Signs Your Motorcycle Battery Is Dead

Having trouble starting your motorcycle? There are many possible reasons a motorcycle won’t start, including a bad alternator, low gas and a clogged fuel tank vent, but one of the most common reasons a motorcycle won’t start is a dead battery.

Dead motorcycle battery signs include a fading horn, dim lights, corroded battery terminals and leaking. If you notice any of these signs, it’s usually best to have your battery tested before having it replaced. This will help determine if there’s a more serious issue needing attention.

Read on if you’re interested in learning more about the signs of a dead motorcycle battery:

  • Dim lights: A sure sign your battery is on the way out is dim headlights. If you notice dimmer than usual headlights, try charging your battery. This should help bring your battery back to life unless it’s old or damaged. Be sure to charge your battery as soon as possible, as you don’t want to end up stranded when your battery decides to die.
  • Fading horn: Like dim lights, a fading horn usually means your battery is on the brink of dying. Charging your battery before it dies completely may prevent the need to replace it any time soon.
  • Leaking battery acid: Leaks from any part of your motorcycle are never a good sign. If you notice leaks coming from your battery, don’t try to drive your motorcycle. Battery leaks usually signal severe oxidation in the battery, which can make driving your motorcycle extremely dangerous.
  • Bike won’t start: One of the most common signs of a dead battery is no ignition. If the ignition won’t turn over at all, you could have a completely dead battery and may need to replace it. That said, there are many other reasons a bike won’t start, so be sure to visit a mechanic before jumping to any conclusions.
  • Corrosion on battery terminals: If you suspect a problem with your battery, check the battery terminals. Sometimes a battery nearing the end of its life will show signs of corrosion. You can try having the terminals cleaned and see if this fixes your battery issues. If this doesn’t help, or if the terminals are broken, you’ll likely have to replace the battery.
  • Bad readings during testing: It never hurts to have your battery tested from time to time, especially if it’s getting up there in age. If your battery doesn’t show any voltage during the testing process, go ahead and replace it. If there’s some charge to the battery, try recharging it.

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