Brand new battery

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a new battery from the store, and the current voltage level is 12.15 V.

I am wondering whether I should return the battery, as being deeply discharged can significantly affect its performance and longevity.

Do you think the current voltage level indicates a deep discharge?

What would be your recommendation?

Thank you in advance.

I will say that batteries off the shelf are generally not charged to 100% and have likely been sitting a while- I bought one for the wife’s SUV from Batteries + Bulbs several years ago and it wouldn’t start the car- what had to happen is that I had them charge it to full on their charger, then it ran the car normally.

Whenever I buy a battery now, I make sure they put it on the charger and charge it to full before we complete the transaction. If you have a Battery Tender or the like, you can install the battery, then put it on the tender and bring it up to full, or bring it back to where you bought it and have them charge it to full.

If you’re talking an AGM for the SWing that is at 12.15v, and it starts the scooter, I’d probably just call it done and ride a while to charge it up. If the voltage was something like <11V, then I might be more concerned. Plus, I assume the new battery has a warranty of some kind.

Erdoc48 wrote:

I will say that batteries off the shelf are generally not charged to 100% and have likely been sitting a while- I bought one for the wife’s SUV from Batteries + Bulbs several years ago and it wouldn’t start the car- what had to happen is that I had them charge it to full on their charger, then it ran the car normally.

Whenever I buy a battery now, I make sure they put it on the charger and charge it to full before we complete the transaction. If you have a Battery Tender or the like, you can install the battery, then put it on the tender and bring it up to full, or bring it back to where you bought it and have them charge it to full.

If you’re talking an AGM for the SWing that is at 12.15v, and it starts the scooter, I’d probably just call it done and ride a while to charge it up. If the voltage was something like <11V, then I might be more concerned. Plus, I assume the new battery has a warranty of some kind.

Thanks for your comment Erdoc48.

Yes, it is an AGM and it comes with a 2 years warranty, I went for the recommended in that forum 11.2 Amp upgrade.

A 12v lead acid/AGM/etc., battery is considered partially discharged below 12.6 volts/80%, a new battery should have/hold at between 12.7-13.2 volts, after driving vehicle or off the charger, a battery voltage of 12.15 is 50% discharged, take it back. Always check voltage with battery disconnected from vehicle, to eliminate possibility of parasitic draw or other issues affecting reading. BTW, make sure you have over 14 volts at battery at 3k rpm.

zrx212 wrote:

A 12v lead acid/AGM/etc., battery is considered partially discharged below 12.6 volts/80%, a new battery should have/hold at between 12.7-13.2 volts, after driving vehicle or off the charger, a battery voltage of 12.15 is 50% discharged, take it back. Always check voltage with battery disconnected from vehicle, to eliminate possibility of parasitic draw or other issues affecting reading. BTW, make sure you have over 14 volts at battery at 3k rpm.

That's exactly my concern.

The bike is fine, the old battery lasted 6 years and is still working but is not able to hold the charge more than 2 days above 12.2v. after charged.

I'm charging the new battery to see if it reaches the 12.7/12.8volts after charging and for how long it holds the voltage.

I'm really frustrated because the previous one, which I had to return, from a different brand and shop, was showing 11.7 volts out of the box. It seems that the batteries are not properly maintained in the shops.

Thanks.

I get all my motorcycle batteries at Batteries Plus(USA), because they are activated (electrolyte/acid is added) when I purchase it, try to find similar source on your side of pond.

zrx212 wrote:

I get all my motorcycle batteries at Batteries Plus(USA), because they are activated (electrolyte/acid is added) when I purchase it, try to find similar source on your side of pond.

I buy my batteries there also prices are good and it's always a just activated new battery. I did have one that leaked at about the 4 year mark and left a stain on the swingarm but not really noticeable and still worked fine. 4-5 years is the most time a use a battery and just replace it.

Under seat compartment has a small drain hole right near the battery on bottom corner.

Honda ST1300 battery is the popular replacement with a few more CCA amps and fits perfectly.

