How to Change the Battery on a Harley Softail

by Jim Murkot Sr.
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Changing the battery in a Harley-Davidson Softail is a relatively simple matter of removing the seat and disconnecting the battery terminals. It should take no more than 30 to 45 minutes to complete the process.

Remove the Seat

Step 1

Turn off the ignition. Unscrew the seat fastener located on the top of the rear fender with a Phillips-tip screwdriver.

Step 2

Loosen and remove the two large bolts located on the lower left and right undersides of the seat with a large SAE hex wrench.

Step 3

Slide the seat toward the rear of the bike while lifting it up and away.

Change the Battery

Step 1

Unbolt the negative battery cable with a 10-mm open-ended wrench. Do the same with the positive terminal.

Step 2

Disconnect the rubber battery strap. Lift the battery out of its tray.

Step 3

Install a new battery in reverse order.

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