1-8
2003 Buell XB9S: Maintenance
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
1.5
GENERAL
Buell motorcycle batteries are permanently sealed, mainte-
nance-free, valve-regulated, lead/calcium and sulfuric acid
batteries. The batteries are shipped pre-charged and ready to
be put into service. Do not attempt to open these batteries for
any reason.
Inspect the battery for damage or leaks and for clean, non-
corroded connections:
●
At the 1000 mile (1600 km) service interval.
●
At every scheduled service interval thereafter.
1
WARNING
1
WARNING
All batteries contain electrolyte. Electrolyte is a sulfuric
acid solution that is highly corrosive and can cause
severe chemical burns. Avoid contact with skin, eyes,
and clothing. Avoid spillage. Always wear protective face
shield, rubberized gloves and protective clothing when
working with batteries. A warning label is attached to the
top of the battery. See
Never remove warning
label from battery. Failure to read and understand all pre-
cautions contained in warning label before performing
any service on batteries could result in death or serious
injury.
1
WARNING
1
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain
lead and lead components, chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
BATTERY TESTING
Voltmeter Test
The voltmeter test provides a general indicator
of battery condition. Check the voltage of the battery to verify
that it is in a 100% fully charged condition. If the open circuit
(disconnected) voltage reading is below 12.6V, charge the
battery and then recheck the voltage after the battery has set
for one to two hours. If the voltage reading is 12.8V or above,
perform the load test described under
Table 1-2. Battery Electrolyte Antidotes
CONTACT
SOLUTION
External
Flush with water.
Internal
Drink large quantities of milk or water,
followed by milk of magnesia, vegeta-
ble oil or beaten eggs. Call doctor
immediately.
Eyes
Flush with water, get immediate med-
ical attention.
Figure 1-1. Battery Warning Label
Table 1-3. Voltmeter Test
BATTERY CHARGE CONDITIONS
12.8
100%
12.6
75%
12.3
50%
12.0
25%
11.8
0%
M A
D E
I N
U S
A
HA
RL
EY
-D
AV
ID
S
ON
M
IL
W
AU
KE
E,
W
I 5
32
01
M
AD
E
IN U.S.
A.
WA
RR
AN
TY
A
ND
A
DJ
US
TM
EN
T
PO
LIC
Y
Th
is
ba
tte
ry
will
be
re
pla
ce
d w
ithout
cha
rge
if f
ou
nd
to
be
de
fec
tiv
e i
n m
ate
ria
ls
or
wo
rkm
an
sh
ip 1
2 m
on
ths
fr
om
da
te
of
ve
hic
le p
urc
ha
se
or
6 m
on
ths
fr
om
da
te
of o
ve
r-th
e-
co
un
ter
pu
rc
ha
se
. A
fte
r 6
mo
nth
s,
bu
t w
ith
in
the
12
m
on
ths
of
the
ov
er-
the
-co
unt
er
pu
rch
as
e, t
he
bat
ter
y w
ill
be
re
pla
ce
d a
nd
th
e p
urc
ha
se
r c
ha
r
ge
d
on
ly
for
the
pe
rio
d of
own
er
sh
ip b
as
ed
on
the
re
gu
lar
pric
e a
t th
e
tim
e o
f r
et
urn
pro
rate
d v
e r
th
e n
um
be
r
of
mo
nth
s o
f
wa
rra
nty
. T
his
wa
rra
nty
is
no
t tra
nsf
era
ble
an
d is
vo
ide
d
by
th
e u
se
of r
eju
ve
na
tor
s,
im
pro
pe
r e
le
ctro
lyt
e,
ne
gle
ct o
r a
bu
se
.
PART NO
.
123
4
5678
9
0
J
A
F
E
M
AA
P
M
Y
J
U
J
Y
A
U
S
E
O
C
N
O
D
E
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