how to replace battery

[tristantumble]

Hi there,

i'm new to the GS and the forum, but i did try searching the topic before this post.

Last night i turned the key too far (passed lock) and i think the lights stayed on and drained the battery. I have a battery charger that came with the bike, but im not the most 'handy' person...so i was wondering if i can get some help on how to replace/take out- charge-put back/ the battery. Anything to watch out for..etc?

Thanks!
TT

[manofthefield]

You should be able to charge the battery in the bike, just take the seat off and hook up the leads to the battery terminals

But, to take the battery out, take out the screws on the battery terminal (preferably with a socket, but a phillips screwdriver works too).  Move the wires aside and pull the battery out.  There is a drain hose on the right side that connects to the top of the battery, make sure you disconnect that/ leave it on the bike.  It's really pretty simple

Don't forget to reattach the drain hose when you put the battery back in

[tristantumble]

i didn't know you can charge it while its still in the bike.
So if i take that route, just leave the bike turned off, hook the charger to the battery, leave all the wires, and let it do its thing? How long should it charge for?

thanks again.
TT

[simon79]

+1 on everything manofthefield said
just a couple more things:
-check the electrolyte level before and after charging;it should be between the "upper" and "lower" level lines. Top it up with distilled water (NOT tap water!!!).When charging, I'd suggest to take the battery cover off,so that if vapors are produced,they can vent.
-when dealing with wires,remember:the negative terminal must ALWAYS be disconnected as FIRST and reconnected as LAST!!! And, before charging battery you MUST disconnect it.
-As for charging, I use a standard overnight charger...I don't remember how long it takes to recharge a battery,had my GS for a couple months so far and haven't recharged it yet.
-Personally recommend to always take it out of the bike for checking/charging,'cause if some vapor/acid spills off if would corrode your frame (previous owner purportedly didn't follow this advice )

Lamps and ride safe!
simon.

[groff22]

If anything goes wrong with charging the battery in your bike... You have a lot more to lose than just a battery... You should take it out of the bike before charging.

How long depends on the battery and charger... If it's a new battery 10HRS @ 1.5AMPS should be enough... If the battery gets hot to the touch, disconnect it and wait until it cools down.

[groff22]

Woa, that was my 666 th post! ^

[gsJack]

I'd just jump start it and go ride, that's the fun way to charge a battery.   

[manofthefield]

I'd just jump start it and go ride, that's the fun way to charge a battery.   

Wise words spoken by a wise man