bike will not start

my 93 kz1000p won't start even with 2 guys pushing in down the street in second gear.

It's been hard to start ever since i moved from california to idaho. but now it won't start at all. it has been sitting for 2 months as well.

I have checked the spark, replaced the plugs, there is fuel in the carb bowls.


I had this same problem a while back on a ride in montana and the kawasaki shop was able to get it to start by draining the bowls and then cranking on it.

i assume these problems are due to being jetted way too rich. Should I try adjusting the idle air screw? and if so how far?

after you try to start your bike, have you pulled the plugs to see if you are getting fuel? If they are wet, you may not be getting good spark.

when I pull the plugs they do spark. how do i know if its getting fuel besides just checking the carb bowls?

also how much does the carb air screw affect the starting?

If your air screw was all the way in, the pilot circuit would not get any air. Try screwing the screws in slowly, counting the number of turns in until it softly seats, but do not tighten! Then, back the screws out about 1 1/2 turns. One way to check to see if you are getting fuel is pull the spark plugs after trying to start it..if they are wet you are getting fuel..you could also try starting the bike by spraying some carb cleaner into the inlets of your carburetors..if it fires, your problem is most likely fuel related. I would then pull and clean your carburetors throroughly.

Post edited by: DasTeufel, at: 2005/10/23 23:56

i would have to remove the air box in order to do that or would removing the filter and spraying in there be enough?

spraying into the airbox would be enough

I doubt the problem is "too rich". Leave the mixture screws alone for now. Mucking with them will complicate things...

First, how much voltage do you have at your coils. Have you measured it by turning on the key and putting a multimeter on the coils? You don't have to start the bike to do this.


Second, a bike likes to be rich when it is cold and that will make it EASIER to start. What starting procedure are you using? What jetting is in the bike and what type airfilter system is on there?

Also, check your compression as this info is needed to baseline the mechanical health of the bike. If valves are hanging open or rings are shot, the bike WILL be much harder to start... do this FIRST before trying other things.

Post edited by: wiredgeorge, at: 2005/10/24 09:38