F-Twins Tech – F650/700/800 - Battery Removal

[drneo66]

The articles, posts and comments in this tech section are posted by individual members and reflect their personal thoughts and experiences with repairing, maintaining, and generally working on motorcycles. This information may require specific knowledge and skills, may or may not be correct or current to model.

The authors of information found here and the BMW MOA take no responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of any information (including procedures, techniques, parts numbers, torque values, tool usage, etc.), or further for any damage of any kind or injuries incurred or caused by anyone following the instructions or information found here.

It is the duty of the individual to either assume the liability himself for responsibly using the information found here, or to take the bike or accessory to a Dealer or other qualified professional service.

Please ensure you dispose of your used chemicals, oils and fuels in an environmentally responsible manner. Most Auto Parts stores and service stations will accept used oil and lubricants, tires and batteries, please check for your local availability. Here's a link where you can look up a place to dispose of your used fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc.) - http://earth911.com/

This article, text and photos are Copyright of the individual authors and the BMW MOA, any copying or redistributing is permitted only by prior written authorization.

PLEASE PRINT AND READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING!

Final note: Batteries can be dangerous to you, people around you, and your motorcycle's sensitive electronics. Remove all metal jewelry before working. When in doubt, take your motorcycle to a reputable dealer.

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Removing or Changing the battery on your BMW F-Twin (F650, F700 and F800)



Note 1: The specific bike shown is a 2013 F800GS, but the battery removal should be applicable to all twin-cylinder F650, F700 and F800 bikes and models. How you get to the battery will be different on other styles of F-Twins (ST,GT)
Note 2: This F800GS has been heavily accessorized (farkeled), which results in many more battery connections and excess wires compared to a stock bike. This bike also has an aftermarket battery installed with two additional terminals.
Note 3: The tools and materials used are by personal choice and are not due to any affiliation with any brand


Tools Required:
- T25 star (Torx) bit
- T27 star bit
- 10mm socket (or equivalent that fits your specific battery terminals)
- Ratchet(s) that fit the above

 

[drneo66]

The battery on the F-Twins is located underneath the faux gas tank "hump" - to access this area on the GS, we need to remove six screws.

With your T25 wrench remove the four screws on the top of the plastic (indicated by the red arrows)
Note - your bike may be cleaner than this example

 

[drneo66]

Next we will need to remove the two screws near the ignition, one on each side. Again, your T25 is the correct size for these bolts

 

[drneo66]

If you have the accessory electrical plug by the ignition, this connector will have to be unplugged. Gently press on the tab by the wires at the end of the connectors and separate the connection. Set the top plastic aside someplace safe.

 

[drneo66]

Using your T27 star (Torx) bit, remove the two battery hold down bracket screws, noted by the blue arrows. Once the screws are free, gently remove the plastic battery hold down piece.

Note: some bikes may have an additional wiring socket that is attached to this hold down plastic. Just gently remove it from the holder and move it out of the way.

 

[drneo66]

Next, using the appropriate socket or wrench remove the black negative (ground) connection first, as indicated by the green arrow. Removing the negative lead first reduces the risk of sparks, shocks, and unwanted electrons where they shouldn't be. I like to secure the negative battery lead out of the way so it does not inadvertently touch the battery terminal.

Then, using the appropriate socket or wrench, remove the red positive connection, as indicated by the red arrow. Again, you can secure this lead up and away.

 

[drneo66]

Finally, after making sure all the wires and leads are free, we can extract the battery.

Note: some unsealed lead acid batteries may have a small vent tube connected to one side of the battery. This vent tube allows for excess pressure and liquid to flow off the battery. It is vital that this is gently removed, but more importantly, placed back on the connection when the battery is returned to the bike. If this vent tube is not placed back on the vent connection when the battery is reinstalled, you could have battery acid leaking into your bike, which is less than ideal.

 

[drneo66]

Installing the new battery is reverse of disassembly:

- Install the vent overflow tube if you have one
- Connect the red positive cable first
- Connect the black negative cable
- Install the black plastic battery holder with your T27 wrench. Tighten these screws to just snug (these threads are going into plastic, so they can easily be stripped)
- Grab the top plastic and plug in the accessory connector (if equipped)
- Using your T25, screw in each of the six screws: four on top of the plastic panel, and two on each side of the ignition (again screw to just snug)
- Note the date and mileage of the battery change in your owners manual
- Ride off into the sunset