Battery Safety

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)

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)

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)

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)

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery Charging Information

The motorcycle has a permanently sealed, maintenance-free Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery design that is superior to conventional flooded lead acid batteries. This battery design will provide many years of dependable service when the proper battery charging equipment and storage procedures are used. Because of the sealed, nonspillable battery design, an automatic, constant monitoring battery charger/tender with a charging rate of 5 amps or less at less than 14.6 volts is recommended to prevent overcharging conditions that will dry out the cells of the battery. Constant current battery chargers (including trickle chargers) are not recommended and can damage AGM batteries. Do not attempt to open the battery for any reason.

A Harley-Davidson constant monitoring battery charger or tender is recommended to maintain a full charge between rides or when your motorcycle will not be ridden for more than two weeks. The best practice is installing the charger/tender any time the motorcycle is not in use. Harley-Davidson offers a variety of fully automatic charger/tenders (North American and international versions available). These battery charger/tenders include a quick disconnect cable, allowing easy connection to charge the battery without disassembly of the motorcycle.

Lack of regular battery charging or use of constant current battery chargers may void battery warranty.

Cleaning and Inspecting

Battery top must be clean and dry. Dirt and electrolyte on top of the battery can cause battery to self-discharge.

Clean top of battery.
Clean cable connectors and battery terminals using a wire brush or fine grit sandpaper to remove any oxidation.
Inspect and clean the battery screws, clamps and cables. Check for breakage, loose connections and corrosion.
Check the battery posts for melting or damage caused by over-tightening.
Inspect the battery for discoloration, a raised top or a warped or distorted case. Any of these conditions indicate that the battery has been frozen, overheated or overcharged.
Inspect the battery case for cracks or leaks.

Charging and Storing the Battery

A battery that is left in the motorcycle can either self-discharge or discharge from parasitic loads. Parasitic loads occur from things like diode leakage and maintaining computer memory. A battery that is removed from the motorcycle can also self-discharge. It is not necessary to remove battery from vehicle for storage.

Batteries self-discharge at a faster rate at higher ambient temperatures.
To reduce the self-discharge rate, store battery in a cool, dry place.

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 the general safety precautions.

Charge the battery when:

Motorcycle lights appear dim.
Electric starter sounds weak.
Battery has not been used for two weeks or more.

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)

NOTE

Make sure that the ignition and all electrical accessories are turned off.

Always follow charging instructions supplied with the charger/tender.

1.	With battery in the motorcycle. a. Connect battery charger/tender lead to motorcycle battery tender connector. See Service Procedures → Battery Tender Connector. b. When charging is completed turn OFF the charger. Disconnect the motorcycle battery tender connector.
2.	With battery removed from motorcycle. a. Place the battery on a level surface. b. Connect battery charger/tender lead to battery connector adapter lead supplied with the battery charger/tender. c. NOTICE Do not reverse the charger connections described in the following steps or the charging system of the motorcycle could be damaged. (00214a) Connect the red battery charger lead to the positive terminal of the battery. d. Connect the black battery charger lead to the negative terminal of the battery. e. Step away from the battery and turn on the charger. f. 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) When charging is completed turn OFF the charger. Disconnect the black battery charger lead. Disconnect the red battery charger lead.