2022 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS Battery
Battery
The battery installed in this motorcycle is a sealed type, so it is not necessary to check the battery electrolyte level or add distilled water. The sealing strip should not be pulled off once the specified electrolyte has been installed in the battery for initial service. However, in order to maximize battery life and ensure that it will provide the power needed to start the motorcycle you must properly maintain the battery’s charge. When used regularly, the charging system in the motorcycle helps keep the battery fully charged. If your motorcycle is only used occasionally or for short periods of time, the battery is more likely to discharge. Due to their internal composition, batteries continually self-discharge. The discharge rate depends on the type of battery and ambient temperature. As temperatures rise, so does the discharge rate. Electrical accessories, such as digital clocks and computer memory, also draw current from the battery even when the key is switched off. Due to a combination of such “key—off’ draw with hot temperature, a battery can go from fully charged to completely discharged in a matter of days.
In extremely cold weather the fluid in an inadequately charged battery can easily freeze, which can crack the case and buckle the plates. A fully charged battery can withstand sub-freezing temperatures with no damage.
Battery Sulfation
A common cause of battery failure is sulfation.
Sulfation occurs when the battery is left in a discharged condition for an extended time. Sulfate is a normal by-product of the chemical reactions within a battery. But when continuous discharge allows the sulfate to crystallize in the cells, the battery plates become permanently damaged and will not hold a charge. Battery failure due to sulfation is not warrantable.
Battery Maintenance
It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the battery fully charged. Failure to do so can lead to battery failure and leave you stranded. If you are riding your vehicle infrequently, inspect the battery voltage weekly using a voltmeter. If it drops below 12.6 volts, the battery should be charged using an appropriate charger (check with a Kawasaki dealer). you will not be using the motorcycle for longer than two weeks, the battery should be charged using an appropriate charger. Do not use an automotive-type quick charger that may overcharge the battery and damage it.
NOTE
Leaving the battery connected causes the electrical components (clock etc) to make the battery dis- charged, resulting the over-discharge of the battery. In this case, the repair or replacement of the battery is not included in the warranty. If you do not drive for four weeks or more, disconnect the battery from the vehicle.
Kawasaki-recommended are:
Battery Mate 150-9
OptiMate 4
Yuasa MB-2040/2060
Christie C10122S
If the above chargers are not available, use an equivalent one. For more details, ask a Kawasaki dealer.
The charger will keep the battery fully charged until you are ready to re-install the battery in the motorcycle (see Battery Installation).
NOTICE
Never remove the sealing stirp, or the battery can be damaged. Do not install a conventional battery in this motorcycle, or the electrical system cannot work properly.
NOTE
lf you charge the sealed battery, never fail to observe the instructions shown in the label on the battery.
WARNING
Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
Battery Removal
- Remove the seat (see Seat section in the GENERAL INFORMATION chapter).
- Unscrew the battery case cover screws, and then remove the battery case cover.
A. Battery Case Cover Screws
B. Battery Case Cover
- Remove the (—) terminal bolt, and then disconnect the (—) cable from the (—) terminal.
- Slide the red cap.
A. (—) Terminal Bolt
B. (—) Terminal
C. Red cap
Remove the (+) terminal bolt, and then disconnect (+) cable from the (+) terminal.
A. (+) Terminal Bolt
B. (+) Terminal
NOTICE
- Do not remove the battery and fuse for 6 seconds after turning off the ignition switch.
- Take the battery out of the battery case.
- Clean the battery using a solution of baking soda and water. Be sure that the cable connections are clean.
Battery Installation
- Place the battery in the battery case.
- Connect the (+) cable into the (+) terminal, and then tighten the (+) terminal bolt into the (+) terminal.
- Connect the (—) cable into the (—) terminal, and then tighten the (—) terminal bolt into the (—) terminal.
NOTICE
Installing the (—) cable to the (+) terminal of the battery or the (+) cable to the (—) terminal of the battery can seriously damage the electrical system.
NOTE
- When installing the battery, the speedometer needle may momentarily point to the last reading. If the battery is disconnected while the meter needle is moving, the needle will stop on its way, but will normally retum when the battery is connected again.
- Put a light coat of grease on the terminals to prevent corrosion. Cover the (+) terminal with the red cap.
- Install the battery case cover, and tighten the battery case cover screws.
- Reinstall the removed parts.