Advantages and features of operation of gel batteries for motorcycles

At the present stage, there are several types of rechargeable batteries used in a wide variety of areas of human activity. It is known that batteries with a “bound” electrolyte in the form of a gel are the most modern and safest - compared to lead-acid batteries of various modifications. Gel batteries can be used as an efficient and long-lasting power source for any vehicle - from an airplane to a hoverboard. Of course, using a gel battery for a motorcycle is not only possible, but even more appropriate due to the fact that riding it is associated with certain features, including increased risk in different situations.

Why is a gel battery good for motorcycles?

Before we talk about the advantages of gel batteries, we should honestly mention that their price is sometimes several times higher than the cost of cheaper lead-acid batteries. Of course, motorcyclists may still resort to buying cheaper options to this day.

But before making a final decision, it won’t hurt to familiarize yourself with why a gel battery is most preferable as a motorcycle battery or as a scooter battery:

• How to maintain such a battery? This is not required. The battery plates are “sealed” in a gel-like substance. This consistency is obtained due to the addition of silicon oxide to the electrolyte. Serviced or partially serviced batteries are usually lead-acid and require a more careful attitude with regular addition of distilled water or pure electrolyte. Due to their composition, gel batteries do not need this.
• They are more durable and safe , and have increased resistance to mechanical damage. In conditions of fast driving and increased risk for a motorcyclist on the roads, this can even be a salvation. Also, charging gel batteries for scooters is less troublesome than the same process of charging liquid acid batteries.
• Due to the fact that the electrolyte in them is in the form of a gel, it will not leak through its body and will not spill out during sharp turns, bends and even collisions on the highway. It is no coincidence that gel batteries were first actively used in the aviation sector. They don’t care about regular changes in the vehicle’s position, neither in the air, nor on water, nor on the ground - a charged power source will not explode or leak.
• Gel batteries are capable of operating in any extreme conditions with much greater productivity than even improved acid analogues . The range of temperatures that they can withstand is very wide: from -60 to +50°C.
• They are not afraid of deep discharge and are easily “brought to life” by the usual charging method . Even if the motorcycle or moped has been standing for a long time without use. If the battery cannot be woken up, it will be useful to learn how to restore a gel battery. It is noted that such batteries can maintain their optimal capacity much longer when not in use than any other . There is evidence that even after two years of non-use, such a battery easily restored its potential.
• If handled with care, and if gel batteries for scooters and other vehicles are charged regularly and correctly, the service life of gel batteries can be up to 10 years .
• Due to the stable retention of capacity, any gel battery can be used immediately after purchase . There is no need for additional recharging. This is important for motorcyclists who value the fastest solution to certain technical problems.
• If the battery case is damaged due to an emergency collision with any object, the silicon oxide added to the sulfuric acid will minimize the release of harmful gases , and the gel will not leak out of the case . This reduces the possible risk of fire to zero.

So, there are quite a lot of incentives to consider gel batteries as motorcycle batteries. However, before buying this particular option, you need to familiarize yourself with those features that may cause certain inconvenience to the owner.

Briefly about gel batteries

Gel batteries are used primarily in motorcycles. This is an improved analogue of acid batteries, in which a gel-like electrolyte is impregnated. This modification allows you to install the battery in any position without leaks.

At the moment there are 2 types of gel batteries:

• GEL technology. This is a prototype of an acid device, differing from it only in that it is filled not with a liquid electrolyte, but with a gel-like one.
• "AGM" technology. This type of battery has much in common with an acid battery, but its structure uses “smart” separators. This means that the gel electrolyte does not spread, and its waste gases are absorbed by the same gel and re-participate in energy production.

A gel battery works on this principle: silicon dioxide and the electrodes used form the course of the gel-electrolyte reaction. At the end, the voltage at the battery terminals stabilizes at 12 volts.

Advantages of a gel battery:

• Charging is carried out many times faster.
• The service life is up to 10 years.
• Design safety, possible thanks to durable separators and plates that prevent the release of generated gases into the environment.
• High resource indicators. The battery can withstand 500-1000 charge and discharge cycles.
• Absolute sealing of the device, the gel does not leak out in any position of the battery.
• The device has enviable resistance to full discharge. If it is inactive for a long time (it is not used), then it is capable of low self-discharge - only 15-20% per year.

There are not many disadvantages of a gel battery, but they do exist:

• The cost of such a device for motorcycles starts from 5,000 rubles.
• The gel battery is not resistant to low temperatures. So, the mark of 30 degrees Celsius is already critical for “gels”.

Gel batteries are the most popular and reliable on the domestic market for motorcycles and their components, so you shouldn’t regret paying a considerable amount for them (compared to their acid counterparts).

What are the disadvantages of gel batteries?

They have much fewer disadvantages than advantages. They can most likely be called characteristic features that should be taken into account when purchasing.

