Q: My girlfriend owns a pristine Kawasaki z800, which I’ve obviously become a full-time mechanic for. But I’m not writing to moan about ‘mechanical’ relationships.

She keeps on complaining, that sometimes, the bike won’t start when she puts it into gear before she pulls off, excuse the terminology. I’ve ridden the bike myself but everything seems to be OK from my side. So before we have another argument I thought I’d ask you guys with your wealth of knowledge first?

Hopefully you know of something that can cause this so I can have a more peaceful life?

Timothy Hunter

A: Well this is an easy fix and it’ll more than likely be the side stand switch, as they do tend to give problems on this model and on the z1000 as well. Make sure the wires are connected properly, and maybe try a spot of lubricant on the plunger/stem that the side stand pushed onto first, as well.

Either buy a new one or join the two wires leading to the switch together and see if that cures the problem first. Then we can guarantee that you’ll have a more peaceful life – maybe?

Q: I’ve owned a KTM 1190 Adventure for few years now with very little problems, until yesterday. I went to the shop with the bike running fine but when I came out and started it there was just a loud ‘crack’ noise and the engine locked solid.

I’ve heard of scary internal things but I thought I’d run it past you guys first, before I take it to a dealer with a predictably large invoice afterwards.

Just a short simple letter and I’m anticipating a quick reply please?

Tomas

A: Well here’s a quick reply and I’m afraid it’s very bad news. It sounds like one of the automatic cam chain tensioners has broken, which will cause the cam chain to ‘jump’ a tooth, or two, that’ll certainly lock the engine solid. This can also, easily, crack the cylinder head or some of its components around the head.

The only thing you can do is to locate and dismantle the cylinder head that has locked up. Obviously this isn’t going to be a cheap exercise I’m afraid. If you search around the Internet you’ll find many 1190 owners actually convert their bikes to manual cam chain tensioners due to this problem found on some 1190. So you might want to look into that conversion for the future and where to obtain them?

Q: Hi guys. I’ve just bought a mint condition Kawasaki z1000 (2017 model), with only 3,000km on the clocks. I love the bike to bits but want more from it, so I thought I’d ask your opinion first before I empty my wallet.

What sort of horsepower does the stock bike make on your Dynojet dyno and what can I do to get more and, if so how much more? I’d also like to fit a quickshifter if that’s possible?

I’ve already been told that Racetech (locally made pipe), make a single silencer conversion to get rid of those ridiculous twin and hefty standard pipes.

Looking forward to what you guys have to say and urgently please, as I’d like to get on with the modifications before summer returns.

Jay Collins.

A: OK Jay let’s urgently respond. A stock z1000 makes around 118hp at the wheel. If you take away those silencers and fit a loud ‘straight-through’ single silencer conversion you’ll certainly have to change the fueling delivery using a Power Commander or similar, like Rapid Bike for example. Make sure the person who installs it knows what he/she is doing or it might run even worse and lose power output?

If set correctly you might get as much as nine or ten horsepower because the stock silencers are very restrictive. Either of the fueling systems mentioned above have quickshifter facilities, maybe using a separate unit but of the same brand. It’s best to install this at the same time as fueling as it’ll involve some wiring alterations.

However this will not be a cheap exercise and will probably cost you well over 10k by the time you’ve finished with new exhausts and stuff. Have a great summer either way Jay.

Q; I know you guys only deal with ‘real’ motorbikes but I thought I’d ask a question about my Jonway scooter, if that’s OK?

It’s covered 12,000km with no problems and I always service it myself because it’s very easy to do. But now it just doesn’t want to pull off without a good push from my legs. I’ve cleaned out the carb’ and made sure the vacuum fuel pump is working correctly, and now I’m stuck, hence the letter.

Any idea on what to look for next because once the scooter is on the move it runs fine, well perhaps a little flat at the top end?

Mitch

A: This is an easy one to cure and we don’t mind you asking questions regarding any form of two-wheeled transport.

It’s a simple case of replacing the six rollers inside the primary clutch. Just take off the cover and undo the center nut (might need an air-gun there), and pull off the clutch assembly. Buy six new rollers (about R150), and rebuild, simple. If the clutch assembly is badly worn, including the sleeve it sits on replace the whole unit for around R800. Then everything will return to normal. You might as well replace the drive belt at the same time if it’s not been done since new, around R300?