Never had any luck getting the plastic cover off to fully expose my battery. Last week I began to have starting issues. One or two slow turns before it would start. Volt meter at almost 14v while running. Barely at 10v when not.
Before going to dealer for battery service or replacement I again tried to access the battery. I could pry the cover up enough to get a wrench on the pos. terminal. I found it slightly loose. I loosened it a bit more, wiggled it back and forth to break up the crud and tightened it properly.
Immediately the volt gauge showed over 11v when not running and the bike is back to starting properly.
Now I have the choice to:
Leave it alone
Try again to remove the cover and clean it up (and test it) properly
Have dealer service and test battery and related systems
If the cover were easy to get off it would be a simple choice. Anyone else have a similar problem?

 

you have an ultra classic...so battery is under the seat...remove the rear thumb screw that holds down the seat and the battery is where you nuts would be. There's a hold down flang held in place by 1 screw.

you need a hand held volt meter to check battery state of charge at rest. at rest means no load, ignition off. 12.8v is about a 90% charge, and 12.25v is about a 40% state of charge.

 

Not sure how it is on an 09, but my 2011 has the 2 screws on the rear of the tray and a "hook" of sorts on the front of the tray that is kinda hidden lower( front side of battery) if that makes any sense!!

 

Like he said, no problem getting the cover off.
It's a big *** hook on the front side holding in on.

I did mine under an over pass in Hot Springs in 101 degree temps with the motor running, to check my terminals. All were tight, I needed a battery.
Luckily there are several hills to push the bike down to get it started around Hot Springs.

 

I think my problem stems from not removing everything blocking the hook. I got that far and just couldn't get the extension on the tray to go over the hook.
Anyway, since I have the extended warrantee I figure I can roll into the dealer and have them do the whole procedure and test and pay just the deductible if there's anything defective.
I know batteries are usually easy but there are so many things crowded into that area that I just couldn't unhook the front of the battery cover. I've read in this forum about others having similar issues. I know it sounds dumb. Battery cover is not supposed to be the issue that prevents simple repairs.

 

walmart battery about 79...battery charger about 20.

 

I had to have the battery replaced in my 09 when it was less than a year old.It wouldn't start the bike on a hot day in a traffic jam.The alarm was going off,lights flashing,and my buddies giving me a hard time.

 

I finally took the time to cut all the tie wraps and really expose the cover. It came off with a bit of convincing and after some cleaning and servicing everything is working properly. Thanks to all for the push and for their personal experiences.

 

glad it worked out for ya, i wasn't that lucky my 10 month old battery took a dump wouldn't take a full charge, i know what ya mean about the top plate it's a bitch, they replaced mine so I'm happy on that.

 

Just remember the battery is only warrantied for 6 months. Towing & everything else is not covered uner the extended warranty.