Battery Commissioning And Charging; New Battery - Triumph Thunderbird Service Manual

Electrical System
Battery Commissioning and
Charging
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.
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. Ensure the VI N number printed on the anti-tamper
label attached to the battery matches the motorcycle
VIN.
2. Read the instructions and warnings delivered with
the battery.
3. Place the battery on a flat level surface and remove
the sealing foil.
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.
4. Remove the battery sealing strip from the electrolyte
container (if applicable) 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 and adapter (if
applicable) 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.
Z 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 30 minutes for
batteries 3 Ah - 12 Ah or 1 hour for batteries greater
than 12 Ah.
9. Remove the electrolyte container and adapter
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 150-9.
Refer to the instructions supplied with the
BatteryMate 150-9.
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.
18.10 SelVice Manual - Thunderbird