Motorcycle Repair: kawasaki ninja zx6r, kawasaki ninja zx6r, 1999 kawasaki ninja zx6r

Question
1999 kawasaki ninja zx6r black
hi
my bike has a hard time starting! and when it is started it smokes and dies! sometimes when i try to start it, it makes a grinding noise? i replaced the spark plugs and the oil, cause i thought that would do it! but it still had the same problem? it will sometimes start, after a couple of hours, but it won't stay started. if you keep it on for to long it starts to smoke? and then it will die, if you try and start it again it will make a grinding noise? i guess i would just like to know what happened to it? all of these problems just started happening. the other day the bike was just fine and running good. Now it wont even run?
thanks

justin

Answer
Hi Justin,

A few things come to mind, but there's not enough information about the problem to form an accurate diagnosis.

I recommend having a local tech inspect the problem for you. Most shops charge one hour of time at their flat-rate fee for diagnosis. You could request a estimate and have them find the source of the problem.

Things you can do:

Check cylinder compression. If compression is out of service limits, perform a leak-down test.

Learn about reading spark plugs at NGK's website: "www.ngk.com" Click the "spark plug 4-1-1" link and then click "problem plugs." Compare your plugs to those imaged on the website. Tune or repair accordingly.

Is anything mixed with the gasoline?

Where is the source of the grinding noise? Starter motor, camshafts, crankshgaft, pistons, clutch, etc... Use a mechanic's stethoscope or a long tool such as a screwdriver to listen to the engine. Place one end upon various engine parts/areas and the other end against your ear. You may be able to locate the source of the grinding this way.

Otherwise, I would need more intel and actually be present to perfrom a few checks before accurately diagnosing the problems.

Please let me know what you find.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively