Removal/Installation
1. Securely support the motorcycle on a level sur-
face.
2. Remove the battery cover as described in Chap-
ter Fourteen.
3. Disconnect the negative cable (A,
Figure 46
)
from the battery.
4. Pull back the boot and disconnect the positive
cable (B,
Figure 46
).
5. Remove the battery hold-down strap (C,
Figure
46
), and lift the battery from the battery box.
6. Set the battery on some newspapers or shop
cloths to protect the workbench surface.
7. After the battery has been recharged or replaced,
install it by reversing these removal steps. Note the
following:
a. Apply dielectric grease to each battery termi-
nal.
b. Connect the positive cable to the battery, then
connect the negative cable.
c. Tighten each screw securely.
Inspection
Check the state of charge in a maintenance free
battery by measuring the voltage with the battery
disconnected from the motorcycle.
If electrolyte spills onto your clothing or skin, im-
mediately neutralize the electrolyte with a solution
of baking soda and water.
WARNING
A damaged battery case could leak
electrolyte. Electrolyte splashed into
the eyes is extremely harmful. Always
wear safety glasses when servicing a
battery. If you get electrolyte in your
eyes, call a physician immediately.
Force your eyes open and flush them
with cool, clean water for approxi
mately 15 minutes or until medical
help arrives.
1. Remove the battery as described in this section.
Do not clean the battery while it is mounted in the
frame.
2. Inspect the battery pads in the battery box for
contamination or damage. Clean the pads and com-
partment with a solution of baking soda and water.
3. Set the battery on a stack of newspapers or shop
cloths to protect the workbench surface.
4. Check the entire battery case for cracks or other
damage. If the battery case is warped, discolored or
has a raised top, the battery has been overcharging
or overheating.
5. Check the battery terminals and bolts for corro-
sion or damage. Clean parts thoroughly with a solu-
tion of baking soda and water. Replace severely
corroded or damaged parts.
6. If the top of the battery is corroded, clean it with
a stiff bristle brush using the baking soda and water
solution.
7. Check the battery cable terminals for corrosion
and damage. If corrosion is minor, clean the battery
cable terminals with a stiff wire brush. Replace se-
verely worn or damaged cables.
NOTE
Measure the open circuit voltage
when battery temperature is 20° C
(68° F). Use a digital voltmeter when
checking the battery’s voltage. The
precision of a digital meter helps to
accurately determine the battery’s
state of charge.
8. Check the state of charge by connecting a digital
voltmeter across the battery terminals. Connect the
voltmeter negative test lead to the negative battery
terminal and the positive test lead to the positive ter-
minal (
Figure 47
).
a. If the battery voltage is 12.8 volts or higher,
the battery is fully charged.
b. If the battery voltage is 12.0-12.8 volts, the
battery is undercharged and requires charg-
ing.
c. If battery voltage is less than 12.0 volts, re-
place the battery.
74
CHAPTER THREE
46