Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of motorcycle batteries?

There are 3 different types of motorcycle batteries with the following key differences:

1. Standard Motorcycle Batteries.

Conventional lead acid batteries (types Cb 6n 0r 12n Models)
Standard Motorcycle Batteries are usually fitted to pre 1998 models or Basic models with kick start and few electronics.

Standard Motorcycle Batteries are delivered with a ‘dry charge’(approx 75-85% Charged) and need to be filled with battery acid and sometimes a quick top up charge depending on the immediate start drain of the bike’s cranking needs.

After filling and fitting, the acid levels must be checked about once a month and topped up if necessary with distilled water.

Standard batteries lose their charge over time and need to be toped up on a regular basis to keep the battery plates from Sulphating (Sulphating is the greatest cause of battery failure and is NOT covered by the manufacturer’s warranty).

Battery acid is corrosive and to avoid personal injury or damage, it is recommended to fill the battery wearing suitable gloves and safety goggles.

2. Self-sealed MaintenanCe-free batteries (CtX Models).

The CTX Range sealed batteries found in the modern day motorcycle now use maintenance-free technology; this provides high starting power with a longer life and is spill resistant even if your motorcycle should end up in a position not recommended.

Maintenance-free batteries are also delivered with a ‘dry charge’ (80% charged) and need to be filled with the specific battery acid  provided with the battery. The battery acid provided is a specifically measured volume to fill the battery to the required levels for trouble-free operation.

After the maintenance-free battery is filled you sealed up, it must not be opened again under any circumstance.

Tampering with the seal on a CTX range battery is not only dangerous but will also void any manufacturer’s warranty.

3. Factory-sealed MaintenanCe-free Gel batteries (Ct Models).

The CT Range sealed batteries are found in more recently registered motorcycles. These batteries are the very latest in technology providing ultimate starting power together with long life and are also highly resilient to battery sulphation. They arrive already sealed up and charged which provides more flexible options for how the battery is fitted and in what position.

It is advisable to fully charge your battery before fitting. This will ensure that your bike will be receiving 100% starting performance and capacity of the battery.

PLEASE NOTE

All batteries should always be stored in a chargeded state. Failure to do so will cost you a replacement unit.

ALWAYS Check size and polarity against battery removed or owner’s manual.

How Do I Fill A Standard Motorcycle Battery?

1.
Place the battery on a flat, solid base and remove the red ventilation plug at the side.
2.
Remove the lid from each individual battery cell, and add acid using a funnel (fig.1) or an acid dispenser bottle to each cell until the Max mark on the side/front of the battery has been reached.
3.
Leave the battery with the battery cell lids removed for up to an hour. If the acid level has fallen after an hour, refill with acid to the “Max” indicator but no more.
4.
Depending on the length of storage, the battery will now have a pre-charge of approx. 70% of its capacity, which usually suffices for a start test. The battery should then be charged fully, e.g. on a long trip using the vehicle’s own generator. We recommend, however, that the battery is charged fully with a suitable motorcycle battery charger before the first start attempt. The charging current should NOT be higher than 10% of the battery capacity. This would be a maximum charging current of 1 amp for a battery with a capacity of 10 Ah.
Dispenser bottle.
ALWAYS Check size and polarity against battery removed or owner’s manual.

How Do I Fill A Self Sealing Battery i.e the CTX Range?

1.
Put the battery onto a flat, solid base and remove the protection foil from the battery cell lids.
2.
Take the special battery acid dispenser from the cardboard box and press it into the cell openings of the battery as far as it will go. The acid pack itself will automatically disperse the correct level into each cell. 
3.
After the filling stage is completed, use the enclosed black sealer strip and press it down with both hands firmly into the battery cell openings. The sealer strip must be level with the battery lid and should not stand proud anywhere along its length. Once the battery is sealed, it may NOT be opened again doing so will immediately void the warranty.
(Please Note: Removing the acid pack silver foil covering the six cell openings is not necessary. The foil is pierced automatically when the acid container is pushed down into the holes.)

What Guarantee Comes With My Battery?

