How hard is it to replace the battery on a... - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

tigerdude77 · 07-05-2006, 10:21 AM

2003 VS800 Intruder?

I put my saddle bags on yesterday, and wanted them under the rear seat, so I had to remove the seats. This was easy enough, so I thought I'd find the battery while I had the seats off. I know the battery is UNDER the front seat - SOMEWHERE. I even have a wire (for the trickle-charger) that leads to the battery, but I could never actually see it in there. I thought this would be a simple process, but it sure was congested under there. This is the original battery, so I'm sure I will need to replace it within the next 6-12 months, but now I'm not so sure I can do this (usually) simple process.

Anyone that has experienced this task previously, is this going to be really hard to do? Do I have to disassemble the entire bike to replace the battery (okay - so I'm exaggerating a little)? After removing the front seat, how difficult is this task (maybe on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being impossible)?

**Louis** · 07-05-2006, 10:27 AM

There's a plastic cover on it, should be easily accessible but I don't have a VS800 so I don't know.

DrBob · 07-05-2006, 11:47 AM

The battery is not under the seat, nor is there a plastic cover over it, and it is far from easily accessible. I think some Suzuki engineer is laughing his *** off every time he thinks about someone servicing the battery on the VS800 and Vs1400.

The Intruder's battery is found in a metal box at the bottom of the bike, just in front of the rear tire. The bottom of the box is hinged, so to remove the battery you unscrew the terminal connection (philips head screw on the positive, flat screw on the negative), remove two 10mm bolts, and the bottom will open and the battery will drop out. After checking the water level, push it back up into the box and shut the cover, replace the bolts, and screw on the terminal connection. J&P Cycles has the battery for $39, by the way, should you need one.

**Louis** · 07-05-2006, 11:59 AM

I just looked at RonAyers fiche and there's a cover for the battery that's why I thought there was one. But I'll take Bob's word since he has one.

Seems like a real pain indeed.

tigerdude77 · 07-05-2006, 02:30 PM

Thanks Bob. I'll check that out. I probably need to replace that thing pretty soon.

07-05-2006, 10:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
tigerdude77 In Training Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 2003 vs800 Intruder Location: B'ham, AL Posts: 121	How hard is it to replace the battery on a... 2003 VS800 Intruder? I put my saddle bags on yesterday, and wanted them under the rear seat, so I had to remove the seats. This was easy enough, so I thought I'd find the battery while I had the seats off. I know the battery is UNDER the front seat - SOMEWHERE. I even have a wire (for the trickle-charger) that leads to the battery, but I could never actually see it in there. I thought this would be a simple process, but it sure was congested under there. This is the original battery, so I'm sure I will need to replace it within the next 6-12 months, but now I'm not so sure I can do this (usually) simple process. Anyone that has experienced this task previously, is this going to be really hard to do? Do I have to disassemble the entire bike to replace the battery (okay - so I'm exaggerating a little)? After removing the front seat, how difficult is this task (maybe on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being impossible)?

07-05-2006, 10:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	There's a plastic cover on it, should be easily accessible but I don't have a VS800 so I don't know. __________________ Louis

07-05-2006, 11:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	The battery is not under the seat, nor is there a plastic cover over it, and it is far from easily accessible. I think some Suzuki engineer is laughing his *** off every time he thinks about someone servicing the battery on the VS800 and Vs1400. The Intruder's battery is found in a metal box at the bottom of the bike, just in front of the rear tire. The bottom of the box is hinged, so to remove the battery you unscrew the terminal connection (philips head screw on the positive, flat screw on the negative), remove two 10mm bolts, and the bottom will open and the battery will drop out. After checking the water level, push it back up into the box and shut the cover, replace the bolts, and screw on the terminal connection. J&P Cycles has the battery for $39, by the way, should you need one. __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

07-05-2006, 11:59 AM	#4 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,657	I just looked at RonAyers fiche and there's a cover for the battery that's why I thought there was one. But I'll take Bob's word since he has one. Seems like a real pain indeed. __________________ Louis

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07-05-2006, 02:30 PM	#5 (permalink)
tigerdude77 In Training Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 2003 vs800 Intruder Location: B'ham, AL Posts: 121	Thanks Bob. I'll check that out. I probably need to replace that thing pretty soon.

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