How Long Should You Charge a New 250CC Battery for a Dirt Bike?

• Batteries on dirt bikes take a beating and need to be replaced frequently. dirt biking image by Morkidz photography from Fotolia.com

Don't Charge It

• A new battery comes from the store with a full charge or nearly full charge. Install the battery in the bike, hit the starter and take it for a ride. The bike's charging system will charge the battery up to its full capacity.

Top-Off Charge

• Though batteries are fully charged when they leave the factory, with time they will lose their charge. Put a new battery on a charger before installing and bring the voltage up to 12.6 volts before installing. This will save wear and tear on the bike's charging system.

Bottom Line

• Test the battery with a voltage meter before installing. If it measures less than 10.2 volts, charge the battery before trying to start the bike. If it measures more than 10.2 volts, install, start the bike and let the charging system bring it up to full charge.