Battery Acid all over the place!

[moto]

My battery seems to have leaked it's acid over pretty much everything during a long ride in hot weather - I noticed it running down the frame & when looked closer found it had gone everywhere, what a mess! - sadly the discharge tube was missing, but I'd like to know what caused it anyway - apparently the battery was new when I bought it (earlier this year) - was it the heat (35 - 40C) or something to do with the regulator? Maybe it's just a cheap crappy battery??

[moto]

.... aah, it seems the previous owner put a fresh battery in without checking the acid levels, it was right up to the top in several cells which may explain the leaking. I've taken some acid out & fitted a new discharge tube, but hopefully that's the end of it. Sadly the damage has been done

[pefrey]

A faulty voltage regulator overcharging your battery will do the same thing. If it happens again, check the VR. I think there is a write up in the wiki, or do a search. Pretty common.

[DonTZ125]

A failed-high VRR that boils the battery will leave the cells low; if the cells are still at or near the max when cold, it's less likely to be the regulator. Still something to check, though, just on basic principles.

[~JM~]

Get yourself a sealed AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) type of battery & never have this problem again.
http://www.batteriesplus.com/t-storeloc.aspx

I hate those cheap lead/acid wet cell batteries that puke fumes & acid onto your Bike.

~JM~