As already mentioned, their price is much higher than that of other batteries - precisely because of their durability and increased safety. They are more demanding on charging conditions and are less tolerant of voltage and current changes than their acid analogues, which are more resistant to them. When purchasing a gel battery, it is important to immediately acquire a charger suitable for it, always with adjustable current.

Types of batteries for motorcycles

Acid batteries are considered the most affordable. They require constant maintenance, which includes:

• Checking the electrolyte level.
• Voltage control.

The warranty period for such a device is usually within 3-5 years. Gel motor batteries of the AGM type are considered more expensive. The working fluid in such devices is located in special sections. Thanks to the compact design, the housing includes a large number of lead plates , which increase the inrush current. This device is designed to operate for 5-10 years.

How to properly charge a gel battery for a motorcycle

Selecting a charger

It is important to remember that using a charger designed for car batteries for a motorcycle battery is not always the best solution. This can immediately destroy the battery. You can choose a so-called “intelligent” charger with several setting modes , including motorcycle. A “smart” charger always “knows” how to properly charge a 12-volt motorcycle battery.

In addition to imported chargers, there are also good domestic analogues on sale at a more reasonable price. For example, the Benton BX-1 universal charger produced in Izhevsk. In any case, the main criterion for choosing a charger should be the ability to charge such a battery with small currents.

There are car chargers with the ability to control amperage (current indicators). If your car memory has this capability, you can use it. But provided that the battery is charged at minimum currents . The capacity of a motorcycle battery is significantly different from that of a car battery. Therefore, you should know the voltage and current indicators in order to understand how to charge a motorcycle and moped battery with a car charger. For example, a car battery with an output voltage of 12 volts can have a capacity of 55, 60 Ah or higher. And a motorcycle battery with the same U 12V indicator has a capacity of, on average, 2.3 Ah.

If we proceed from the calculations that any battery should be charged with currents equal to 10% of its rated capacity, we can judge what value the amperage should be in both cases. Its necessary indicators for properly charging a motorcycle battery should be set many times lower, and this should never be forgotten.

Charging frequency

Sometimes, when talking about gel batteries, beginners mistakenly think that if the manufacturer guarantees their allegedly “uninterrupted” use for 10 years, they do not need to be charged. This is not true, because any battery requires regular maintenance and charging. Even if it is classified as unserviceable.

In order for the gel battery for a motorcycle to last longer and exhaust all its necessary resources, it is charged at least once a season. Recharging is done as needed. You should monitor the battery charge level regularly, without forgetting about it, in order to avoid deep discharge.

How to check the battery charge on a scooter or motorcycle? Using a tester or multimeter, you can always measure the voltage at the battery terminals. If the indicator is above 12.7 V , the battery holds a stable charge and will not need recharging in the near future. If the voltage is lower, you need to monitor the indicator and, at the first opportunity, charge the battery with a suitable charger, which is recommended to take with you. Especially if you plan to ride long distances, or participate in “energy-intensive” competitions and motocrosses.

Battery charging progress

In order to always remember how to properly charge a gel battery for a motorcycle, you should learn a simple but important algorithm of actions:

• To properly charge the battery if it is severely discharged or is being charged after the motorcycle has been idle for a long time, it will take at least 10-12 hours of continuous contact with the charger.
• Connect the charger using crocodile clips to the battery, observing the polarity (“plus” to “plus”, and “minus” to “minus”).
• Connect the charger to the network.
• If you are using a charger with an adjustable current rating, adjust the minimum amperage using a multimeter.
• The charging current should be 10% of the battery's rated capacity . Example: A standard motorcycle battery with an output voltage of 12 volts and a capacity of 2.3 Ah should ideally be charged with currents of no more than 0.2 A. However, practice shows that the current may be slightly higher. Especially if you need to “boost up” the battery after a long stay without work. It is important to prevent the battery from “overheating” and carefully monitor the entire process . Especially if you charge a motorcycle battery using a car charger.
• Do not turn off the power until the battery is fully charged . Modern gel batteries often have an indicator installed that signals a color change at the end of the charging process.
• Voltage readings during the entire process should not exceed 14.2-14.4 V. Gel batteries are very sensitive to high voltage. They can quickly fail if its level gets higher.

Rating of the best car gel batteries

This type of car battery is practical.

It is not afraid of temperature imbalance, withstands vibration when the car is moving on an uneven road, and is capable of functioning in a horizontal or vertical position.

Gel is used as an electrolyte in batteries of this type, which guarantees the tightness of the device and ensures minimal gas emission.

VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM G14 (595 901 085)

This model is made using AGM technology, popular among manufacturers of similar products.

It means that in its production, absorbed glass fiber is used instead of the usual liquid electrolyte.

A high starting power is ensured by the use of a specially shaped grille, the production technology of which, PowerFrame, is patented by the company.

This model is installed on cars with a Start-Stop system, which allows you to save fuel costs.

