New bike won't start. PLEASE HELP!!

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 10:17 AM

Hello everyone thank you for your help in advance!! I am new to bikes and the forum so I really appreciate every bit!!

Ok so I got a bike for doing some work for a police officer on her sons car. It is a 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 250. I've wanted a bike for a while and the 250 is perfect to learn better on especially because I got it for only 500 worth of parts.

First off if there is ANYONE in Vegas as well please let me know or tag them etc!!

So her son dropped it and she didn't want him to have it anymore after that. He broke the key when it fell so I had to buy a new ignition switch for it. I just got it in the mail, hooked it up and tried to start it. No luck. It's trying to but doesn't start. So I figure the starter itself is good. I took after the airbox to find out it was filled with what looks like gas and maybe some oil in it. I removed the airbox (it was a PAIN) then did a little research and seen that if the airbox filled then I need to drain the carbs too. So I did. Still no luck.

What typically can get damaged when it's dropped. I know a lot is protected by the frame but from impact anything could happen to my knowledge.

I need to buy a new bracket for the rear brake set. So if you know where I can get just the bracket for the low please post the link to it for me please.

Also the handle bar bent a little bit and the throttle doesn't snap back I have to open and close it manually.

Someone please help me out. First bike and I want to learn the mechanics of things so I can do things myself.

Thank you all!!
Armani

Alex · December 14th, 2014, 10:24 AM

The more information you post about what it's doing, the more folks may be able to help out with suggestions. With any luck, we can help get you running.

- When you turn the key, do the dash lights come on?
- When you press the start button, does the starter spin the engine, but it won't catch? Or is it not spinning the engine at all? edit: just read that you posted that it is trying, which sounds like it is spinning a bit. Does it sound like it is spinning reasonable fast, or does it sound like it's struggling?

There is no tipover switch on these, so there is nothing that should need to be "reset" after a drop for it to work again. It could be as simple as clogged carbs from sitting that long, which would mean cleaning them out and potentially replacing any clogged jets.

csmith12 · December 14th, 2014, 10:26 AM

Welcome Armani!

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

The more information you post about what it's doing, the more folks may be able to help out with suggestions. With any luck, we can help get you running.

- When you turn the key, do the dash lights come on?
- When you press the start button, does the starter spin the engine, but it won't catch? Or is it not spinning the engine at all? edit: just read that you posted that it is trying, which sounds like it is spinning a bit. Does it sound like it is spinning reasonable fast, or does it sound like it's struggling?

There is no tipover switch on these, so there is nothing that should need to be "reset" after a drop for it to work again. It could be as simple as clogged carbs from sitting that long, which would mean cleaning them out and potentially replacing any clogged jets.

The lights do come on. It sounds like it is spinning. Honestly I'm not sure how it should sound so I don't know if it's struggling for spinning fast.

Actually what I can do is go outside and do a video of it. I'll put it on YouTube then post the link here so everyone can see what it's doing. I really want to get it running!

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

Welcome Armani!

Thank you.

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 10:44 AM

Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8BUyDOatow

Link to original page on YouTube.

cbinker · December 14th, 2014, 10:51 AM

bad fuel in the lines. Drain fuel from tank and replace with new fuel. Open choke all the way, pump the throttle a couple times, try to fire it up again with the throttle open.

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

bad fuel in the lines. Drain fuel from tank and replace with new fuel. Open choke all the way, pump the throttle a couple times, try to fire it up again with the throttle open.

It is brand new fuel in it. I use 91 from chevron

NevadaWolf · December 14th, 2014, 11:14 AM

Howdy and welcome neighbor from the cold northern half of the state.

Can't help ya with your problem, but do want to comment on this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookmomimaninja

It is brand new fuel in it. I use 91 from chevron

No need to be buying the expensive stuff. Our bikes run fine on standard old 87.

I refer you to this thread: https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...t=15904&page=4

cbinker · December 14th, 2014, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookmomimaninja

It is brand new fuel in it. I use 91 from chevron

there is still old fuel in the lines, did you try the choke and pumping the throttle a few times?

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Howdy and welcome neighbor from the cold northern half of the state.

Can't help ya with your problem, but do want to comment on this.

No need to be buying the expensive stuff. Our bikes run fine on standard old 87.

