New battery
In order to correctly and safely commission a new battery, the battery commissioning procedure listed below must be carefully followed. This is the only battery commissioning procedure that Triumph recommends. The procedure is designed to ensure that the battery is at its best when fitted to the motorcycle, and will provide the best possible performance and reliability.
Failure to comply with this procedure may lead to reduced battery performance and/or shorten the life of the battery.
Warning!
- The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when charging or using the battery in an enclosed space.
- The battery contains sulphuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing and a face shield.
- If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water immediately.
- If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
- If electrolyte is swallowed, drink large quantities of water and SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.
- KEEP ELECTROLYTE OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
1. Check the battery carefully for damage.
Caution! Ensure the electrolyte container part number matches the battery part number to be filled. Battery life will be greatly reduced if the incorrect volume (either too little or too much) of acid is added to the battery.
2. Read the instructions and warnings delivered with the battery.
3. Place the battery on a flat level surface and remove the sealing foil.
4. Remove the battery sealing strip from the electrolyte container and save for later in this procedure. Place the sealing strip on a clean surface, with the upper side facing downwards to avoid contamination of the sealing strip. Do not break the seal on the electrolyte container.
5. Place the electrolyte container on the battery and fill the battery according to the manufacturers instructions.
6. After starting to fill the battery with electrolyte, allow the battery to stand for 30 minutes with the filling container in place.
7. Check that all of the electrolyte has drained from the container. Do not remove the container at this point. If the container has not completely drained, tap the sides of the container to start the electrolyte flowing again.
8. After the electrolyte has drained into the battery, allow the battery to stand with the electrolyte container in place for a further 2 hours.
9. Remove the electrolyte container carefully, and dispose of immediately.
10. Place the sealing cap strip LOOSELY over the filling holes of the battery.
11. Charge the battery using the BatteryMate Battery Charger - See Latest Parts Catalogue for Part Number Information. Refer to the instructions supplied with the BatteryMate Battery Charger - See Latest Parts Catalogue for Part Number Information.
Caution! The caps must be fitted (after charging) within two hours of filling the battery with acid. Leaving the battery open to the atmosphere for longer than is necessary will start to reverse the chemical reaction which takes place within the battery, greatly reducing the battery's service life.
12. After charging is complete, press down firmly with both hands to seat the caps (do not use tools or force the caps into position).
13. Disconnect the charger and allow the battery to stand for 1 hour before fitting to the motorcycle.
14. Fit the battery to the motorcycle, positive (red) lead first.
Battery maintenance
The battery is a sealed type and does not require any maintenance other than checking the voltage and routine recharging such as during storage.
It is not possible to adjust the electrolyte level in the battery.
Note: The charge level in the battery must be maintained to maximise the battery life.
With normal use of the motorcycle, the charging system will keep the battery charged. If the motorcycle is unused, the battery will gradually discharge due to battery self discharge and the continuous current drain for the clock and the engine control module memory.
The rate of battery discharge can be greatly increased by the addition of electrical security systems or other accessories.
Allowing a battery to discharge, or leaving it discharged over a period of time, causes sulphation of the lead plates within the battery.
Sulphation is a normal chemical reaction inside the battery and over a period of time sulphate will crystallise on to the lead plates making charging difficult or impossible. The result is a permanently damaged battery, which would not be covered by the motorcycle warranty.
Keeping a battery at full charge reduces the chance of it freezing in cold conditions. Allowing a battery to freeze can cause serious internal damage to the battery.
When leaving the motorcycle standing for more than a few days, regularly check the battery voltage using a digital multimeter. Should the battery voltage fall below 12.8 V, charge the battery using the BatteryMate Battery Charger - see latest Parts Catalogue for part number information. Refer to the instructions supplied with the BatteryMate Battery charger.
For extended periods of storage (beyond two weeks) the battery should be removed and the battery voltage checked regularly and charged when below 12.8 V.
Battery already in service
Note: Before carrying out the following procedure the battery must be disconnected and removed from the motorcycle.
Use the guidelines in the table below for charging. Always verify the battery condition before charging, and 30 minutes after charging.
Note: A fully charged battery should read 12.8 volts or higher after the battery has been off the charger for 30 minutes or more.
Table of battery charging times
State of charge | Voltage | Action | Charge time (using BatteryMate 150-9) |
100% | 12.8 V - 13.0 V | None. Check at 4 months from date of delivery | None required |
75% - 100% | 12.5 V - 12.8 V | Charge and check in 4 months from date of last check | 3 - 6 hours |
50% - 75% | 12.0 V - 12.5 V | Needs charge | 5 - 11 hours |
25% - 50% | 11.5 V - 12.0 V | Needs charge | At least 13 hours |
0% - 25% | 11.5 V or less | Needs recovery using BatteryMate 150-9. Retest after recovery | 20 hours |