The battery installed in this motorcycle is a sealed type, so it is not necessary to check the battery electrolyte level or add distilled water.
The sealing strip should not be pulled off once the specified electrolyte has been installed in the battery for initial service.
However, in order to maximize battery life and ensure that it will provide the power needed to start the motorcycle you must properly maintain the battery’s charge. When used regularly, the charging system in the motorcycle helps keep the battery fully charged. If your motorcycle is only used occasionally or for short periods of time, the battery is more likely to discharge.
Due to their internal composition, batteries continually self discharge.
The discharge rate depends on the type of battery and ambient temperature.
As temperature rises, so does the discharge rate. Every 15°C (59°F) doubles the rate.
Electrical accessories, such as digital
clocks and computer memory, also
draw current from the battery even
when the key is switched off. Due to
a combination of such “key-off” draws
and hot temperature, a battery can go
from fully charged to completely discharged
in a matter of days.


In extremely cold weather the fluid in an inadequately charged battery can easily freeze, which can crack the case and buckle the plates. A fully charged battery can withstand sub-freezing temperature with no damage.
Tire Wear, Damage
Battery SulfationSwingarm Removal
Remove:
Rear Wheel (see Rear Wheel Removal in the
Wheels/Tires chapter)
Mud Guard with Rear Brake Hose (see Mud Guard Removal
in the Frame chapter)
Rocker Arm (see Rocker Arm Removal)
Remove:
Brake Hose Clamp Bolt [A]
Unscrew the swingarm pivot shaft nut [A].
Usi ...
Special Tools
Bearing Puller:
57001-135
Head Pipe Outer Race Press Shaft:
57001-1075
Steering Stem Nut Wrench:
57001-1100
Bearing Driver Set:
57001-1129
Steering Stem Bearing Driver, 42.5:
57001-1344
Steering Stem Bearing Driver Adapter,
41.5:
57001-1345
Head Pipe Outer Race Driver, 55:
57001- ...
Battery Removal
Remove the rider’s seat (see Seats
section in the GENERAL INFORMATION
chapter).
Turn the ignition switch to “OFF” and
disconnect the (–) cable from the battery.
Remove the red cap form the (+) terminal,
and disconnect the (+) cables
from the battery.
NOTE
The battery is ...