How to Replace Your Motorcycle Battery Without Starting a Fire | The Shop Manual

Summary

Swapping a motorcycle battery may seem easy, but it comes with hidden dangers and frustrations. This video guides you through the process with expert tips, from selecting the right battery to safely removing and replacing it. Key advice includes disconnecting the negative lead first, using shims to secure terminal nuts, and ensuring bolts are tight to prevent sparking or stalling. With a focus on safety and efficiency, the video empowers you to tackle this job confidently, avoiding common mistakes and ensuring a successful battery replacement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Swapping a motorcycle battery is easier than it seems, but there are safety and technical details to keep in mind.
• 😀 Mishandling a motorcycle battery can lead to dangerous situations like fires or electrical shorts.
• 😀 Always disconnect the negative lead first when removing a battery to avoid electrical shorts or sparks.
• 😀 Choose a factory activated battery for easier installation — no need to add acid or wait for it to charge.
• 😀 Motorcycle batteries vary in size, capacity, cranking amps, and terminal orientation, so always check compatibility before purchase.
• 😀 When replacing a battery, ensure you recycle the old one at an auto parts store or a cycle gear store.
• 😀 Terminal nuts can be difficult to handle; using ear plugs to shim out the nuts can make the job easier and prevent lost pieces.
• 😀 Tightening the terminal bolts securely is crucial to prevent arcing, sparking, and potential power loss while riding.
• 😀 Replacing the battery is only one part of maintaining your bike’s charging system — check the charging system if you’re experiencing battery issues.
• 😀 If you enjoy learning about motorcycle maintenance and want to support the show, consider purchasing from Revzilla.

Q & A

What is the first step when replacing a motorcycle battery?

The first step is selecting a new battery. It's important to choose the right battery size, capacity, and terminal orientation for your motorcycle. You can simplify the process by entering your bike’s make and model on websites like Revzilla to find the correct options.

Why should you always disconnect the negative lead first when working with a motorcycle battery?

Disconnecting the negative lead first prevents the risk of a short circuit. If the positive lead is disconnected first and your tool touches any metal around it, it can create a short, causing sparks or even a fire. Disconnecting the negative lead ensures an open circuit when working with the positive side.

What happens if you disconnect the positive terminal first?

Disconnecting the positive terminal first increases the risk of causing a short circuit. If the wrench touches the frame or any other metal part, it can cause sparks or even weld the tool in place, potentially resulting in a motorcycle fire.

What is the role of the negative lead in preventing short circuits?

The negative lead is bolted directly to the chassis of the bike. By disconnecting it first, you create an open circuit, which means the positive terminal can be safely worked on without the risk of touching any other metal parts and creating a short.

Why should you recycle the old motorcycle battery?

Motorcycle batteries contain toxic materials such as lead, and recycling them properly helps prevent environmental harm. Many auto parts stores or Cycle Gear locations accept old batteries for recycling.

What is a practical tip for dealing with finicky terminal nuts on a motorcycle battery?

To avoid losing terminal nuts, you can shim them out using a cut ear plug behind the nut. This keeps the nut in place and ensures it's pushed to the top of the terminal, ready to receive the bolt.

Why is it important to make sure the terminal bolts are tightened properly?

Properly tightening the terminal bolts prevents them from coming loose. If a terminal bolt loosens or comes off completely, it can cause the motorcycle to shut off unexpectedly, especially while riding at high speeds.

What is the potential consequence of a loose terminal bolt while riding a motorcycle?

A loose terminal bolt can cause the motorcycle to stall while riding. This can happen when the bolt comes completely loose, resulting in an immediate shutdown of the bike, which can be dangerous, particularly on highways.

What is the significance of factory activated batteries?

Factory activated batteries are recommended because they come pre-charged and do not require adding acid or waiting for overnight charging, making them more convenient and safer for installation.

How can you test your bike's charging system if you're having issues with the battery?

If you're having battery-related issues, you can scan the QR code provided in the video to access an article on how to quickly test your bike's charging system. This can help identify any underlying charging problems.