Bike won't start, please help

I painted my bike and put back together. I filled up the tank and rode it around for a little while. Everything seemed ok. Then all of a sudden the next day, the bike won't start. I checked the spark plugs, the fuel is on, the kill switch is off, what could be the problem?

This is the kz650 by the way.

Post edited by: EasyRider1, at: 2008/03/04 21:47

EasyRider1 wrote:

I painted my bike and put back together. I filled up the tank and rode it around for a little while. Everything seemed ok. Then all of a sudden the next day, the bike won't start. I checked the spark plugs, the fuel is on, the kill switch is off , what could be the problem?

This is the kz650 by the way.<br><br>Post edited by: EasyRider1, at: 2008/03/04 21:47

By off I mean not engauged. It is in the middle position.

OK, sorry EasyRider, I figured that's what you ment, just couldn't resist;)
Have you checked your fuses? I've also had a bit of a problem w/my bike loosing power. When I remove the side cover and jiggle the wires, it comes back on. I really do need to replace my fuse box, it's in bad shape. If that doesn't do it you might want to, use a voltmeter, trace the power from the battery and see where the power goes. These are my only real suggestions. Hope it helps.
Ron

I figure that the bike turns over with the starter, so did you check to see if you have spark? and are the plugs wet after you try to start it

BSKZ650 wrote:

I figure that the bike turns over with the starter, so did you check to see if you have spark? and are the plugs wet after you try to start it

I just tried to start it. Then I checked the plugs and they are a little wet. What should I do now?

You checked the spark plugs. Does that mean you checked to see if they were there or that you have a nice juicy fat spark when turning over? If you have spark then your carbs are culprit(s). Possibly when putting the tank back on you loosened a wire or shorted one if you are not getting spark to ALL plugs. Check for spark on all of them.

I had a similar problem once. One minute, it ran fine. Then next, I couldn't get it started. I checked the plugs, and they were wet with fuel. I can't remember why that happened. But anyhow, I had some extra plugs laying around. I put those in, and varrooooom. It fired right up.

u say the plugs were wet.that says u have fuel. so i would start to look at electrical. could your tank or a wire be grounding out a coil,?

I drained the tank, cleaned and checked the petcock, put in new spark plugs, removed tank, check all connections that could have been knocked loose when removing/installing the tank.

I put everything back together and still the same thing. I then tried jumping it off since the battery is dead from trying to start it, that didn't work.

I tried to check to see if I'm getting spark but I'm a little confused on how to do this. I tried it on the kz650 and kz440 (which is running fine) and I couldn't see a spark on either. Exactly how do you do this?

Post edited by: EasyRider1, at: 2008/03/06 00:42

EasyRider1 wrote:

I tried to check to see if I'm getting spark but I'm a little confused on how to do this. I tried it on the kz650 and kz440 (which is runnning fine) and I couldn't see a spark on either. Exactly how do you do this?<br><br>Post edited by: EasyRider1, at: 2008/03/05 18:03

Do you have a timing light? That's an easy way to see if it is sparking at all. If not, it's a two man job. Pull the plugs out. Insert a plug one at a time into each wire and hold the metal body of the plug tight to the engine and have a buddy crank the engine. watch for spark, keep fingers away from the plug tip.

Am I loooking for a spark from the plug to the bike or just the tip of the plug?