Underseat tray - necessary?

[kemp]

I just bought a cheapo battery from Wal-Mart to replace my dead one, and it turns out that it's taller than the stocker. So tall, in fact, that I can't re-install the tray that covers the battery. This leads me to my question: is this tray necessary? Does it protect the battery from the elements, or affect the air entering the snorkel in any way?

I hate to have to buy another battery, since I've already put the acid in and charged this one. I doubt they'll allow me to return it.

[txbanditrydr]

If I'm not mistaken, the tray acts as a battery hold-down too.  Keeps it place during wheelies and large bumps/dips.     If you can fabricate some sort of battery tie-down then you might be good to go.  Just a random thought without even looking at my bike.

[kemp]

Another use for tie-wraps?

[Red01]

Another use for tie-wraps?

The modern day version of baling wire? 

[StangMATA]

The underseat tray is the battery hold down. Figure out a way to secure it. If you short something out, all the money you saved on that Wal-Mart battery is going to bite you in the ass.

[Nitro]

Anyone got a picture? My 97 B12 doesn't have anything securing the battery. It just sits under the seat, and has little rubber covers over the battery terminals.

[kemp]

The underseat tray is the battery hold down. Figure out a way to secure it. If you short something out, all the money you saved on that Wal-Mart battery is going to bite you in the ass.

Thanks for reminding me of the consequences. I've been riding without a hold down, so I need to work on that. I actually have a buddy who I think I could pass the battery along to.