1981 kz1000...some questions on my bike there

If the po did not install the factory switch, or some other means of switching, then it is possible that the gauge is wired to read current instead of rpm.

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationeebbaayy item # 361048268506 --- KZ1000 speedometer gauge cluster Tach
Note the button at the pilot box ignition switch assy. I guess that's the switch for volts-rpms???
Edit: these may not be 1000 gauges. Could be from a 750 Spectre --- see edit below.

PS: eebbaayy link isn't visible on my computer. not sure if anyone else can see it or not. doh.


EDIT: (another set) item # 181463235077 --- 82 Kawasaki KZ750-N KZ 750-N Spectre Gauge
In the meter diagram for the N1 Spectre at Partzilla, the push button switch is part of the meter socket assy (23008-1154 SOCKET-ASSY,W/SWITCH).

Those gauges look like they may have come from a mid-1980s GPZ 750. Perhaps you could find a wiring diagram that shows how that particular tachometer/voltmeter is supposed to be hooked up.

The KZ1100 FSM says voltmeter shows voltage whenever the ignition switch is on (see page 9-19). Which likely means that both rpm and voltage are supposed to be show simultaneously. But this may be for a later model than the unit at hand. And I'm uncertain as to which models might be designed for manually switching back an forth between functions and which models show both functions simultaneously.

KZ1100 FSM also says when tach reads inaccurate speed to make sure the black 6-pin connector between tach and main wiring harness is clean and tight (see page 5-43).

Here's a link that includes a free downloadable KZ1100 FSM:
Click here > kawiworld.com/index.php?option=com_conte...icle&id=77&Itemid=99

Good Fortune!

Patton,
On the 1100, is the volt meter at the bottom of the tach with its own needle? The pic above shows two numbered ranges on the same dial using the same needle. WAY back in the dusty recesses of my memory, I seem to recall a pushbuottn switch that allowed the rider to switch back and forth. Maybe not a Kawi, or maybe even an hallucination.

This pic is from the ebay ad that Martin noted.
Am uncertain about function of the button, but it would presumably be covered in the FSM for whatever model it came from.



The KZ1100 FSM also has a wiring illustration where both the speedo and tach are side by side together in a single assembly.

Good Fortune!

That button appears to say RPM at the top, and VOLT at the bottom. Maybe my memory is not completely shot!












Yet

I dont have this button...Its a green neutral light on mine.

The words "PUSH" and "VOLT" are more legible in the 2nd ebay as noted by Martin.




The words in the 1st ad are more difficult to see, but am thinking they are the same.



Am still uncertain about war113's tach, and how it's supposed to get from voltage mode into rpm mode, but will take a peek at the KZ750 manuals.

Good Fortune!

war113 wrote: ... plastidipped it and made a bit of adjustment....

What was plastidipped?

Trusting it wasn't the rpm<>voltage switch. :lol:

Good Fortune!

Patton wrote: ...Am still uncertain about war113's tach, and how it's supposed to get from voltage mode into rpm mode, but will take a peek at the KZ750 manuals....

This link allows downloading a KZ750 FSM.
(Scroll down to and click on The Bible.)
mbsween.bike-night.com/kz750l3/index.html

The tach and/or voltmeter are discussed at pages 133, 249, 319, 378, and maybe other pages.

In this particular FSM, it seems that electronic tachs with voltmeters are supposed to show both readings simultaneously, without mention of a PUSH/VOLT" button.

Good Fortune!

Is there a connector between tach and main wiring harness to check for being clean and tight?

The bike at hand originally had a manual tach drive that has been replaced with an electronic tach/voltmeter combo unit.

The original wiring harness would not have a connector for an electronic tach.

Perhaps the combo unit is itself without fault, but wired incorrectly.

The wiring diagram from the KZ750 without the PUSH/VOLTS button could be instructive in this regard.

Good Fortune!