Battery change-out procedure

Tallmarkb59

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Apologies if this info is on here, but I have tried the search facility and failed. I need to replace my 1150GS battery. I believe that the fuel tank can be carefully propped up to achieve this. Apart from removing the front seat, removing the RH side panel and a bolt securing the tank on RH side of tank, is there anything else that needs to be done to allow the tank to be lifted at the rear for battery removal/replacement ?
The Oilhead GS Maintenance download mentions sliding the tank backwards as far as it will go. This is correct ?

Cheers.
 
Yes
Electrical connector on RHS side of tank (Does the fuel gauge and pump)
May have to disconnect the fuel lines as well, which if you haven't got them is the ideal time to fit the quick disconnects to save time in the future

best of luck
 
Remember to reset the motronic when you install the new battery. For this you need to:
- Mount all cables/connectors
- turn the ignition key to ON position
- (with the choke OFF) turn the throttle all the way from fully closed to fully open. Do it twice.
- Turn the ingnition key OFF.
- Start as normal from cold (key-choke-ignition).
- ...
- Ride :)
 
Yep, what Neil said - I've literally just put my tank back on about 5 minutes ago!

I managed to prop my tank up to get access to the battery to fit an optimate charging cable. If you need to disconnect your fuel lines drain your tank first as there's no stop-tap, and put a thick rag on top of the engine behind the RH cylinder to soak up any fuel that does come out. I bung a bolt in each line to minimise this. Also take care that you don't split them taking them off, they can be a sod to remove. Oh, and you might want to mark one of them either side of the join so you know which pipe goes back where (my bike has a hand small green cable tie on one pipe either side of the join to indicate this, it's really helpful. And if you decide to go all in and lift it off completely don't forget the two finer breather/overflow hoses (not sure just what they are) tied to the rhs of the frame - they disconnect easier than the fuel lines.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
DanGS said:
Remember to reset the motronic when you install the new battery. For this you need to:
- Mount all cables/connectors
- turn the ignition key to ON position
- (with the choke OFF) turn the throttle all the way from fully closed to fully open. Do it twice.
- Turn the ingnition key OFF.
- Start as normal from cold (key-choke-ignition).
- ...
- Ride :)
Click to expand...
I didn't do any of this when I replaced my battery recently...

Does it really matter?
 
Bikermike1411 said:
Yep, what Neil said - I've literally just put my tank back on about 5 minutes ago!

I managed to prop my tank up to get access to the battery to fit an optimate charging cable. If you need to disconnect your fuel lines drain your tank first as there's no stop-tap, and put a thick rag on top of the engine behind the RH cylinder to soak up any fuel that does come out. I bung a bolt in each line to minimise this. Also take care that you don't split them taking them off, they can be a sod to remove. Oh, and you might want to mark one of them either side of the join so you know which pipe goes back where (my bike has a hand small green cable tie on one pipe either side of the join to indicate this, it's really helpful. And if you decide to go all in and lift it off completely don't forget the two finer breather/overflow hoses (not sure just what they are) tied to the rhs of the frame - they disconnect easier than the fuel lines.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I have removed my tank lots of times, never spilt a drop of fuel, the quick connectors see to that. You can't reconnect them the wrong way. Maybe someone has removed these at some point, if so try and get some. I wouldn't bother propping the tank up as it is so easy to remove it and there is then no risk of damage to the bike or me if the prop moves.

John
 
The Grey One said:
I have removed my tank lots of times, never spilt a drop of fuel, the quick connectors see to that. You can't reconnect them the wrong way. Maybe someone has removed these at some point, if so try and get some. I wouldn't bother propping the tank up as it is so easy to remove it and there is then no risk of damage to the bike or me if the prop moves.

John
Click to expand...

Interesting..... Mine has two rubber (ish) hoses coming down from the fuel pump, which push onto two bent 'rigid' plastic fuel sections which are just above the RH cylinder behind the black pop-on cover. They're secured with small jubilee clips. Should it have quick release fittings as standard John? It is a 2000 model.

If not, what do I buy, and where from? I want some!

There's no way my tank can come off without draining it first! I'd always assumed this was why I'd noticed the yellow staining on the RHS of the gearbox on so many GS's - it's where the fuel pours if you're not careful.....




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Quick connectors were standard on my 2003 model and I have seen lots of references to them in threads on here. Mine were replaced FOC by BMW one year out of warranty although I had no problems. I suspect they would have been standard on yours but no doubt others will be able to clarify. Over the years I have taken the tank off many times and the only problem has been a worn O ring. Quick release connectors can be found easily, Google is your friend here. Again others might be able to give recommendations.

