Honda XL650V Transalp: Battery Removal

I have detailed here how to remove the battery from the bike. I do this during the winter months to preserve the battery life. Please give any feedback or comments in the section below.

Ensure ignition is switched off with the key out of the ignition. Wear full protection. Avoid use of mobile phones and take all the necessary safety precautions.

1. Remove the right side panel by removing these 3 bolts.




2. Unscrew the battery terminal and remove the lead, starting with the negative first, then positive and then bolt no. 3 to remove the bracket.



3. Battery removed:




Place the battery away from the motorcycle and keep upright. Put the fairing back into place without tightening the screws too far in (just as a cover).

Connect your preferred battery charger or optimiser for prolonged battery life.

A step closer

Today marks the day where a major step has been made by myself towards getting my full motorbike licence.

I passed my Module 1 motorcycle test first time. It is such a relief as this particular module was making me very anxious in this whole adventure to ride! The fact that you are restricted in a yard surrounded by cones that you must not hit is daunting. I felt very anxious before the test but as time went by I felt more and more comfortable.

The examiner was excellent. Overall it was a positive experience. I did falter just before starting the U-turn however somehow it went smoothly. The two things the examiner commented were that I was not wearing proper boots covering the ankles (had to wear my instructor's - very kind!) and during the emergency stop my speed was 58kph (minimum 50) and this caused me to take a while to stop suddenly.

But anyhow, it's a pass.

Now I'm off for a vacation back home and then I'll be back for Module 2 which is already booked with a preceding lesson.

Light at the end of the tunnel

Ok so today I have got confirmation that my bike will be collected by the courier end of this week and will be delivered to me on Monday!

In the meantime I will be away for a few days so that should help with the days passing a bit faster!

Now back to researching on motorcycle gear....

Welcome, Introduction, New Bike

I have been wanting to set up my own blog for a while, but to do so, one needs to have a very valid reason why he or she should bother to log in and write a decent and interesting paragraph about a topic.

I always admired motorcycles but always thought that they are too dangerous for my liking.

This idea still remains with me today however after spending hours online reading about them and watching videos of friends and other bikers, I have realised that I am missing out on this wonderful hobby!

I decided to start taking lessons at a local motorcycling school. Here in the UK you need to pass two modules before getting the unrestricted motorcycle licence. Mine is coming up very shortly so I shall write back with the details.

In the mean time.... I have just purchased my very own motorcycle. It's an '07 Honda Transalp XL650V. I have been recommended this bike by a friend of mine. I shall write more details about this motorbike in due course and also provide some photos!

Till then,
Keep safe
ET