Motorcycle Repair: battery removal on a 97 honda shadow vlx, battery removal, honda shadow

Question
Hey Falcon, I am needing some help. I have a good feeling you can do that. I own a Honda 97' v-twin Shadow (vlx). I need to change the battery without having to remove the pipes. What is the easiest way to change the battery by myself? Thanks for your help. I'm needing a ride and can't get it started.      Vilecile

Answer
Hi Vilecile.

You shouldn't need to do anything to the pipes to replace the battery.

It is always accessible from one of two places.  Either from the high side behind the sidecover under the seat or from directly under the seat (in this case it drops into a vertical slot directly under the seat.

Just disconnect the hot lead from the battery and then the ground.  In the case of a side-access to the battery, you will need to pull the battery out to access the ground lead.  Then attach the ground lead first before reinstalling the new battery.

If that seems a bit confusing, it will be crystal clear when you see the battery compartment and attachments.

Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON