Motorcycle Battery Cables & Connectors

Problems with a motorcycle's electrical system are not always obvious. That is why many riders prefer to seek the assistance of experienced electricians rather than look for the reasons their bikes don’t work as they should. In most cases, the source of the problem lies in the battery. After some years of use, it loses its ability to accumulate electrical charge needed for starting the engine. If your battery is still good, then inspect the wiring, connectors, switches, relays, alternator coils, electronic ignition system, and so on. If you find that your motorcycle battery cables are corroded or damaged, it is time to replace them.

In many cases, the battery cannot provide enough power to the starter because of corrosion between battery terminals and cable-end terminals. Sometimes, to see the signs of corrosion and oxidation, you need to remove cable terminals from the battery. If wire terminals are too corroded, or if the insulation on your cables is worn-out due to rubbing on chassis, you may have to replace your battery cables. In our store, you can find a wide range of motorcycle battery cables, rubber terminal covers, terminal adapters, and quick-disconnect harnesses with fuses designed and manufactured from premium-quality materials by only trustworthy brands.

Before you start working on your motorcycle battery, it is always a good idea to look for instructions in your factory service manual. The battery itself can be located under the fuel tank, under the seat, or it could be hidden under the side fairing. Remember to undo the negative wire first to avoid shorts to the ground when handling the positive terminal. The reason is that the majority of motorcycle models use the frame as a ground in powering various electrical accessories and sensors. That way, you need to run only one, positive wire to power them while completing the circuit by connecting it to the frame.

The negative battery cable is usually black, or it can feature black heat-shrink tubing or cover on the terminal. If both wires appear the same to you, look for the one that is connected to the negative battery terminal which is usually marked with a “minus” sign. When the negative terminal stays connected to the ground, which is the metal frame of the motorcycle, you can bridge the gap between the frame and the positive terminal with your hand tool while trying to disconnect it first. You short the battery causing blown fuses and, in the worst case scenario, even fire.

When connecting the cables back to the battery, do it in a reversed order, namely connect the corresponding cable to the positive terminal first. Be sure that correct cables go to the right terminals. The mistake may damage some electronic equipment. If you tend to work on the electrical system of your motorcycle often, consider installing a quick-disconnect harness that allows you to disconnect both battery cables quickly and easily. By choosing one of our high-performance cable kits that feature thick but extremely flexible wires with fine, oxygen-free copper strands and wear-resistant vinyl insulation, you can achieve very tight bend angles and run them through fairly tricky openings in the construction of your bike. Besides, such cables are very efficient in transferring electrical power with minimal voltage drop.