running a z400

[mark2]

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

[murdo]

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.

[mark2]

it does start with a kick with the battery off , just wondering will it damage anything

[murdo]

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.

[dunboyne]

been there , itll blow bulbs as the reg/rec will give out too much voltage .

[mark2]

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

[carbman]

Have a look here for anything Z400.

http://www.kz400.com/

[john.k]

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.

[mark2]

went out on it once , uninteresting and I thought slow for a 400 , sold it straight away thanks