How to Replace the Battery on a Vulcan Motorcycle
by Chris GillilandMotorcycle batteries are fairly reliable and, if treated right, can last for many years. But even the best batteries must be replaced eventually, a process that can be a bit challenging to a Kawasaki Vulcan owner. The battery is housed under a metal lid that contains several of the motorcycle's electrical connections. Only a few tools are needed to free the old battery and replace it with a new one, making this a job that you can tackle within a short period of time.
Step 1
Unscrew the bolt under the sides and at the rear of the seat, using a 10 mm socket. Pull the seat toward the rear fender to slide the tab on the front of the seat out of the motorcycle's frame. Set the seat aside.
Step 2
Unplug the electrical connectors on both ends of the battery between the motorcycle's seat rails.
Step 3
Unscrew the bolts from the center of the battery cover, using a 10 mm socket. Lift the cover off the battery.
Step 4
Unscrew the terminal bolt from the battery's negative terminal with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the black cable off the battery. Unscrew the battery's positive terminal bolt with a Phillips screwdriver and pull the cable away.
Step 5
Lift the battery out of the battery tray and replace it with a new battery.
Step 6
Connect the battery cables to the battery, connecting the positive cable followed by the negative cable. Screw the terminal bolts into place with a Phillips screwdriver.
Step 7
Reassemble the motorcycle by doing the steps in reverse.
References
- "The Professional Motorcycle Repair Program;" Professional Career Development Institute; 1995
- "Kawasaki VN1600 Mean Streak Motorcycle Service Manual;" Kawasaki Heavy Industries; 2005
- "Kawasaki VN1500 Motorcycle Service Manual;" Kawasaki Heavy Industries; 2004
Things You'll Need
- 10 mm socket
- Socket wrench
- Phillips screwdriver
- TX12-BS or equivalent battery
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.
