Removing battery/seat from 82 Nighthawk 650

[Rickk]

I know this sounds like a retarded question but I cant get my battery out of my 82 650.  I removed both side covers and can see the battery, but I'm assuming I need to take the seat off also, correct?  My main problem is that I cant get the seat off, so if you know how please let me know, because my battery is literally freezing to death in this Wisconsin weather.

[Bumblebee]

If you can get it out without pulling the seat, you're a better magician than I am.

Look at the bottom of the edge of the seat near where the passenger sits. You'll see a 12mm bolt on the frame behind rear shock attach point. Pull those bolts, lift the seat and pull it aft. Comes right off. When you reinstall, make sure the hook on the front of the seat is under the frame attachment or the front won't be secure.

After that it's just the ground and positive battery connections. It lifts right out.

[Rickk]

thanks.  I realized those 2 bolts where what was holding it on right after I posted this thread.  a lot simpler than I thought.

[Munkey]

And always carry an allen wrench of that size with you when you ride. If you need access to the battery when out riding, you are screwed without it.

[Bumblebee]

Ad always carry an allen wrench of that size with you when you ride. If you need access to the battery when out riding, you are screwed without it.

On this bike the seat and tank are secured with 12mm hex head bolts.
At an absolute minimum, always carry a 7, 8, 10, and 12mm combination wrenches, a P-2 phillips and 3/16" flatblade screwdriver and medium size pliers with you. (throw out the chinese reject junk that comes with the bike and use real tools) That won't fix all the problems however it'll go a long way in limping home while doing city and populated area riding.