The motorcycle batteries on our website are manufacturerd to the highest quality. All of the batteries are
designed to and above original equipment specification requirements. The batteries supplied as a replacement are guaranteed against failure due to faulty manufacture or materials. In the event of such a failure, the battery will be replaced. The replacement battery will then be guaranteed for the remainder or the original battery guarantee period.

The guarantee periods are as follows: 
Motorcycle Jetski and ATV batteries 1 Year
The guarantee does not cover:

• Failure resulting from wear and tear, misuse and negligence, either before or during use e.g. overcharged, cycled, sulphated or undercharged.

• Failure resulting from the use of any fluids other than distilled or de-ionised water.

• Use of a battery on a vehicle unit for which it is not recommended or on which it has been installed and commissioned incorrectly.

• Failure or deterioration resulting from the malfunction of any charging system.

The guarantee cannot be transferred and only applies to the original user of the battery.
The guarantee commences from the date of purchase.
The guarantee does not affect the statutory rights of the consumer in any way.

No guarantee claim will be actioned without a dated proof of purchase receipt.
Labour claims can only be accepted in the event of a proven liability and agreed before any work is commenced.

ALWAYS Check size and polarity against battery removed or owner’s manual.

What Guidance On Health & Safety Can You Offer?

The handling and proper use of lead-acid batteries is not hazardous provided appropriate facilities are available and operatives, having been instructed, are adequately supervised and take reasonable care.

The purpose of this guide is:

1) To indicate the potential hazards that may arise.
2) To outline the precautions to be taken to minimise such hazards.
3) To indicate the action to be taken in the event of an accident or emergency situation.

1) SULPHURIC ACID (ELECTROLYTE)

Batteries contain sulphuric acid (dry charge batteries prior to filling with acid excluded) which may leak for a number of reasons and may be given off as droplets and/or a fine mist during charging.

1.1 Nature of the Hazard
Battery acid is a poisonous and corrosive liquid which will cause burns and irritation to the skin and eyes and could burn clothing.
1.2 Precautions
Always handle batteries with care and keep upright.
Do not overfill batteries.
Always charge in a well-ventilated area.
Always use eye protection and protective clothing where there is any risk from splashes.
Always keep away from children.
1.3 Accident or Emergency Action and Treatment
Skin Contact:
Immediately drench the affected area with clean water and remove any contaminated clothing. If any soreness or irritation persists seek medical advice.
Eye Contact:
Speed of action is vital. Immediately wash out the eyes with clean water for at least 10 minutes and seek prompt medical attention.

Ingestion:
Do NOT induce vomiting, but make the patient drink as much water or milk as possible and seek immediate medical attention.

1.4 Spillages
For small spillages swill away thoroughly with plenty of water.
1.5 Disposal
Suitable acid resistant, labelled containers should be used.
See also Section 6.
ALWAYS Check size and polarity against battery removed or owner’s manual.

THIS IS A GUIDE ONLY

2)
ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Electrical energy can be supplied from batteries and charging equipment.

2.1 Nature of the Hazard
Burns may occur from the heating effect on tools and conductive objects in contact with live battery terminals or conductors. In addition sparks and molten metal may be ejected and combustible materials ignited. It is possible to receive a severe electric shock from charging equipment and from a number of batteries connected in series.
2.2 Precautions
Before using conductive tools on a battery remove metallic personal adornments from the hands and wrists, i.e. watches and rings.
Before working on a vehicle electrical system, disconnect the battery where there is any risk of accidental short circuits.
Always disconnect the earth terminal from a battery first and connect last.
Do not place tools or conductive objects on top of batteries.
Before using a battery charger consult manufacturers literature. Remember to switch the charger off before connecting or disconnecting a battery.
See also Section 3.
2.3 Accident or Emergency Action & Treatment Burns:
Cool the area with cold water, apply a sterile dressing and seek medical attention.
Electric Shock:
Immediate action is essential in cases of severe electric shock as the nerves controlling breathing and heart action may be affected. Do not delay treatment by calling for a doctor: this should be done quickly if help is available or when the casualty recovers:

Make sure it is safe to approach. If the casualty is not clear of a live conductor, break the contact. Switch off the current, remove the plug, or wrench the cable free. If this is not possible, stand on dry insulating material (wood, rubber, brick, thickly folded newspaper, book) and try to push or pull the casualty clear of contact using similar insulating material as a lever.
Do not touch the casualty with bare hands.

