with the work of providing the charge need to run the vehicle and charge the battery. However, they are both different as each system is designed to handle different workloads.
Say, for instance, you can hardly compare the energy requirements in your car to that of a vehicle. Of course, a car needs a high power supply, and that’s why the alternator is significant as opposed to the bike’s stator.
Signs of a Failing Stator
Every part of a motorcycle is likely to fail in one way or another. The stator isn’t exceptional when it comes to failing. The fact that this component means severe problems in case the part fails. First thing first, a faulty stator means a flat battery. The fact stator isn’t working means that your battery won’t be charged while you’re riding.
Unfortunately, your bike can hardly move for long while depending on the battery alone. Therefore, in case your battery starts to behave in such a manner, it’s a sign that something needs to be done about the stator. But, you must confirm if the battery itself is in a good state. The battery going flat while you’re riding may also indicate that your battery is about to die.
With a faulty stator, you may also notice a whining sound coming from the engine. The sound resembles that of an electric motor being turned on. This sound should act as evidence that your bike’s stator has a problem. Also, a faulty stator may cause struggles while your motorcycle is entering RPMs.
When it comes to RPMs, your motorcycle may do well at a lower RPM. Once the RPM goes high, the bike will stall. The stalling is because the stator isn’t active to give the power needed by the engine to enter a high RPM.
How Often Should You Charge Your Battery?
As said earlier, the bike’s charging system doesn’t give enough energy needed to charge your battery to full capacity. So, what does this mean? It means that you should top up the battery’s charge, once in a while. I always advise bike owners to recharge their batteries at least once a month. The monthly charging helps promote the battery functioning and hence the lifespan.
Lead-acid batteries are used in most bikes today. These types of cells are known for having a high self-discharge rate and therefore ask to be changed frequently. Charging the battery often may sound like a tiring task for many people as they are likely to forget. A trickle charger can save you from the hassles of forgetting to boost the battery.
How to Properly Take Care of Your Bike’s Battery
By now, you understand how essential a battery is to the bike. The fact that the battery is crucial means that it requires to be taken care of properly. The following are some ways in which you can ensure that the battery remains in its best state.
1. Inspect. The best way to monitor the state of your bike’s battery is by inspecting it regularly. You should never get tired of checking out the battery now and then. It’s advisable to examine at least once a month. The regular check-up can help you point out a problem with your battery before it becomes a severe problem.
2. Monitor the terminals. Battery terminals are prone to corrosion, which can affect the battery’s proper functioning. You must, therefore, check to ensure that your battery is free from rust to prevent the trouble that may result from a battery with corroded terminals.
3. Check for wetness. Cases of battery leakage are common in bikes because of the vibrations caused by the rough terrains. Battery wetness indicates that the battery has a leakage. It’s for this reason that you are advised to check for moisture now and then. If you find the battery is wet, it’s advisable to take the necessary measures to correct the leakage because it can lead to more severe problems.
Sources:
1. Do Motorcycle Batteries Charge While Riding? – Young Choppers
2. Does A Motorcycle Battery Charge While Riding? – Motorcycle Habit
3. How Long to Charge a Motorcycle Battery? – Pack Up and Ride
4. How Long Does It Take to Charge a Motorcycle Battery: Read and Find Out! – BikeBandit.com
