QuestionI hope this is more of a general question that could affect all bike types/models. I have an 1983 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD. My son push started it on a dead battery, rode it a bit then it died out on him. Now it is totally dead. The battery has been fully charged, but when the key is turned, not even the lights come on. The manual doesn't cover things like this. Could the ignition switch itself have been fried? Or is it most likely a bad starter soliniod? Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
AnswerHi, well it is a general question....
First of all... the "fully charged" battery may only be holding a surface charge. It must be checked under load, usually with a battery tester, to ensure that all the cells are good and it is ready for service.
Second, if you put the battery on a car charger at more than 2 amps, the battery is probably fried anyway.
Third, once you get a fresh, fully-charged battery into the bike, you need a 12v test light to check the fuses first, then go on from there.
I would remove the fuel tank and seat so you can get to the whole wiring harness and connectors. Check the ignition switch connector as well. You can track the voltage from the battery up to the ignition switch. It has to run through a main fuse first, so you could have ones that are blown out or perhaps a cracked one, that appears to be okay, but isn't.
Just follow the volts until they stop and there will be the problem... or the next one anyway.
The bike could have charging system issues, such as a bad regulator/rectifier or stator on top of other problems. Just take it a step at a time.
Bill Silver