3)
EMISSION OF GASES
Hydrogen and oxygen are emitted during charging and can be emitted at other times, particularly if a battery is moved or shaken. Therefore, always consider that gas is present in the immediate vicinity or at the top of the battery.

3.1 Nature of the Hazard
An explosive atmosphere is created if the concentration of hydrogen in air exceeds 4%.
ALWAYS Check size and polarity against battery removed or owner’s manual.

3.2 Precautions
Always use eye protection where there may be any foreseeable risk.
Charge in a well ventilated area.
Avoid sources of ignition close to batteries.
No smoking.
No naked flames.
Always switch off current before making or breaking electrical connection.
Avoid sparks caused by accidental short circuits.
See also Section 2.
3.3 Accident or Emergency Action Treatment
Seek any necessary medical attention and remember that sulphuric acid may have been ejected (See Section 1).
4) WEIGHT

Batteries are generally heavy, awkward units to handle and correct lifting techniques must therefore be used.

5) DAMAGED BATTERIES

Battery plates consist of lead and its compounds but can only be exposed if a battery is broken open.

In the unlikely event of this happening any spillage should be well damped, swept up and placed in a suitable acid resistant, labelled container prior to disposal. Normal personal hygiene precautions should be observed. See also Sections 1 and 6.

6) DISPOSAL

Batteries, battery cases, battery acid and lead compounds, must not be burned but must be disposed of in accordance with the appropriate legislation. Used and scrap batteries are classified as Special Waste and are subject to the EEC Council Directive on Batteries and Accumulators containing dangerous substances.
Those transporting scrap batteries must be registered with the Waste Regulations Authority and operate the Special Waste Consignment Note procedure.

7) FIRE

Since batteries contain combustible materials the Local Fire Authority should be consulted where a quantity of batteries are stored together.

8) TRANSPORTATION BY ROAD

Acid filled batteries are subjected to the Road Traffic Regulations under ‘Carriage of Dangerous Substances and Packages’.

9) GENERAL

Familiarise yourself with the location of your health centre and how to contact your work’s nurse, first aider or appointed person.

ALWAYS Check size and polarity against battery removed or owner’s manual.

If any repair or other work on batteries is contemplated ‘The Approved Code of Practice for the Control of Lead at Work’ from the Health and Safety Commission, first printed in 1980 and revised in 1996, must be referred to.

Any additional information, including battery labelling, that is provided to cover specific battery types and applications must be used in conjunction with this guide.

10) OTHER REFERENCES

BS 6604 :1985 - British Standard Code of Practice for Safe Operation of Starter Batteries.
Health and Safety Executive Leaflet ‘Electric Storage Batteries’ - available free from the HSE or from their web site http://www.hse.gcv.uk/.

BATTERY WASTE DISPOSAL - SCRAP BATTERY LEGISLATION

Automotive batteries are classed as hazardous waste and therefore must be stored, transported and disposed of in accordance with the following pieces of legislation.

1.
Environmental Protection Act 1990, Part II
2.
Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991
3.
The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994
4.
The Controlled Waste (Registration of carriers and seizure of vehicles)
Regulations 1991
5.
Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 and List of waste regulations 2005
6.
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 2004
7.
The Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994
8.
The Trans-frontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 1994
Not all the above will apply in all circumstances, for example No 8 only applies
when material is shipped overseas for disposal / recycling.

Follow the instructions contained here, in the vehicle instruction & log book and all manufacturers' requirements.

Do not smoke near the battery and avoid open flames or unprotected light bulbs.
Avoid short circuiting, electric sparks and the build up of electro-magnetic or static charge.

Wear safety goggles and gloves.

First Aid: if acid makes contact with eyes or skin, wash with plenty of water and seek medical attention at once.

Danger of explosion & fire: Caution! Any metal element of the battery is permanently under charge.
Do not place tools on the battery.

When charging, an explosive gas mixture is discharged.

Highly corrosive: Battery acid is highly corrosive.
Wear hand and eye protection.

General Caution:
Do not expose the battery to daylight.
Store battery away from low temperatures to avoid freezing.

ALWAYS Check size and polarity against battery removed or owner’s manual.