Kawasaki ZX11 Ninja Won't idle without choke

In this video I get a Kawasaki Ninja ZX11 that has been sitting for 10+ years running properly.

[@Wild1BillS]

My 97 zx11 has been sitting covered nicely in my garage for the last 17 years with only 6500 miles on it. Looking to get it running soon so these videos are Golden Thanks

[@chrismc1268]

Top video mate. Very informative. Saved me a ton of work on my mates bike.

[@aussietiger]

Thankyou for the prompt reply will look at your video tonight, before bedtime so I can dream about riding the Beast

[@2wheelworkshop]

No worries mate

[@lesferg7998]

I own a 1995 and everything you express is so true Vinnie, Cheer's

[@craigmax3779]

Excellent video. At least I'm not the only one to have this problem. My 96 is very difficult to start. Once running it'll back fire and running very rough. Before it was rideable one it popped and back fired it ran good. Now it won't run smoothly at all. You know how they sound running good makes that beautiful whining sound.

[@ricardobooker1704]

You need a clean and set on the carbs.

[@paulmoloney9218]

Thank you so much, I have the same problem with mine that has sat for 5 years, stupidly i left the fuel in the tank which also blocked the fuel pump and the fuel delivery pipes internally in the tank, great video, cheers Paul

[@2wheelworkshop]

You are welcome mate. Good luck with it.

[@behindbarsmototouring898]

My 1997 ZX-11 started doing this afterI pulled the carbs to change the cam cover gasket. Carbs have been cleaned, rebuilt, and properly re-jetted.

[@2wheelworkshop]

Is it running well now?

[@2wheelworkshop]

If it only started doing this after you pulled the carbs and the pilot jets are clear, then you have an air leak between the carbs and the motor.

[@kbergren2878]

My 2002 ZRX 1200 Kawasaki started doing the same thing. Thanks for the video

[@2wheelworkshop]

You're welcome. Hope it helped

[@dustinhoepker3051]

Thanks for the video. I have a 99 zx11. This helps me a lot and gives me a good idea on where to start with the carbs. Well done.

[@2wheelworkshop]

No worries mate. Glad it was helpful.

[@aldo5658]

Im new to carb cleaning and this wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. Great video sir

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate

[@BikeInHudson]

Great video - really helped with diagnosing mine!

[@BackroadExploits]

I've got a 96 that I parked in 2007. I removed the gas from the tank after a year or two and it has been sitting since. Need to get it going again. This was helpful. I tried to get it started a few years back but it wouldn't start. Excellent video.

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate. If it was going when parked and was kept out of the elements it will go again.

[@BackroadExploits]

@@2wheelworkshop Yeah, I am hopeful.

[@kevinledgister221]

Great video, at least I now know what to look for when spraying..

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate.

[@guypigache2105]

In the UK you can buy "Aspen" fuel. Recommended to me by lmy ocal garden equipment garage. They drain all carbs down for winter and refill with enough Aspen to fill the float bowls and restart in the Spring. Aspen (other brands I am sure) was described to me as "4-stroke fuel from 20 years ago". What they say that means is that it has way less ethanol added and way less water. Modern forecourt fuel starts going off after barely a month it seems. They promise that my mowers, bikes and other carb-fuelled engines will start like a dream after a long time standing.

[@2wheelworkshop]

Petrol in Australia isn't quite so bad. They have to state if they have added ethanol and it is sold as e10 (containing up to 10%ethanol) standard unleaded is 95 octane and can not have ethanol added. Its still shit compared to the old super (leaded petrol) but not as bad as e10.

[@juscozcustoms]

great to see you back in the shed Brodie. I have an EX250 that has been sitting a long time so I'm looking forward to seeing what else you do to this big brother to get it going again

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate. It will be pretty simple from here. Just change oil, coolant, brake fluid, new battery and a general tidy up.

[@juscozcustoms]

Yeah@@2wheelworkshop that's what I was expecting. I think mine will either be a flip to sell or take the engine out to put in something else.

[@2wheelworkshop]

I'm looking forward to the test ride on this one. Fastest production bike in the world in the early 90s. Not that I will do anything silly on it but it will be the quickest bike I will have ever ridden.

[@davidroche7685]

@@2wheelworkshopjust a question bro?I believe Australia most of the fuel is E10 for a while now. How do carb bikes run on this stuff? as they are Introducing this new piss water fuel to my country soon. I hear Notting but negative stuff on E10 and most old school bikes are not compatible with it, carb bikes In particular do not like it one bit! Or this stuff all hyped up fear mongering?The zzr 1100 is a very fast bike for its time and it is every bit as quick as the blackbird.

