Topic: What is damaged from reversed battery terminals?

[jayowen]

So my bike died today while trying to start away from home. Fiancé came and got the battery and charged it for me. After being charged I stupidly put the battery in wrong causing the terminals to be reversed. What did I break and need to replace? :-( not the best day

[70CB750]

Maybe nothing.  There are bikes - and other vehicles - with (+) on the frame.  Ural for instance.

[Tugboat]

Fuse.

[jayowen]

Yay just a fuse

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Any smoke? Check the wiring to your rectifier, etc.

[PGF550F]

Ground wire on the Rectifier takes the biggest hit... and the Ego

[Don R]

 Advance auto had their battery chart incorrect. The sales guy kept trying to sell me batteries with the poles reversed. He even called the manufacturer. This year I went to the battery rack and found it myself.
 I've been told it can ruin the rectifier.

[Bodi]

"Could" ruin the rectifier should be "Will" ruin the rectifier - it's connected to the battery directly with no fuse. The starter safety module could also be fried if you have one but the key would need to be on.

[mcswny]

Any update Jay?

[jayowen]

changed out the plugs and it ran and rode around fine. its at my work until tomorrow until i can get someone to take me to it to bring it home to test charging and what not. but soooooo far it looks like fuses

[mcswny]

changed out the plugs and it ran and rode around fine. its at my work until tomorrow until i can get someone to take me to it to bring it home to test charging and what not. but soooooo far it looks like fuses

fingers crossed for the best!

[xtravbx]

I've done this. And you probably cooked wiring going to the rectifier. Doubtful you even popped a fuse, I didn't. Look for melted wire sheath and replace as necessary. Definitely an ego hit. In my defense the terminals were flipped on my gel battery. 

[jayowen]

my terminals were reversed too. :-( but replaced main fuse and good to go. no damage to rectifier or wiring

[mcswny]

my terminals were reversed too. :-( but replaced main fuse and good to go. no damage to rectifier or wiring

good to hear!!!