What is the normal voltage for a motorcycle?
2 Answers
A normal battery should measure a voltage greater than 12.8V after the motorcycle has been parked for half an hour. Below are some reasons why a motorcycle may have difficulty starting: Electrical circuit issues: If the motorcycle hasn't been ridden for several days, it may fail to start. Generally, even a poor-quality battery can start the motorcycle if it hasn't been parked for more than 5 days. However, if the parking duration is too long, it may cause starting difficulties. In such cases, turn the key to the [ON] position and check the horn and headlight. If the horn doesn't sound and the headlight doesn't turn on, it indicates insufficient battery power, leading to a failure to start. Electrical circuit issues: Sudden stalling while riding, apart from running out of gasoline, is mostly due to faults in the electrical system. A malfunctioning emergency kill switch may cause an open circuit and stalling. Faulty ignition coil.
After riding motorcycles for so many years, I've found voltage issues to be quite common. Under normal circumstances, the battery voltage should be between 12.6V and 12.8V when the vehicle is not running, indicating a full charge. Once you start the engine and the alternator kicks in, the voltage should rise to around 13.5V to 14.5V, which is the normal charging state. If the voltage is too low, say below 12V, you might experience starting difficulties or dim headlights. I installed a simple voltmeter on my own bike and check it regularly to avoid breakdowns on the road. Batteries tend to degrade after a few years of use, so periodic inspection and replacement can save you a lot of trouble - stable voltage means worry-free riding. Remember, you can easily measure it by connecting a multimeter to the battery terminals, so don't neglect this simple habit.
