Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200X Forty-Eight - Owner's Manual > Charging

An automatic, constant monitoring battery charger/tender with a charging rate of 5 amps or less at less than 14.6 volts is recommended. The use of constant current chargers (including trickle chargers) to charge sealed AGM batteries is not recommended. Any overcharge will cause dry-out and premature battery failure. Never charge a battery without first reviewing the instructions for the charger being used. In addition to the manufacturer's instructions, follow these general safety precautions.

Charge the battery if any of the following conditions exist:

• Vehicle lamps appear dim.
• Electric starter sounds weak.
• Battery has not been used for an extended time.

Explosive hydrogen gas, which escapes during charging, could cause death or serious injury.

Charge battery in a well-entilated area. Keep open flames, electrical sparks away from battery at all times. KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

Batteries contain sulfuric acid, which could cause severe burns to eyes and skin. Wear a protective face shield, rubberized gloves and protective clothing when working with batteries.

KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

1. Perform a voltmeter test to determine the state of charge. If battery needs to be charged, proceed to the next step.

2. Place the battery on a level surface.

Unplug or turn OFF battery charger before connecting charger cables to battery. Connecting cables with charger ON can cause a spark and battery explosion, which could result in death cables with charger ON can cause a spark and battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury.

Connect positive (+) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury.

Disconnect negative (-) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury.

Do not reverse the charger connections described in the following steps or the charging system of the motorcycle could be damaged.

NOTES:

• Do not use chargers with excessively high voltage designed for flooded batteries or excessively high current designed for much larger batteries. Do not charge at more than 5 amps or more than 14.6 volts.
• Most automatic, constant monitoring battery chargers are completely automatic and can be left connected to both AC power and to the battery that is being charged. When leaving this type of charger connected for extended periods of time, periodically check the battery to see if it is unusually warm. This is an indication that the battery may have a weak cell or internal short. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the charger being used.

3. Connect the red battery charger lead to positive terminal of the battery.

4. Connect the black battery charger lead to negative terminal of the battery.

NOTE: If the battery is still in the vehicle, connect the negative lead to the chassis ground. Make sure that the ignition and all electrical accessories are turned off.

5. Step away from the battery and turn on the charger.

Unplug or turn OFF battery charger before disconnecting charger cables from battery.

Disconnecting clamps with charger ON can cause a spark and battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury.

6. After the battery is fully charged, turn OFF the charger. Disconnect the black battery charger lead from the negative terminal of the battery.

7. Disconnect the red battery charger lead from the positive terminal of the battery.

8. Mark the charging date on the battery.

Storage

If the motorcycle will not be operated for several weeks, such as during the winter season, remove the battery from the motorcycle and fully charge.

If the motorcycle will be stored with the battery installed, connect an automatic, constant monitoring charger/tender to maintain charge. See an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer for more information.

A battery that is removed from the vehicle is affected by self-discharge.

A battery that is stored in the vehicle is affected by both self-discharge and, more significantly, parasitic loads.

• Batteries self-discharge at a faster rate at higher ambient temperatures.
• To reduce the self-discharge rate, store battery in a cool, dry place.
• Charge the battery every two weeks if stored in the vehicle.
• Charge the battery once per month if stored out of the vehicle.

Effective Rate of Temperature on Battery Self-discharging Rate

1. Capacity
2. Months of non-use
3. Measured at 105 ºF (40 ºC)
4. Measured at 77 ºF (25 ºC)

Disconnection and Removal

Disconnect negative (-) battery cable first. If positive (+) cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable connected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion, which could result in death or serious injury.

1. Remove seat.

2. Remove left side cover.

3. Keyless models with sirens: Verify that fob is present. Switch OFF/RUN switch to RUN before removing main fuse or disconnecting battery.

4. See Battery Compartment. Pull fuse block (1) aside.

5. Remove main fuse.

6. Disconnect negative battery cable at negative terminal (2).

7. Remove positive terminal boot (3) from positive battery terminal. Disconnect positive battery cable.

8. See Battery Strap. Remove strap fastener (1).

9. Unhook battery strap from mount (2) on top of battery.

10. Remove battery.

Battery Compartment

1. Fuse block
2. Negative terminal
3. Positive terminal boot

Battery Strap

1. Strap fastener
2. Mount

See also: