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Recognizing a defective motorcycle battery: This is how it works

Das Bild zeigt einen Ausschnitt einer defekten Motorradbatterie

Just a glance at your motorcycle battery reveals a lot about its condition. This allows you to quickly assess whether it is still worth charging or whether it is better to leave it alone.


We'll show you how to recognize a faulty battery and how to protect yourself from unpleasant surprises.
You can also watch the corresponding video here:

Das Bild zeigt die runde, grüne Grafik des Abschnitt 1.

When should you visually check your motorcycle battery?

  • Before charging: A quick check shows whether charging is still useful or possibly dangerous.
  • In extreme conditions: If your motorcycle is exposed to heavy shocks, e.g. off-road, regular checks are particularly important.
  • In general: Two to three times a year is a good rule of thumb for all motorcycle batteries.
  • When changing the battery: Take the opportunity to also inspect the battery compartment - this way you can identify possible causes of damage and take preventative action.

It is also worth taking a look at the visible parts of permanently installed motorcycle batteries. This allows you to detect problems at an early stage and keep your motorcycle safely on the road.

Das Bild zeigt die runde, grüne Grafik des Abschnitt 2.

What should you look out for when visually inspecting a car battery?

Shake the clamps and check that they are tight.
Das Bild zeigt eine Autobatterie an deren Pol mithilfe eines Schraubenschlüssels eine Klemme befestigt wird.

Is there white powder at the terminals? This indicates strong gassing of the battery, sulphate has settled here and electrolyte has been lost.
Das Bild zeigt einen vergrößerten sulfatierten Batteriepol

Has the terminal grown? Is it sitting crooked on the battery? Is it slightly dented at the bottom of the box? Are the terminals still firmly anchored on the battery tray? Loose terminals transmit voltage poorly. The box may already be damaged.
Das Bild zeigt die vergrößerte Darstellung eines verfomten Batteriepols.

Are the labels wavy? The battery was probably exposed to quite high temperatures during operation or charging.
Das Bild zeigt die vergrößerte Darstellung eines abgelösten Batteriettikets.

The box is also deformed by extreme temperatures.
Das Bild zeigt einen verformten Batteriekasten.

Does the box have a crack? A stress crack can be caused by external influences.
Das Bild zeigt einen beschädigten Batteriekasten.

Das Bild zeigt die runde, grüne Grafik des Abschnitt 3.

What to do in the event of damage? Can the motorcycle battery still be saved?

Replacement necessary: If you notice deposits on the terminals, problems with the fit of the terminals or damage to the battery housing, unfortunately only a replacement will help.

Prevention is better than repair: With these tips, you can extend the life of your battery and prevent damage:

  • Tighten the clamps regularly.
  • Tighten the terminals if possible.
  • Charge the battery correctly: Avoid deep discharging, overcharging and sulphation.
  • "Revive" sulphated batteries: Special chargers with a boost function can help. It is best to contact a workshop.
  • Protect the battery from extreme temperatures: Avoid gassing, boiling over and electrolyte loss.
  • Check battery box and installation space: Remove stones and other foreign objects before installation to avoid damage.

Checking your motorcycle battery regularly is always a good idea. This way, you can assess its condition and recognize early on whether it can still be saved or whether you'd rather keep your hands off it. Also think about the loads to which your battery is exposed and which one is best suited to your motorcycle.