The Sportster is one of the favorite models of the high-end motorcycle Harley-Davidson. Despite being one of the most expensive and chased-after bikes, it still needs a battery to function properly and to rule the streets and highways. Without a battery, your motorcycle is pretty worthless. It is critical that you have the basic know-how when it comes to your motorcycle’s battery.
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Installing a Harley Davidson Sportster Battery
Installing a new or even a replacement battery for your Harley Davidson Sportster may seem daunting. But once you get your basic right, it’s not that difficult. Let us walk you through the steps of installing a new battery in your Harley. The first thing you need to do is remove the old battery.
Remove the Battery
- Remove your bike’s seat. At the back of the seat, there is a screw that you need to get undone. Use a Phillips screwdriver.
- Once completely unscrewed, you can slide your motorcycle seat backward, completely removing the seat.
- Disconnect the straps that keep the battery cover. Remove the straps and the battery cover by removing the bolt and washer located at the right side of the battery cover.
- Before you remove the battery from the motorcycle, you need to access the positive and negative terminals of the battery and unscrew the bolts that connect the cables to the battery. Remember, always disconnect the negative battery first, then the positive battery cable.
- After disconnecting the cables, you can get the non-working battery out.
Next comes the battery installation process. This is the complete reverse of the battery removal process.
Battery Installation
- Before installing the new battery, it is best to first clean the positive and negative cables with a wire brush. And check for any rust and acid corrosion.
- Slide the new battery in from the left side and secure it using the battery straps.
- Reconnect the positive battery cable first, then work on the negative line.
- Once the battery cables are correctly connected, reinstate the bolts that hold the wires to their corresponding terminals.
- You can now put back everything you removed, starting with the battery cover. Simply slide the straps over the cover and put the bolt and washer in place.
- You can slide your motorcycle back and reinstall the screw to secure it in place.
What Kind of Battery Should I Install?
Harley Davison uses three main types of batteries for its motorcycles. It is important to understand the differences between these batteries, so you know which one to install on your Sportster.
Flooded Lead-Acid Battery
The most conventional type of battery, this one needs utmost care as there’s a risk of battery acid spilling. It requires regular and frequent maintenance. Additionally, you need to regularly refill your battery with water to ensure that it will function as expected.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Battery
This falls under the lead-acid batteries and is a top choice because it is literally maintenance-free. It is also spill-proof, making it more convenient. AGM batteries offer better vibration resistance than conventional batteries, thanks to the fluid inside that is designed to maintain a more stable level. This kind of battery is the most compatible with the Sportster.
Lithium-Ion Battery
The most expensive battery available today, you get what you pay for because it is known for its long lifespan. It is also designed to be more compact and lighter in weight than the other batteries. Note that Harley Davidson doesn’t use this battery for OEM applications. You can always get in touch with Harley Davidson and ask for assistance to get clarification on which kind of battery should be used for your Sportster. It is best to consider the guidance of the makers of your motorcycle than risk installing an incorrect battery.
What is the Purpose of your Battery?
Motorcycle batteries function the same regardless of the brand you ride. Its main purpose is to start your engine.
The battery stores all the energy so it can power and start your motor. For a big twin like the Sportster, its battery needs several hundred cold-cranking amps (CCA), so it has enough power to crank up the engine.
Aside from starting the engine, your battery is also responsible for powering your bike’s lighting system. When your engine stops or stalls, the lights should remain on so you are still visible to other motorists. So, your battery also helps to indirectly secure your safety as it keeps you visible on the road, especially at night.
Benefits of Having a Good Harley Battery
Having a battery in optimum shape allows you to enjoy your rides without the stress of getting into unwanted issues along the road. Knowing that your motorcycle is equipped with a battery explicitly intended for a Sportster will keep you stress-free on your rides.
Here are some perks of having an excellent Harley Davidson Sportster battery:
Reliability
Nothing feels as good as knowing that you can depend on your motorcycle to function and run as expected. You can count on your bike to start without any drama when you put in your key and hit the ignition.
For any urgent concerns and emergencies, you can trust your Sportster to take you where you need to be.
Optimum power
Your Harley is obviously physically impressive, and it has a reputation for being powerful. The right kind of battery will only enhance its power. And this is not just with how it cruises or overtakes other vehicles on the freeway, but also being powerful enough to make other bike accessories work.
Your battery holds all the power not just for your lights but also for your technology needs.
Economically-friendly
A top-quality Harley Davidson Sportster battery will give you several years of power and service. This, in the long run, saves you a lot because you can maximize its performance. You don’t need to purchase a new battery and install several replacements in a short span. This will also protect your motorcycle’s other electronics from getting damaged because of improper and insufficient power supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, motorcycle batteries are dry-charged up to 80% when purchased. However, it is recommended that you charge it first before installing it to improve its overall efficiency. If you don’t charge your battery, it will only be 80% efficient every time. It will never reach its full potential of 100%, thus impacting the battery lifespan.
Connecting the positive and negative terminals incorrectly will cause a lot of damage to your motorcycle parts and a steep dent in your budget.
You are lucky if it is just a blow in your fuse, but more often than not, you might end up getting some of your expensive motor parts replaced. The most common part affected here will be your CDI.
Of course, this is an option if you are not confident doing the installation yourself. But it is an expensive alternative and can even prolong the process.
Rest assured that you can install your Harley Davidson’s battery on your own. It might take some time, especially if it is your first attempt, but it is certainly doable.
After Thoughts
Your Harley Davidson Sportster is intended to be on the highways and not stuck in your garage because it won’t start. Get the most out of your motorcycle by ensuring that it has a powerful battery that can crank it up anytime anywhere. And should the time come that a replacement battery needs to be installed, build your confidence and do it yourself.
Once you experience that satisfaction of removing and installing a new battery to your bike without breaking a sweat, you’ll own your bike inside and out.
I don’t understand why the seat needs to be removed. I have a 2005 Harley Sportster XL 1200 C and can remove the side cover and gain access to the battery to remove it.