The starting point is to differentiate between the two prominent battery chemistries used for motorcycles, and how they generate electricity.
Lead-acid (Pb)
This includes AGM (Advance Glass Mat), MF (Maintenance Free) and Gel, all of which contain lead plates and diluted sulphuric acid (AKA electrolyte). Power is generated through a chemical reaction at the surface of the plates, but two other things happen as a result. Lead-sulphate is produced and the electrolyte loses acidity (weakens).
Sulphate binds with the lead plates to form a soft snowflake-like crystal, called lead-sulphate. When the bike’s engine is running, the battery recharges
