Is a Motorcycle Battery Voltage of 11.8 Normal?
2 Answers
Motorcycle battery voltage of 11.8 is normal. Introduction to normal motorcycle battery voltage: The voltage should be between 9~13V. Under normal circumstances, to measure the charging voltage, a properly functioning battery should be installed on the motorcycle for measurement; otherwise, the results may be inaccurate. On some motorcycles, when no battery is installed, increasing the throttle may actually lower the charging voltage. This is because the rectifier reduces the output voltage to protect the electrical appliances. Additional information on motorcycle battery voltage: The rectifier or charger should have an AC input current limiting circuit, generally limiting the AC input current to 115% of the full-load input current. When powered by a generator set, the AC input current should be limited to 100% of the full-load input current.
Having ridden motorcycles for ten years, I really need to talk about battery voltage. 11.8 volts might sound close to the standard 12 volts, but in reality, it's a bit risky. If the voltage is below 12 volts when the engine is cold, starting might be difficult, especially in winter. Last week, my neighbor Lao Zhang's bike had the same issue—he had to push-start it three times before it fired up. This voltage level usually indicates a weak battery, either due to insufficient charging from the regulator or simply because the battery is old. When measuring voltage, remember to turn off the engine and all lights, and measure directly at the battery terminals for accuracy. If you have a multimeter, check the charging voltage while the engine is running—it should be around 13.5 volts for normal operation. Try to avoid short trips, and always turn off the anti-theft device when parking, as it drains the battery the most.
