how do you remove the battery tray

[Toner]

Decided to remove the battery tray today as I wanted to check the rust on it and in its vicinity. 

Got it loose after finally spotting the one remaining nut affixing it to  the mudguard but it seems it's not as easy I was hoping and I maybe need to remove some other parts before I can lift it out.

Perhaps the tank and the air filter box have to come off or perhaps the rear wheel and mud guard......or perhaps there is some clever way to just lift it out of there I'm not seeing that one of you kind folk can enlighten me to.

Ta!

[Toner]

I'm going to have to put my bike back together shortly to use it so any takers on my question?

I'm going to buy a new tray and replace it soon so I'll still need to find out.

[MeeLee]

I don't have an answer to your question, but know what you're talking about.

I just wanted to point out, when you install the battery in it, that you have also a plastic tube installed on the battery overfill hole.
I have noticed when adding water, that some of the battery acid would leak out from it, and if it leaks in the compartment, will cause rust.

[Toner]

I know the tube you are talking about. Mine is on the left side though I think on original batteries it is on the right. I pass it across the front of the battery and hang it down towards the right foot peg.

I noticed today that there is a warning sticker on the mudguard under the seat advising you about this tube and telling where to hang it. There is a clip on the right of the battery tray for it and also on the crank case it to hold it.

The battery tray is very rusted and will need replacing. The area of the frame it sits on is also rusted a bit (not sure the extent as I didn't get the tray out  ) and I will need to get rid of this rust. Was going to ask advice on here when I get around to doing that but I was hinking to just sand it off with vinegar water perhaps and maybe paint it - not sure.

Is this rusting of the battery tray a common problem? I think I remember reading someone maybe saying on a post here that a reason this area can rust is if the battery is not connected properly.

Anyway, looks like I'll be trying to take the wheel and mudguard off to get that tray out unless anyone on here has a better suggestion.

[Janx101]

When you get around yo also replacing the battery, get a sealed AGM (or similar), better longer lasting overall! .. and they don't leak!

[Toner]

yup. I was going to pick up one of these motobatts: 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350720835509

[IstvanBP]

Toner,

You dont have to remove anything else, just the bolts that hold on the battery tray. Then after some good mannouvers you can pull it out from the frame. I just did it some weeks ago. Try to rotate it by 90 degrees and on to its side, then with some wiggling  you should be able the get it out.

[Toner]

ah so you managed to get it out that way. I'll have to try harder so, thanks!

[Janx101]

If you have a new battery tray then fair enough... but if the old one is still structurally sound then you could douse it in boiling water, put some bicarbonate soda on to help kill any acid, wash off and wire brush it free of flaky bits then put a coat of rust kill paint on.....

Its an out of sight item.... unless knowing it was a bit rough would trip a OCD ragemonkey episode! ?