Sad Story

Hey guys, I have put a lot of time, money, and effort into getting my KZ back in service but recently I hit an all time morale low.

I took the bike out for about an hour or so last night. It was running like a champ and then I noticed that I had gasoline on my right boot. I went to the gas station to fill it up a little more and wipe down the gas from my boot and the bike. When I turned the key on, my lights came on for a second and then shut off completely. Sure enough, I reached to start the bike but it was totally dead. I ended up having to push it over a mile mostly on an incline back to my house.

I was shocked at how it took a turn for the worst so quickly. I just replaced the battery no more than a week ago. Any insight would be really appreciated.

Post edited by: AlexV, at: 2007/07/16 18:28

You only had to push it a mile? Uphill both ways?

Maybe the battery cable was loose?

Shorted main fuse?

Aren't you glad that the gas dripping off the side of your bike didn't ignite from a spark flashover?

I thought that was going to be the end of your sad story.

"When I turned the key on, my bike burst into flames."

You still have your bike, and the benefit of some excercise.

Was it raining while you had to push it home?

Maybe you have a bad ignition switch.

Have you tried using the hazard four-ways?

Check the gas tank and petcock for a leak. Then see what it leaked onto. Chances are the gas leaked onto a connector, shorted something out. Check your fuses.

KaZooCruiser wrote:

You only had to push it a mile? Uphill both ways?

Maybe the battery cable was loose?

Shorted main fuse?

Aren't you glad that the gas dripping off the side of your bike didn't ignite from a spark flashover?

I thought that was going to be the end of your sad story.

"When I turned the key on, my bike burst into flames."

You still have your bike, and the benefit of some excercise.

Was it raining while you had to push it home?

Maybe you have a bad ignition switch.

Have you tried using the hazard four-ways?

You're too funny, you guys always cheer me up.

Post edited by: AlexV, at: 2007/07/16 19:56

violentvintagecycles wrote:

Check the gas tank and petcock for a leak. Then see what it leaked onto. Chances are the gas leaked onto a connector, shorted something out. Check your fuses.

That's what I think too since it was so sudden. I just don't know where to begin. I don't have much experience with electrical work (understatement) and I don't want to make anything worse. Ideally I'd like to get a temp. fix so I can take it down to the mechanic.

yeah man you may definitely want to get a hold on that gas leak before you mess around with the electical.
If the bike is dirty look for the clean spots where the gas wiped away the dirt and follow the trail. It could have only came from a few places ..

petcock
gas line rupture
fuel filter

if it was coming out of the carbs chances are you "probably" would have fouled out and stalled before you had time to drive to the gas station. I could be wrong but its as good as any place to start out.

I too was thinking that story was going to end up with a Kawasaki fire!! Buck up camper ... I am willing to bet both issues can be remedied for fairly cheap and with minimal work.