As a motorcycle owner, you’ll want a battery that will operate as the lifeline that it was designed to be. This guide will discuss one of the types of batteries that will be best suited for your bike: the gel battery.
In addition, we will be looking at some of the devices you might need that are compatible with a motorcycle gel battery. Simply put, it is important to have these on hand to ensure your battery stays operational for the long term. Let’s discuss more about gel batteries for your motorcycle and why they might be the best fit for you.
What Is a Motorcycle Gel Battery?
To begin, let’s discuss what a motorcycle gel battery is. It happens to be a type of sealed lead-acid battery (SLA) that doesn’t use liquid, but uses gelled electrolytes instead. Silica is added to the sulfuric battery acid, resulting in the formation of a jelly-like substance that is semi-solid in form. The purpose of this is to prevent leakage while providing flexibility in terms of where to place the battery.
This kind of battery will be useful for motorcycles because of the space constraints it has. Not to mention, motorcycles tend to vibrate a lot due to the engine. It would be ideal for a battery to be able to handle constant vibrational shock. Therefore, it is important to know the key benefits of gel batteries, including:
- Spill-Proof and Leak-Proof: Gel batteries will be safer compared to flooded batteries.
- Resistant to Vibration: Because of the vibrational shock motorcycles produce from the engine, a gel battery can handle it better than any other type.
- Maintenance-Free: Unlike flooded batteries, gel batteries don’t require being topped off with distilled water.
- Slower Discharge Rate: On a full charge, it will discharge more slowly than other battery types.
- Longer Lifespan: This benefit will be possible, assuming you perform regular maintenance on the battery itself. But yes, gel batteries will have longer lifespans.
One major downside to gel batteries is that they carry a higher price tag compared to other battery types. However, the price tag is worth every penny, considering that they are resilient, reliable, and provide excellent performance.
Gel vs. AGM vs. Lithium Batteries: Comparisons To Know About
How do motorcycle gel batteries differ from types like AGM and lithium? The following comparison table will give you a deep insight into what major differences they have with one another. Let’s take a look at the following:
|
Feature |
Gel |
AGM |
Lithium |
|
Electrolyte Type |
Silica-based gel |
Absorbed glass mat |
Lithium iron phosphate |
|
Maintenance |
Maintenance-free |
Maintenance-free |
Maintenance-free |
|
Mounting Flexibility |
High |
Moderate |
High |
|
Vibration Resistant |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Cost |
High |
Somewhat cost-effective |
High |
|
Cold Performance |
Not great |
Reliable |
Excellent, with proper management |
|
Weight |
Heavy |
Heavy |
Lightweight |
As you might notice, all three types of batteries excel in vibration resistance. While gel batteries are heavy, they still provide you with an excellent source of power for your motorcycle. Yet, all three batteries are maintenance-free, making it less of a hassle for motorcycle owners like yourself.
AGM and gel batteries are sealed and non-spillable, with similar safety profiles. AGM batteries, however, are generally more reliable in motorcycle use due to their better cold-weather performance, faster recharge rate, and lower internal resistance.
When to Choose a Gel Battery for Your Motorcycle?
When choosing a gel battery, it’s essential to consider a few key factors. Even if your current battery isn’t a gel, switching one out sooner rather than later might be ideal. Here are some things to consider before making a switch or choosing a gel battery outright:
- Do you only use your motorcycle seasonally (and store it during the winter or long periods)?
- How often do you ride over rough terrain?
- Are you looking for a battery that requires zero maintenance?
- Are you looking to improve safety in your next battery and want to upgrade from a traditional flooded battery?
If you tend to ride your motorcycle on rough terrain or ride it during specific times of the year, that’s when a gel battery for motorcycles makes the most sense. Also, if you’re looking for a battery where more mounting flexibility makes sense, a gel battery will be the best possible option.
Need a Battery Charger? Here Are Some of Our Suggested Options
While we did say that gel batteries are maintenance-free, that doesn’t mean we forget about charging them. Still, the performance and longevity of your motorcycle’s battery hold importance. Not to mention, you want one that will properly charge and maintain it. That’s why Battery Tender has chargers that are designed to handle gel batteries for your motorcycle, including these options:
Battery Tender Junior 750mA 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer
The first option is the Battery Tender Junior 750mA 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer. If you are looking for a cost-effective charger for your motorcycle gel battery, this one will make the most sense. It has a fixed output of 750mA, which is good for such batteries. The alligator clips that come with it reduce the need for regular jumper cables.
On top of that, it will charge your battery and switch to float mode once a full charge is achieved. That way, your battery’s voltage levels are controlled, and you don’t have to worry about overcharging. It’s also portable, so you can take it with you wherever the roads lead. Besides, it’s the one riding buddy that will make sure your riding experience doesn’t get ruined due to a dead battery.
Battery Tender Junior 800mA 12V Selectable Chemistry Battery Charger and Maintainer
Next is the Battery Tender Junior 800mA 12V Selectable Chemistry Battery Charger and Maintainer. The selectable chemistry feature makes it the best fit for numerous battery types, including gel batteries. As long as you choose the right chemistry option, it will work effectively. This charger and maintainer has a slightly higher output than the previous Battery Tender Junior charger, but still has some of the same features, including a low-maintenance portable design and safety features that will ensure no charge is delivered if there is an improper connection.
Weather Resistant 800mA 12V Battery Charger
Perhaps the best option that will make sense for seasonal riders is the Weather Resistant 800mA 12V Battery Charger. If you are looking for something that is like the Battery Tender Junior but has a water-resistant design, this would be the best option. Needless to say, it’s compatible with gel batteries (among other types), and it delivers an 800mA charge for 12V batteries.
It’s an excellent fit for those who plan to store their motorcycles in the winter. In cold conditions, this charger can hold its own. At the same time, it will deliver a charged battery and consistently keep the voltage in place. That way, when the weather gets warmer and you need to go for an impromptu ride to test out how the bike is doing after months of inactivity, you can fire it up, and it's good to go.
Get the Charger Your Motorcycle Gel Battery Deserves
A motorcycle gel battery might be what you’re looking for. When you have it set up, you will need a charger that will handle the responsibility of keeping that battery charged at all times, even in times when your bike won’t be used for a long time. While a gel battery discharges more slowly than others, it still needs that same tender love and care (like the bike itself). To see if these or other battery chargers fit your motorcycle’s gel battery, check out what Battery Tender has in stock today.
