Tried to save a dollar

[stevedore]

My battery died a week ago and I got a after market unit that was recommended. While removing the tank with instructions I snapped the quick disconnect to the fuel tank. Much drama cleaning that up. Then i discover that the after market battery is shorter than the OEM unit so the rubber retaining strap is loose. Now the bike is apart all over the garage and I have to purchase more parts to reassemble it. Another weekend of riding shot. I keep seeing a sign in my head that says "kids don't try this at home". My buddy also sent me a Centech fuse block with an accessory relay to make it operate from the ignition switch but it doesn't appear that there is enough room for all the components to mount under the seat. Nothing is going right. At least I didn't light the garage on fire with a cigarette during the fuel spill. Luck of the Irish.

[snowprick]

stevedore,

Cut some plywood and stuff it under your battery until it is the correct height (10 min). Mount the Centech on an "ally" bracket which you affix to the air cleaner box using the existing lid screws. Search this forum for "Centech" you are bound to find the original post.

[bikermeow]

Hey, chin up! Take it as a break from riding

You may want to put hard foam or rubber at the base; it will help cushion the battery too. Take the opportunity to check the wiring too! It's personal bonding with the bike time

Cheers

[towerworker]

Better that you had a QD fail in your shop rather than on the road. They are problematic to say the least. I replaced mine with short brass tubes and FI hose clamps. One day I will buy Omega's or something similar but I so seldom pull the tank I don't give it much thought. I run the tank fairly empty and use a small clamp on the line when pulling the tank. If you replace your battery with a maintenance free style then all the better. Pretty darn silly design on BMW's part to put it there anyway. Seems they are so brilliant in some ways and darn ignorant in others. (of course the 1200's have the battery under the seat where it should have been to begin with)

[stevedore]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I like the foam under the battery solution. I think I'll trade it in on a 1200 to avoid this battery thing in the future. But seriously, I'm ordering upgraded quick disconnects and looking into mounting the Centech as described on the air cleaner bracket.