Motorcycle Repair: While riding bike boggs out. Does have gas in it, kawasaki ninja, gas switch

Question
Hey there Chris,

I have a Kawasaki Ninja 900 (older model)1985 and I just had the ignition installed because I lost the key and now when I ride it the bike starts bogging out and eventually turns off.  The gas switch is on and choke is off, theres gas in it, however, it may be alittle old and I just topped it off with new gas.  Help.  Thank you.  Oh yeah, I do have a oil leak.


Answer
Hi Rachel.
 You definitely have one or more problems going on here.  Most likely, if the bike spends time in seasonal storage, you need the carbs properly and completely cleaned.  You could also have a problem with the ignition system.  Check that for shorts, arcing against the frame/engine as well as for bad connections.  Also check the ignition coils to see if they are due for replacement.  You will need a multimeter and the repair manual for the schematics and test specs.

The oil leak should be easy to fix.  Either tighten up the bolts where the leak is at or (if that doesn't work) replace the gasket.

One last thing.  Dump the fuel that you just filled with, dispose of it and reseal the tank.  If the old fuel was bad, then it has contaminated the new fuel and the tank.  Resealing the tank will seal out the old contaminants and make the bike safe for the new fuel.  And never store the bike with fuel in the system or tank.

Good luck.
FALCON