Hi im new to Kawasaki and to this forum.
Just wondering if somebody could help me solving a problem with my bike.
It won't turn on at times, the battery is brand new and it keeps dying often.

ZX9R'00

 

as in it may be an ignition switch problem? Or the starter operates and the engine turns over but does not fire off?

Welcome to KF and good luck with the troubleshoot/fix.

 

Not the most vague description of a problem I've read, but close. What do you mean by it doesnt turn on?
The starter turns but it doesnt start?
The bike has power but the starter doesnt turn?
The bike has no power at all when the key is turned on?

I understand that it dies often, but what is it doing when it dies?
Is it choking out while riding?
Does it bog down and eventually stop?
Does it matter if you give it gas or use the choke?
Does it cough and spuuter or is it immediate?
Do the electrics work properly when it dies?

I would love to help you out, but I dont know where to start. Let us know what its doing and good luck with the fix!

Welcome to KF!

 

The other guys are right. If you could be a little more specific it sure would make it easier to attempt to diagnose the problem. If by "won't turn on at times" you mean that when you turn the key to the on position you have no power at all. (no light, dash lights, fuel pump doesn't cycle) My guess might be that there is a problem with the ignition switch itself.(may be a loose wire or bad connector) If you do get power, but it drains quickly, that might mean you have poor connections to the battery, or maybe a faulty rectifier? It's really tough to say. I guess you could have a bad ground to the starter if you mean that it won't turn over to start, but you do have power. (The starter could also need replacing if it doesn't turn over the way it should) Give us a little more info and we can be more helpful. Try to describe step by step what is happening. Start with I put the key in the ignition, what happens when you turn the key? Do the dash light turn on? If yes, can you hear the fuel pump cycling? Does the starter turn over when you hit the start button, or do you just here a series of clicking noises? More detail please, and welcome to KF.

 

I am eexperiencing the same problem. I purchased a 1998 zx9r from this guy who evidently didnt take care of it very well. So when i assessed the bike it looked like what it needed was a new battery, new spark-plugs and new oil and filter. I replaced battery and sparkplugs, and the difference was visible. i tested it and it seemed to be bogging and i thought i might as well change oil and filter while im at it. After i replaced those, it started up just fine and i let it cycle through. i went to rev the engine and it cut out immediately. i started it again and let it idle and after 2 minutes i heard the idle rpm getting lower and then cut out completely.(NOTE: when choke is lowered it cuts out immediately also) Now, i can hear it turn but doesnt fire up, and after the second or third time trying, all i hear is a click when i hit the ignition. I cant seem to figure out what the problem might be, because right before i changed the oil it was riding quite nicely and now wont even start, im kinda loosing it.

If any one has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

 

I think Drag, Prom, CD, are right^. Check your ignition switch, battery connections, GROUND connection, handlebar and sidestand switches (wiring), fresh fuel, and all the simple stuff. Then, progressively get more involved with fuel delivery items; crud in the carbs/jets, blockage in the air flow (air cleaner to exhaust can), etc. I doubt that it's all that complicated. Retrace your work steps. Add too much oil? (3.45L is not 4 quarts), oil filter correct? (if you have the wrong one, the flow may be impeded and bogging your engine), any smoke? Wet plugs? (correct plugs?) backfiring? If the engine runs and then gradually dies, you're running out of gas, air, or spark.
Welcome to the forums, guys. Keep us posted on your detective work. Update us with more details; we're glad to help.