charge. Using a new battery without an initial charge will
cause permanent battery damage. The battery will never
be able to hold more than an 80% charge. Charging a new
battery after it has been used will not bring its charge to
100%. When purchasing a new battery, verify its charge
status.
NOTE
Recycle the old battery
. When a new battery
is purchased, turn in the old one for recy-
cling. Most motorcycle dealerships will ac-
cept the old battery in trade for a new one.
Never place an old battery in the household
trash since it is illegal, in most states, to
place any acid or lead (heavy metal) con-
tents in landfills.
Load Testing
A load test checks the battery’s performance under full
current load and is the best indication of battery condition.
A battery load tester is required for this procedure.
When using a load tester, follow the manufacturer’s in-
structions. Figure 6 shows a typical load tester and bat-
tery arrangement.
1. Remove the battery from the motorcycle as described
in this chapter.
NOTE
Let the battery stand for at least one hour af-
ter charging prior to performing this test.
2. The battery must be fully charged before beginning
this test. If necessary, charge the battery as described in
this section.
WARNING
The battery load tester must be turned OFF
prior to connecting or disconnecting the test
cables to the battery. Otherwise, a spark
could cause the battery to explode.
CAUTION
To prevent battery damage during load test-
ing, do not load test a discharged battery
and do not load test the battery for more
than 20 seconds. Performing a load test on a
discharged battery can cause permanent
battery damage.
3. Load test the battery as follows:
a. Connect the load tester cables to the battery follow-
ing its manufacturer’s instructions.
b. Load the battery at 50% of the cold cranking amper-
age (CCA) or 135 amperes.
c. After 15 seconds, the voltage reading with the load
still applied must be 9.6 volts or higher at 70° F (21°
C). Now quickly remove the load and turn the tester
OFF.
4. If the voltage reading was 9.6 volts or higher, the bat-
tery output capacity is good. If the reading was below 9.6
volts, the battery is defective.
5. With the tester OFF, disconnect the cables from the
battery.
6. Install the battery as described in this chapter.
CHARGING SYSTEM
Refer to Figures 7-10. The charging system consists of
the battery, alternator and a voltage regulator/rectifier. Al-
ternating current generated by the alternator is rectified to
direct current. The voltage regulator maintains the voltage
to the battery and additional electrical loads, such as the
lights and ignition system, at a constant voltage regardless
of variations in engine speed and load.
A malfunction in the charging system generally causes
the battery to remain undercharged. To prevent damage to
the alternator and the regulator/rectifier when testing and
repairing the charging system, note the following precau-
tions:
NOTE
Always disarm the optional TSSM security
system prior to disconnecting the battery or
the siren will sound.
1. Always disconnect the negative battery cable, as de-
scribed in this chapter, before removing a component
from the charging system.
2. To charge the battery, remove the battery from the mo-
torcycle and recharge it as described in this chapter.
322
CHAPTER EIGHT
6
LOAD TEST
Load
tester
Battery