Sportster Battery Removal and Replacement

Steve Knoble joins us with a 2012 Sportster Iron strapped to the lift and is prepared to remove the Sportster battery. Sportster battery removal and replacement is an easy task on some Harley-Davidson model years and it is a more tedious task on some others. This 2012 Iron is a good example of a slightly more tedious procedure as Steve demonstrates.

Start by removing the left side cover. Pull outward to release the cover from its two top retaining clips, then pull upwards and off of the bottom retaining tab. Next, the motorcycle’s main fuse caddy and the data link plug can be unclipped from the battery retaining strap. Use a 7/16″ socket to remove the strap retaining screw and remove the strap.

Next, is the challenging part of the service. The Sportster battery negative cable needs to be unbolted from a stud located at the top of the transmission/engine case. What makes it challenging is that this area is difficult to access. Using a shallow 7/16″, 1/4″ drive socket with a swivel adapter and an extension usually works best for accessing the nut that retains the cable end. This step can be a challenge, even after successfully completing it a number of times. So, take your time and practice patience.

Once the cable has been released from the stud, it is a good idea to wrap it with electrical tape to keep it from contacting any metal that may ground the Sportster battery. Now, move back to the left side of the motorcycle and remove the screw that retains the positive battery cable.Once the positive cable is removed, note the orientation of the negative cable and you can slide the Sportster battery and cable out of the motorcycle.

Installation simply happens in reverse, with reinstallation of the negative cable being the only challenging hurdle to get past. Make sure that the negative Sportster battery cable does not loosen when pushing the battery back into location. It is a good idea to use a small amount of blue Loctite on the battery hardware.

Posts and Videos on Sportster Battery Removal:

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