Forum

[Barry N]

I've bought a new battery (Exide YB14L-A2) and poured in the electrolyte that came with it. Now does it accumilate any charge by itself - sufficient to get going, or do I have to then charge it from scratch? I'm sure the guy behind the counter said "just leave it for about half an hour and it should be good to go". Is that right? If not, would my 500mA trickle charger or my 300mA battery-master (both of which satisfied my charging needs in the past) be sufficient to get this new battery up to speed? I have a car battery charger, but I'm sure I read somewhere that those might damage a bike battery. Thanks!

[Mark M]

The man behind the counter is right, put the electrolyte in, leave it (overnight might be best,) fit it and go for a good ride. Modern batteries are "dry charged" (I don't know how they manage this!) and can be damaged by extra charging when in this state.
REgards, Mark

[Frank]

Contrary to the advice I've had I'm afraid. Add acid leave an hour or so and then trickle charge for a few hours. Crucial to the longevity of the battery apparently. Right or wrong that's what I do and they do last a few years.

[jaffa90]

Just take a voltage reading after a few hours, if it`s 12.5v,dc or more it`s ok. I would not use a car charger at all.

[Les]

I am with Frank on this one I always charge after letting a newly filled battery rest I would recommend using a good intelligent, bike battery maintenance type of charger

[Dennis C]

Dry charged batteries are filled charged and then emptied and supplied dry they can be stored for around 18 months like this but will not supply a full charge until they have been charged, they can be put into use as your supplier states and will suffer no harm, the bike they are fitted to will charge them as normal. Some people prefer to charge thm before use that is their choice and does no harm either. You pays your money and takes your choice.

[Mark M]

Ahem, I said rest battery, fit then ride. Charge battery on bike and get some fun. Nobody spotted that... Simples!
REgards, Mark

[Exile]

Mark M nailed it. A new battery, newly filled with the proper electrolyte, is ready to go. Rest it for an hour or so after filling, fit and ride.

[jaffa90]

The battery shop recommend filling & charging.
http://thebatteryshop.co.uk/exide-yb14l ... -972-p.asp

[Leon Novello]

My battery came with instructions to charge it after filling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpg10yp4duo