How to Repair a Motorcycle Battery That Has Been Left Unused for a Year?
2 Answers
It is best to remove the battery from the frame and check the electrolyte level. If the level is too low, you need to add distilled water until it reaches the upper mark. Charging can only be performed without installing the battery cover.
Once my motorcycle battery was left idle for over half a year, here’s a three-step guide to revive it. First, inspect the exterior—if the battery is swollen or leaking, replace it immediately. If not, remove the cover and top up with distilled water, adding a few milliliters to each cell. Second, use a low-current charger to slowly recharge it. Set the charger to the 0.8A setting and charge for at least 10 hours. Third, perform a discharge test by connecting an old bulb to the positive and negative terminals for half an hour. If it holds up, reinstall it on the bike. A reminder: don’t use a car charger, as the high current can ruin the battery. If the battery voltage drops below 10V, you’ll need a pulse desulfator to reactivate it. If you don’t have the equipment, visit a repair shop and pay around 20 yuan to have it done.