How to Charge a Motorcycle Gel Battery
by Chris Gilliland
Many motorcyclists are drawn to the use of gel-cell batteries to power their machines, due largely to their maintenance-free nature. However, these gel batteries are used very rarely with a motorcycle-based application. What motorcyclists refer to as gel batteries are really AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, which operate on the same principle of suspended lead acid electrolyte in a permanently sealed container. And unlike a real gel-cell battery, which requires special care to charge, charging an AGM battery is a simple and uncomplicated task.
Step 1
Unbolt the motorcycle's seat, using an Allen wrench, or pull off the side cover off of the motorcycle's frame to access the battery.
Step 2
Unscrew the black cable from the battery's negative post, using a Phillips screwdriver. Unscrew the red cable from the battery's positive post, using a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the battery out of the motorcycle.
Step 3
Connect the battery to an automatic battery charger. Place the charger's red clip on the battery's positive post, and put the black clip on the negative post.
Step 4
Turn the battery charger on to begin the charging process.
Step 5
Remove the battery after the charger indicates that it is fully charged. Turn off the battery charger. Remove the black clip from the battery, followed by the red clip.
Step 6
Reinstall the battery in the motorcycle, following the reverse method of removal.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- Battery Stuff: Battery Tutorial
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- Automatic battery charger
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
