ZX6R Starting Problems

aaronb74 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Karma :

Hi all. I'm hoping someone will be able to offer some advice about what's up with my 2006 ZX6R, that won't start under it's own power.

I've been travelling a lot for work recently and haven't been able to get out on the bike much for a while. The last time I was out was 6th May. It then sat in the shed until last Thursday when I decided to go out to try to clear my head a bit. The bike was fine before then, but on Thursday it wouldn't start. It sounds like the starter motor is working fine, but the bike just won't fire up. After quickly looking for any obvious faults, I managed to bump start the bike going down the hill outside my house. I ran it into town and around for a bit. After risking switching it off at my parents' house, it started ok.

I thought that was the end of it, but when I tried to start it again yesterday I had the same problem. Again it eventually bump started (coincidentally, it doesn't like going into 2nd gear when not running - is that normal?), and started on the button after it had been running for half an hour. I checked it again when I got home after leaving it for an hour and all was fine, but when I tried again a few hours after that it was back to not starting. I don't know if it makes a difference, but the coolant is pretty low (though I don't think it is actually losing any, it might have been that low before - I can't remember when I last checked Embarassed

).

I took the fairings off, but it looks like I'll need to remove the fuel tank now before I get any further and, tbh I can't be bothered doing it tonight. Before I start pulling things apart even more tomorrow, has anyone any thoughts as to what the problem might be?

Cheers in advance
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Current bike - 2006 ZX6R

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

Have you tried charging the battery?

aaronb74 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Karma :

Not yet, though I did wonder about it (don't have jump leads or a charger here). It does seem like the battery's ok, but I'll try charging it tomorrow before I start pulling more bits off.
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Current bike - 2006 ZX6R

aaronb74 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Karma :

Went down to my Dad's last night to pick up my jump leads, but couldn't find them anywhere Confused

The battery certainly seems strong enough though, so I'm a bit doubtful that that's the main problem. If it was bad enough to discharge so far as to not start after 1-2 hours, surely it would've been completely flat after sitting for over 2 weeks...?
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Current bike - 2006 ZX6R

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

I left my C1H for a while and had exactly the same problem as you - the start would turn over but not enough oomph to get the motor started.

A decent charge on the battery charger and it was fine.

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Apparently some Kawasakis have a mechanism to prevent you from putting the bike in 2nd at a standstill or something...

Anyway, charge the bloody battery and then report back. Or bump start it, and then ride for 30 or 40 miles to give the battery a boost.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Souleh · Trackday Trickster Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

aaronb74 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Karma :

Checked the battery, put it on to charge and still had the same problem. Eventually, I gave up and took it into the garage on Thursday night. They agreed yesterday morning it's not the battery, but haven't had much time to look at it. I'm just about to head down there and see what's what...
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Current bike - 2006 ZX6R

aaronb74 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Karma :

Bike still isn't fixed Sad

. Had the valves checked and plugs changed today - the plugs were filthy and the valves needed adjusted, but it still hasn't sorted out the starting problem...

The mechanic who's looking into it reckons it could be down to the secondary throttle position sensor.
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Current bike - 2006 ZX6R

andys675 · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Karma :

whats the battery voltage with the engine running and not running?

aaronb74 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Karma :

Can't remember and haven't had a chance to check the battery recently, but the garage have now managed to pull a fault code from the ECU - for some reason it wasn't coming up before, but I think they were using a dodgy wire to get into the "Dealer Mode".

Anyway, it seems that it's registering a faulty Camshaft Position Sensor. Hopefully can get a replacement fitted and get back on the road asap. I had to renew the insurance today and didn't want the bike stuck in a garage all summer.
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Current bike - 2006 ZX6R