Hey gang, it's super late, but want your input on a couple of issues. And have some comments.
1. When starting bike for the first time (60ºF), no fast-idle at all. Engine stalled the first time. It started the second, but barely held on at around 700 rpm. Once hot, idle was too high, so adjusted it at a restaurant nearby. When I got out, no fast-idle either (around 900 rpm). Now I removed the battery to install a battery charger pigtail, but does disconnecting the battery have anything to do with that? At what rpm do older C14s fast-idle at? By the way, throttle had waaay too much free play, so adjusted it properly. But doubt it has anything to do with fast-idle IMO.
2. I think now I know why 2015s weigh 2 more pounds. They all have a charcoal canister. Check out the pic of my tank, and please let me know if older bikes have those hoses. Also took pic of vacuum routing under the seat.
3. Where the heck do you guys put your owner's manual? Read that there was a lot of space under the seat, but there's NONE on my bike. I also have to say it's a PITA to install the seat. There're 2 'hooks' in the middle of the seat that are very hard to push under that stupid bar. And worst of all, that bar (with a harness inside) is not closed off where the hooks go, so they just grab in the middle, and the seat is bowed in the middle, and the rear is very hard to latch. Didn't figure it out until I flattened the rear plate, and couldn't install it. Had to bend it again, but it was bent too much before, so now it's perfect. But still a PITA, since you basically have to bend the seat in the middle to latch those middle bars, then insert the rear tab in its place. Maybe the seat wasn't installed properly when I rode the bike, since I couldn't reach the ground nearly as good as when I tried the black 2015 at the other dealer. We'll see tomorrow.
4. Want to order the CopperDawg sport screen right away, but there's no paint code anywhere on the bike. Pat guessed the color was 'Candy Lime Green' (used on 2012 ZX10, I think), and that's exactly what the Kawasaki site says. Is it safe to assume that's the right color? Don't want to order the screen and the wrong color shows up. Maybe some of you know where the paint code is (it's not on the VIN label).
5. Has anybody installed LED turn-signals on your Connie without having to pierce/splice the factory wiring for a load-resistor? I'd like to do at least the rear (LED tail/brake light already), but would like all 4 if possible.
That's it for now folks. I attached a few pics of my fully debadged/destickered/dereflectorized bike, for proof it's mine .
I wonder if dealers these days are still installing the battery backwards? The positive terminal should be facing out. Not that this has anything to do with the OP issues, I was just wondering.
The battery was installed fine, but it's removed now due to installing a battery charger pigtail. Tech rounded one of the metal battery cover bolts, and all 3 grommets were all messed up. Cleaned all that up. Oh, and '-' cable was barely tight. And '+' just a hair more. After I'm done, it'll be the better test. I'll report results.
Hey, have some 'plugs' missing (pic attached). Do other bikes have them? Told dealer I want them ordered, along with the stripped bolt for the battery cover.
The C14 *hates* those connections not being tight. That probably explains your issue and I bet you have no more problem now.That was the case indeed. Reinstalled battery with all connections tight, fully charged it, set TPS with kill switch in both on and off positions, and it fired up instantly... and at high idle (1,300 rpm). AWESOME! Don't know what did the trick, but I'm a happy guy . Also adjusted the headlights, which were dangerously low (could only see potholes in front of me yesterday). Forgot it had adjusters, but it's better to mess with them when not riding anyway (and that's what I just did now). Ordered CopperDawg screen, but he needs to send me a color sample first due to being the first green he'll make; oh well, will have to be patient with that one. Ordered Throttlemeisters and grip puppies. Will order the TBR black-series as soon as I get an invoice to include their quietest dB insert (P1X). Need to order the PAIR block-off plates too, but need to investigate what's the deal with the EVAP crap my bike now has (like only CA bikes did before), and make sure it's not going to interfere. Couldn't find anywhere how to get to the engine to remove all the PAIR crap. With the P1X insert, might not even need to block them off, and might leave it alone. What really want to find is just the frame for a radiator cover, to install fiberglass screening, rather than the metal crap most have. Don't want both since I suspect airflow issues. With just the screen, never had a single issue, and it gets hot here in TX. That's my update for today. Have a great evening folks.
That was the case indeed. Reinstalled battery with all connections tight, fully charged it, set TPS with kill switch in both on and off positions, and it fired up instantly... and at high idle (1,300 rpm). AWESOME! Don't know what did the trick, but I'm a happy guy .
Also adjusted the headlights, which were dangerously low (could only see potholes in front of me yesterday).
Forgot it had adjusters, but it's better to mess with them when not riding anyway (and that's what I just did now).
but need to investigate what's the deal with the EVAP crap my bike now has (like only CA bikes did before), and make sure it's not going to interfere.
Couldn't find anywhere how to get to the engine to remove all the PAIR crap.
Set tire pressures at 40/42, and seems to be perfect.
Disabled the flashing 'alarm',
set the clock, set brake linking to 'solo', and it's ready to go anywhere. What a great machine. Glad I decided to get the Connie instead of the FJR or K1600GT.
Thank you for all the comment guys. First, bike is NOT a CA; was bought in NM from their allocation. Due to new emissions requirements, all 2015s apparently have that CA crap now (just like the cars). Oh well. And I said that separately. I know it has nothing to do with the fast-idle problem.
I want to hear more about the flashing alarm.
MY 2014 has a light that flashes continuously after I shut the bike down.
I thought I had done something wrong and went to Kawasaki (several shops) to ask about it.
NONE knew the answer, but eventually 1 guy said it was supposed to do that....
Had no reason why it was flashing....
Does anyone know "what" it is indicating?
Ride safe, Ted