3rd Bike, First Drifter

[Troll]

This is the kind of thing I had to do every day for over 40 years as my regular job. I may be retired, but my brain isn't...I hope. 

[pcarrell]

Another mystery solved by SuperTroll!

[Troll]

Glad to hear it's fixed...we're here to serve...

[higgy333]

You win the Prize Troll.

I was facing some insomnia last night and decided to read through the FI section of the service manual and I noticed that it showed a sensor that I couldn't find. Evidently at some point in moving batteries the Bike Down Sensor fell down and was wedged by the battery out of sight. I reinstalled it as shown in the picture and the problem is fixed! I appreciate all of you and your help. Without y'all i wouldn't have had a service manual, known that the box by the battery is an ECU and not the Bike Down Sensor or had gotten the bike fixed without paying a shop.

-Daniel

[Troll]

I replaced my battery after 13 years of use.  The owners manual calls out for a specific battery FTZ16-BS.  The parts guys at Kawasaki at first tried to sell me on that had a vent tube on it.  Drifters don't have battery vent tubes.  I said I wanted the exact battery called out in the factory repair manual.  They did get me one but even at their cost it was 235$.   But I have had it in there for 3 years and not a hitch.  Yuasa is the brand.  P.

I just bought the 20 version of that same battery for $80, also a Yuasa....But back to the problem...The tip over switch is right in front of the battery, below the back end of the fuel tank. Did you move it or loosen the mounting bolt for some reason?

[Pilgrim]

That seems expensive for a battery. 

[Mr. P]

I replaced my battery after 13 years of use.  The owners manual calls out for a specific battery FTZ16-BS.  The parts guys at Kawasaki at first tried to sell me on that had a vent tube on it.  Drifters don't have battery vent tubes.  I said I wanted the exact battery called out in the factory repair manual.  They did get me one but even at their cost it was 235$.   But I have had it in there for 3 years and not a hitch.  Yuasa is the brand.  P.

[higgy333]

@ Draconarmy

Nice to hear from you, I noticed that I was only the fourth pin on the map for Kansas! I know drifters aren't common but that seemed really bad. Oh well.

Update on FI Light: Fully charged battery, redid connections three times still go the same problem. I do not have much time tonight, but I will be back on later with further attempts.

[draconarmy]

wow another bike from Kansas.  welcome and hope to see you around

[higgy333]

After seeing the battery connections mentioned I went back and tested with the seat off. The screws are tight and the same still happens but I am definitely getting a solid FI light no blinking when I stand the bike upright. So I placed the battery on the charger/tester and it said 60%. Looks like an overnight charge before I do anymore

[Troll]

Bad connection...maybe, but also maybe a problem with the tip over switch. There was a recall for those with the '99 model, as I remember. If the switch should activate for some reason, the fi light goes on, then engine stops, and the fi light blinks until you cycle the key....

[pcarrell]

Sounds like you have a battery issue to me.

[higgy333]

Does it start and run? Does the light go out when it's running?

When I turn the key the lights all light up then all but the oil light will turn off and the FI pump will charge (this is normal from my past experiences). I can then start the bike on the side stand at this time and it will run. But If while it is running (or the key is on with the bike not running) I lift the bike to a riding position the FI light will light up and the engine will die. She will not start with the FI light on. Was going to try to pull the FI Light code this evening. but the only post I found was for a 2006'ish model. Hoping it is the same on the downloaded service manual.

More complete background: Replaced battery with AGM from O'Riellys last night, accidentally left the key on for 3 days    Prior to replacing I tested using the battery jump method mentioned in another post from my truck (while the truck was off) and every time I removed the jump cable negative from the battery the bike would die. When installing the new battery, it was too short to be held tight by the battery mount so I installed a plastic block that came with the battery underneath it to lift the battery up.

[CDNRatMan]

 Welcome and enjoy your stay here and see Troll is helping you already...and hey Pilgrim

Welcome, you should do an iron butt to the Drift-In in Pikeville, KY next month.

and your going to be there how long and it is only a step from home.......

[pcarrell]

Welcome Higgy!

[Troll]

Hello, I have purchased a 99 1500 Drifter this year and decided I should join the forum after lurking for about 3 months. Looking forward to meeting with you all. I have been riding for about 6 years now after being talked into taking a riding course with my brothers (who wanted to ride and still don't). My first bike was a shadow 500 that my wife and I (we were dating then) would ride together on. Yes I learned to ride with a passenger first. My next bike after blowing a spark plug up in the cylinder was a blue GL1100. Bought it for riding with my wife and she didn't like it ( But I still put on an 8,000 mile season). I didn't by it for me and as such I sold it after buying this 99 in February. Pictures to follow (Yes, I have read enough to know this is the next request).

I plan on Iron Butting from Hutchinson KS to Pikes Peak and back later next month so I am getting ready for that.

BTW, I changed the battery last night and the FI light now comes on when I pick the bike up off the stand. Any Ideas? I will be posting more tonight, but first my 12 hr day!

Does it start and run? Does the light go out when it's running?

[Pilgrim]

Welcome, you should do an iron butt to the Drift-In in Pikeville, KY next month.
Can't help you with that light problem but Im sure someone will be around directly to help you out.

[mittico68]

Welcome aboard!
You're absolutely right: this forum is hungry for drifters' pics!!! Sooo...

[higgy333]

Hello, I have purchased a 99 1500 Drifter this year and decided I should join the forum after lurking for about 3 months. Looking forward to meeting with you all. I have been riding for about 6 years now after being talked into taking a riding course with my brothers (who wanted to ride and still don't). My first bike was a shadow 500 that my wife and I (we were dating then) would ride together on. Yes I learned to ride with a passenger first. My next bike after blowing a spark plug up in the cylinder was a blue GL1100. Bought it for riding with my wife and she didn't like it ( But I still put on an 8,000 mile season). I didn't by it for me and as such I sold it after buying this 99 in February. Pictures to follow (Yes, I have read enough to know this is the next request).

I plan on Iron Butting from Hutchinson KS to Pikes Peak and back later next month so I am getting ready for that.

BTW, I changed the battery last night and the FI light now comes on when I pick the bike up off the stand. Any Ideas? I will be posting more tonight, but first my 12 hr day!