The complete guide to dirt bike batteries

While they once were never a concern, batteries are now a commonplace on modern motocross and enduro bikes, mostly thanks to the introduction of electric starters. In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about dirt bike batteries.

Does my dirt bike have a battery?
Not all dirt bikes have batteries, however, if it's a modern four-stroke (and two-stroke in some cases) and has an electric starter, then it will have a battery. Some dual-sport bikes will also be fitted with batteries power things such as lights, indicators and dash. If you're unsure, the battery is usually located underneath the seat.

What types of dirt bike batteries are available? 
When it comes to dirt bike batteries, there generally two types you'll typically find a motocross or enduro model: Lead-acid and lithium. 

Some dirt bike manufacturers will use a lead-acid battery as OEM standard, which are an affordable battery that continues to work well in cold conditions. 

Many manufacturers are now fitting their motocross and enduro bikes with lithium battery, which is a modern option that's extremely durable and lightweight.

How do I install a dirt bike battery?
Removing and installing a new dirt bike battery is a pretty simple process, although we always recommend referencing your owner's manual before starting the process. 

Note: Depending on the battery, it may need to be filled with acid, and you'll also need to charge the battery prior to installing it.

Step 1: The first is to remove your existing battery, and to do this, it's important you locate and remove the negative cable first - the negative cable is generally black, however it will be marked with the negative '-' symbol. 

After you've removed the negative cable, you can now remove the positive cable - this cable is usually red and will be marked with the positive '+' symbol.

Step 2: Once both the negative and positive cables have been removed, you can now take out the battery.

Step 3: You can install the new battery, which should be charged. Make sure you identify the positive and negative terminals for the next step.

Step 4: When the battery is in place, it's time to reconnect the positive and negative cables. This time, you'll need to install the positive cable first followed by the negative cable.

Step 5: Once the cables have been attached to the battery terminal, it's time to test the battery. Simply fire the bike up, and if it starts, you're good to go!

How do I maintain a dirt bike battery?
Battery maintenance really comes down to two things, which are ensuring the bike and battery aren't stored in low temperatures, and ensuring the battery remains charged. 

We're lucky enough in Australia that most places don't get cold enough that we would have to worry too much about the temperature impacting our battery, however it something to monitor.

If you continually drain the battery and keep recharging it, its life expectancy will dramatically decrease - so make sure you continually start the bike and allow it run, maintaining the charge in the battery.

When should I change my dirt bike battery?
If you find your bike is struggling to fire up, or that your battery keeps losing charge, then that's a good indicator you need a new battery. There's no engine hour timeline of when to replace a battery - you may find you'll never have to replace one, or you might find yourself replacing one multiple times - it all comes down to how you use it and how the battery is maintained.

How do I charge my dirt bike battery?
Riding your bike is the best (and most enjoyable) way to charge your bike, but when your battery goes flat, there's a good chance it's because you haven't been able to ride. 

In this case, a battery charger is ideal - you can't use any battery charger, especially with a lithium-ion battery found on most motocross and enduro bikes, so you will need a charger that accommodates a 12V lithium battery.