Main characteristics:

• Polarity: reverse.
• Dimensions: 353x175x190 mm (LxWxH).
• On-board voltage 12 V.
• Maximum current in cold state (-18°C): 850 A.
• Battery capacity: 95 Ah.
• ETN code: 595 901 085.

Pros of VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM G14 (595 901 085)

1. Reliable operation under any climatic conditions.
2. Long service life.
3. Trouble-free operation.
4. Increased starting current.

Cons of VARTA Silver Dynamic AGM G14 (595 901 085)

1. Poor starting in severe frosts.

Bosch S5 A13 AGM (0 092 S5A 130)

The battery comes with an instruction manual and a warranty card.

The battery terminals are protected by a cover.

The presence of a convenient handle allows you to transport it to the installation site or home.

The AGM technology used by this German company model allows it to be used during intensive use, as well as for infrequent car trips.

In tests, the battery demonstrates excellent resistance to charge/discharge cycles, four times higher than those of conventional batteries.

The absolute tightness of the structure allows the car owner to install the product in any position.

Main characteristics:

• Reverse polarity.
• Dimensions: 353x175x190 mm.
• Operating voltage: 12 V.
• Cold cranking current: 850 A.
• Battery capacity: 95 Ah.
• ETN code: 595 901 085.

Pros Bosch S5 A13 AGM (0 092 S5A 130)

1. Long-term use.
2. Reasonable price.
3. When used correctly, it ensures reliable engine starting in any weather.
4. Fits stock size under the hood.

Cons Bosch S5 A13 AGM (0 092 S5A 130)

1. Large battery mass.

Users note that this model is optimal for the price-quality ratio and recommend it for purchase.

Exide Start-Stop AGM EK600

The plates of this battery from an American manufacturer have a spiral shape, and gel is used as an electrolyte.

Such devices are suitable for cars equipped with regenerative braking.

The electricity generated in this case is used to additionally charge the battery, which helps to increase the car’s mileage.

This model is also suitable for use on vehicles equipped with the Start/Stop function.

The high-capacity battery remains operational even with frequent engine shutdowns at traffic lights or in traffic jams.

Exide Start-Stop AGM EK600 is the best option for a driver whose car has a large number of local consumers of the on-board electrical network.

Such functional differences make it possible to use such a battery not only in cars, but also in watercraft.

Proprietary LifeGrid technology guarantees high energy efficiency throughout the entire battery life.

Its gel filler ensures the safety of others even in the event of a serious accident; it does not leak out of the body.

Main characteristics:

• Reverse polarity.
• Dimensions: 242x175x190 mm.
• Voltage: 12 V.
• Starting current: 680 A.
• Battery capacity: 60 Ah.

Pros of Exide Start-Stop AGM EK600

1. Quality materials.
2. Good starting current, ability to connect a large number of electronic devices.
3. Works at any temperature.
4. Decent work resource.

Cons of Exide Start-Stop AGM EK600

1. Overcharge.

Recovery

In order to revive such a battery, you need to remove the covers from the battery compartments and start pouring distilled water into each jar. Despite the fact that these batteries are classified as maintenance-free, it is always possible to remove their covers. Add water using a syringe, two milliliters into each “jar.” After half an hour, remove excess water with a rubber bulb - it should slightly cover the plates. Close the battery, place a weight on top (to prevent the caps from being knocked out by high pressure) and start charging.

You can revive the battery by applying a voltage of more than 14 volts. To restore it, at the beginning of charging you will need a voltage of at least 15 volts. It is necessary to keep it on charge for about 14 hours, first waiting for the moment when it begins to consume current. If the battery does not respond to a voltage of 15 volts, it can be raised to 30. When the battery finally “swings”, after two or three such cycles, charge it in the usual way - with a current of 10 percent of its capacity, reducing the voltage to 14 volts.

However, many experts do not recommend reconditioning batteries of this type. Often the effect is only temporary.

Routine care of a motorcycle gel battery

Despite the fact that the body of the gel battery is sealed, it is necessary to ensure that as little dirt and dust as possible gets on it. special attention to the terminals to prevent oxidation. That's all the maintenance a gel battery needs. Read more about why battery terminals oxidize →

As already mentioned, check the current voltage level in the battery from time to time so as not to miss the moment when it will already require maximum charging. In addition to “major” charging, which lasts 10-12 hours, the battery must be periodically recharged once every two months . Especially if the motorcycle is used constantly. These are the basic technical recommendations on how to charge a gel battery for a scooter or motorcycle correctly.

If you do not use the motorcycle in winter, you can remove the battery from it, clean the dirt with a slightly damp cloth, wipe dry and store at room temperature.

As you can see, a gel battery for a motorcycle, despite its rather high cost compared to others, is one of the best options. Especially when it comes to extreme driving. With proper care and knowledge of how to charge a motorcycle battery correctly, it will pay for itself very quickly. And the absence of the need to add electrolyte to it, along with the prospect of maximum safety, may become an additional incentive to purchase it.