[@2wheelworkshop]

@@davidroche7685 E10 is available in Australia but I don't know anyone who actually buys the stuff as it is only marginally cheaper than 95 Unleaded. I wouldn't put it in my lawn mower.

[@Quocle603]

Had a similar issue with my suzuki t500, the problem were the dirty pilot jets.

[@2wheelworkshop]

Pretty common problem when bikes have been sitting for extended periods. Thought it was worth a video.

[@Claude1100]

Top job thanks for sharing 🤘🏼

[@2wheelworkshop]

No worries mate. Thanks for the feedback.

[@EatsFancyFeast]

1997 zx11 here...thanks :)

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate

[@kevinpollard1550]

Good vid my 1100 on tickover is rough qbove tickover brill jets are blooked but im to scared to attempt myself

[@2wheelworkshop]

Don't be scared mate. It's not that bad once you get into it and you can just follow along with the video. Worst case scenario, you find its too much and have to take it to a mechanic. Which you would have had to do anyway.

[@kevinpollard1550]

Just worried about cost just had new timing chain vaves shimed air filter and new plugs made no difference mechanic said def blocked idle jets

[@2wheelworkshop]

Doing the pilot jets yourself is free. It's a bit fiddley but definitely not rocket science. Having said that, it will be a lot cheaper than timing chain replacement at the mechanics as well.

[@user-hv4os1fk7g]

Лучший мотоцикл kawasaki

[@sidddist]

Good job

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate

[@aussietiger]

mate I wished you lived next door to me

[@2wheelworkshop]

I can at least help with questions 😁

[@DaemonWulf7]

well at least it looks like they improved the airbox design for the D model. scared to death i'm gonna drop screws either in the carbs or into the great beyond with all the worlds left socks never to be seen again when i put my C model back together.

[@Pianissimo1970]

The butterflies in the carbs are closed, so no risk that you will get something into the motor, unless you twist the throttle

[@DaemonWulf7]

@@Pianissimo1970 yeah, but every time i rely on some logical shit like that and stop being overly careful, something dumb happens.

[@2wheelworkshop]

🤣 I know exactly what you mean

[@davebrookes7291]

Great video. Exactly what mine is doing so will give this a go. What liquid were the jets soaking in? I see carby cleaner in the spray aresol can only. Cheers

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate. I just sprayed the carb cleaner into a jar for the jets to soak in. I should have mentioned in the video, but be careful to keep carb cleaner away from the vacuum ports on the inlet side of the carbs as it will eat the diaphrams if it gets in there.

[@mattfoley4128]

Great video, thank you

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate

[@mattfoley4128]

@@2wheelworkshop UPDATE: finally was able to perform the cleaning of the idle jets and my zx-11 now purrs like a mad kitten!!!! Thanks again for posting such a helpful video!!!!

[@2wheelworkshop]

No worries mate. Glad it worked out for you

[@germany2759]

👌👍

[@peterdimt3004]

Hello. Peter again from Canada...I have a 93 zx11....and it seems to have blown the main fuse. Brief overview...starter had a dead spot, and so I hit the starter button many times quickly to see if I could get the starter to engage...after 20 quick clicks of the starter...the complete electrical system went dead...any idea where...the main fuse is? Thanks. Cheers!

[@BANGDANGOW45]

I was just quoted 650 labor. Do do this job on a 2000 zx1100. Amarillo texas. I've never done this job but for that cost looks like it's all me. 14:19

[@aussietiger]

Thanks mate purchased a 4 gauge vacuum tester not expensive off eBay, have not used it yet, but I did purchase a Kawasaki ZZR1100, looks in prime condition, with one flaw, rust in the fuel tank, so carbies off, got a Yamaha dealer (yes I know did say Yamaha dealer) to refurb the carbs, also purchased off him so new spark plugs and again off eBay a fuel tank repair kit, now awaiting that so should get to me in a week or so, then first time for everything, will attempt to line the tank with the mixture, now question mate, since you talked me into a 1100, have you ever used a tank sealant repair kit? if so what were the results

[@2wheelworkshop]

I have actually done a video on sealing a tank with the KBS kit, it turned out really good. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmqXp2ukg8moetE

[@anonimous2451]

Slow Jet (Pilot Jet) clogged. easy to diagnose. complex to fix. not impossible, just fiddly. Just did a full carb rebuild on my 2000 ZX11. Bruh, I NEVER squirt Carb cleaner anywhere near my diaphragms. I take them out and set em aside. Try finding a set of 20-30 year old carb diaphragms, nearly impossible mate. Maybe not the ZX but I take the extra 10 mins to uncover the tops and remove the slide and springs and that lil fiddly rubber closure. Carb cleaner roast's rubber real easy.

