Really stupid question sorry in advance

My husband took the battery out of my old Virago 125 to charge it. Ive had it on the optimate for a while and it's ready to go. However, when I went to put it back in the bike, I couldn't work out what lead goes to positive, and what lead to negative.

Is it one of those things where it doesn't matter if you try? Or the bike and surrounding garage is blown sky high and you should never do it?

I know it's a stupid question but I'm learning!

Originally Posted by shonadoll

My husband took the battery out of my old Virago 125 to charge it. Ive had it on the optimate for a while and it's ready to go. However, when I went to put it back in the bike, I couldn't work out what lead goes to positive, and what lead to negative.

Is it one of those things where it doesn't matter if you try? Or the bike and surrounding garage is blown sky high and you should never do it?

I know it's a stupid question but I'm learning!

Normally there's a red and a black lead. Red is positive, black is negative.

We all start somewhere, think nothing of it.

You should have a red and black wire. Red goes to positive, black to negative

Don't tap them together in front of your face though SPARKY SPARKY

Doh, beaten to it.

Originally Posted by Daimo

We all start somewhere, think nothing of it.

You should have a red and black wire. Red goes to positive, black to negative

Don't tap them together in front of your face though SPARKY SPARKY

Doh, beaten to it.

Thankyou! I won't do that! not on purpose anyway!...

Originally Posted by wyrdness

Normally there's a red and a black lead. Red is positive, black is negative.

Thanks very much!

When disconnecting, disconnect the negative (black) first.
When reconnecting, reconnect the positive (red) first.

Originally Posted by Kinvig

When disconnecting, disconnect the negative (black) first.
When reconnecting, reconnect the positive (red) first.

Excellent, didn't know that. Thankyou.

[rictus01]

Originally Posted by Kinvig

When disconnecting, disconnect the negative (black) first.
When reconnecting, reconnect the positive (red) first.

see that course wasn't for nothing

Originally Posted by rictus01

see that course wasn't for nothing

shhh! For a second there people thought that I was the voice of wisdom!

[Stu]

Originally Posted by Kinvig

When disconnecting, disconnect the negative (black) first.
When reconnecting, reconnect the positive (red) first.

Why?
If I understood, I might remember better. It's like jump starting, I know there's a best order, but always have to look it up (if I can be bothered)