My GT750-P5 was new in November
1988, fitted with the standard battery, Yuasa SYB14L-A2. The 'S'
stands for Sensor, and the GT750 (and I suspect also other GT models)
needs this type because it feeds the voltage from the sensor wire into
the instrument warning IC to stop the "BATT" warning LCD
flashing. The warning is supposed to show a drop in electrolyte
level, and it does this by assuming that if the voltage at the Sensor
drops below about 6-8 volts then the electrolyte must be below the
required level. Not a perfect assumption but it will show a low
or damaged battery state and so is a useful indication.
The correct Yuasa SYB14L-A2 battery is shown in the first two photos, the top view clearly shows the correct layout, with the sensor wire and its in-line resistor emerging from a terminal that is central in the "valley" in the top, with the cell filling caps along one side of the top, opposite the screw terminals. This is correct for the cable positions and battery clamp position in the GT750-P5. This battery type is also shown on page 2-20 of the original Kawasaki service manual.
I replaced the original battery in February 1999 (just over 10 years, not bad) and had a bit of trouble getting the correct item. One or two dealers tried to sell me a YB14L, (no sensor at all) claiming it is "the equivalent on our system", which may be true for other Z750 models but not for the GT750. Other dealers tried to sell me one that looked like that in the third photo (sorry for the poorer quality), with a large sensor plug in one of the cell filler holes. This is also not correct as the clamp can press on that sensor plug. Eventually I found the correct item at Smith & Low in Cowley, Oxford for £37-95.
A couple of weeks ago I had trouble starting the bike (turning over but no ignition) only two weeks after the battery had been fully charged on the Optimate for a couple of days. The giveaway for battery failure is the various warning LCDs going on and off as the engine turns. That one has lasted 8.5 years, not too bad, so decided to buy a new battery. Even more problems this time with a few dealers, turning up to collect the item and being presented with a YB14L, sometimes Bosch/Varta not a genuine Yuasa, again they were claiming it is "the equivalent on our system". Smith & Low did not do Yuasa anymore.
I must recommend the supplier I then telephoned (having Googled the SYB14L-A2 number). I called a bike parts mail-order firm named The Fast One (tel 08707-777333, website www.thefastone.co.uk , email info@thefastone.co.uk ) and spoke to helpful chap called Phil. I explained the problems I had been having with exact Yuasa replacement type and he agreed to physically check the type of battery before sending it. That was on a Friday, on the following Monday I received the correct new battery (dry charged) and two bottles of acid, all for £36-38 including postage. I hope this is of use to other GT750 owner-members when they come to change their battery.
By the way I think the long life I get from bike batteries is because I use the Optimate charger when the bike is ridden less often, especially during the November-February period. It can be left on for a few days and ensures that the battery is kept near top condition. My Yamaha one lasted 7.5 years so I don't think it is just the GT750 being lucky.
Information supplied by Richard Axford
The correct Yuasa SYB14L-A2 battery is shown in the first two photos, the top view clearly shows the correct layout, with the sensor wire and its in-line resistor emerging from a terminal that is central in the "valley" in the top, with the cell filling caps along one side of the top, opposite the screw terminals. This is correct for the cable positions and battery clamp position in the GT750-P5. This battery type is also shown on page 2-20 of the original Kawasaki service manual.
I replaced the original battery in February 1999 (just over 10 years, not bad) and had a bit of trouble getting the correct item. One or two dealers tried to sell me a YB14L, (no sensor at all) claiming it is "the equivalent on our system", which may be true for other Z750 models but not for the GT750. Other dealers tried to sell me one that looked like that in the third photo (sorry for the poorer quality), with a large sensor plug in one of the cell filler holes. This is also not correct as the clamp can press on that sensor plug. Eventually I found the correct item at Smith & Low in Cowley, Oxford for £37-95.
A couple of weeks ago I had trouble starting the bike (turning over but no ignition) only two weeks after the battery had been fully charged on the Optimate for a couple of days. The giveaway for battery failure is the various warning LCDs going on and off as the engine turns. That one has lasted 8.5 years, not too bad, so decided to buy a new battery. Even more problems this time with a few dealers, turning up to collect the item and being presented with a YB14L, sometimes Bosch/Varta not a genuine Yuasa, again they were claiming it is "the equivalent on our system". Smith & Low did not do Yuasa anymore.
I must recommend the supplier I then telephoned (having Googled the SYB14L-A2 number). I called a bike parts mail-order firm named The Fast One (tel 08707-777333, website www.thefastone.co.uk , email info@thefastone.co.uk ) and spoke to helpful chap called Phil. I explained the problems I had been having with exact Yuasa replacement type and he agreed to physically check the type of battery before sending it. That was on a Friday, on the following Monday I received the correct new battery (dry charged) and two bottles of acid, all for £36-38 including postage. I hope this is of use to other GT750 owner-members when they come to change their battery.
By the way I think the long life I get from bike batteries is because I use the Optimate charger when the bike is ridden less often, especially during the November-February period. It can be left on for a few days and ensures that the battery is kept near top condition. My Yamaha one lasted 7.5 years so I don't think it is just the GT750 being lucky.
Information supplied by Richard Axford