How Long Do Motorcycle Batteries Last? (9 Helpful Examples)

Part of the charm of motorcycle riding is the sleek and simplistic design of the engine and frame.

Still, modern motorcycles use elaborate electronic systems to monitor and regulate things like ignition timing, braking, and air:fuel combustion. This makes the battery life more essential than ever to your bike’s standard operations.

This article answers a question that gets more important as motorcycles get more technical – how long do motorcycle batteries last?

Here’s the Short Answer to How Long Motorcycle Batteries Last:

The Average lifespan of a motorcycle battery is between 2 to 5 years, depending on storage habits, riding style, maintenance routine, and battery quality and type. Meticulous bike owners have kept batteries for up to 8 years, while some batteries die after a year of heavy use.

The simple fact is that the lifespan of a motorcycle battery is greatly influenced by various factors. Most notably among the factors is whether or not the battery is placed on a battery tender during storage periods, the quality or grade of the battery, and what type of battery is being used.

The following guide lists the different types of batteries and examines how long they last, what factors influence the lifespan of each motorcycle battery type, and if newer motorcycle batteries last longer than older ones.

How Long Do Different Types of Motorcycle Batteries Last?

Here are three types of motorcycle batteries and how long they last:

1. Lead-Acid Motorcycle Batteries (Common)

One of the most common types of motorcycle battery is Lead Acid, also called a Wet Cell battery. Lead-acid batteries are one of the oldest types of rechargeable batteries and have been used in motorcycles and automobiles for a long time for this reason.

These Wet Cell batteries equip lead plates and use sulfuric acid as their electrolyte for strong electricity.

There are two main types of lead-acid batteries: flooded and sealed.

Flooded wet cell batteries use liquid electrolytes that must be refilled with distilled water to maintain their potential lifespan.

For the sealed lead-acid batteries, they keep their electrolyte suspended in a gel or glass structure to avoid the need for refilling.

The average lifespan of a flooded lead acid or wet-celled battery is 3 to 4 years, depending on ownership variables. Sealed wet cell batteries last longer, with an average lifespan of 3 to 5 years, depending on similar factors.

Pros:

• Relatively Inexpensive and Widely Available
• Start in Cold and Hot Temperatures (within reason)
• Easily Recycled
• Long History; Reliable and Predictable Technology

Cons:

• Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries Need to be Refilled
• Heavier and Bulkier than Other Bike Batteries
• Low Energy Density/High Self-Discharge Rate; Poor Density to Discharge Ratio
• Prone to Sulfation, Corrosion, and Early Failure

2. AGM Motorcycle Batteries

AGM batteries are sealed lead-acid batteries that use absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology.

These batteries stock fiberglass separators inside the battery that absorb liquid electrolyte and store it in a dry state. This means that they don’t require watering or venting like flooded batteries.

AGM motorcycle batteries last longer than standard lead acid types, with a 3-8 years lifespan. Thanks to their unique design, AGMs are safer and more resistant to vibration, impact, and extreme temperatures.

AGM batteries have some advantages and disadvantages compared to other types of motorcycle batteries, such as flooded lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries.

General Pros

• Require Less Maintenance and Care than Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries
• Safer and more durable than flooded Wet Cell Batteries
• Start in both Cold and Hot Climates (Within Reason)
• High Energy Density and Low Self-Discharge Rate

Cons

• More Expensive Than Flooded Batteries
• Heavier than Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Lower Cycle Life Than Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Sensitive to Over/Under Charging

3. Lithium-Ion Motorcycle Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable batteries that use lithium ions as the primary charge carrier. They have a high energy density to store more power in a smaller, lighter package.

The average lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is about two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first. One charge cycle is a period from fully charged to fully discharged and fully recharged.

Lithium-Ion motorcycle batteries also have a low self-discharge rate, which means they can retain their charge for more extended periods when not in use.

Therefore, Lithium-Ion motorcycle batteries are ideal for motorcycles with high-performance features, cutting-edge CPU technology, or requiring frequent starting.

Lithium-ion batteries have pros and cons, especially when compared to other types of motorcycle batteries, such as flooded or AGM batteries.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of lithium-ion batteries:

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• High energy density and low self-discharge rate
• Recharge quickly and have a longer cycle life than other motorcycle batteries.

Cons:

• More expensive than flooded or AGM batteries
• Sensitive to overcharging and undercharging
• It may shut down in some high-heat environments
• May have trouble cranking in frigid temperatures

Make sure you also read about why motorcycle batteries won’t fully charged.

How Long Do New Motorcycle Batteries Last Today?

The ages of newer motorcycle batteries also vary based on the type of battery and how well the battery is maintained. That said, all kinds of motorcycle batteries have seen improvements in technology and longevity in recent years.

The following improvements newer motorcycle batteries have over older designs include:

• Higher capacity and performance.
• No need to refill (sealed wet cell batteries).
• Better resistance to vibration and impact.
• Lower maintenance requirements.
• Longer shelf life.

That said, newer motorcycle batteries still face some of the same limitations as older ones, such as:

• Heavyweight and size (less relevant for Lithium-Ion Batteries).
• Aging wear and tear. Environmental concerns.
• Charging inefficiency.

