QUICK ANSWER: HOW MANY AMPS ARE IN A MOTORCYCLE BATTERY?
Motorcycle batteries are pretty important. They power the bike's accessories and are key for both the ignition and fuel injection. So if you find yourself with a dead battery, you'll basically be up shit creek without a paddle.
So what exactly is the deal with battery amps? How many are in a typical bike battery, and how many amps should it be charged at? We'll run through it all below in this quick guide.
AMPS IN A MOTORCYCLE BATTERY
When you hear about amp hours, that refers to how many hours a battery will last without being recharged. You might hear amp hours simply called amps, Ah, or sometimes even cold cranking amps.
So how do we get to this number, anyway? Simply put, engineers measure how long a battery can hold a constant 1 amp of current. So a battery with an amp hour rating of 20 can hold 1 amp for 20 hours, or 2 amps for 10 hours.
A motorcycle battery will typically have between 5 to 20 amps (hours). It's impossible to give just one answer because it really depends on the make and model of the bike, as well as the battery itself. But that should give you an idea of a typical motorcycle battery charge, which is a lot smaller than that of a car battery.
If you have your bike's manual handy, give that a read and see if it specifies the motorcycle's amps. If that's not an option, see if Google has the answers for your bike's specific model.
HOW YOU SHOULD RECHARGE YOUR MOTORCYCLE BATTERY CORRECTLY
There's a bit more to charging than simply hooking up the battery charger. Firstly, only charge the battery at one-tenth of its amp hour rating. So about 1-2 amps in most cases.
When charging the battery, keep the charging voltage under 14.7 volts. This is the standard voltage for most motorcycle batteries, and you risk damaging the battery if you charge it any higher.
Lastly, try using a trickle charger instead of a car battery charger. Trickle chargers supply amps at an optimal level and allow the battery to charge a lot more comfortably. A standard motorcycle charger supplies no more than 7.5 amps during the charging process.
Be wary of automatic chargers. Most automotive chargers pump out 13, 30, or even 50 amps. You can still technically use one, but if you don't keep an eye on things then it can and will fry your battery.
MOTORCYCLE BATTERY: IN GOOD CONDITION OR NOT?
A good battery is a healthy battery, so if it's been a while since you've performed some battery maintenance then it might be worth checking things over.
Check the voltage with a multimeter if you've got one lying around. A fully charged battery should read between 12.6 to 13.2 volts. If the reading is lower, your battery might not be holding a full charge.
If your battery isn't sealed then inspect the fluid levels as well. The fluid level should be above the plates, and the color of the fluid should be clear or slightly amber.
Lastly, check that the battery terminals are all clean and tight. Keep in mind that a motorcycle battery has a lifespan of about 2-4 years, so even if it seems fine the battery still might be due for a replacement.
FAQs
What amp should a motorcycle battery be?
If you're wondering what amp should a motorcycle battery be, there really isn't one answer. It depends on the model, the size of the bike, and the type of engine.
As a general rule, motorcycle batteries have between 5 to 20 amps. It's worth checking your bike's manual for a more accurate answer.
How many amps does a 12-volt battery hold?
So how many amps does a 12-volt battery hold? There's no one answer to this because 12-volt batteries can be found in all manner of motorcycles. The exact amp rating of a bike is determined by its size and type.
Try checking the bike's manual for a bike-specific answer, or google the specific model.
Can I charge a motorcycle battery at 2 amps?
Yes, you can charge a motorcycle battery at 2 amps. In fact, this is a pretty common charging rate for most bikes.
With that being said, double-check the proper charging rate for the type of battery and charger that you're using. Use a charger that's specifically made for motorcycle batteries as well.
What voltage and amp should I charge my motorcycle battery?
The voltage and amp rate you should charge your motorcycle battery is quite dependent on the type of bike you ride with. But to give a general idea, most bike batteries can be charged at a rate of 1 to 3 amps and a voltage of 12 to 14 volts.
Of course, double-check the specific requirements of your bike before you decide to give it a charge.
What does Ah mean on a motorcycle battery?
You might have seen this abbreviation a few times, so what does Ah mean on a motorcycle battery? Ah is a short way of saying amp hours. Amp hours refers to how long a battery can last without being recharged.
How many WH is a motorcycle battery?
So we've talked about amps, but how many WH is a motorcycle battery? The Watt-hour (WH) rating of a bike battery is going to vary depending on the make and model of a battery.
To give an idea, most bike batteries have a Watt-hour rating of between 10-300 Wh, with most falling in the range of 20 Wh to 100 Wh. When choosing the right battery always check the motorcycle's manual, because the wrong battery can lead to poor performance or potentially even damage to the electrical system.
Should I charge the motorcycle battery at 2 amp or 6 amp?
It's tricky to look at all these numbers and know whether to charge a motorcycle battery at 2 amp or 6 amp. Most motorcycle batteries can be safely charged at a rate of between 1 to 3 amps. Charging at a higher than recommended-rate can damage a battery and even reduce its lifespan.
While you can still charge at 6 amps using a high-quality, modern battery charger with a microprocessor that automatically adjusts the charging rate based on the battery's needs, you're a lot safer sticking between 1-3 amps. Double-check your bike manual if you plan to charge at 6 amp.
What is the best amperage to charge a motorcycle battery?
The best amperage to charge a motorcycle battery is no higher than 10% of the amp hour rating. In most cases, this will be between 1 to 2 amps.
While this is quite a slow charge, it's much better for your battery and will help give it a nice long lifespan.