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Tonight I rode my KZ out on a service call !!!! , so cool, filled the saddlebags with tools etc. So on the way home I stopped once when I was at a stop sign and heard my phone ringing-pulled over on a side street. Got OFF the phone pushed the starter button , it cranked but barely, let off, pushed it again it fired right up Stopped at my station on the way as it was close and it did it again only this time it dragged all down and I used the kick starter. Got home ok. In the driveway, I revved it and saw lights get brighter so I suppose it charging. Used the starter button it dragged all the way down even the lights on my dash went out until I let off. Still kicks start ok. SO, went in, put on cooler clothes, unloaded tools from bags cool drink etc.Went out for about 30 minutes to the store came back. Opened up the seat and checked acid levels in the battery a couple cells were low so I topped them of with some distilled water.Battery is the same one in it I bought it last spring so at least a year old. Over the winter I kept it on a battery minder and since I have had it out I have not-except tonight I put it back on..But this morning rode 40 miles over into Kansas so it should have been charged. It cooled off some and it fired right up. Reminds me of my 69 Chevelle Super Sport , when the motor got hot the starter would hang..until I replaced it. So best guess?

Post edited by: pumps, at: 2007/06/01 00:19

Could be a hot starter motor as you say. Could be the battery going south. Cells low is an indicator. I wonder if you can find a shop to load test the battery?

sounds like the battery is dying, charge it over nite , take it in and get a load test done, bet it will fail

I have the weekend off so if they will do it I'll run it up to AutoZone.

pumps wrote:

I have the weekend off so if they will do it I'll run it up to AutoZone.

The mention of AutoZone reminded me --

Got a maintenance free battery from AutoZone almost 2 years ago for Z-1 and really enjoying it. No level checking, no vent hose, no having to remove from bike to add water, no hassle. Can't find anything bad about it except costs about $20 more (and well worth it to me in freedom from having to goof around with it).

Maybe you won't yet need a new battery. But if so or when the time comes, might want to consider the maintenance free style.

I second that..I've got a nice big crank ETX-15, and it's been great for my bike. I had to cut one of the straps off the battery box to make it fit, but it's beena great battery to have.

My bike fires up instantly now, where last year it wouldn't without some coaxing at times. I definitely like the lack of vent tubes, water filling, etc. It's a bit heavier though..by a pound or two I would say.

Battery Mart!

The only reason I haven't bought a new one is so far, this one has done the job. I like the no maintenance ones. Something I have heard about...AGM batteries? Absorbed Gas Mat is that right? Or gel cell? Comments or experience with either?