I refer you to this thread: https://www.ninjette.org/forums/show...t=15904&page=4

It's a habit. I put 91 in all my cars so figured I'd do the same for my bike.

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

there is still old fuel in the lines, did you try the choke and pumping the throttle a few times?

Yes. I pulled the fuel lines and ran about 1/4 gallon through it then drained again. Then filled up

cbinker · December 14th, 2014, 11:47 AM

Have you adjusted the idle screw on the left side of tank?

Motofool · December 14th, 2014, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookmomimaninja

.......... Someone please help me out. First bike and I want to learn the mechanics of things so I can do things myself............

Welcome, Armani !!!

Don't go crazy about starting that thing up.

I would first replace that right handlebar: do not attempt riding like that; riding with impaired throttle and front brakes is dangerous.

You have several things to verify and do before starting up is possible:

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=208758

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Troubleshooting

chrly · December 14th, 2014, 02:27 PM

Sounds like the battery is too week to fire the ignition..I have found that several Kawasaki models , suffering from a weak battery, just will not start..It is imperative to have enough juice, I think it is 11.5 volts minimum, otherwise it will just spin the motor.. If that bike has been sitting for awhile it is very possible it is in a weakened state..

cuong-nutz · December 14th, 2014, 03:07 PM

If you bought the knockoff chinese ignition switch then that's why it doesn't work. If the previous owner broke the key off than you can remove the broken piece out and get a new key made. Got any pictures of the stock ignition lock?

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrly

Sounds like the battery is too week to fire the ignition..I have found that several Kawasaki models , suffering from a weak battery, just will not start..It is imperative to have enough juice, I think it is 11.5 volts minimum, otherwise it will just spin the motor.. If that bike has been sitting for awhile it is very possible it is in a weakened state..

I'm going to upgrade and replace the battery this week

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

If you bought the knockoff chinese ignition switch then that's why it doesn't work. If the previous owner broke the key off than you can remove the broken piece out and get a new key made. Got any pictures of the stock ignition lock?

The key isn't inside it anymore but the locksmith said that it damaged the inside prongs I think lol. So I had to order a new switch. The new one cuts everything on properly, bike just isn't turning over.

cuong-nutz · December 14th, 2014, 03:29 PM

Did you buy an OEM Kawisaki ignition or the chinese one off of ebay for $13?

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Did you buy an OEM Kawisaki ignition or the chinese one off of ebay for $13?

No I bought one from mad hornets that was like $43 and it wasn't the right one. It was a 6 pin. So I found someone locally that was selling parts from a 250 and I bought theirs. I wish he had the gas and cargo locks too smh

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

Have you adjusted the idle screw on the left side of tank?

Yes. I twisted it both ways and tried several times

bdavison · December 14th, 2014, 05:02 PM

As the old saying goes "It needs three things to work, air, fuel, and fire...if one's missing the thing wont run."

Concentrate your efforts on those three areas.

Make sure the airbox is clear of any debris or trash, and that the filter is clean and oiled properly.

Make sure the carbs are clean, and that the moving bits (diaphragms, needles, floats, etc) are moving smoothly and not gummed up with residue from old gas sitting in the bike under long term storage.

Check the fuel lines for clogs, and the fuel filter too.

Check the sparkplugs, and make sure they are not gapped wrong, or trashed.
Check to make sure when you hit the ignition, that the plugs are actually sparking (don't zap yourself doing this)

cbinker · December 14th, 2014, 05:41 PM

Im stumped, unless I was there to put my hands on it, i got nothing.

snot · December 14th, 2014, 07:10 PM

I am going with battery.

Welcome and good luck.

cbinker · December 14th, 2014, 07:16 PM

it turns over in the video, just doesn't start. so not likely battery.

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdavison

As the old saying goes "It needs three things to work, air, fuel, and fire...if one's missing the thing wont run."

Concentrate your efforts on those three areas.

Make sure the airbox is clear of any debris or trash, and that the filter is clean and oiled properly.

Make sure the carbs are clean, and that the moving bits (diaphragms, needles, floats, etc) are moving smoothly and not gummed up with residue from old gas sitting in the bike under long term storage.

Check the fuel lines for clogs, and the fuel filter too.

