I just found this forum because I was searching for some tech info. I have a 2006 1200C and unfortunately because of the nasty weather lately it has been sitting in the garage and like a dumb a.., I have not started it in a while.

When I went to ride it yesterday, the battery was deader than a door nail. It moaned a couple of times and then started clicking. I didn't go any further. I decided to try and charge the battery today but ran into a problem. I am NOT aa wrench head and couldn't figure out how to get to the Negative (-) terminal. I can definitely connect with the positive (+) but can't figure out how to get to the negative.

Can I just connect to a nut or bolt on the frame and charge it that way? All I want is enough to crank it and then I can run it and let it charge.

Looking forward to being here and seeing all the posts. :tour

Robert
aka Circus Bear - that's what I feel like on my Sporty. GOT to lose some pounds. :doh

Welcome to the Forum! Ride Safe!! Ride Always!!! The terminal is difficult to get at. Try doing a "Search" Also get the manual...:rtfm :smoke

Welcome to the Xl forum from Louisville Ky.
Look into a battery tender.
mine sat 18 days in a semi heated garage and it cranked right up.

Remove the seat, get a long P2 screwdriver, go from in front of the oil bag accross the bike towards the battery, you may have to tilt the battery a bit, it just takes patience and practice.

BTW...Welcome!!

DC

Welcome Stinger,

The information here is very helpful.

I have an '05 XL1200C and need to remove the battery to get to the terminal.
Enjoy!

the frame on the bike is ground, so yes you can connect to a bare metal component. As said look into a battery tender. Me and my father got 2 for 17.95 each at walmart. made by schumaker, very good inexpensive unit.

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum, I'm sure you will find lots of help and information here. :)

Welcome to the forum.

:welcome to the forum! I just attach the negative to the same bolt on the frame that grounds the battery when charging or jumping mine. You can see the bolt when looking on the battery side through the bike towards the area just above where the mufflers attach to the pipes.

Welcome to the forum from Upstate NY.:banadanc

Hello from Missouri & welcome to the best forum on the net!

welcome to the forum.

chassis should be a good ground.

Welcome from Virginia. Glad you found us.

Welcome to the Forum from Middle Tennessee, Defeated Creek, Difficult and Hoggtown

Bare metal on the chassis or engine is a good ground on any vehicle. Better to connect there anyway since a spark can ignite hydrogen gas from the battery. Use a charger to bring the battery to full charge and a tender to keep it there. Alternators are designed to maintain batteries and are overworked bringing one up. Overheating unless you are riding is also a problem. Welcome to the forum!
Matt

Welcome to the Forum from the North Georgia Mountains. As said, any unpainted bolt head should give you a good ground, This time of year a float type battery tender is a good idea. I also am curious as to why yours went dead thou. How long is "a while", anyway. Good luck and if you ever have access to the battery terminals, most battery tenders have come with a short wire and plug to attach to the battery permanently, install it then and you can plug your charger in anytime.