Charging procedure for Ducati maintenance-free batteries

Charging procedure for Ducati maintenance-free batteries

This is to inform you of the proper charging procedure for maintenance free batteries installed on recent production Ducati motorcycles.
During PDI of a new motorcycle, the maintenance free battery must be removed from the motorcycle and properly charged. To insure proper operation of the battery please proceed as follows:

Safety First:
• Please remember that the battery liquid is a diluted acid solution.
Rinse abundantly with water if it gets in contact with any part of the
operator’s skin.
• In the event the battery liquid gets in contact with the operator’s eyes,
immediately rinse with abundant water and then seek medical
attention.
• Allow the battery to sit for 1 hour after filling with acid before putting
the top cover on.
• During charging, all batteries produce flammable gases. Do not
generate sparks, flames and do not smoke during battery charging,
otherwise the battery might explode.
• Charge batteries in a well ventilated area. Properly connect battery
charger cables positive to positive, and negative to negative.
• Only use the acid pack that comes with the battery.
Instructions for battery recharging:
Test battery charge using the Mathesis tester or a voltmeter, and recharge the battery when open-circuit voltage is lower than 13.2 volts.
Recharge only using constant-voltage battery charger designed for motorcycle maintenance-free batteries. Slow charge the battery at the lowest possible amperage rate per hour (2.5 A or less).
• Charging time must be 12 to 24 hours.
• Maximum charging current 2.5 A.
• Battery charger must supply 14.40 to 14.70 steady volts.
Quick recharge is only recommended in emergency cases.
In the event the battery is fully discharged and has been flat for more than 30 days, charge the battery with a steady current of 0.2 to 0.5 A for at least 10 to 12 hours.
Then slow charge as describe in the above procedure.
Important:
Maintenance free batteries tend to memorize the first charge they receive. If you quick charge a battery using current above 2.5A (6A to 20A) the initial voltage may not stabilize at the proper 13.8 V level required to maintain a full charge.
Initial charging voltage in the 12 V range will be memorized by the battery
and will never increase during future charges to the required 13.8V starting point.