I have for many years, upon purchasing a battery for a bike, car or side by side or whatever simply charge it prior to use. I have chargers and battery maintainers so it is simple a matter of charging prior to install. Also if there is a problem the charger/maintainer will generally tell me so I can warranty it BEFORE install.

Car batteries I usually purchase local, while bikes/scooters I order online.

Good luck.

I charged the battery to 12.7 volts max capacity, but after 2 days, it dropped to 12.6 volts. Probably a bit worn but I think I going to keep it.

On a side note, here in the UK, batteries are not allowed to be sold with acid sold separately, meaning that is going to be a lottery find out an online battery fresh.

Yusepe wrote:

I charged the battery to 12.7 volts max capacity, but after 2 days, it dropped to 12.6 volts. Probably a bit worn but I think I going to keep it.

On a side note, here in the UK, batteries are not allowed to be sold with acid sold separately, meaning that is going to be a lottery find out an online battery fresh.

Sounds good- I would watch it the next few days and if the voltage stabilizes and drops no further, you’re likely good. The clock and FI computer eats a little current (not much) so in general, I would assume a little drop is OK, but if it’s more substantial with the bike sitting (like falls to low 12V range in a few days), then I would assume the battery may not be good, but based on what you indicated, that’s less likely. Maybe top it off from time to time with the charger if the bike will be sitting this winter.

Erdoc48 wrote:

Yusepe wrote:

I charged the battery to 12.7 volts max capacity, but after 2 days, it dropped to 12.6 volts. Probably a bit worn but I think I going to keep it.

On a side note, here in the UK, batteries are not allowed to be sold with acid sold separately, meaning that is going to be a lottery find out an online battery fresh.

Sounds good- I would watch it the next few days and if the voltage stabilizes and drops no further, you’re likely good. The clock and FI computer eats a little current (not much) so in general, I would assume a little drop is OK, but if it’s more substantial with the bike sitting (like falls to low 12V range in a few days), then I would assume the battery may not be good, but based on what you indicated, that’s less likely. Maybe top it off from time to time with the charger if the bike will be sitting this winter.

Thanks Erdoc.

Just to clarify, the battery is not installed; the 0.1v drop is on open circuit.

I understand now. Yes, I would just watch it for a few more days, and if the voltage does not drop any further, you are likely good.

Hi, you need to fully charge the battery, attach your multimeter across the terminals and hit the starter and watch what the voltage drops to, anything below a few volts battery is goosed.

JamieB wrote:

Hi, you need to fully charge the battery, attach your multimeter across the terminals and hit the starter and watch what the voltage drops to, anything below a few volts battery is goosed.  

well, if the engine is running and the alternator giving power I assume that the voltage is going to be quite high.

What do you mean by voltage drops?

Hi Yusepe.

What JamieB means about the "Voltage drop" is, connect your voltmeter onto the battery(normally crocodile clips).
Leave the meter switched on now turn the ignition key on and press the start button, watching what your meter reads in volts(the drop). If it drops more than 2/3 volts it is usually a sign the battery is on the way out.
With the engine running the meter should go up 13.8/14.2v indicating the charging circuit is working correctly.
hope this helps.

Be safe, be seen!

JohnyC wrote:

Hi Yusepe.

What JamieB means about the "Voltage drop" is, connect your voltmeter onto the battery(normally crocodile clips).
Leave the meter switched on now turn the ignition key on and press the start button, watching what your meter reads in volts(the drop). If it drops more than 2/3 volts it is usually a sign the battery is on the way out.
With the engine running the meter should go up 13.8/14.2v indicating the charging circuit is working correctly.
hope this helps.

Be safe, be seen!

Oh interesting. I didn't know I can test the battery that way. Cheers.

Hi Yusepe.

It's also worth noting that in my experience of English winters if you do not ride your bike at least once a week during spells of frosts, after a week of frost most bike batteries will be flat, even if stored in an out building but subject to temperature drop.
AGM, Lead acid, LiPo, there's no winners, apart from a good quality Lithium jump pack.

Hope this helps.

Be safe, be seen!