Types of battery
There are five types of battery, each with their own characteristics. The first four types are lead-acid batteries. The last type we describe, the lithium battery, does not fall into this category.
1. Conventional battery
A conventional battery is lead-acid and “dry cell”. This type of battery has to be filled with an electrolyte before being used for the first time. The battery’s water level needs to be regularly checked and filled to avoid irreparable damage. This battery is primarily used in older models and is becoming less and less common. It is the recommended type of battery for the Honda XL600V.
2. Maintenance-free batteries
Maintenance-free batteries, as the name implies, do not need to be topped up with water. They come with battery acid and are vented, the disadvantage being that the acid can leak out of the battery. This is the battery used in the Honda CBR250 and CBR300.
3. SLA battery
A second type of maintenance-free battery, the SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) battery, is factory activated. This means you do not need to handle the acid yourself. The battery is fully sealed, meaning that the battery acid cannot escape. This type of battery is 100% leak-free and is used for the Honda ADV750.
4. SLA Max battery
The SLA Max battery has the same properties as the SLA, but with better performance. This battery is ideally suited to motorcycles with large engines and a lot of electronics. The SLA Max battery is the perfect choice for the Honda Gold Wing
5. Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are known for their excellent performance, easy charging, light weight and longer service life. Because the battery hardly drains at all by itself, you can also start your motorcycle when it has not been in use for a while, even in cold temperatures. This battery does not use battery acid and is therefore safer to use. One of our most popular models, the Honda Africa Twin, uses this type of battery.
Do you have any questions about the right battery for your Honda?
Check this list or pop into your local Honda dealer to get more information.
Battery maintenance
The average motorcycle battery has a lifespan of approximately four years and discharges naturally, even when it is not connected. This is why it is useful to connect your battery to a trickle charger or battery maintainer if you are not using it for a while. The charger/maintainer makes sure that the battery is topped up with power and remains charged, which guarantees a longer lifespan for your battery. Please note: just as there are different types of battery, there are different types of trickle charger. For example, a lithium battery needs a different charger to a lead-acid battery. Extremely high or low temperatures reduce your battery’s lifespan. If the battery is not being used for a longer period of time, you are recommended to store it in a cool, dry place.
Replacing your battery
Before you replace the battery, disconnect the charger from the power to prevent the risk of sparks if the wires touch the battery terminals. Start with the black, negative terminal and then the red, positive side to prevent a possible short circuit. When fitting the new battery, follow the steps in reverse order. Are you unsure of the type of battery that’s best for your motorcycle? Check the list of models and their associated batteries here.
Are you looking for the best battery for your Honda? Then opt for a Yuasa. These are batteries that are certified by Honda and give your motorcycle optimum performance. Yuasa batteries are rigorously tested and selected by our research & development team and are therefore the ideal choice for your Honda. If your motorcycle is less than five years old, it is important to choose certified parts. This ensures you stay covered by the warranty, as well as guaranteeing optimum performance.
If you have an older motorcycle and are looking for a new battery, then a BS battery could be an ideal option in terms of value for money. Honda offers two types of BS batteries in its range, the SLA and SLA Max.
