'80 KZ650 Battery Change (2024)

'80 KZ650 Battery Change was created by RCNFL

Hi, I recently (about 2 months ago) bought my first bike and have been getting a lot of good info from these forums.
This is my first post and my current issue I saw something similar to but not the exact information I require.
Last weekend my Lead-Acid battery died permanently after I took it to O'reilly's for a charge, so I opted to get a Lithium battery since it is less maintenance.
I bought an AG-801 Antigravity Battery but on the caution label it mentions that any/most pre-1990 Voltage Regulators should be updated before installing the battery to prevent risk of fire. Does anyone know a good/reliable KZ650 compatible RR or know how to check if the stock RR is suitable?

It also mentions on the label that RRs over 28 years old can cause a fire due to Over-Charging and I am curious if that has happened to anyone in the past. I would prefer to maintain and not burn out my bike the best I can.

Replied by Wookie58 on topic '80 KZ650 Battery Change

1982 KZ1000 Ltd
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/617631...-82-begins?start=192
kzrider.com/forum/forum-index/faq-wiki/6...-fault-finding-guide

Replied by Nessism on topic '80 KZ650 Battery Change

Lithium batteries and old motorcycles are like oil and water. They don't mix. As I understand it, Li batteries must be charged at a lower voltage; 14.0 VDC max. You will need a special LI R/R that caps charge voltage, and they are NOT cheap. Rick's sells them.

My opinion, you would be miles ahead by using an AMG battery, and buy a SERIES type R/R like a Shindengen SH775. A series R/R will protect your stator from overheat damage, and AMG batteries are tried and true.

Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/forum-index/faq-wi...owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2

Replied by Wookie58 on topic '80 KZ650 Battery Change

Nessism wrote:

Lithium batteries and old motorcycles are like oil and water. They don't mix. As I understand it, Li batteries must be charged at a lower voltage; 14.0 VDC max. You will need a special LI R/R that caps charge voltage, and they are NOT cheap. Rick's sells them.

My opinion, you would be miles ahead by using an AMG battery, and buy a SERIES type R/R like a Shindengen SH775. A series R/R will protect your stator from overheat damage, and AMG batteries are tried and true.

I don't disagree Ed, lithium doesn't necc need a smaller voltage but it does need a stable output around 14.2v - 14.4v hence the need for a MOSFET R/R which gives that linear output. However given the safety issues associated with Lithium batteries I would only recommend where space is an issue (like my build where it needs to lie flat in the tailpiece and the ultrabat is smaller than a conventional battery) if you are using the stock battery location I would advise AGM every time

1982 KZ1000 Ltd
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/617631...-82-begins?start=192
kzrider.com/forum/forum-index/faq-wiki/6...-fault-finding-guide

Replied by RCNFL on topic '80 KZ650 Battery Change

Replied by Nessism on topic '80 KZ650 Battery Change

RCNFL wrote:

My only issue with AGM is the sizing doesnt match as they tend to be half an inch wider than the lead acid battery, but if I can find one that fits appropriately I may return the Lithium battery and purchase AGM instead.
As for returning the the stock Lead-Acid method, they are pretty cheap, I am just concerned I may have a charge issue.
Thanks again btw! Lots of helpful info here

You won't have a charging issue if you get a SH775. And no counterfeit SH775's allowed.

Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0
www.kzrider.com/forum/forum-index/faq-wi...owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2

Replied by hugo on topic '80 KZ650 Battery Change

OK, I own a motorcycle not that old, a 1991 Zephyr 750. Have also installed voltage indicator on dash. Factory R/R would fluctuate wildly, sometimes going to almost 15VDC while riding. I changed the R/R to a Shindengen SH755 for this very same reason of running lithium battery.

The Shindengen SH755 keeps the voltage within 0.3VDC around 14VDC. Have been using a Lithium battery for about 2 years now and have had no issue whatsoever. .....and it is amazing how light the Lithium battery is.

Replied by Scirocco on topic '80 KZ650 Battery Change

I use a LiFePo battery (with an integrated load balancer) in my Z1 since 2018, never had any problems with the stock R/R hardware.
LiFePo batterys s don´t go rocket like Boom like pure lithium batterys.

My 1975 Z 1 B 900 Project www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/605133...ears-deep-sleep-mode