[@2wheelworkshop]

I get what you are saying but the tiny amount of carb cleaner i sprayed through the fuel passages would have a real hard time getting anywhere near the diaphragms.

[@Sam-gx5qu]

Very nice video, thanks! I had also some minimum issues with that after the Wintertime. But after some struggle it works actually well. It just could not run the engine without the choke. Do you think this issue will be fixed after some ride and burning benzin or do i have to clean it again? Last cleaning was 2 years ago. Thank you bro!

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate. The quality of fuel these days is crap and it turns to varnish pretty quick. Any time the bike starts to show issues at idle, the first thing I would do is clean the carbs. Paying special attention to the idle circuit.

[@Sam-gx5qu]

@@2wheelworkshop ok thanks bro, yeah that's right 👍

[@anonimous2451]

@@Sam-gx5qu If you run Stabilizer in your gas before you park it for the winter come spring you have ZERO issues. Can't believe no one told you. Its quite common knowledge. And I always TOP OFF the tank and use Marine Staabilizer to assist in preventing rust inside the tank. The off gassing from the blue-green marine stops rusts in it's tracks. As Ed would say : Top Tip Mate.

[@Sam-gx5qu]

@@anonimous2451 Thanks bro, yeah i tried that last week and it works already better, I"ll do it in the future 2 times a year, once as you said bevor winter and once in spring or summer

[@klesarhr-bz5of]

Thank you for uploading this video, have couple of questions; any mail contact, please?

[@2wheelworkshop]

No worries mate. You can get me at [e-mail]

[@aussietiger]

Mate would you consider working on a Kawasaki GPZ1100B2 and I would throw in my baby sister in the bargain (sorry she is too old and would not be happy) the fact is I have had my old Kawa sitting around for years and years (purchased new in 1982) and only has 26k on the clock, but needs to be revived

[@2wheelworkshop]

Sorry mate but I'm struggling to get to half the projects I've currently got on the go.

[@kiddcisco]

when were valves last adjusted? That was my issue, bike would stall coming off throttle , erratic idle on start w choke, many overlook valve adjustment. 96D owner w well sorted ZX, check it out

[@2wheelworkshop]

I honestly couldn't tell you when they were last done but it runs great now and I gave it back to the owner months ago. Definitely something I will look at if I ever see that bike again though.

[@aussietiger]

Mate could you let me know what vacuum gauge you use to tune the carbs? oh yeah forgot to mention just purchased a 97 ZZR1100 excellent condition but carbs need to be cleaned and kit in them

[@2wheelworkshop]

I didn't bother to sync the carbs on this bike. I do have an old "Bill Bowman Inc" vacuum guage that my dad gave me though.

[@tonymontana897]

Nice work mate. I dig your workshop too. Where abouts are you based in Australia ? I have a few vintage bikes, two of which will need similar work. One in particular is a 1983 Honda VT250F. It's been parked up for a few years now after I had a go at cleaning the carbs it still has this weird issue where the revs hang high up the rev range as it warms up. Been thinking it has a vacuum leak somewhere, but for the life of me I cannot find it. Maybe the fuel floats aren't set correctly. Have you had any experience with those old V Twins ? I'm in the process of building a huge shed like what you have, and once I'm settled, I'm gonna have another crack at it. I also have two 2001 Kawasaki ZX9R's which I dearly love and cannot wait to do some maintenance on them both in my new mancave shed.

[@Robert-hs8no]

Does anyone know where I can find a video on a 1995 GPZ 1100 vacuum lines. Carbs are petcock new seal on gas cap. But still can't get it running right. Actually barely runs. I acquired the bike was already disassembled. Thanks everyone knows any videos or any vise let me know

[@babyboinews6896]

@2 wheel work shop how do you change a choke cable on a 2004 Kawasaki ninja zx 6r I need help

[@2wheelworkshop]

Sorry man. I've never worked on one but I thought they were fuel injected by 2004.

[@jenniferpinon495]

Would the carbs being dirty also cause it to back fire every now and than cause I can get it running with the choke on and make it take gas but it hits about 7000 rpms and starts to pop out the exhaust. Do you think its all just clogged carbs?

[@2wheelworkshop]

Very likely. I would do exactly what I did in this video, take it for a ride and see if it resolved the problem.

