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Kz550 battery dies when I’m riding it. Can’t figure this one out
- old_kaw
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There is probably something wrong with the charging system to begin with, then add in the "improved" battery... They are not worth the money, IMHO. Much lighter, SHOULD equal a faster bike, but a bike that runs is faster with less pushin.
I'm with mikaw. I have good luck with my $50.00 AGM batteries. This one is now 4 years old now. My bike starts and runs every time. I see the urge to "improve" everything, but there comes a point that the improvements are counterproductive because the bike never does run as good after, as it did before the improvements.
1981 Kawasaki Kz1000K1
Located in the Saint Louis, Missouri Area.
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- DoctoRot
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- Oh, the usual... I bowl, I drive around...
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EarthX has a 2 year warranty on their batteries. I'm not aware of any lead acid battery manufacturer that can offer a warranty even close to that.
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- Mikaw
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1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
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- old_kaw
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There are advantages and disadvantages to most all mods. The weight is all I see as a ltihium advantage, that and the higher initial cranking amps, but then it goes downhill quickly from what I've read. Google lithium advantages and disadvantages for more info. this popped up on a search I just did.
"The li-ion battery disadvantages include: Protection required: Lithium ion cells and batteries are not as robust as some other rechargeable technologies. They require protection from being over charged and discharged too far. In addition to this, they need to have the current maintained within safe limits."
So if the charging system is not up to par, it may need some attention. Check your stator for shorts.
I just found this disadvntage that may concern some folks. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but it should be noted none the less.
"* Safety concerns - Lithium-ion battery may explode when overheated or overcharged. This is because gasses formed by electrolyte decomposition increases the internal pressure of the cell. Overheating or internal short circuit can also ignite the electrolyte and cause fire."
Check this site for more info:
kinstarbattery.com/Service/faq/16
1981 Kawasaki Kz1000K1
Located in the Saint Louis, Missouri Area.
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- ckahleer
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Myself, I keep my bikes pretty much stock and use only lead-acid.
94 KE100
81 CM200t
82 KZ305
85 VF1100c
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- DoctoRot
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- Oh, the usual... I bowl, I drive around...
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Pros:
light
small
better cranking
lower discharge rate
Won't puke electrolite
can be mounted in any position
Environmentally friendly
cons:
relatively expensive
does not like large changes in voltage
here's some reading if you are inclined
earthxbatteries.com/wp-content/uploads/2...um-Ah-AN1506_New.pdf
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- Mikaw
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1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
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- hardrockminer
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I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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- old_kaw
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I am skeptical when I hear claims that something last so much longer, and then combine the modifications needed (most folks aren't that savvy on electrical stuff) and buying the special charger.. What lasts the longest is to keep 40 year parts working using 40 year old technology that seems to have made it past Y2K intact.
This battery "upgrade" reminds me about 20 years ago buying the NEW florescent light bulbs that were supposed to last 5 years (CFL's),. They cost 5 times what a regular light bulb cost at the time, but the 5 year thing made it seem worth it. I don't think they lasted 5 months after I laid out the cash (~5 bucks each then) lol
Another advantage to the lithium battery upgrade.. you must have the >ability< to modify a 40 year old charging system that was more than likely not working properly when it was "upgraded".
Now, back on topic..
Getting out my crystal ball, and after looking at the only pic the PO posted of a aftermarket R/R on amazon. (not the SH -732) The OP more than likely has a bad connection, bad stator, bad battery, or the R/R is not wired properly. At any rate the OP needs to go through some charging system trouble-shooing procedures to eliminate any possibilities instead of replacing parts blindly. He should take a close look at the stator / wiring before he condemns a battery or R/R. As I stated in my first post on the topic.
I watched another shorter video I was going to link, but the guy was giving some insane voltages that he seemed to like., that will certainly fry the lithium battery.. I haven't watched this video completely, but seems ok in the beginning.
Battery voltage and stator current while the OEM regulator is shunting the excess voltage. This is at 3K rpm on my bike.
1981 Kawasaki Kz1000K1
Located in the Saint Louis, Missouri Area.
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- alexromega
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- first build and lovin it
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- 650ed
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1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- old_kaw
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alexromega wrote: so i figured out the regulator i need to run my anti grav 8 cell. i need to get a 14-306 from ricks powersports. it turns out the r/r i got for my build which is a 10-305 and that isnt correct. so im working on getting it so i can get my charging system up to par..
WOW! ONLY 130 bucks, what a deal! Not to worry, they take payments. :whistle: lol
www.billetproofdesign.com/ricks-motorspo...awasaki-motorcycles/
1981 Kawasaki Kz1000K1
Located in the Saint Louis, Missouri Area.
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