How to Remove a Battery From a Harley-Davidson Road King
by Chris Gilliland
The battery in your Harley-Davidson Road King will fail eventually, especially after a long period of inactivity. Getting the old battery out is the first step in getting back on the road, but removing it in the first place can seem tricky. Most Harley-Davidson models house their batteries on the side of their frames. The Road King, however, conceals its battery under the seat. Removing the battery is straightforward, something you can do in a few minutes.
Step 1
Unscrew the bolt securing the passenger seat to the Road King's rear fender, using a Phillips screwdriver. Lift the passenger seat upward slightly, then pull it away from the rider's seat.
Step 2
Unscrew the nuts from the back of the rider's seat, using a 1/2-inch socket. Lift the rider's seat upward slightly and pull it away from the gas tank.
Step 3
Unscrew the battery clamp bolt, using a Torx driver.
Step 4
Unscrew the terminal bolt connecting the black cable to the battery's negative terminal, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the black cable away from the battery and the Road King's frame.
Step 5
Unscrew the terminal bolt connecting the red cable to the battery's positive terminal, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the red cable away from the battery.
Step 6
Lift the battery out of the Road King's frame.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program"; Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- "Harley-Davidson Service Manuals: Touring Models"; Harley-Davidson Motor Co.; 2004
Things You'll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- 1/2-inch socket
- Socket wrench
- Torx screwdriver
Writer Bio
An avid motorcyclist, Chris Gilliland has immersed himself into the two-wheeled world while balancing work life and raising three daughters. When he is not managing the parts department of a local, multi-line motorcycle dealership, Gilliland can often be found riding, writing or working on his motorcycle blog, Wingman's Garage.
