classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Japanese Bikes => Topic started by: mark2 on December 23, 2014, 08:40:32 PM

Title: running a z400
Post by: mark2 on December 23, 2014, 08:40:32 PM
is it ok to run my 1977 z400 without a battery ? looking to cafe race style and would like to get shut of battery , will still have lights , has anyone done this and has experience , any problems etc
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: murdo on December 24, 2014, 07:22:44 AM
Does it have magneto ignition?
If you need to go to a smaller battery, look at some of the Lithium batterys. They are not cheap but small, powerful and light.
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: mark2 on December 24, 2014, 07:52:07 AM
it does start with a kick with the battery off , just wondering will it damage anything
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: murdo on December 24, 2014, 09:29:03 AM
Possibly the regulator/rectifier? I don't know enough about Z400's to be able to give a definite answer.
I have run a couple of my bikes with a 9 volt (on 6 volt system) rechargeable battery strapped to the frame under the tank with out problems.
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: dunboyne on January 21, 2015, 11:43:26 PM
been there , itll blow bulbs as the reg/rec will give out too much voltage .
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: mark2 on January 22, 2015, 07:01:53 AM
I did think this might happen , do the led bulbs also blow ? the rec/reg may give about 14.6 volts , may have to hide a small battery , its more about style over function for a change
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: carbman on March 15, 2015, 07:34:27 PM
Have a look here for anything Z400.

http://www.kz400.com/
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: john.k on March 17, 2015, 12:10:20 PM
Someone gave me aZ400,so I pulled it to bits to see if anything was useful for British bikes.The alternator is incredible.Its what is technically termed a brushless alternator,but of the type used in truck electrical systems.In short it has rotor coils that are stationary,inside a specially shaped one sided rotor.This means no brushes are required and the alternator can run in oil,and has a fully regulated output.Talk about advanced,compared to the stone age Lucas system,where all excess current must be shorted to earth.Normally you find the brushless system in alternators costing $500 to $5000 .Amazing in a bike that cost $600 new in 1975.Regards John.----PS Dont run without a battery.
Title: Re: running a z400
Post by: mark2 on March 17, 2015, 01:17:05 PM
went out on it once , uninteresting and I thought slow for a 400 , sold it straight away thanks