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Changing your own motorcycle battery is an easy project that anyone can do. Below are step-by-step instructions. Of course, you need a new battery first.
Side note, if you out and about and your battery just died, check out this post on how to push start your bike.
Steps to Changing a Motorcycle Battery
1) Locate your existing battery. The battery is typically found under the seat and/or behind a side panel.
2) Prepare the new battery. Batteries come in two general types: sealed and non-sealed. Sealed batteries are sometimes referred to as “maintenance free” batteries (requiring nothing), while non-sealed batteries require an electrolyte solution be poured into the battery chambers (accessed via those little plastic screw caps in the top of the battery).
Do yourself a favor and get a sealed battery. Make sure the battery is fully charged. This can be accomplished with a battery tender or other battery charger designed for motorcycle batteries. Do NOT use a car charger to charge a motorcycle battery.
3) Disconnect the existing battery. This is done negative (ground) cable FIRST. Once disconnected, make sure the negative cable is positioned in such a way that it can’t accidentally come in contact with the positive cable, positive terminal or any metal on the bike. Remove the positive (live) cable SECOND. Pull out the existing battery.
4) Clean things up. Check the existing cables for any cuts or frays. Clean up the cable connectors using a wire brush. You want a nice connection to your new battery. Make sure you dispose of your old battery properly. You can generally drop them off at gas stations, local shops, and/or local sanitation facilities for recycling.
5) Connect the new battery. This is done in the reverse of Step 3 above. Connect the positive cable FIRST. Attach the negative cable SECOND.
6) Close things back up and pat yourself on the back.
As always friends, good luck and happy wrenching.
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