Harley Davidson Battery Install or Replace: Tips, Proper Technique, and Disposal
Sure it doesn’t look quite as romantic when trying to storm-off on your Harley-Davidson in a fury as it did in the days of stomping down on a kickstarter. Truth of the matter is that the electric start has found a valuable and permanent place within the halls of motorcycling. The downside of course to the convenience of push-button starting is that like anything that requires a battery, life is finite and the day of replacement is inevitable.
The good news for Harley-Davidson riders everywhere is that the
process of battery replacement is a relatively simple one. In this
article, we’ll break it down into steps so easily digestible that even
the grandest of procrastinators should be inspired. Without further ado:
Step 1: Check your Current Battery
Just
like with automobiles, lawnmowers, and your kid’s Gameboy, not all
motorcycles take the same battery. Differences between physical
dimensions, charging time, and cold cranking amps result in a wide
variety of choices. The best way to ensure that you’re going to
replace the dead battery with the proper unit is to take a look at the
battery itself. Write down the brand and code number before beginning
your search. Many online sites and physical stores offer conversion
tables that will allow for the equivalent battery from a different
manufacturer. If in doubt, detach the dead battery and bring it with
you to the store. Not only is this a surefire way to insure that
you’ll get the proper replacement, there is usually a core charge that
is credited at the time of purchase when you return the old battery.
If
you completely doubt your abilities in this area, your motorcycle’s
owner’s manual should point you in the right direction. A
knowledgeable dealer should be able to tell you over the phone which
battery came stock on your particular model.
Step 2: Disconnection
Assuming
you haven’t yet disconnected the old battery as was recommended for
some in Step 1, take this opportunity to disconnect the positive and
negative terminal from the battery’s posts. Mounting designs may very
from requiring a small wrench to loosen a retaining nut to a Phillips
head screw. Pay special attention to the condition of the terminals
(at the end of the wires). Corrosion due to the acidic nature of
batteries is quite common and compromises the wires’ ability to flow
electricity. This is the perfect opportunity to sand away any such
corrosion using steel wool or a wire brush.
Step 3: Juice It Up
Most
motorcycle batteries require the addition of included electrolyte
solution before functioning (that’s the small white plastic container
filled with a clear to yellow liquid). Filling the battery typically
requires that you remove the battery’s plastic top cap then “punch” the
electrolyte dispenser down onto the plastic posts. From there the
solution will drain into the battery’s individual cells. Replace the
plastic top cap and move on to Step 4. However, occasionally
motorcycle batteries are sold as sealed units which means that the
cells already contain the required chemical mixture from the factory.
These typically require little more than installation into your machine.
Step 4: Charging
Before
installing the unit into your bike, place it on a battery charger for
the recommended duration (which will be disclosed in the literature
that came with the battery). Typically this takes 3 to 5 hours. Remember that batteries suffer from an effect called “cell memory”
which means that the battery will never function properly if you
improperly (meaning not fully) charge it initially.
Step 5: Installation
Reverse
the order of the removal process to install the new battery, connecting
the positive cable first (which is usually indicated by the red wire).
Reversing the polarity of a battery cannot only cause damage to the
electrical system of your motorcycle but could potentially make the
battery explode.
Tips
Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with or around battery acid.
Have
a paste of baking soda and water handy to apply to your skin should you
come in contact with acid as the base will neutralize its burning
effect.
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