Warning! Always store the battery out of the reach of children. Inadequate safety precautions could result in death or serious injury.
Caution! Do not allow the battery to completely discharge power. The electrolyte in a discharged battery will freeze if exposed to freezing temperatures. The more discharged a battery is, the more easily it can freeze. A completely discharged battery may result in a cracked battery case and buckled battery plates.
See BATTERY CHARGING in this section. If the motorcycle will not be operated for several months, such as during the winter season, remove the battery from the motorcycle and fully charge.
See Figure 8-21. Self-discharge is a normal condition and occurs continuously at a rate that depends on the ambient temperature and the battery’s state of charge.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/harley/2/111417.jpg)
Figure 8-21. Battery self-discharging rate
Batteries discharge at a faster rate at higher ambient temperatures.
To reduce the self-discharge rate, store the fully charged battery in a cool, dry place.
Charge the battery every month if stored at temperatures below 60°F (16°C).
Charge the battery more frequently if stored in a warm area above 60°F (16°C).
Note. The H-D Battery Tender Plus! Automatic Battery Charger (Part No. 99863-93TA) may be used to maintain battery charge for extended periods of time without risk of overcharging or boiling.
When returning a battery to service after storage, refer to the instructions under Battery charging in this section.
Caution! Do NOT trickle charge the battery more than 24 hours at a time. Charging more than 24 hours at a time may result in equipment damage.
Caution! It is possible to overload the motorcycle’s charging system by adding too many electrical accessories. If the combined electrical accessories consume more electrical current than the vehicle’s charging system can produce, the electrical consumption can discharge the battery and cause vehicle electrical system damage.