How to Replace Your Motorcycles Battery

Replacing your motorcycle's battery may not sound like the most exciting maintenance to do but at one point or another, it will need to get done as all batteries good bad. The battery’s on a motorcycle are one of the most basic parts of a motorcycle but can also be confusing when changing out or choosing the battery you need. Also, every motorcycle can be slightly or dramatically different when changing out the battery, but we’ll give you a rundown on the basics about replacing a motorcycle battery.

Read the Manual:

You may think reading the manual for a battery change is unnecessary but the factory manual might offer something you were unaware about. It never hurts to read the manual especially if it's your first time performing a battery change. The manual will might also give you an idea of where to get started and give your tips like check the battery condition and electrolyte level; ensure the terminals are clean and tight, and that the battery is fastened securely.

Battery options:

Before starting the battery replacement process you’ll want to have whichever battery you need ready to go. Reading your manual will help you choose what battery you’ll need if you cannot tell by which battery is in your bike already. If you’re using a different battery (new), make sure the physical size is the same. Also, make sure the battery is of similar power to the one the motorcycle requires. You can also use the same battery if you were just charging it. Some batteries require being filed with acid, which in this case we recommend have a local motorcycle dealership fill it.

Accessing the Battery:

Typically, your motorcycle's battery sits right under the seat. If you just bought a new motorcycle and are unfamiliar with where the battery is, consult your owner’s manual to help you find it. (Another reason to have your manual handy) Batteries have also been known to be found inside the upper right fairing, under the fuel tank, and sometimes way off to the right side of the bike. So if you buy a new bike and cannot immediately find the bike, reference your manual!

Disconnection:

So now that you have read what your manual has to say about batteries and you’ve accessed it, it’s time to disconnect your cables. You will need to disconnect the negative cables first (typically black). Working on the negative side first will help you minimize the possibility of “grounding out” your battery. Once you have properly disconnected the negative cables, move on to the positive cables (typically red). If you switch the order of which cables you remove first, nothing bad will happen — if you don’t make contact between the positive side of the circuit and the ground. Many bikes use the frame as a ground, meaning any metal part near the positive terminal could be a path for electricity to travel.

Battery Extraction:

After properly removing all of the cables remove the battery out of the bike. The battery may be held down by a rubber strap, formed metal piece, or foam block that holds it in place. Inspect whatever holds your battery for cracks and or dry rot. Then get everything out of the way and pull the battery out. Make sure to be prepared to catch any lead nuts that the bolt retaining the cables thread into. Sometimes batteries have hollow terminals and will cause them to fall out and fall into a crevice in your bike which then makes them irretrievable.

Installing the New Battery:

So you should have your new or charged battery ready to be reinstalled. Make sure you don’t reverse the positive and negative terminals. A sealed battery will be easier to reinstall but if you are dealing with a non-sealed acid filled battery be sure to not spill any of the acids as you’ll risk damaging your bike or burning yourself. If you choose to go with a brand new battery that is a different brand from the one you had before make sure you are familiar with how to make it fit in your bike because some batteries may be smaller than anticipated but still fit and work for your motorcycle.

Proper Reconnection:

Reconnection and installation is the reverse of removal and the order in which you do things is important. Make sure that any lead nuts are put back into the terminal hollows and then put the battery back into its place. Now you will attach the cables and make sure they’re brushed off if they’re corroded or have white or blue powdered on them. If they are badly corroded you might need to replace those cables. Attach the positive cables then hook up the negative cables. Be sure to check you have the cables going to the right terminals otherwise you risk frying your electrical components or popping fuses. If you’re not sure, just stop and be sure to ask or find out because this could be a very expensive mistake!

Testing it:

Before you cover up and put everything back together, you’ll want to test your battery. Try flipping the key on to make sure you’ve got power. Make sure your connections are good and tight and on the correct terminals. If you see lights you’ve got power and are ready to close up and go. Reinstall what you removed and ride.

Conclusion:

Replacing your motorcycle's battery maybe a little tedious but it can be done with anyone who just puts in the care and attention. As we mentioned before, I can and will be different depending on the motorcycle but can be done with the help of your owner manual and tips from riders who have similar motorcycles. We hope this helps you in having a successful battery replacement and eventually helps you master replacements! Happy riding!

💰

GET FINANCED!

⏰

VALUE YOUR TRADE IN
30 SECONDS!

☎️

CALL NOW:

626-974-6600

✉️

EMAIL US!

customerservice@bertsmegamall.com

📍

GET DIRECTIONS!