Type
Your motorcycle uses a permanently sealed, 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. |
WARNINGBatteries 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)
WARNINGExplosive 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)
WARNINGBatteries, 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)
WARNINGNever remove warning label from battery. Failure to read and understand all precautions contained in warning, could result in death or serious injury. (00064b)
| 1 | Contents are corrosive |
| 2 | Wear safety glasses |
| 3 | Contents are explosive |
| 4 | Keep flames away |
| 5 | Read instructions |
| 6 | Keep away from children |
Figure 1. Battery Warning Label
Figure 2. Battery Warning Label Location
Voltmeter Test
Refer to Table 2. The voltmeter test provides a general indicator of battery condition. Check the voltage of the battery to verify that it is in a 100 percent fully charged condition. If the open circuit (disconnected) voltage reading is below 12.6V, charge the battery and then re-check the voltage after the battery has set for one to two hours.
Table 2. Voltmeter Test
READING IN VOLTS | PERCENT OF CHARGE |
|---|---|
12.7 | 100 |
12.6 | 75 |
12.3 | 50 |
12.0 | 25 |
11.8 | 0 |
Cleaning and Inspection
Battery top must be clean and dry. Dirt and electrolyte on top of the battery can cause battery to self-discharge.
- Clean battery top with a solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water. Use 5 teaspoons baking soda per quart or liter of water.
- When the solution stops bubbling, rinse off the battery with clean water.
- 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 overtightening.
- Inspect the battery for discoloration, a raised top or a warped or distorted case. This might indicate that the battery has been frozen, overheated or overcharged.
- Inspect the battery case for cracks or leaks.
Charging
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.
WARNINGExplosive 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)
WARNINGBatteries 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. | |
NOTICE Remove battery from motorcycle before charging. Electrolyte leakage will damage motorcycle parts. (00213a) | ||
| 2. | Remove the battery from the motorcycle. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Battery: Softail Models. | |
| 3. | Place the battery on a level surface. NOTE
| |
| 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) WARNINGConnect 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) WARNINGDisconnect 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) | ||
| 4. | Connect the red battery charger lead to positive (+) terminal of the battery. | |
| 5. | 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. | |
| 6. | Step away from the battery and turn on the charger. | |
| 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) | ||
| 7. | After the battery is fully charged, turn OFF the charger and disconnect the black battery charger lead to the negative (-) terminal of the battery. | |
| 8. | Disconnect the red battery charger lead to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. | |
| 9. | Mark the charging date on the battery. |
Table 3. 19 Amp Hour Battery Charging Rates/Times
READING (VOLTS) | PERCENT OF CHARGE | 3 AMP CHARGER | 6 AMP CHARGER | 10 AMP CHARGER | 20 AMP CHARGER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12.7 | 100 | - | - | - | - |
12.6 | 75 | 1 hour 50 minutes | 55 minutes | 30 minutes | 15 minutes |
12.3 | 50 | 3 hours 40 minutes | 1 hour 50 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes | 30 minutes |
12.0 | 25 | 5 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours 40 minutes | 1 hours 35 minutes | 45 minutes |
11.8 | 0 | 7 hours | 3 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours 5 minutes | 1 hour 5 minutes |
Storage
NOTICE
Turn engine over a few times to be sure there is no oil in the crankcase and that all oil has been pumped back into the oil tank. Stop engine and re-check oil level. Failure to do so can result in engine damage. (00071a)
NOTICE
Do not allow battery to completely discharge. The electrolyte in a discharged battery will freeze. The more discharged a battery is, the more easily it can freeze and crack the battery case. (00218a)
If the motorcycle will not be operated for several months, 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 battery tender to maintain charge. See an authorized dealer for more information.
Self-discharge is a normal condition and occurs continuously. The rate of self-discharge depends on the ambient temperature and the battery's state of charge.
- Batteries discharge at a faster rate at higher ambient temperatures.
- To reduce the self-discharge rate, store battery in a cool (not freezing), dry place.
- Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60° F. (16° C).
- Charge the battery more frequently if stored in a warm area above 60° F. (16° C).
| 1 | Capacity |
| 2 | Months of stand |
| 3 | Measured at 105 F (40 C) |
| 4 | Measured at 77 F (25 C) |
Figure 3. Effective Rate of Temperature on Battery Self-discharging Rate