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DR-Z400 with kickstart kit -- does it run without battery? DR-Z400 with kickstart kit -- does it run without battery?
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  #1  
Old 11 May 2007
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DR-Z400 with kickstart kit -- does it run without battery?
I recently aquired DR-Z400S as my first bike. I'm planning to add kickstart kit as backup, so I can start my bike in case of starter/battery failure or flat battery.

However, I recently read somewhere that in certain cases, small electrical power is still required to start a bike even with kick start as some bikes can't be started without battery at all. Does it only apply to fuel-injected bikes or what exactly causes this power requirement or I misunderstood something? Can DR-Z400 with kick-start kit installed be started when battery is completely flat or removed?
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Old 13 May 2007
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I have already done this conversion and never tried to kick the bike without a battery, but if my understanding of these matters is correct (based upon previous bikes) there is a slightly different electrical setup required to allow the windings to self generate a current upon a kick that is required from a battery. I'm sure someone on here will correct me/fill in the details if I'm wrong.

Regardless, I'm almost certain that no bike will start if you just remove the battery. At the very least I think you have to replace the battery with a capacitor of some size.....

Sorry I couldnt be of more definate help......


Dave
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Old 13 May 2007
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It's a very different bike of course but I guess electrics are electrics...

My kick start Enfield came with a standard regulator/rectifier unit in the charging system, like most bikes I understand. However on the Enfield these units are unreliable so I replaced it with a 'power box' unit ( a boyer bransden one).
This unit is not only more reliable but also allows the bike to be run entirely without a battery.

My guess is that if the DRZ is fitted with a 'powerbox' style regulator it too would run without a battery. If not, then it won't. I suspect you could retro fit a power box if this was a concern to you.

Hope this helps!

Matt
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Old 13 May 2007
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Slightly off your topic, but why not bump start a flat battery bike or borrow jump leads from some friendly 4 wheel owner?

I lost the use of my starter motor (solenoid from memory) on a tour of France some years ago on the first day of the trip, and I spent the next 4 weeks bump starting the bike each and every day and leaving the engine running at "splash and dash" fuel stops. It was only fixed after I got it back home.

Anyway, I would be interested in the correct answer to this thread question; currently running a kickstart Yam TT600R which does not have a battery but it does have a Reg/rec - While staring at the electrics under the seat I have assumed that this is for the 12V lighting circuits only!!?
Until I kick it over, there is no power for anything, of course.

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Old 13 May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
why not bump start a flat battery bike or borrow jump leads from some friendly 4 wheel owner?
How about bump starting in sandy desert? As for 4x4 owners, I like to go to places where there are no other people...
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Old 13 May 2007
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Wink
Then you will need a tow rope to link up with the guy(s) you are riding with!! ;-)

I hope you get a useful answer to your original question; it is of interest to me as well to understand this better!! :confused1:

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Old 4 Jul 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidlomax View Post
I have already done this conversion and never tried to kick the bike without a battery, but if my understanding of these matters is correct (based upon previous bikes) there is a slightly different electrical setup required to allow the windings to self generate a current upon a kick that is required from a battery. I'm sure someone on here will correct me/fill in the details if I'm wrong.

Regardless, I'm almost certain that no bike will start if you just remove the battery. At the very least I think you have to replace the battery with a capacitor of some size.....

Sorry I couldnt be of more definate help......


Dave
Just a quick back up to my last post. Was talking to a mate about this and he has replaced his battery with a 5000uF Capacitor. As the engine kicks over power is generated in the Alternator and the charging circuit sends it to the 'battery'...The Capacitor stores a little and releases it slowly for a fraction of a second allowing the dreaded chip to set itself before starting the bike....Jobs a good 'un!

Dave
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Old 6 Sep 2008
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DR-Z400 with kickstart kit -- does it run without battery?
I took the battery out of my 2003 DRZ400S about 6 months ago and plan to replace it eventually. In the meantime however it kickstarts just fine without battery or capacitor, battery cables are lose. Not sure what all the fuss is about.
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Old 6 Sep 2008
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DR-Z400 with kickstart kit -- does it run without battery?
BTW, it's completely insane that these bikes don't come with kick backup!
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  #10  
Old 29 Jan 2010
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The kit is £250 quid too...

Suzuki part number: 26300-29812

Says its only for the E model but it DOES fit the S models.

Theres a good fitting guide on ADVrider.
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