Check the sparkplugs, and make sure they are not gapped wrong, or trashed.
Check to make sure when you hit the ignition, that the plugs are actually sparking (don't zap yourself doing this)

U said 3 things then named 4 lol jk. But I just found out it's not sparking. I replaced the spark plugs because they were ****. still no spark. Then I checked the coils and they gave no readings. Going to change those then try again.

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

Im stumped, unless I was there to put my hands on it, i got nothing.

That's exactly what I need. I can't find anyone who rides out here that knows anything about what they are riding smh

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snot

I am going with battery.

Welcome and good luck.

Battery is sitting on the trickle charger for the night then I'm going to change the coils and try it then.

Lookmomimaninja · December 14th, 2014, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbinker

it turns over in the video, just doesn't start. so not likely battery.

That's what I was thinking. If that part works like a cat and I'm sure it does then it can't be the battery. Granted the battery was low it still gave it enough to turn. But I did the ohm reading on the coils and they are flat lined. So I def need new coils. Praying that works sigh

jkv45 · December 15th, 2014, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookmomimaninja

That's what I was thinking. If that part works like a cat and I'm sure it does then it can't be the battery. Granted the battery was low it still gave it enough to turn. But I did the ohm reading on the coils and they are flat lined. So I def need new coils. Praying that works sigh

Are you sure you tested the coils properly?

It would be really odd that both coils failed at the same time. I would check wiring and connectors that supply power to the coils, and check the voltage at the coil. Maybe someone can confirm, but I believe you should see battery voltage on the main terminal when the ignition is on.

That battery is too low to get decent cranking, and maybe too low to get a decent spark.

cuong-nutz · December 15th, 2014, 08:49 AM

Can you take pictures of your old and new ignition lock switch?

jkv45 · December 15th, 2014, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Can you take pictures of your old and new ignition lock switch?

I was wondering about the switch too. Do different years have different pin configurations in the connector?

Lookmomimaninja · December 15th, 2014, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Can you take pictures of your old and new ignition lock switch?

Yes I will in a few. Someone on another forum just told me that the new switch may not have the 100 ohm resistor that is needed to kick the Cdi on. Is there anyway to see if the new one has it?

Lookmomimaninja · December 15th, 2014, 09:14 PM

I replaced the coils and guess what...still no spark

chrly · December 25th, 2014, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookmomimaninja

That's what I was thinking. If that part works like a cat and I'm sure it does then it can't be the battery. Granted the battery was low it still gave it enough to turn. But I did the ohm reading on the coils and they are flat lined. So I def need new coils. Praying that works sigh

If the battery drops below a certain level it will NOT trigger teh ignition even tho it will turn the motor over. If the ignition is not triggered you will get no spark..Do you know how to use a spare spark plug to check for spark?

jkv45 · December 25th, 2014, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lookmomimaninja

I replaced the coils and guess what...still no spark

Yup...

Hero Danny · December 25th, 2014, 08:25 PM

His battery seems fine to me, sounded like it had some juice. I'd put my guess on a bad wire, possibly a ground?

cuong-nutz · December 29th, 2014, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Can you take pictures of your old and new ignition lock switch?

ninja250r81 · January 2nd, 2015, 03:21 PM

Get a multimeter that has continuity tester and start probing wires.

Put +ive and -ive on either end of the wires you are checking it should "beep".

Much saver than checking the "hot" version. Connecting a battery one end and looking for power.

Some thing is not getting a signal to switch or activate.

Should always probe before replace less costly in replacing good parts when its a wire or a terminal.

ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE BATTERY

Safe probing :-)

nathan1 · September 4th, 2015, 10:50 PM

Hey ive got the similar issue with my bike. No seems to make any sense or actually answer the question thats been asked or help with the problen at hand. Info seems to be everywhere.
I need help from a pro.
Like i said same thing as this guy. No spark. The same trying to start noise. I've replaced coils etc so don't give the same obvious answers. 3 new oem ignition switches stock. No spark. Tested it all.
Is there a certain setup within the ignition switch? How is the resistor setup supposed to look? Theres a grey wire connected with a resistor. Is there another wire that should be with it?
09 kawasaki 250r carb version.
Thanks for the help if anyone can help.

