Charging
A digital voltmeter and a charger with an adjust-
able amperage output are required when charging a
maintenance free battery. If this equipment is not
available, have the battery charged by a shop with
the proper equipment. Excessive voltage and am-
perage from an unregulated charger can damage the
battery and shorten service life.
A battery self-discharges approximately one per-
cent of its given capacity each day. If the battery is
not in use (without any loads connected), and loses
its charge within a week after charging, the battery
is defective.
If the motorcycle is not used for long periods of
time, an automatic battery charger with variable
voltage and amperage outputs is recommended for
optimum battery service life.
WARNING
During charging, highly explosive hy
drogen gas is released from the bat
tery. Only charge the battery in a
well ventilated area away from open
flames, including appliance pilot
lights. Do not allow smoking in the
area. Never check the charge of the
battery by arcing across the termi
nals; the resulting spark can ignite the
hydrogen gas.
CAUTION
Always disconnect the battery cables
from the battery. If the cables are left
connected during the charging proce
dure, the charger may damage the di
odes within the voltage regulator/rect
ifier.
NOTE
Some maintenance chargers can be
used while the battery is connected to
the motorcycle. These types of charg
ers are specifically designed for mo
torcycle
batteries
and
will
not
damage the diodes in the regula
tor/rectifier.
1. Remove the battery from the motorcycle as de-
scribed in this section.
2. Set the battery on a stack of newspapers or shop
cloths to protect the surface of the workbench.
3. Connect the positive charger lead to the positive
battery terminal and the negative charger lead to the
negative battery terminal.
4. Set the charger to 12 volts. If the output of the
charger is variable, it is best to select the low set-
ting.
CAUTION
Never set the battery charger to more
than 4 amps. The battery will be dam
aged if the charge rate exceeds 4
amps.
5. The charging time depends on the discharged
condition of the battery. Use the charging amperage
and length of time suggested on the battery label.
Normally, a battery should be charged at a slow rate
of 1/10 its rated capacity.
6. Turn the charger on.
7. After the battery has been charged for the
pre-determined time, turn the charger off and dis-
connect the leads.
8. Wait 30 minutes, and then measure the battery
voltage. Refer to the following:
a. If the battery voltage is greater than 12.8
volts, the battery is fully charged.
b. If the battery voltage is less than 12.8 volts,
the battery is undercharged and requires
charging.
9. If the battery remains stable for one hour, the
battery is charged.
LUBRICATION, MAINTENANCE AND TUNE-UP
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Battery
Digital voltmeter