QuestionI have a 2000 Kawasaki W650. My first bike. Rode it fine all last summer. Trickle charged the battery during winter in Northeast. Went to put it in the bike a few days ago and accidentally hooked up + to - and vice versa. Nothing happened but the bike isn't registering a charge i.e. there's no electrical display and it won't start. I'm not sure if I caused a short or something. I realized my mistake right away and switched the cables. Still no charge. Tested the battery and seems like the charge is fine. Nevertheless, took it to a shop and the guys says it has no charge, so I bought another one (I kept my old one and they both have the same charge). I put the new one in after pre-charging it for 4 hours. Still no luck, so I figure I may have shorted something in the electrical system. I'm completely new to this, so I'll probably try to struggle through learning how to test fuses and plugs tomorrow night after work, but any suggestions where to start would be a huge help. Thanks!
AnswerHi Mike,
Reversing the polarity often causes circuit protection to go to work. Sometimes the CDI (engine control module) is damaged as a result.
Check fuses and fusable links. You'll likely need to review the Owner's Manual to learn where these parts are located.
Once located, learn how to test or fix the parts.
Get a copy of the Service Manual. I recommend Kawasaki's manuals compared with Haynes or Clymer brands. You get what you pay for, so to speak.
Visit Dan's free online MC repair course. It's a helpful repair resource:
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm
Visit Kawasaki's website to view parts microfiche: www.buykawasaki.com
Visit Bike Bandit's website to view microfiche parts and compare parts prices:
www.bikebandit.com
I return tech files by email. There was no email address with your question as requested and explained in my instructions.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
