Trouble Starting my Drifter

[1999 Drifter]

ur da best 

[chief]

They are kaw parts... PN 57001-1024  should still be available from any of the discount motorycycle parts places... like ronayers.com

[1999 Drifter]

I used a plug socket (18mm, I think ) and rotated the sides on a belt sander till the walls got thin, have only used it once but seemed to work....but I like Chief's idea "I bought the kaw plug wrench because of this and the difficulty in getting the front plug out. "

Where are these kaw plug wrenches available, can you show us a pic so I know what to look for

Thanks
Tim

[chief]

Originally I used a very thin walled plug socket... the Kaw wrench has a swivel joint that makes getting the plugs out a LOT easier.

[jason.andrew]

well you were exactly right Chief. Got the back plugs out and changed no problem, but holy crap are those front ones in deep!

going to go on a hunt for a thin walled socket and see what i can find. Thanks!

[chief]

You may have some difficulty getting the plugs out... you need a thin wall socket... there is one in the oem tool kit. I bought the kaw plug wrench because of this and the difficulty in getting the front plug out.

If you have a service manual the spark plug info is in the electrical section. Gap 0.8 ~ 0.9mm

[jason.andrew]

Thanks chief. i do own a drifter service manual (it was a shop manual i got with the bike)

I am thinking about grabbing a new air filter and changing out the spark plugs. What do i need to know about doing this? I know there needs to be a proper gap in the plug. Any idea what this needs to be? I know my local Kawi Dealership can get me the right plugs, but the last thing i want to do is put them in wrong.

I want to thank people like you and troll for helping a young guy like me out. Both of you have given me the right advice on here before and saved me a mess of headaches and stress. Honestly, the advice i get from the two of you makes me comfortable and confident owning a bike like this.

Ride strong.

-Jason
Chicago

[chief]

The choke is really not a choke and at the temps you are describing it should not be needed. I have NEVER used the choke on mine.

The bike should idle after warmup at about 950rpm... there is an adjusting screw to adjust the idle.
So, check the air filter, the plugs and run some injector cleaner through it to clean the injectors up. Take the air box off and clean up the butterfly valves etc. Ensure you are using the proper octane fuel.
If you don't have a service manual... I suggest you get one... I like the Kaw manual combined with a clymer manual.

[michaelh42]

I have a 2001 Drifter and the person who owned her before me added a thumb screw to adjust the idle. I have noticed here in Connecticut that I have to use the choke now as it is starting to get cold (50s) in the morning. I have also turned up the idle a touch maybe a 1/4 turn. Maybe you can adjust the idle up a touch to help it along. I am a first generation (Last bkie I owned was in '94) owner as well so maybe this is not any help.

[jason.andrew]

Battery is new, and care to give me a head start on cleaning out the throttle body? I am a first generation motorcycle rider so everything i do is typically my first time doing it. Had a few bikes over the years, but never had to do this.

Could i be looking at a going starter or a poor fuel injector? I got some FI cleaner and gas treatment today so hopefully that helps, but i want to cover all my bases

[rgdewar]

Use only 93 octane. Maybe clean the throttle body and be sure the gas is fresh.  I don't think it hurts to use an additive. These days, with no lead, gas tends to go bad rather quickly. Of course I'm in Florida and thankfully have no experience with real cold weather starting. How old is the battery? They like a hot spark. Not an expert but love to ride.  Best, Ross

[jason.andrew]

So here is the situation: I know the weather is getting a little colder here in chicago, but when i am going outside to start my bike on most days it is taking longer and longer for the engine to finally catch and start up. I have the choke completely out, and usually have the juice the throttle a few times to get the the first fire to get her going. One of the main reasons i bought this bike was because of the fuel injection system as i thought it wouldnt have this issue. I used to have an old Kawasaki Knighthawk 450 and could get that hunk of junk to start in the first second no matter what the weather was! I know there is a big difference between a 450 and a 1500, but i dont here other bikes taking as long as mine to start....

What could be up? I just changed the oil and had a fluid flush a few weeks ago, and only use premium gasoline (90+) in the fuel line. I usually throw er on the tender every few weeks to make sure the battery is full too.

On a related note: I also feel like my throttle is not as responsive as it once was. This may me just getting used to the bike, but i wanted to mention that in case any of you Drifter Guru's in here could link the two together.

Thanks in Advance!