John
 
The Grey One said:
Quick connectors were standard on my 2003 model and I have seen lots of references to them in threads on here. Mine were replaced FOC by BMW one year out of warranty although I had no problems. I suspect they would have been standard on yours but no doubt others will be able to clarify. Over the years I have taken the tank off many times and the only problem has been a worn O ring. Quick release connectors can be found easily, Google is your friend here. Again others might be able to give recommendations.

John
Click to expand...

Thanks John, good to know. I'll look into it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Bikermike1411 said:
Interesting..... Mine has two rubber (ish) hoses coming down from the fuel pump, which push onto two bent 'rigid' plastic fuel sections which are just above the RH cylinder behind the black pop-on cover. They're secured with small jubilee clips. Should it have quick release fittings as standard John? It is a 2000 model.

If not, what do I buy, and where from? I want some!

There's no way my tank can come off without draining it first! I'd always assumed this was why I'd noticed the yellow staining on the RHS of the gearbox on so many GS's - it's where the fuel pours if you're not careful.....




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

All 1100 and 1150 models up to 2003 come with just push fit fuel hose as standard. Only bikes from 2003 come with Q/D fittings as standard. BUT there is no need at all to drain the tank if you have the push fit hoses . Just pull the fuel hose off the plastic fuel pipe and insert a 6mm bolt into the hose and tighten the jubilee clip, Use a washer on the bolt in the top hose so you can tell which goes where.
 
DanGS said:
Remember to reset the motronic when you install the new battery. For this you need to:
- Mount all cables/connectors
- turn the ignition key to ON position
- (with the choke OFF) turn the throttle all the way from fully closed to fully open. Do it twice.
- Turn the ingnition key OFF.
- Start as normal from cold (key-choke-ignition).
- ...
- Ride :)
Click to expand...

Slipperyeel said:
I didn't do any of this when I replaced my battery recently...

Does it really matter?
Click to expand...

Nope, it really doesn't matter. Your bike will do it automatically as you ride it. For a thread asking such a simple straightforward question such as how to change a battery it's full of bollox information. :D
 
Steptoe said:
All 1100 and 1150 models up to 2003 come with just push fit fuel hose as standard. Only bikes from 2003 come with Q/D fittings as standard. BUT there is no need at all to drain the tank if you have the push fit hoses . Just pull the fuel hose off the plastic fuel pipe and insert a 6mm bolt into the hose and tighten the jubilee clip, Use a washer on the bolt in the top hose so you can tell which goes where.
Click to expand...

I was thinking a fuel hose of 8mm I/D would need an 8mm bolt.

I think you're confusing the adventure crossover pipe which is 6mm I/D.

I guess it's been a long day.

:thumb
Ian
 
Thanks for the advice. Planning in draining the tank through riding as much as poss before I start the job. Fitting an Optimate lead to the battery terminals at the same time. I bought one that plugs into the DIN socket from a well known aftermarket supplier, but it broke after about ten uses. So far not received a replacement.
 
Last edited:
Tallmarkb59 said:
Thanks for the advice. Planning in draining the tank through riding as much as poss before I start the job. Fitting an Optimate lead to the battery terminals at the same time. I bought one that plugs into the DIN socket from a well known aftermarket supplier, but it broke after about ten uses. So far not received a replacement.
Click to expand...
The tank really isn't that heavy. I've lifted and re-fitted a full adventure tank lots of times without a hitch.

Admittedly, your idea of riding off the fuel is the more enjoyable option
 
Ian J Hartley said:
I was thinking a fuel hose of 8mm I/D would need an 8mm bolt.

I think you're confusing the adventure crossover pipe which is 6mm I/D.

I guess it's been a long day.

:thumb
Ian
Click to expand...

Not so much a long day as trying to post on an iPhone 4 without wearing glasses - still, it fitted in well with all the other half arsed advice :D
 
You don't need to disconnect fuel lines or anything else (other than the battery itself) in order to change the battery. Take off the seat, the side panel, remove the bolt. Lift up the back of the tank and prop it up with a bit of wood. Gives enough access to pull out the battery. Takes minutes.
 
Taking the tank off really is a doddle, even more so with Quick Disconnects. It shouldn't be something you fear doing. It takes less than 2min to take it off, Steptoe probably does it led than 1min!

I think if you're gonna keep the bike, get some QD connectors (make sure you get the metal male connector - the plastic female parts are ok, if you see what I mean ). Make this battery change the time to fit them. You'll never look back, really.
 
Quick disconnects are a worthwhile upgrade, fitted mine a few days ago, and I've had my tank off 3 or 4 times already ....cos I can :D
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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