Every motorcycle owner should learn some basic motorcycle maintenance. I think replacing a motorcycle battery is both an easy and important job to be able to do. Just like any other vehicle, a motorcycle will need a fresh battery at some point. Even using a battery tender we have to replace our batteries every two years. Being able to replace it yourself will save you time and money.
Removing a battery is a pretty simple process on a motorcycle, but it can vary from bike to bike so always check your service manual.
How to Remove Motorcycle Battery
1. Battery frame ground 2. Negative battery cable 3. Positive battery cable
1. Remove the seat.
2. If equipped with security system siren, turn the ignition switch ON with the handsfree fob
present to disarm the security system. I do not have a security system. Make sure you check your owner’s manual. The above information is all my owner’s manual shows.
3. Loosen bolt and remove the negative battery cable (black) from battery negative (-) terminal.
4. Loosen bolt and remove the positive battery cable (red) from battery positive (+) terminal.
5. Lift battery from battery box within oil tank cavity.
Installation and Connection
WARNING!!!
Do not overtighten bolts on battery terminals. Use the recommended torque values. Overtightening battery terminal bolts could result in damage to battery terminals.
Connect positive (+) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact the ground with negative () cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. Do not allow positive (+) battery cable to contact the ground with negative (-) cable connected. Resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (this was taken directly from owner’s manual)
1. Place the fully charged battery into the battery box located within oil tank cavity, terminal
side forward.
2. Attach battery positive cable (+) (red) to battery positive (+) terminal.
3. Tighten fastener to 60-70 inch lbs (6.87.9 Nm).
4. Attach battery negative cable (black) to battery negative (-) terminal.
5. Tighten fastener to 60-70 inch lbs (6.87.9 Nm).
6. Apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or corrosion retardant material to both battery terminals.
7. Install seat. After installing the seat, pull upward on the seat to be sure it is locked in position. While riding, a loose seat can shift causing loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury.
The steps I’ve outlined are directly from the 2013 Harley Davidson Softail Models owner’s manual. Always refer to your owners manual when doing any type of maintenance or repairs.
I think it’s really cool that you do all this by yourself! Can’t say I’d even know where to start!
Thanks! I have to be honest, I am incredibly lucky to have a husband that’s willing to teach me. He worked at a Harley dealership and has a large YouTube maintenance channel. A few years ago when I asked him to show me how to do some of the work on my motorcycle I didn’t even know how to properly hold or use the tools.
You have a really cool niche that you blog about. I don’t have a motorbike but I find your posts so interesting 🙂 now I know how to change the battery on a bike!
It’s so cool that you know how to do that! I never knew that the batteries could be under the seat. The motorcycle/scooter hybrid my mom had, under her seat was storage.
Oh wow, I don’t even know how to drive lol. I’ve always loved motorcycles though and loved going on a ride (as a passenger). Kudos to you for riding and knowing how to do this stuff.
Oh my, I honestly hope I’ll never have to do this myself! I mean, as much as I love doing and learning all kind of stuff so I am not dependant on men… this just… I’ll rather pass on 😀 But kuddos to you for being a true wonder woman to me…! 😉
HA! Let me tell you if my husband is home or I can wait for him to do it I will! Batteries like this make me a bit anxious but I wanted to know how to do it and show other riders that it’s not too bad of a process.
Even though I have no idea what are you talking about I think that your niche is totally great. Not many bloggers like that and I think tips you give are super useful for bike lovers
This is an awesome and useful post for those with a bike. You go into such detail with your description and photos. And great job for learning this skill… not many ppl change their batteries, so kudos to you!!
It’s such a cool thing.. a girl knows how to handle her bike. I’m sharing this article and blog with all my friends:)
Thanks for sharing! I don’t have a motorcycle but love learning how to do new things. You never know when a skill will come in handy!