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Motorcycles are very hard on batteries because they typically have permanent magnet alternators with shunt-type voltage regulators. These alternators have low output at idle while the regulator must dump the excess voltage as heat with the engine at high speed. Automotive alternators have...

Actually, charging is the only way. Lead sulfate forms at both the cathode and anode plates during discharge, that is why the specific gravity drops as the sulfuric acid is converted to lead sulfate. Most batteries have dense-packed construction to protect against vibration and shock. In...

All good points TN Col. As batteries age, the lead sulfate which forms as a result of discharge form into a crystalline form which is very hard to revert to lead/lead oxide in the charging process. Most chargers, including the regulator on the alternator are just voltage regulators and these...

It takes more than 2 hours to fully charge dead batteries. There is no way to fully charge batteries quickly because as soon as you get the voltage over 28.8, the batteries generate hydrogen. Also, fully discharged batteries charged with the alternator can become over heated. It is always...

The hotel load (lights, etc) is minimal. With a properly functioning 60 A alternator, you will get a 90% charge in 2 hours. Remember, the alternator puts out 60 A only when the engine is at least 1800 RPM and the voltage at the batteries is 24. As voltage climbs, current falls. The batteries...