instructions for physically changing the battery

[moonwalker]

recently i bought a new battery as my original (I bought a yellow/black GS 500 F new back in 2005) no longer holds it charge for long enough, only im a 'by the book nut' (im British, afterall) and not particularly mechanically minded so want to make sure i follow Suzuki's own instructions for removing and replacing the thing.

however, it seems ive lost my manual [what a damn pain]. 
I know the instructions aren't more than a page or two and was wondering if anyone could scan them in or just type it out if its not much. It would be most appreciated.
I have a datatool alarm/immobiliser fitted too but have those instructions so should be able to put the bike into service mode with no problems.
apologies if this has ever been asked before, i did do a search of the forum and wiki, promise!

im also a bit concerned that the new battery has been sitting idle in my apartment for what will be 3 weeks this coming Saturday (i had it charged up before i bought it). will not using it (and not trickle charging) at this early in its lifecycle be damaging at all? its probably better than being outside in the cold weather with the alarm sucking away at it i guess - I doubt I would have ridden much recently.

thanks

[beRto]

Steps to remove battery:

• Unscrew negative lead (black coloured) and disconnect from battery
• Pull back rubber boot from positive lead (red coloured)
• Unscrew positive lead (red coloured) and disconnect from battery
• Disconnect vent hose (right side of battery)
• Lift battery out

Steps to install battery:

• Clean battery terminals and electrical leads with sandpaper or file
• Set battery in box
• Connect positive lead (red coloured)
• Reposition rubber boot over positive lead (red coloured)
• Connect negative lead (black coloured)
• Connect vent hose (right side of battery)

edit:

im also a bit concerned that the new battery has been sitting idle in my apartment for what will be 3 weeks this coming Saturday (i had it charged up before i bought it). will not using it (and not trickle charging) at this early in its lifecycle be damaging at all? its probably better than being outside in the cold weather with the alarm sucking away at it i guess - I doubt I would have ridden much recently.

If you're not going to be riding the bike, you're probably best leaving the battery off the bike and on a Battery Tender. That is, unless the bike is vulnerable and the alarm is an absolute necessity!

[moonwalker]

thanks a lot, thats exactly what I needed. 

I might actually remove my alarm in a year or two as its invariably a pain and the insurance premium benefit will become insignificant before not too long as the value of the bike falls. Monetary value that is - sentimental value is higher than ever! I love my GS 500 F! 

[vorBH]

Thats some useful battery info!

Is a Battery tender different than trickle charger? Can I leave them plugged in with the trickle charger? Or need to plug out? I don't know anymore, everyone says something different.



You mean having a bike alarm doesn't reduce insurance rates?

[beRto]

Thats some useful battery info!

Is a Battery tender different than trickle charger?

Yes. A Battery Tender is not the same as a trickle charger. A Battery Tender is more sophisticated because it constantly measures output from the battery and adjusts the charginve voltage accordingly. There is more information on the manufacturer's (Deltran) website: http://batterytender.com/faqs.php/#4

Also, take a look at this post:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=45213.msg509918#msg509918

Can I leave them plugged in with the trickle charger? Or need to plug out? I don't know anymore, everyone says something different.

According to the info above, a trickle charger can damage the battery if still connected when the battery is fully charged. Obviously, the info comes from the manufacturer of the Battery Tender so you need to take it with a grain of salt.    However, because the price difference is small, I bought a Battery Tender!