How to Connect a Motorcycle Battery
A motorcycle needs a battery to be operational. If you are trying to troubleshoot a problem with the bike you should always start with the battery first. It may be something as simple as the battery not being connected properly.
Steps to Connecting a Motorcycle Battery
- Lift up the seat on the motorcycle to gain access to the battery, which will be located directly underneath the seat.
- Remove the strap that is securing the battery in place.
- Visually inspect the battery for corrosion, which can develop over time by acid leaking from the battery. If corrosion is present it is highly recommended that the battery be handled with care to prevent the acid from getting on your skin or clothing.
- Put on some protective gloves and remove the negative cable from the battery followed by the positive cable. The negative cable will be black and marked with a minus sign and the positive cable will be the red cable marked with a plus sign. They should be removed in this order to prevent being shocked.
- Remove the sensor cable for the battery.
- Lift the old battery out of the case.
- Use an old towel to clean the battery cables.
- Place the new battery in the case.
- Connect the positive cable on the battery first, and then connect the negative cable. This is the reverse order that they were removed.
- Replace the sensor cable.
- Secure the strap to secure the new battery and let the seat down.