Trickle Charger installation

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Jan 3, 2009 | 06:34 PM

HuronBob

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Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2007

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From: none

Trickle Charger installation

OK...I know, I'm being lazy. I picked up a charger from the dealer, and want to quickly throw it on the bike (bike is parked in a corner of the garage that makes it difficult to access the left side).

I pulled the battery cover (2006 Custom), it appears that, in order to attach the negative clamp directly to the battery, I need to pull the battery out of the bike. Next spring I'll install the connector, but, for now I want to just keep the battery charged..

The question, can I attach the negative clamp to any bare metal part of the bike?

TIA!

Bob

Jan 3, 2009 | 07:05 PM

DPete

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 39,863

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From: Central, Ca.

I would hook it to the neg post on the engine where the neg cable attaches, did mine that a way

Jan 3, 2009 | 07:28 PM

jacktana

Advanced

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 57

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From: Albuquerque Area

At the Frame

I also attached mine at the frame. Much easier and electrically equivalent.

Jan 3, 2009 | 07:34 PM

Rockport

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 178

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From: Rockport, Texas

Just picked up a charger myself. The installation looks like you have to slide the battery almost completely out in order to attach to the negative post. Positive post is pretty easy to get at.

+1 on attaching it somewhere on the frame. Ground should be just as good since the neg pole of the battery is attached to the frame.

Jan 3, 2009 | 08:03 PM

HarleyScuba

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

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From: Manassas, VA

I've connected the neg. clamp to the rear brake disc. It makes a ground and charges fine. I've inspected the bearings when changing the tire and everything looks good. A Battery Tender is OK, but I'd be worried about heat if you use the brake disc with a higher amp charger or a jump start.
EDIT: Disconnect the neg. at the frame ground mount, not at the battery, pull the battery up then remove the neg. battery terminal on the battery to install the Tender pig-tail. Reverse for install.

Last edited by HarleyScuba; Jan 3, 2009 at 08:06 PM.

Jan 3, 2009 | 08:45 PM

Yatez004

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 252

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From: New Hampshire

Take the seat off the battery is a little more accessable...If not you can attach it like everyone else said to where the ground cable goes to the motor.

Jan 4, 2009 | 12:33 AM

203Cree

Road Master

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 809

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From: Olathe KS

It is really not that difficult to take the battery out and do a full installation bro. One 10 mm bolt and some creative thinking. I just put mine on today, took all of 15 mins, and that's because I tried doing more work than I needed to.

Frame mount works fine, but if you're not going to leave it there, just do it once and pull the battery. Saves time in the long run that way.