TOPIC:

This one: www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYT12C.html
CCA 140. 12 amp hour.
But it's for a 550. I don't think a 1000 could get by with it.

Here's what they show for the 77 1000:
www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYTX14AHL-BS.html
$66.
The technical specs are on the right side of the page, with physical dimensions. CCA 210. 14 amp hour.
Length 5 5/16
Width 3 9/16
Height 6 3/8
Weight 10.6
Shipping Weight (lb.) 11
DC Output Voltage 12V
Amp/Hr 14
C.C.A. 210
OEM Ref YB14L-A2/YTX14AHL-BS
Charged Ready to Install
Manufacturer: Scorpion
Made In: Asia

That's the one that Bountyhunter is using. Must be working okay for him. I'm going to continue looking for a bigger, higher Amperage battery that will fit in my battery box. May be overkill, but don't think it would hurt. Anymore input is greatly appreciated as with prior.

kzdcw wrote: That's the one that Bountyhunter is using. Must be working okay for him. I'm going to continue looking for a bigger, higher Amperage battery that will fit in my battery box. May be overkill, but don't think it would hurt. Anymore input is greatly appreciated as with prior.

I'd rate it better than OK. It's over a year old and still spins the starter very fast like I had only seen brand new batteries do. It is without doubt the best lead acid battery I have ever had in the bike in the 35 years I have had it.

If you are concerned about CCA and starting power, the best move is to modify the electricals so that there is a relay that disconnects the lights and accessories when the starter relay energizes. That greatly lowers the CCA needed when starting and increases battery life significantly. That's a lot easier and cheaper than buying a super sized battery.

Bountyhunter, On this 77' Model, when turning on ignition switch, nothing is on ( lights,signals, etc. ) so I don't see why more CCA's would be needed? I don't know how a relay would affect it or even how to wire it in if it did? So if your able to provide more clarification on how, that would be appreciated !!!

kzdcw

You don't need a relay to shut off the headlight. The 1977 models had the ON/OFF switch for the headlight. Later models had the headlight come on whenever you turn on the ignition key. Ed

Ed, That's kind of what I thought-Thanks.

Just have to sit down for a minute and take some measurements to find a Higher CCA battery.

The Gel batteries seem to havve a higher open circuit voltage and amp hour rating, bit early to say what the life expectancy is as Ive only had it about a year.

I wouldn't go too overboard on this quest for amp hours rating and cold cranking capacity: the 550/750 were 12 amp hour, the 100/1100 14 amp hour and even the mighty z1300/6 only 16 Ah.

Even running high compression and bored out it seems the starter clutches not the battery are the weak point. If you are really keen maybe go up slightly to heavier gauge earth strap and battery to solenoid to stater leads.

I've cold started these at below freezing 0 degrees celcius before and no problems.

kzdcw wrote: Bountyhunter, On this 77' Model, when turning on ignition switch, nothing is on ( lights,signals, etc. ) so I don't see why more CCA's would be needed? I don't know how a relay would affect it or even how to wire it in if it did? So if your able to provide more clarification on how, that would be appreciated !!!

OK, if yours doesn't have lights on all the time you're lucky. US bikes after about 78 all have the lights hard wired on with the ignition switch. You can't turn them off and it makes it hard on the battery.

bountyhunter wrote:

kzdcw wrote: I looked at that one, but would like one with Higher CCA ?

The lithium batteries claim higher CCA rating. However, reviews are mixed. They either work great or die quickly and often.

www.batterystuff.com/batteries/lithium-i...es/sstx14ahq-fp.html

I wonder if this battery can be used in the KZ900. They recommend a different batter for it with only 170 CCA as opposed to 210 CCA on this one. Looks like It can fit. Has anybody tried it?

AGM is the way to go. virtually all are made in China, so stick with a reputable dealer or one with good reviews as quality varies widely.
Lithium is pretty heat and voltage sensitive so I'm not sure if they are really suitable for typical classic motorcycle usage yet...

I've been using High Tech. Battery Solutions. They sent me a battery for a KZ 900 when I needed one for a Z1. It was much smaller and with all my lights, too small. I called them and they sent me the right one for $5 extra free shipping. So I guess I got mine for under $40 with a 1 year warranty. I sold to other on on CL for $25 as they didn't want it back after I filled it up with acid. I have referred them to my friends.
Steve