A silly battery terminal question

[Radthorne]

While waiting for my trunk outlet battery tender attachment to arrive (ordered by reading the other excellent threads here), I've been attaching my battery tender to the terminals under the seat using the alligator clips. In the process, naturally setting the little red cover for the positive terminal next to the terminal where I could easily find it and put it back on (you know where this is going....) And, of course, on one such operation upon removing the clips and setting off to ride, I forgot to put back on the little red cover, which promptly parted ways with the bike somewhere as I rode off. :cus:

So my silly question is, any reason to be concerned about replacing the little red cover on the positive terminal? I only raise the seat to put in gas and connect the tender (and I'll stop connecting it there once I get the trunk connector). So it's not like I'm likely to leave any tools or things draped across the bike that might connect the two terminals. Any other reason to cover it up? (Even if BRP sold the little covers, they'd probably charge something stupid like $12 for it... )

Told you it was a silly question...

 

[canam9]

Not to worry. It is just there for looks. I lost mine many rain storm's ago with no ill effects. And like you said BPR may want an arm. Or a leg.:roflblack: :ani29:

 

[ThreeWheels]

I never had this cover on my RT.

I suspect it is a dunsel.

 

[johnnyg]

I never had one on my 2010. Go by your auto parts an get a battery hook up for your battery tender, that way you just plug it in when your done riding

 

[boborgera]

It's just one of the many redundant safety pieces, Chance's you'll never drop anything on it but if it wasn't there [from the factory] and someone did short it out, Think lawsuit.:dontknow:

 

[ulflyer]

Wrap some electrical tape around it.

 

[NancysToy]

Not really a silly question and I agree leaving it off probably has a very, very long shot of doing anything harmful.

But, if I think about it, as I place my derriere just above an active welding tip I'm just as happy that silly plastic cap is covering it up

... errr the battery terminal, not my derriere

.

Wrap some electrical tape around it.

:agree: The chances of shorting this out are slim, unless you are working in the area with a wrench or a screwdriver, but it does pose a liability. I'd cover it, and electrical tape (or self-vulcanizing rubber tape) is as good a choice as any. I didn't find the cover shown in the parts fiche, it is probably only available with a cable, but I might have missed it.

 

[Bob Denman]

Perhaps if you consider the fact that it's RED as a reminder for where it needs to be attached... You're aware of the situation, so it's nothing to lose any sleep over!
You might want to attach a red cable tie to it to remind you that it's the positive lead... :thumbup:

 

[Radthorne]

Thanks, guys! :2thumbs: