So I've heard some general spots as to where people have put their batteries after opening up the airbox on their WR's. I was thinking of this, and please, please, PLEASE tell me what you think, or of any ideas for this modification. Or please tell me (well us) how you've relocated yours!

First you remove the entire top portion of the airbox and replace it with a fine wire mesh that covers the top of the box to prevent larger particulate from entering. It will be folded under on the edges and stapled to the box (on the outside for maximum protection).

Measure the appropriate location of the tray (almost directly above it's current location) and mark this out on the underside of your seat. Cut the appropriate size hole in the hard plastic of the seat.

Next cannibalize the holding tray to include the 4 sides, and the hooks for the rubber strap. Acheive the desired depth from inserting the tray into the bottom of the seat (upside down of course!). mark this and attach 6 small L-brackets to secure the box into place. Use screws on the seat portion and bolts on the box with round heads (so the battery can still slide in and out). The battery can be mounted upside down as the top is on it's side already.

Install a snap on connector (and some extra wire to get everything manouvered when you take the seat off) for the positive and negative wires. The connector is kinda like the ones from battery powered RC cars. Plug and play kinda deal.

Put the battery in the seat and strap it in. For added ressurance add 2 swivel pieces that you can rotate over the battery (like the back of a picture frame but stronger). Put the seat on the bike close enough to hook up the connectors to the battery and then attach the seat. Done deal.

The final result is that you don't have to move the battery far, and it still opens up the airbox dramatically.

Shortcomings: you have to cut open the hard bottom of the seat. I have no idea what effet this will have on the durability of the seat. Also I don't know if you can get connectors big enough to handle the current and heat generated by the battery.

Thanks for entertaining my idea!! Cheers

I like your idea except for one thing. My 03WR seat is already uncomfortable as h*ll, so would I fell better or worse with this large, hard block inserted in the padding?

My idea (which I also haven't done yet) is to build a metal box to mount under the rear fender. Lined with thin, dense foam similar to what is already around the battery, it should protect the battery from rocks, etc. What I haven't measured is it's effect on wheel travel. I don't want to bottom out and rip the thing off of the fender. A "backing plate", installed on the top of the fender, could help hold the box on more firmly, but it might tear the fender off if the wheel hits it.

There is also a LITTLE room below the air box, in front of the wheel, just above the swing arm, but that looks risky too. I wonder if a different profile battery is available from the manufacturer with similar voltage and amp-hour charastics?

Just my random thoughts........