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 for 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.
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)
Figure 1. Battery Warning Label
1Contents are corrosive
2Wear safety glasses
3Contents are explosive
4Keep flames away
5Read instructions
6Keep away from children
Figure 2. Battery Warning Label
Voltmeter Test
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 12.7 V, charge the battery. Recheck the voltage after the battery has set for one to two hours. Refer to Table 2.
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.
  1. Clean battery top.
  2. Clean cable connectors and battery terminals using a wire brush or fine grit sandpaper to remove any oxidation.
  3. Inspect and clean the battery screws, clamps and cables. Check for breakage, loose connections and corrosion.
  4. Check the battery posts for melting or damage caused by over-tightening.
  5. Inspect the battery for discoloration, a raised top or a warped or distorted case. These conditions might indicate that the battery has been frozen, overheated or overcharged.
  6. Inspect the battery case for cracks or leaks.
Charging
NOTE
When using the factory installed battery tender connector, the main fuse and P&A fuse must both be installed.
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:
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 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. Do not charge at more than 5 amps or 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 manufacturer's instructions for the charger being used.
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)
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)
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.
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. Disconnect the black battery charger lead from the negative terminal of the battery.
7. Disconnect the red battery charger lead from 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 will be stored with the battery installed, connect an automatic, constant monitoring charger/tender to maintain charge. See an authorized Harley-Davidson 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.
1Capacity
2Months of non-use
3Measured at 105 °F (40 °C)
4Measured at 77 °F (25 °C)
Figure 3. Effective Rate of Temperature on Battery Self-discharging Rate