how to learn more about fixing my bike.

So, as with any bike, I inevitably run into problems just like everyone else. Even though I have limited room, I like to tinker, but since I don't have a whole lot of knowledge about this stuff my tinkering is very limited.

Is there a good way to learn this stuff other than basic trial and error. I do want to be able to ride my bike, so I dont want to mess things up really bad in the process of trying to do something minor.

I read lots of posts on this site about all kinds of topics, but the lingo and the technical aspect is pretty much over my head. I am just an average guy with a love of riding, but I also want to be able to do work on the bike myself without messing anything up too badly.

Where do I start? What is the best way to find help? I would love to go to school to learn this stuff, but I dont have the time while working a full time swing shift job.

Step #1 get the Service Manual and read it.

I have a digital copy of the service manual, but it's really hard to see what the pictures are showing, and without that is difficult for me to understand. I can be pretty dyslexic just reading. I need more of a visual aid.

There's a youtuber with the username mrmaxstorey (I believe he may also be a member on here?) who has a lot of how to videos that helped me out a lot when I was just getting into repairs. He also runs a website www.themotorcyclemedic.com that can take you step by step to fix a motorcycle that isn't running

www.dansmc.com/

Start doing the routine maintenance outlined in the owner's manual & use the Kawasaki factory service manual as an aid if necessary. Easy stuff like proper chain adjustment & lubrication or cable lubrication or install a new air filter.... that sort of thing.

You'll need a couple of torque wrenches: one in ft-lbs for most of the typical stuff & another one in INCH-lbs for doing the smaller bolts. Use common sense & reference the manual when tightening stuff... you don't need to crank down everything tight w brute force. Torque specs are scattered throughout the manual, but there is also a list in the 1st chapter or thereabouts & there may be a torque spec guidance page for those cases in which there isn't a spec listed.

Good to hear from you AJ, you missed the relay.
What's giving you trouble?

JD

The only issues that I have right now with the bike is that the tail light stays on all the time and doesnt change to a brighter setting during braking. Also, I rode the bike around the block the other day for the first run of the season(since its been so cold here), and it died a few times. I think this is because of the battery though, since I had to jump start it anyways.

bluej58 wrote: Good to hear from you AJ, you missed the relay.

I didnt get an email notification when you contacted me about the relay. I didnt see the message until a couple days after you came through town. Would have loved to have been there.

The tail light problem could be the bulb. It should be dual filament. One filament is illuminated all the time & the other one illuminates when you apply the brake, making the tail light brighter.

I guess the bike has a bare bones wiring setup? Most KZs have a brake indicator/warning light, usually at the tachometer. When the brake is applied, it illuminates. If there's a brake light problem, it flashes.

Starting problem. Be sure to check the battery. It would be good to have a battery trickle charger. I've been using an old Schumacher charger, but I just received a Ctek charger today. After charging, the battery should have at least 12.6 VDC, but a good battery will be higher (~13.1+ VDC). A digital multimeter is handy to have. I use a VC97.... the Robotroom rated it a good one. (eebbaayy ~ $30).

If you want to learn how to work on a bike look at the link I posted

Including information about bike year and model is helpful to viewers and usually elicits better responses.

It's easy to put the information in your signature where it shows in all posted messages, past and future.

And the signature may be changed whenever and as often as desired.

If wanting a signature showing information about the bike in posted messages, it's easy to do.

Here's how:





Good Fortune!