Therefore, newer motorcycle batteries are less susceptible to vibration and wear. They may require less maintenance and last longer than older ones, but they still need proper care and attention to reach their potential lifespan.

Lead Acid/Wet Cell Motorcycle Batteries

Most modern lead acid batteries are sealed, meaning they don’t need to be refilled. They last 3 – 5 years, compared to the 2 – 4-year lifespan of older, flooded wet cell batteries.

AGM Motorcycle Batteries

The average lifespan of an AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat battery is around 3 to 5 years, depending on storage, riding, and maintenance etiquette.

However, some AGM batteries can last up to 8 years, albeit under meticulously proper upkeep. An AGM battery that no longer recharges or holds charge must be replaced.

Lithium-Ion Motorcycle Batteries

The average lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is about two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first. That said, partial processes will give you many more cycles before the battery wears out.

When possible, do partial discharges and then recharge. If the battery no longer recharges or holds the charge, it must be replaced.

Can You Revive an Old Motorcycle Battery?

You can revive an old, fully discharged battery by replenishing its charge with the battery-manufacturer-specified charger type. That said, once a motorcycle battery loses its ability to hold a charge, it must be replaced with a new one.

You might want to read about why motorcycle won’t start even when the battery is good.

How Do You Make a Motorcycle Battery Last Longer?

Once again, the steps a motorcyclist can take to make their battery last longer is determined by the type of battery.

Proper storage, maintenance, and riding habits are imperative to extending the life of all battery types and following the battery manufacturer’s instructions.

Find tips on how to make different motorcycle batteries last longer in the following sections.

Lead Acid/Wet Cell Motorcycle Batteries

Here are some tips to make a lead acid motorcycle battery last longer:

• Use the proper charger type and charge the battery to a minimum of 12.8 volts.
• Avoid total discharges, recharging the battery as soon as possible after use.
• Keep your Lead Acid battery terminals clean and tight to prevent corrosion or a compromised terminal/battery wire connection.
• Store your Wet Cell battery in a cool and dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Check the electrolyte level and specific gravity of flooded batteries regularly and add distilled water if needed.
• Use a battery tender or trickle charger to keep the battery at full charge when your motorcycle is stored for long periods without use.

It’s also imperative to follow the bike and battery’s maintenance instructions.

Here’s how to properly maintain a lead acid motorcycle battery:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them with attention to detail.
• Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling the battery.
• Use distilled water only (to fill flooded batteries).
• Don’t overfill or underfill the electrolyte level of a wet cell battery.
• Don’t overcharge or undercharge your lead acid battery.
• Don’t expose the battery to extreme temperatures or shocks.
• Dispose of old or damaged lead-acid batteries properly at an automotive parts store or a recycling center.

AGM Motorcycle Batteries

Here are some tips to extend the longevity of an AGM battery:

• Use a compatible charger to initialize the battery to a minimum of 12.8 volts.
• Avoid total discharges and recharge the battery as soon as possible after use.
• Keep the battery terminals clean and tight to prevent corrosion and poor connection.
• Store the battery in a cool and dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
• Keep the battery maintained during periods of inactivity via a tender or trickle charger.

While maintenance instructions vary from battery to battery, here are some that apply to most AGM motorcycle batteries:

• Please read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully.
• Wear protective gloves and goggles when handling the battery.
• Don’t overcharge or undercharge the battery.
• Don’t expose the battery to extreme temperatures or shocks.
• Dispose of old or damaged batteries at an auto parts store or electronics-recycling center.

Lithium-Ion Motorcycle Batteries

There are a few ways to make a lithium-ion battery last longer. We list the most prominent ones below.

• Use a lithium-ion-compatible charger that charges the battery correctly and to the correct voltage. Note that a lead-acid charger can blow up a lithium-ion battery.
• Avoid total discharges and recharge the battery as soon as possible after use.
• Keep the battery terminals clean and tight to prevent corrosion and poor connection.
• Store the battery in a cool and dry place, away from moisture, corrosive fumes, heat sources, and direct UV exposure.

It’s essential to follow the maintenance instructions that come with your lithium battery, as they vary from the previously explained battery types and require different charging technology and upkeep techniques.

What Factors Affect How Long Your Motorcycle Battery Lasts?

While the factors affecting the longevity of all types of motorcycle batteries vary from battery type to battery type, the battery quality, motorcycle storage, riding habits, and maintenance habits for both the bike and battery affect them all.

The lifespan of a motorcycle battery depends on several factors:

• The battery quality and design.
• The frequency and depth of discharge cycles.
• The temperature and conditions of where the bike is ridden/the bike/battery’s storage area.
• Battery maintenance and charging practices.

Make sure you also read our article on 10 reasons a motorcycle battery gets hot.

Does Driving Style Affect How Long a Battery Lasts?

Aggressively riding your motorcycle without recharge time may impact how long your battery will last – but most likely not.

As long as the engine speed is over 2000rpm, there will be plenty of electricity to charge the battery, and the voltage regulator will regulate the voltage. We don’t see any link between aggressive riding and sub-optimal battery charging or lifetime.

Sources:

Motorcycle Batteries: Lifespan & Options | Continental Battery Systems