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How to Maintain Your Motorcycle, Jet Ski & Summer Toy Batteries with a Charger

Power - by Joe Weber - updated on 9/26/2025

Powersport charger on a counter

As summer winds down, many riders are thinking about parking their motorcycles, jet skis, ATVs, or UTVs for the season. But before you roll them into storage, there's one crucial step you can't skip—maintaining the battery. Without proper care, your battery can lose its charge over the winter months, leaving you stranded come spring.

That's where a battery charger or maintainer comes in. These tools keep your battery in top shape while your ride is tucked away, ensuring it's ready to roar back to life when warm weather returns.

Key Takeaways

  • Use a charger or maintainer to prevent your motorcycle, jet ski, ATV, or UTV battery from discharging in storage.
  • Smart chargers and maintainers automatically monitor and adjust charge levels, preventing overcharging.
  • Proper battery care now saves money later by extending the life of your powersports batteries.
  • Batteries Plus carries chargers for every application, plus replacement motorcycle, ATV, jet ski, and UTV batteries if you need a fresh start next season.

Why You Need a Battery Maintainer for Seasonal Powersports Batteries

When left unused for long stretches, lead-acid and AGM batteries naturally self-discharge. Cold weather accelerates this process, often leading to dead or damaged batteries in the spring. That means extra hassle—and unnecessary costs.

By connecting your battery to a maintainer, you:

  • Prevent sulfation, a buildup that permanently reduces battery capacity, not just in your toys but in your car or truck battery, too.
  • Avoid deep discharges, which shorten overall battery life.
  • Ensure a full charge, so your motorcycle, jet ski, or ATV starts up without issue.

Chargers vs. Maintainers: What's the Difference?

  • Battery Chargers: Recharge a dead or low battery to full power. Great if your battery is already drained.
  • Battery Maintainers (a.k.a. Battery Tenders®): Provide a steady, low-level charge that keeps your battery at an optimal level without overcharging. Ideal for long-term storage.

For winter storage, a maintainer is your best bet.

Best Charger Options for Motorcycles, Jet Skis & ATVs

At Batteries Plus, you'll find chargers and maintainers designed for all types of powersports batteries, including motorcycle batteries, jet ski batteries, ATV/UTV batteries, and more. Popular options include:

Don't Forget About Your Other Summer Toys

It's not just motorcycles that need battery care before storage. If you own:

…all of these rely on batteries that can lose charge during the off-season. A charger or maintainer keeps them ready to go when you are.

Where to Find the Right Battery Charger

Visit your local Batteries Plus for expert advice on which charger or maintainer best fits your ride. While you're there, you can also:

FAQ: Motorcycle & Jet Ski Battery Chargers

Q: Can I use the same charger for my motorcycle and jet ski?

A: Yes—most smart chargers and maintainers work with multiple types of powersports batteries, including motorcycles, ATVs, and jet skis. Always check the voltage compatibility before connecting.

Q: Is a 5-amp charger too much for a motorcycle battery?

A: In most cases, yes. Motorcycle batteries are much smaller than car batteries and typically require a lower charging rate. Using a 5-amp charger can overcharge or even damage the battery if left connected for too long. Instead, look for a smart charger or maintainer in the 0.75 to 2 amp range, which is designed to safely charge and maintain motorcycle, ATV, and jet ski batteries without risk of overheating or shortening battery life.

Q: How often should I charge my motorcycle battery in the winter?

A: With a maintainer, you don't have to worry about timing. It automatically keeps your battery topped off without overcharging.

Q: Can I leave my battery connected to the charger all winter?

A: Yes, if you're using a smart charger or maintainer. These are designed for long-term, worry-free use.

Q: What if my battery is already dead after storage?

A: A standard charger can usually bring it back to life. If the battery won't hold a charge, it may be time for a replacement.

Don't Let Winter Kill Your Motorcycle or Jet Ski Battery

End-of-season prep isn't complete until you take care of your batteries. By connecting your motorcycle, jet ski, ATV, or other summer toys to a charger or maintainer, you'll protect your investment and avoid the frustration of a dead battery in the spring.

Stop by your nearest Batteries Plus for expert help, reliable chargers, and the best replacement powersports batteries. Because when the warm weather returns, the last thing you'll want to do is wait to ride.

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