[@korykemp4404]

My 94 is a bichhhh to start. Need the choke every time. It doesn't like to idle without the choke. I had to revv the shit out of it at red lights to keep from stalling

[@landocarisienne6242]

^Hey Mate, Great Vid! Maybe u got an idea, what could be wrong with mine 01. ZZr1100. It starts perfect, no issues ,everything is going fine and very smooth running the first 10 minutes, ...until she is warm, then, suddenly she goes out when im at traffic Stop and Go,..and then i cant barely start her again, i have to Rev it up when im stopping,...when she is cold again no issues perfect riding and has Power also....just bought her a few weeks ago. Searched the Internet, found something about tank ventilation Problems? What is your idea? Thanks Mate from Germany!

[@2wheelworkshop]

Hard to say without looking at it. Next time it does it, crack the fuel cap open for a second to equalise the pressure and see if you still have the problem.

[@darrylwood1220]

Mechanic mate had carburettor problems, put my carbs on it still wouldn't run. Worked out air intakes blocked due to mud wasp nest.

[@2wheelworkshop]

I hate those things. Had a lawn mower that wouldn't start years back. They had built a nest in the exhaust.

[@peterdimt3004]

Great video. How did you adjust the idle rpm. at the end? Thanks! I have the same bike, it's a 93 model. Cheers

[@2wheelworkshop]

Thanks mate. There should be an adjuster hanging off the carbs. It looks like a rigid cable with a plastic knob on the end and it is connected to the throttle stop.

[@peterdimt3004]

Thank you so much Brodie...I subscribed to your channel yesterday and also hit liked on all of the zx11 videos I watched...Wishing you lots of success on your channel. Brodie will the idle adjuster knob be visible with all the outside fairings and plastic on the bike?

[@peterdimt3004]

I think I see the referred to knob on the video now....will it be visible on the outside of the bike as mentioned. Cheers! Brodie from Canada

[@2wheelworkshop]

It should be accessible. Unless someone has tucked it away somehow before replacing the fairings

[@peterdimt3004]

@@2wheelworkshop Thanks Brodie. I'll find it. Cheers!

[@ryanvtec3885]

im guessing it was the pilot jet

[@2wheelworkshop]

Yeah mate

[@gdfggggg]

I’ve got one of these bikes. She runs fine but idle is a bit lumpy. Should I give the carbs a good clean? Cheers mate.

[@2wheelworkshop]

That is where I would start. Maybe have a look at your plugs and leads if no improvement after that.

[@94SexyStang]

Do you have a 4-into-1 exhaust? If so, that's normal, because of the way the engine was designed......if you have Stock 4-2 exhaust, that's Not normal.....

[@letmehfindout1646]

HI, I am having issues with the bike pouring fuel in the intake and hence its not running right? What are some pointers on that?

[@2wheelworkshop]

I would check the float valves (needle and seat). Also have a look at/change your oil. If they are leaking with the bike shut off then the fuel will find its way into the sump and dilute the oil.

[@anonimous2451]

@@2wheelworkshop New needle and seat with new bowl gaskets and off to the races you go mate. Unless your shaft seals are leaking but that usually shows up externally not internally. Also make sure the needle seat is clean maybe a Q-tip with some 91% alcohol usually works well. Or carb cleaner either one. I have found the needle seats are dryed out and slightly cracked or worse. Or they get stuck so be careful removing them. do not force those tiny things

[@chrisreeves8402]

Hi do u know what the fuel and air screw settings are

[@2wheelworkshop]

I couldn't tell you off the top of my head but I would start at 2 turns out, get the bike warm. Once warm wind out till it starts to stumble, then in till it stumbles then set it half way in between.

[@chrisreeves8402]

@@2wheelworkshop OK brilliant there a pain to get to when carbs are connected up keep having to take carbs off to reach the screws

[@2wheelworkshop]

@chrisreeves8402 it's been so long since I made that video. I didn't realise you needed to take the carbs off to adjust the idle air mixture. That sucks

[@cowboys596]

I have a 99 been sitting and can’t get it to start

[@2wheelworkshop]

Make sure you have spark, clean the carbs and make sure the engine is getting fuel. Another potential problem with bikes that have been sitting for ages is wasps building nests in air boxes and exhausts (common in Australia)

[@rondenny5773]

Plugged idle jets

[@2wheelworkshop]

Yeah mate

[@Pianissimo1970]

Not a good idea to start it on the sidestand, there is a risk of oil starvation

[@2wheelworkshop]

If the oil pick up is dry at a 20 degree lean with full oil, the engineers that designed this bike need a good kick in the arse.

[@Pianissimo1970]

@@2wheelworkshop agree, but doesn't help when the third crankshaft bearing get blown, its like sealing the well after the kid have already drowned

[@antanassubatis8378]

l