Dead (relatively new) Battery

[GT Eye]

Left the battery out in the cold for a few months, and now it's dead. I can't even charge it back up. The fluids are at their normal levels though. The battery is new (I bought it as the riding season ended) so I know the leads are still good.

I bought some new battery acid. Is it okay for me to get rid of the acid in there and replace it with the new acid?

Thanks

[John Bates]

The composition of the electrolyte in a discharged battery is mostly water. The acid has turned to lead sulfate.  If you replace the water with a normal water/acid composition and then charge the battery the sulfate in the lead will be returned to the electrolyte.  The result will be an electrolyte with too much acid.  Take the battery to a battery shop where they can try to recharge it.

It is quite possible that the battery has been ruined by setting so long in a discharged state. :dunno:

[GT Eye]

Since I don't know of any battery stores (can Autozone try to save the battery for me?), I think I might just buy a new battery.

Can you give me tips on what precautions I should take to ensure sometihng like this doesnt happen again? And what is the correct procedure for charging the battery for the first time?

[Richard UK]

If you get the new battery 'dry', after you have added the acid, let it stand for a couple of hours before you start to charge it.  Then charge at no more than 1 Amp.  Overnight should be long enough.

[John Bates]

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Can you give me tips on what precautions I should take to ensure sometihng like this doesnt happen again? .....................

See Section 4 of this manual.  
Also read the rest of the document for more than you ever wanted to know about batteries.