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Won't run at night
- civilengr3
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I got it going the other day after cleaning the carbs and tank of bad gas, and was letting it idle and trying to get that adjusted. Got it running decent (although won't idle low), but when it turned dusk and the running lights came on, I couldn't get it to start, and it backfired.
Could this be electrical related? I checked the points, they are in good shape and gapped properly when open. I am a complete novice when it comes to electrical...
1977 KZ650C
East TN
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- bill_wilcox100
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The symptoms are telling you that you have a battery and or connector contacts and or charging system fault(s).
Let's get you on the road. A few of the very basic things:
1) Clean contacts in fuse box... even if they LOOK good.
2) Check the battery fluid levels and add distilled water if necessary. And if no change in symptoms, be prepared to charge with a motorcycle charger only or get a new battery.
3) Check and clean the connectors contacts... dielectric grease them if you have it... especially Battery (-) to engine ground.
If this does not help get a Repair Manual and multimeter and be prepared to test/troubleshoot the charging system.
Best of success.
BTW, could you add your year, model and location for the best responses.
And, can we get a picture of your new bike?
1977 KZ650-B1 (Stock)
Upgrades:
- Dyna S Electronic Ignition (DS2-2)
- Dyna 3 Ohm Coils (DC1-1)
- Coil Repowering Mod
- Progressive Springs Front & Rear
- Saddlemen Seat Cover
- New Metallic Red Re-Paint & Repro Badges.
Montreal, Canada
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- Sandy
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- Fly High,Tony
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Lights that come on automatically at dusk?:huh:
Didn't know any of the KZ's HAD such a feature.
1977 KZ1000 A-1
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- civilengr3
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Sandy, yup, it started getting dark out and the tail light and turn signals all came on. I assumed that was normal. Also figured that was too much load for the electrical system, if it's not all clean and whatnot.
1977 KZ650C
East TN
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- Justyn
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Are you sure the lights weren't on all along, and you just couldn't see them until it was dusk?
I guess either way, I would start by cleaning the electrical contacts. You may have a bad connection someplace, or a lose ground wire or something.
Best of luck.
1980 750 LTD (kz750h) Wausau, WI
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- Locozuna
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KZ900LTD, KZ750LTD, KZ650, 72'Triumph Trident
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied
"If you seek for Eldorado!"
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- civilengr3
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1977 KZ650C
East TN
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- MFolks
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1982 GPZ1100 B2
General Dynamics/Convair 1983-1993
GLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk, AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)
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- The Milkman
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The key has 3 positions,, off to left, on in center and accesories to the right, in the accesory position the tailight comes on and the 4 ways will work the center position is the normal running position.
Make sure you have the key in the center position and all other switches are off to start it and try again.
78 650-C2, Stock engine, Jardine 4-2 Exh., 17-38 sprockets, dyna ignition and coils, coil wiring mod, carb mod.
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- mariozappa
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1977 KZ650C1
and the KZ650/KZ750 Conversion
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- civilengr3
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the 77's don't have a reserve lighting system.
Thanks man, I was looking all over for it, and couldn't find it! Now I know why:P
I cleaned up the lectric components as suggested and it ran fine tonight. Hopefully that was it!
Yeah, Milkman, it seems to start and idle better with no accessories on. Which concerns me a little with the idle. Is that normal?
1977 KZ650C
East TN
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- anarki650
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09 Kawasaki ER6n
77 kz650b1 cafe rebirth project
"Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube, that's why God made fast motorcycles..."
Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
Omaha NE
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