problems

What TexsasKZ try to explain is, you can´t shift in the higher gears without rotating of the output shaft ( front sprocket ) or
rear wheel movement.



There maybe a safety device, a switch at you clutch leveler ( have to pull ) and the side stand ( in riding position )
to prevent an engine start ( no spark / no electric starter motor ).

Being able to shift in and out of first gear without disengaging the clutch is normal. You will need to check the clutch cable adjustment at some point, but it will not affect starting.
As long as the fuel levels are within the specified range, that should not be the problem. Have you looked at a sparkplug or two after trying to start it? If they are wet with fuel, then the carbs may not be the problem. If they are really dry, lack of fuel is likely the cause.
Is the battery in really good shape? Are you getting full battery voltage to the coils?

Hello,

ok

so actually :

Start with kleen flow starter directly on the air filter. Don't start without.
Small "explosions" coming from the air filter ones it's runing... some more big "explosions" from the exhausts.

I checked the carbs level fuel, spark plugs ok, new battery.

Are you sure you have the correct ignition and cam shaft timing?
Have you check the valve clearance ?
Get a service manual here
www.manualslib.com/download/1102933/Kawasaki-Kz1100.html

right click on the link and choose "save target as" to download this manual

I have the manual, thank you.

Yes the ignition is correct : one on the 1&4, one 2&3.
Cam shaft timing : front exhasut arrow on the front, then the 28 pin on the intake, all that doing on the on the T just after 1//4.
Valve clearance correct at 002 or 006 max
Spark plugs ok.
Carbs fuel level ok.

After some test, she start alone sometimes. But have a lot of smoke and explosions.

Valves?

Update :

i can see fire on the air filter!!!

TexasKZ wrote:
Why won't the lock bolt tighten up all the way? If it is too short or he bolt is buggered up, why not replace it with the proper bolt? If the tensioner allowed the chain to jump, I hope it was not more than one tooth. Too far, and you may have some bent valves.

Do a compression test.
I think you have bend some valves, this can cause the back firing into the carbs / air box
If possible make a short video of the starting scenario and upload it here.

Michael

Fox wrote: I have the manual, thank you.

Yes the ignition is correct : one on the 1&4, one 2&3.
Cam shaft timing : front exhasut arrow on the front, then the 28 pin on the intake, all that doing on the on the T just after 1//4.
Valve clearance correct at 002 or 006 max
Spark plugs ok.
Carbs fuel level ok.

After some test, she start alone sometimes. But have a lot of smoke and explosions.

Valves?

Are you counting the 28th pin from the arrow or starting from the next one?
Steve

ok i find the problem.
I bent 2 intake valves : n° 1 and 2 from the left.

Can it be because i make a mistake when i plug the spark plugs ?

Best

No. Either the cams were not properly timed, or some machine work was done (surfacing the head and block for instance) and the valve to piston clearance was not checked during reassembly. Could also be caused by a twisted crankshaft.

Hello,

I rebuid the valves, put them in place, correct the timing, check the ignition, check the valves clearance.
The bike start, nore more explosions and backfire.

But actually she start with fleen flow start pilot (fuel in gas directly on the air filter)
Don't start alone.

Any idea?

Regards

Did you rebuild / clean the carbs completely ??
Or just set floats and run them . Choke circuit may need work
Dave