I've read several posts saying that it is very bad to let a motorcycle battery freeze. I've stored mine in the garage on a battery tender. The outside temperature doesn't usually drop below zero, but I'd like to know that I won't ruin the battery if it ever does. I'm not too keen on storing a battery indoors (especially while charging). Are there any other options?
Also, why don't car batteries have this problem? Is it because automobile batteries are sealed?
I may have answered my own question:
It seems that the major damage generated by freezing is that the expanded electrolyte will crack the plastic casing.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/battery.htm (http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/maintenance/battery.htm)
QuoteStore your bike in a place that is always warmer than 32 degrees. If your bike is outside remove the battery from your bike and store it in a location that is always warmer than 32 degrees. This will insure [sic] that your battery does not freeze and crack.
Fortunately, the following information shows that battery freezing is generally a low risk:
http://www.batteryweb.com/faqbw.cfm#q30 (http://www.batteryweb.com/faqbw.cfm#q30)
QuoteIn a partially discharged state, the electrolyte in a lead acid battery may freeze. At a 40% state of charge, electrolyte will freeze if the temperature reaches approximately 16.0°F (-9°C). The freezing temperature of the electrolyte in a fully charged battery is -92.0°F (-69°C).
note: italics added for convenience
and
http://www.xs11.com/tips/maintenance/maint3.shtml (http://www.xs11.com/tips/maintenance/maint3.shtml)
QuoteThe primary concern with cold weather storage, the kind everyone frets about in winter, is freezing of the electrolyte. But electrolyte freezing is not a concern in America if the charge level of the battery is 65% or greater. The best treatment for wintertime storage is to charge the battery to near full as possible, then keep it outside where it is cold. The very worst thing to do is take it inside and keep it warm and unattended next to the furnace. That will quickly cause it to develop the summer death syndrome.
You got it. A motorcycle battery is no more at risk of freezing than a car battery by design.
The problem is most roll their bikes into a dark, cold corner for the winter. ;)
Dont worry no issue.