PERSONAL INJURY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

How to Change a Motorcycle Battery

Posted on April 11, 2022 at 2:04 PM by The Biker Lawyers

Why it’s important to change your battery

Battery-induced fires are more common with motorcycles than you might think—and they can be the cause of a lot of damage. Aside from the obvious problem of having your motorcycle set on fire, battery-induced fires happen so frequently that they can jack up your insurance premiums and even your ability to obtain motorcycle insurance altogether.

Here is what you need to know:

-If you really need a new battery

-What you’ll need

-Safety tips regarding how to prevent a fire

4 Ways to know if you need a new battery

  1. If your battery is more than 5 years old, you should probably replace it.
  2. If your motorcycle needs frequent jumpstarts, the battery may be failing.
  3. If the battery is corroded, it’s definitely failing.
  4. A dead battery or one that won’t hold a charge should be replaced immediately.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing your Motorcycle Battery

 

Step 1: Gather tools needed: gasket set, pliers, socket wrench set, hex tool, and battery

Your motorcycle battery is a very important part of your bike. When you have a dead or dying battery, it’s time to change it out. Motorcycle batteries are not difficult to replace. Here’s what you need to know about changing your motorcycle battery and the tools you will need in order to do so!

Pro Tip: If you can’t find them, check your saddlebags. Maybe past-you left them there.

Step 2: Remove your seat

First things first, it’s time to remove that saddle.

First, look at your bike and find the bolt or screws that are holding the seat down. This is usually located near the center of the back portion of your motorcycle’s seat, but some bikes may have bolts on either side of the rear end of your seat.

Next, use a box-ended wrench to loosen and unscrew those bolts or screws, and set them aside in a safe place.

bolts or screws, and set them aside in a safe place.

Finally, use both hands to lift the seat off your bike and set it aside in a location where it won’t get damaged (or where it can rest on something that won’t get damaged).

Some seats can be quite heavy, so you’ll want to use caution when removing them from your bike—and if you’re having trouble with this step, ask another person for assistance in lifting off your seat!

Step 3: Disconnect the cables on both the negative and positive sides.

To begin, you’ll want to disconnect the cables on both the negative and positive sides. The negative cable should always be disconnected first and connected last. This is to avoid any sparks or other issues that may occur if they touch while still connected to each other.

You’ll probably need to locate your socket wrench before proceeding with this step. Some nuts are impossible to remove by hand, so it’s important that you have the correct tools on hand for this step. If your socket wrench doesn’t fit, you may cause damage by trying to force it in place. For others, you can get away with using a hex tool.

Step 4: Remove battery tray

 

UNSCREW BATTERY TRAY BOLTS.

Remove the battery tray from your Motorcycle by first making sure you have the right equipment to tackle this job. If you don’t already own a socket wrench, it’s definitely time to invest in one. (You can buy them at any hardware store.) Once you’ve got your socket wrench in hand, unscrew all of the bolts holding your battery tray in place. When you’re done, be sure to set these aside so they won’t get lost.

LIFT TRAY OUT AND SET ASIDE.

With all of the bolts removed, gently lift out the tray and set it aside on a bench or chair where it’ll be safe until it’s needed again. If some of your bolts are worn or rusted and need replacing, take them along with their corresponding nuts (and possibly washers) down to any hardware store BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE FOR ANY OTHER REASON AT ALL IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO and let an employee know that you need help finding replacements for them.

Step 5: Install the new battery

 

    1. Replace the battery tray
    2. Secure your battery in the tray
    3. When you install the new battery, connect the positive (red) cable first.
      • Make sure that it’s tightly attached to the battery and the frame of your bike. If it’s not secure, you could experience a short circuit, which could result in a fire or explosion hazard. So if you don’t want to burn down your garage or blow up an arm, take your time and make sure that everything is properly installed.
    4. Connect negative (black) cable second. Once you’re sure that the positive cable is securely attached to both sides, go ahead and connect the negative (black) cable as well. Again, make sure everything is properly installed so there’s no risk of a short circuit.
    5. Make sure everything is secure before taking your ride out for a spin!
    6. Replace the seat
    7. Run the motorcycle to make sure everything works!

Now you can have peace of mind knowing you have a good battery in your motorcycle

You can have peace of mind knowing that you’re riding with a fresh battery.

If you were to take your motorcycle to a dealership, they would likely charge you $100 or more for this service. Save yourself the hassle and money by doing it yourself!

If you liked this blog, click below to check out our last one!

Image to promote an article about motorcycle gear for riding in the rain.

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