battery

[boilermaker]

OK Lads
Anyone know what battery is fitted to the bike as new? I have a minor electrical fault and I need to know the battery type and size. The manual lists it as a YTX 14-BS, this (I think) is a YUASA number but the battery in my bike is a VARTA, ( I can just see it). I cannot lift the fuel tank right now as I have just filled the bloody thing with fuel!

[LWS66]

They both use the same numbering system. Varta is the OEM supplier.

[boilermaker]

Lorin
Thank you for the info.
George

[MJ310]

The original battery is a Varta LF 512-014 which directly equates to a Yuasa YTX 14-bs they are both 152mm x 87mm x 146mm. Faber MZ lists a larger battery a VTX 20L-bs but that is physically too big to fit.

The reason I know this is I have just had to change my battery as the original Varta would not crank the engine over fast enough to start, however the same battery starts my speedtriple up no problem.

And that leads to my battery problem, even with a new battery in the bike still turns over very slowly or balks, it sounds as if eh battery is flat but it's not.
Has anyone any ideas?

Mick

[iceman]

So you know you had a known good battery as it starts the Triumph no problem.
The new battery displays the same symptoms.I would clean the obvious battery posts with a wire brush.
Also the connections on both sides of that tiny starter solenoid. (man that looks cheap)

The far end of the negative lead wherever that is. (probably grounded to the motor somewhere)
I would also wire brush the positive lead on the starter,after unbolting it.and reconnect.Has to be one of those.If not starter solenoids are cheap and doesn't need to be an MZ part. Let us know how you make out...John

[GED]

The original battery is a Varta LF 512-014 which directly equates to a Yuasa YTX 14-bs they are both 152mm x 87mm x 146mm. Faber MZ lists a larger battery a VTX 20L-bs but that is physically too big to fit.

The reason I know this is I have just had to change my battery as the original Varta would not crank the engine over fast enough to start, however the same battery starts my speedtriple up no problem.

And that leads to my battery problem, even with a new battery in the bike still turns over very slowly or balks, it sounds as if eh battery is flat but it's not.
Has anyone any ideas?

Mick

my 1000sf has the same prob theres no corrosion on any terminals bikes only done 4500miles ,its worse if the air temp goes below 10 centegrade ,i too changed the battery thinking the original was at fault but it didnt cure the problem,the bike does start,, it just sounds like the battery is flat and only does it when its cold weather and as such causes no problems,,had a very similar problem on a 1100 guzzi [big twin ? ] threw a lot of money at it and never got to the root of the problem,i put it down to a twin thing ,arnt the starter buttons prone to erratic performance on the mz or am i thinking of somthing else

[boilermaker]

GED
Thanks for the extra info. I also had the same problem with a few of my past Guzzi twins, ended up fitting a Ford Escort car battery. My TRX 850 can also be a pig to turn over and almost impossible to bump start! It does seem to be a high compression big twin/starter gearing thing.
Iceman
You are right about the solenoid John, it is a cheapo item I think I listed it in a previous post.
To All
I have only had the starting symptoms described by others on one occasion and that was due to the lights being on at the same time that I was trying to start the bike. (no I do not know how it happened but it has not happened since). It may be worth a try removing the "lights on all the time" relay and see if it makes any difference. I think my present problems are due to the age of the battery

[GED]

not tryin to state the obvious but if you buy a battery make sure it has the same cold cranking amps as the oe battery ,i know when i was looking for a battery there were lots for sale stating they would fit the mz but when i checked the spec of the replacment battery ,,,and and compared that to the original the replacment was producing less than half the cca cold cranking amps of the factory fit battery

[iceman]

As long as it's 12 volts and fits in the bike size wise your good to go.I just got a Yuasa off Ebay with 220 CCA (cold cranking amps)
I rode my MZ in a lot of cold weather last winter and have never had this problem.If all connections are clean I would spend $20-$30 and get a new solenoid as the 12 volts has to flow through that and it looks like a solenoid you would see on a scooter. then look at the starter button on the bars but that is like a light switch make/break but I supose there could be corrosion in there if left outside uncovered.

http://www.yuasabatteries.com/battery_search.php plug in the Yuasa number and click on any bike and it will show you the stats size with height CCA...

[boilermaker]

Got a new Lucas battery for £34 (with postage) 200 amps cold cranking. Will fit tomorrow.

[GED]

when u say starter solinod is that the same thing as the starter relay the one under the tank ,if so ,will any solinoid work or does it have to be mz specific

[iceman]

when u say starter solinod is that the same thing as the starter relay the one under the tank ,if so ,will any solinoid work or does it have to be mz specific

Yes,your positive battery lead goes right to it.
If my tank isn't full and I can lift it up I'll have a look and take a picture.I think I remember it saying Hitachi on it..

A lot of guys on the Aprilia forum change out the 50 amp solenoid for one from Yamaha that's rated at 100 amps they report a night and day difference.

I haven't changed mine out as I have no issues with mine.This first link guys found a lawn mower replacement much better and the second link a Ford truck replacement worked.All had what you describe at start-up
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... r+solenoid

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... r+solenoid

[LWS66]

The original battery is a Varta LF 512-014 which directly equates to a Yuasa YTX 14-bs they are both 152mm x 87mm x 146mm. Faber MZ lists a larger battery a VTX 20L-bs but that is physically too big to fit.

The reason I know this is I have just had to change my battery as the original Varta would not crank the engine over fast enough to start, however the same battery starts my speedtriple up no problem.

And that leads to my battery problem, even with a new battery in the bike still turns over very slowly or balks, it sounds as if eh battery is flat but it's not.
Has anyone any ideas?

Mick

How many miles are on the bike? Maybe the starter brushes/commutator needs attention, or it could be a weak solenoid. New brushes are readily available, and the commutator can be cleaned up with emory cloth (if your comfortable disassembling the starter) But first I would see what kind of voltage you get to the solenoid with just the key on, and then check voltage/amperage draw at the solenoid and then at the starter when cranking. It's most likely something very basic, but without a voltmeter or draw testing equipment its mostly a shot in the dark. Here in the States we have auto parts stores that will check your starting system for free out in the parking lot. Never wheeled up on a bike but I know they would do it. worth looking into

Lorin

[GED]

when u say starter solinod is that the same thing as the starter relay the one under the tank ,if so ,will any solinoid work or does it have to be mz specific

Yes,your positive battery lead goes right to it.
If my tank isn't full and I can lift it up I'll have a look and take a picture.I think I remember it saying Hitachi on it..

A lot of guys on the Aprilia forum change out the 50 amp solenoid for one from Yamaha that's rated at 100 amps they report a night and day difference.

I haven't changed mine out as I have no issues with mine.This first link guys found a lawn mower replacement much better and the second link a Ford truck replacement worked.All had what you describe at start-up
http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... r+solenoid

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/show ... r+solenoid

cheers iceman great bit of info ,im of to ebay

[daza1987]

OK Lads
Anyone know what battery is fitted to the bike as new? I have a minor electrical fault and I need to know the battery type and size. The manual lists it as a YTX 14-BS, this (I think) is a YUASA number but the battery in my bike is a VARTA, ( I can just see it). I cannot lift the fuel tank right now as I have just filled the bloody thing with fuel!

You might be able to find one here:

Yuasa Batteries