Author Topic: Installing battery  (Read 4972 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

squire

  • Bulleteer
  • ***
  • Posts: 183
  • Karma: 0
on: July 27, 2013, 02:03:06 am
How do some of you get a replacement battery installed? I spent four hours today trying to install my new Motorbat battery without success. I tried every configuration of terminal ( the battery has adjustable terminals) and cable routing. I'm ready to reinstall the old battery or go pickup one of the new miniature batteries. I'm not a mechanic ( but a mechanical engineer) but without putting new fittings on the cables I'm at a loss. I even put a nice weld bead on my chrome fuel tank when I touched it with a wrench and ZAP.


GSS

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,584
  • Karma: 0
Reply #1 on: July 27, 2013, 02:38:00 am
The original connectors are pretty flimsy and the configuration doesn't work for most non-OEM batteries. Most folks here have replaced those with heavy duty connectors from autoparts or hardware stores. It will also make it easy to connect your new battery.

GSS
« Last Edit: July 27, 2013, 02:42:52 am by GSS »
2022 Continental GT 650 Dux Deluxe
2019 Himalayan Snow
2019 Interceptor 650 - Chrome...off the first boat!
Previous REs:
2021 Meteor 350 Supernova Blue
2014 Continental GT 535 - Red...lowest VIN off the first boat!
2010 Classic 500 - Teal Chrome


squire

  • Bulleteer
  • ***
  • Posts: 183
  • Karma: 0
Reply #2 on: July 27, 2013, 03:09:23 am
Thanks. That's what I found odd, knowing the fittings are flimsy I tried everything to pull or twist them till they came off but no luck, they are there to stay. Guess I'll cut them off and pick up something different. My negative lead is none too long that's why I was hesitant to cut the cable if it wasn't necessary. My original battery is still usable but I was being proactive by replacing it. I have a new chain I'll be putting on to replace the original after reading some of the chain and sprocket horror stories on here. Thanks again.


wildbill

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,282
  • Karma: 1
Reply #3 on: July 27, 2013, 08:19:29 am
mine went on my c5-what have you got


squire

  • Bulleteer
  • ***
  • Posts: 183
  • Karma: 0
Reply #4 on: July 27, 2013, 03:53:17 pm
I have a C5 as well.


ROVERMAN

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,177
  • Karma: 0
Reply #5 on: July 27, 2013, 07:41:17 pm
Do not wish to sound condescending but, i think you may want to leave this to a professional. Melting wrenches on batteries is scary and dangerous.
Please don't take offense, Robert & REnfield.


Arizoni

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,412
  • Karma: 2
  • "But it's a dry heat here in Arizona
Reply #6 on: July 27, 2013, 07:55:42 pm
I guess the new battery doesn't have terminals with more than one screw thread in them?

The new battery I bought has two different threaded holes in each terminal along with some brass spacers.  That allows a number of combinations of attaching the wires.

The only place I could have gotten into trouble is they sell two different batteries in the size I needed.  The difference is the + and - terminals are reversed.

Had I bought the wrong battery there is no way my power and ground leads would have been long enough to attach without splicing in some extra wire.
Jim
2011 G5 Deluxe
1999 Miata 10th Anniversary


squire

  • Bulleteer
  • ***
  • Posts: 183
  • Karma: 0
Reply #7 on: July 27, 2013, 09:00:11 pm
Do not wish to sound condescending but, i think you may want to leave this to a professional. Melting wrenches on batteries is scary and dangerous.
Please don't take offense, Robert & REnfield.

In 60 or so years of working on my bikes and cars I've had far more damage done to my vehicles by dealers than by my toying with them. The last time I took a bike to a dealer the tires were installed backward and the alloy rims damaged.....no thanks.


ROVERMAN

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,177
  • Karma: 0
Reply #8 on: July 27, 2013, 09:06:55 pm
No problem man, just had to mention it.


squire

  • Bulleteer
  • ***
  • Posts: 183
  • Karma: 0
Reply #9 on: July 27, 2013, 09:11:28 pm
No problem man, just had to mention it.

I'm not against dealers, when I retired from my real job I worked at dealers for a few years but not as a mechanic. If I had an RE dealer I could trust I would take it to him but unfortunately I don't. I'll figure the battery out. Thanks for your suggestion though.


TWinOKC

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 619
  • Karma: 0
Reply #10 on: July 27, 2013, 11:40:50 pm
The most important thing is to get a replacement that is the correct size and the terminals are on the correct side.  This is one I had good luck with.
http://www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYTX14AHL-BS.html

The price was right and delivery was quick. 
I am sure there are others out there that will work just fine.

On mine, the battery terminals went toward the inside.
« Last Edit: July 27, 2013, 11:43:03 pm by TWinOKC »
2010  C5  Teal
2011 Triumph Bonneville T100
2015 Scrambler Ducati


Bulletman

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 773
  • Karma: 0
  • 2011 - C5 Classic Black
Reply #11 on: July 28, 2013, 01:45:09 am
I'm not against dealers, when I retired from my real job I worked at dealers for a few years but not as a mechanic. If I had an RE dealer I could trust I would take it to him but unfortunately I don't. I'll figure the
« Last Edit: July 28, 2013, 01:59:37 am by Bulletman »
"A Blast from my Past"
Black C5 2011


wildbill

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 3,282
  • Karma: 1
Reply #12 on: July 28, 2013, 01:59:09 am








Arizoni

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 7,412
  • Karma: 2
  • "But it's a dry heat here in Arizona
Reply #13 on: July 28, 2013, 02:43:06 am
The batteries shown in the link and the photo show what I was talking about.

The battery TWinOKC posted the link too has the negative terminal on the left side which seems to be the way the C5 is set up for.

The battery in the photos wildbill shows has the positive terminal on the left side like the one I bought.  It works well in the G5.

I don't know which battery the B5 uses but if you own one be sure to buy the battery with the same + and - terminal locations as the one that's installed on your bike.
Jim
2011 G5 Deluxe
1999 Miata 10th Anniversary


TWinOKC

  • Grand Gearhead
  • *****
  • Posts: 619
  • Karma: 0
Reply #14 on: July 28, 2013, 03:12:38 am
The + (on mine) is on the inside, toward the front of the bike.

Another way you could say it is + is on the left side of the battery when installed.
« Last Edit: July 28, 2013, 03:19:15 am by TWinOKC »
2010  C5  Teal
2011 Triumph Bonneville T100
2015 Scrambler Ducati