Hi All,

I am a newbie to this site but have owned Kawasaki's a fair few times.
Hoping someone can help me with a 1996 ZX6R I have just purchased.
I was warned by the previous keeper about this problem so I can't say I was unaware.
When I first pull away the bike runs fine. After a couple of miles it starts to stutter and misfire. Sometimes the problem goes away, other times it won't clear up until the next time I ride it. It occurs across the rev range, but seems to be worse at low revs.
I have yet to take the bike out where this problem doesn't arise.
The previous owner replaced the spark plugs with no change.
He thought it may be dodgy HT leads, although he said he had a look at them and couldn't see anything wrong.
I haven't done anything to the bike myself yet. I will tackle most minor jobs but wondered if anyone had any ideas before I started to dismantle the bike.
Weather conditions make no difference, the problem occurs whether it's dry or wet.
I think it's more a fuel problem, however a friend thinks it may be a dodgy coil.
Any ideas?

 

Tell us your reasoning on the fuel thought, and your friend's reasoning on the coil.
What do the plugs (ALL of them) look like after the stutter/misfire process?
Fresh fuel?
Sounds like it occurs after the bike is "warmed."
What changes when the problem goes away? How long does the bike run properly AFTER the problem "goes away?"
Wiring and connections are solid? No butt connectors, hacks, cracks, corrosion, shorts, etc.?

 

any vacuum lines or fuel lines pinched? Will it run with the gas cap loose? Your manual will tell you what to check for fairly well in your periodic maintenance section.

As you may have expected, you will get a lot of "have you checked this or that". Internet troubleshooting sucks

 

I am guessing its a fuel problem as it is so inconsistent. The bike will run fine for awhile - but not that long - and will then start misfiring again. The previous owner assumed a coil problem only because he was told it may be that by someone else. The bike never makes it through any journey without the stuttering occurring.
The plugs are brand new - however they dont appear any different to what they should do. All the wiring is fine and its still happening with fresh fuel put in.
I thought it was a problem only when I had been out on it for awhile- however this morning it started immediately once I pulled away. Then cleared up, then came back!
Haven't had a chance to check with the fuel cap off - will have a go at this later. It's just so frustrating!

 

Any ideas anyone? Still doing it!

 

Clean the fuel petcock screen. What happens if you spray some starting fluid around the carb boots?

If you are still suspecting fuel issues, start from the beginning. Clean, adjust float heights, A/F and synchronize the rack.