Type
Your motorcycle uses an Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery. The AGM battery is permanently sealed, valve regulated, maintenance-free, lead/calcium and sulfuric acid battery. All batteries are shipped precharged and ready to be put into service. Do not attempt to open the battery for any reason.
Table 1. Antidotes for Battery Acid
CONTACT | TREATMENT |
---|
External | Flush with water. |
Internal | Drink large quantities of
milk or water, followed by milk of magnesia,
vegetable oil or beaten eggs. Get immediate medical attention. |
Eyes | Flush with water. Get
immediate medical attention. |
![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png)
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which could cause severe burns to eyes and skin. Wear a protective face shield, rubberized gloves and protective clothing when working with batteries. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN. (00063a)
![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png)
WARNING
Explosive hydrogen gas, which escapes during charging, could cause death or serious injury. Charge battery in a well-ventilated area. Keep open flames, electrical sparks and smoking materials away from battery at all times. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN. (00065a)
![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png)
WARNING
Batteries, battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, and other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. (00019e)
![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png)
WARNING
Never remove warning label from battery. Failure to read and understand all precautions contained in warning, could result in death or serious injury. (00064b)
Figure 1. Battery Warning Label
Figure 2. Battery Warning Label
Charging
An automatic, constant monitoring battery charger/tender with a charging rate of 5 amps or less at less than 14.6 volts is recommended. The use of constant current chargers (including trickle chargers) to charge sealed AGM batteries is not recommended. Any overcharge will cause dry-out and premature battery failure. Never charge a battery without first reviewing the instructions for the charger being used. In addition to the manufacturer's instructions, follow these general safety precautions.
Charge the battery if any of the following conditions exist:
Vehicle lamps appear dim.
Electric starter sounds weak.
Battery has not been used for an extended period of time.
![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png)
WARNING
Explosive hydrogen gas, which escapes during charging, could cause death or serious injury. Charge battery in a well-ventilated area. Keep open flames, electrical sparks and smoking materials away from battery at all times. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN. (00065a)
![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png)
WARNING
Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which could cause severe burns to eyes and skin. Wear a protective face shield, rubberized gloves and protective clothing when working with batteries. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN. (00063a)
1. | Perform a voltmeter test to determine the state of charge. If battery needs to be charged, proceed to the next step. | |
2. | Place the battery on a level surface. NOTE Do not use chargers with excessively high voltage designed for flooded batteries or excessively high current designed for much larger batteries. Charging should be limited to no more than 5 amps at no more than 14.6 volts. Most automatic, constant monitoring battery chargers are completely automatic and can be left connected to both AC power and to the battery that is being charged. When leaving this type of charger connected for extended periods of time, periodically check the battery to see if it is unusually warm. This is an indication that the battery may have a weak cell or internal short. Read the manufacturers instructions for the charger being used.
| |
| ![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png) WARNING Unplug or turn OFF battery charger before connecting charger cables to battery. Connecting cables with charger ON can cause a spark and battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00066a) ![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png) WARNING Connect positive (+) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00068a) ![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png) WARNING Disconnect negative (-) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00049a) NOTICE Do not reverse the charger connections described in the following steps or the charging system of the motorcycle could be damaged. (00214a) |
3. | Connect the red battery charger lead to positive (+) terminal of the battery. | |
4. | Connect the black battery charger lead to negative (-) terminal of the battery. NOTE If the battery is still in the vehicle, connect the negative lead to the chassis ground. Make sure that the ignition and all electrical accessories are turned off. | |
5. | Step away from the battery and turn on the charger. | |
| ![](/sip/blaise/resources/artwork/publication/icon-warning.png) WARNING Unplug or turn OFF battery charger before disconnecting charger cables from battery. Disconnecting clamps with charger ON can cause a spark and battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury. (00067a) |
6. | After the battery is fully charged, turn OFF the charger and disconnect the black battery charger lead to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. | |
7. | Disconnect the red battery charger lead to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. | |
8. | Mark the charging date on the battery. | |
Storage
If the motorcycle will not be operated for several weeks, such as during the winter season, remove the battery from the motorcycle and fully charge.
If the motorcycle is to be stored with the battery installed, it will be necessary to connect a automatic, constant monitoring charger/tender to maintain charge. See an authorized dealer for more information.
A battery that is removed from the vehicle is affected by self-discharge. A battery that is stored in the vehicle is affected by both self-discharge and, more significantly, parasitic loads. Parasitic loads occur from things like diode leakage and maintaining computer memory with the vehicle off.
Batteries self-discharge at a faster rate at higher ambient temperatures.
To reduce the self-discharge rate, store battery in a cool, dry place.
Charge the battery every two weeks if stored in the vehicle.
Charge the battery once per month if stored out of the vehicle.
Figure 3. Effective Rate of Temperature on Battery Self-discharging Rate