Battery Removal!

On both My 05 550 and 07 650 all I did was remove top shock bolt and move the shock away

The battery tray does come out without moving the shock away.
But there is only one specific angle to do so.
And if you dont have patience to figure it then yes,
remove the shock..

pollo

I like to remove the starter as its only 4 allen bolts for the starter and bracket. Then 2 more bolts for the entire battery tray.

Now its easy to take the carb off (with the starter out of the way) and clean out that pilot jet from it sitting around.

Be sure to keep the battery connected to a smart charger when not in use or you will be spending a small fortune in batteries (Lithium batteries are not so susceptible to losing their charge and sulfating as the lead /acid type).

shocking

Hello again Jimbo. That battery! They buried it. CG is 3.8 % lower that way so for world championship level stuff it helps. Yay I think....
Ok. Remove the shock to remove batt. Not essential but do the much needed suspension pivot greasing, including shock mount bolts and axles, while in there. Wash shock with WD40 and rags including fine shock threads, confirm settings while it`s out. Check preload before unbolting anything. Never easier to adjust than while shock is out. Take time to route all the wires properly, after seeing none are loose / broken. Re apply insulating tape everywhere. Spritz every connector with WD40, every rubber bushing / block with suitable treatment spray. All the body work loves this stuff also, wash bike first tho. Check every bolt for tightness. Good luck, L

Remember WD40 is water displacement 40 not a lubricant or anything you use electrically. Except for removing water from the connections. All though it does make the bike you good! You should use Dielectric Grease or an equivalent on most connections.