Battery Question - Help

[krakho]

I installed a new battery today 'cause I noticed battery acid spillage on the bike frame...being a newbie I didn't realize/know anything about the overflow tube.  I thought it was to assist with the acid pour (the shop I bought the battery from did this for me) so I threw it out with the box.  How important is the tube and is it easy to get an replacement?
Any help u can offer would be great.

[mjm]

I installed a new battery today 'cause I noticed battery acid spillage on the bike frame...being a newbie I didn't realize/know anything about the overflow tube.  I thought it was to assist with the acid pour (the shop I bought the battery from did this for me) so I threw it out with the box.  How important is the tube and is it easy to get an replacement?
Any help u can offer would be great.

1.  How important?  VERY - it keeps acid from getting all over the paint, you, the electronics etc.

2.  How easy to get a replacement?  VERY - it is just a piece of clear flixible  plastic tube - frequently found as fuel/air/general purpose hose in a lot of places -  routed from the overflow to under the bike - I do not know the size off hand - take a look at the fitting, measurethe outer diameter and  go to Home Depot or any automotive store and but a few feet of hose with that same inside diameter and you should be fine.