KL600 idle problem?

[Milo]

It's a Kawasaki KL600 - 1980-something, is water cooled and has a kick starter...but in this cold temp she's completely unable to idle.
The other day she cut out randomly when sat at the lights, so I upped the idle speed and started using the choke for longer.

Yesterday she cut out twice (so upped the idle more) though it's colder today and I had to keep her above 2k when stationary or she'd cut out. When I came to the end of my journey (engine most definitely at full temperature) I let go of the throttle and she went strait away.

She runs absolutely fine when it's not this cold, and idle's absolutely fine. She runs fine in the cold too, as long as I'm putting enough fuel through her.

Does that seem indicative of carb icing, or something else?
Any tips and tricks to help prevent this?

Thanks,
Adam
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Shaft drives rule.

[Milo]

Here's an update on my problem:
When it was much colder, but dry she was running fine. When wetter but warmer she's also fine. Must just be the colder damp weather that causes me a problem.

Does this sounds like carb icing to you?

Thanks.
____________________
Shaft drives rule.

[G]

Does it idle ok when you first start it? Carb icing usually take a little time to take hold, so if it does, then doesn't later, it may be more likely.
However I believe carb icing is more likely to happen at higher revs - as there's more air flowing to cool it down.


I wonder if it could be some problem from the electrics - a weak spark?

I'd be tempted to check the spark plug and maybe try running it jumped-up to another known-good battery.

[Milo]

Yeah she runs fine when first started, though my commute isn't particularly fast which is why I've been umming and erring over carb icing.

The electrics could be the cause, though she's been fine when it's been colder, and fine when it's raining at night with the lights on.
I'll give the battery a charge and see how that goes, as the horn doesn't work when stationary with the head and brake lights on so I guess it could be a weak spark.

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll check the spark plug hopefully over the next few days...and I also need to check the wiring on the front brake sensor while I'm at it.

I was hoping a winter hack would save me some problems...not cause them!
____________________
Shaft drives rule.