And yes carb, stator etc are all good just to save a nuisance of having to answer the same stuff a thousand times.
If you've been through similar stuff and fixed the issue could you let me know please. Ta

December 14th, 2014, 10:24 AM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	The more information you post about what it's doing, the more folks may be able to help out with suggestions. With any luck, we can help get you running. - When you turn the key, do the dash lights come on? - When you press the start button, does the starter spin the engine, but it won't catch? Or is it not spinning the engine at all? edit: just read that you posted that it is trying, which sounds like it is spinning a bit. Does it sound like it is spinning reasonable fast, or does it sound like it's struggling? There is no tipover switch on these, so there is nothing that should need to be "reset" after a drop for it to work again. It could be as simple as clogged carbs from sitting that long, which would mean cleaning them out and potentially replacing any clogged jets. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

December 14th, 2014, 10:26 AM	#3
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Welcome Armani! __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

December 14th, 2014, 10:51 AM	#7
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	bad fuel in the lines. Drain fuel from tank and replace with new fuel. Open choke all the way, pump the throttle a couple times, try to fire it up again with the throttle open. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

December 14th, 2014, 11:47 AM	#13
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	Have you adjusted the idle screw on the left side of tank? __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

December 14th, 2014, 02:27 PM	#15
chrly ninjette.org member Name: Charley Location: Northern California Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Kawasaki EX300 , 1999 Kawasaki ZRX1200. Posts: 164	Sounds like the battery is too week to fire the ignition..I have found that several Kawasaki models , suffering from a weak battery, just will not start..It is imperative to have enough juice, I think it is 11.5 volts minimum, otherwise it will just spin the motor.. If that bike has been sitting for awhile it is very possible it is in a weakened state.. __________________________________________________ IBA # 59523

December 14th, 2014, 10:44 AM	#6
Lookmomimaninja ninjette.org member Name: Armani Location: Las Vegas Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 17	Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8BUyDOatow Link to original page on YouTube.

December 14th, 2014, 03:07 PM	#16
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	If you bought the knockoff chinese ignition switch then that's why it doesn't work. If the previous owner broke the key off than you can remove the broken piece out and get a new key made. Got any pictures of the stock ignition lock? __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

December 14th, 2014, 03:29 PM	#19
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	Did you buy an OEM Kawisaki ignition or the chinese one off of ebay for $13? __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

December 14th, 2014, 05:02 PM	#22
bdavison Wartown, USA Name: Bryan Location: Warner Robins, GA Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R SE, 2007 Ninja 650R, and assorted other bikes Posts: A lot.	As the old saying goes "It needs three things to work, air, fuel, and fire...if one's missing the thing wont run." Concentrate your efforts on those three areas. Make sure the airbox is clear of any debris or trash, and that the filter is clean and oiled properly. Make sure the carbs are clean, and that the moving bits (diaphragms, needles, floats, etc) are moving smoothly and not gummed up with residue from old gas sitting in the bike under long term storage. Check the fuel lines for clogs, and the fuel filter too. Check the sparkplugs, and make sure they are not gapped wrong, or trashed. Check to make sure when you hit the ignition, that the plugs are actually sparking (don't zap yourself doing this)

December 14th, 2014, 05:41 PM	#23
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	Im stumped, unless I was there to put my hands on it, i got nothing. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com

December 14th, 2014, 07:10 PM	#24
snot sammich maker Name: snot Location: West Ohio - in the kitchen Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 white 300, 09 KLX 250 SF, 09 thunder blue 250(traded) Posts: A lot. MOTM - Apr '15	I am going with battery. Welcome and good luck.

December 14th, 2014, 07:16 PM	#25
cbinker Track Clown Name: Chris Location: Kingman, AZ Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R, 21 MV F3 800, Kawasaki 400 build Posts: A lot. MOTM - Sep '15	it turns over in the video, just doesn't start. so not likely battery. __________________________________________________ TEAM ALFALFA www.apexassassins.com
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

December 15th, 2014, 08:49 AM	#31
cuong-nutz RIP Alex Name: Cuong Location: Houston, TX Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 2	Can you take pictures of your old and new ignition lock switch? __________________________________________________ HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days

December 15th, 2014, 09:14 PM	#34
Lookmomimaninja ninjette.org member Name: Armani Location: Las Vegas Join Date: Dec 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Kawasaki ninja 250 Posts: 17	I replaced the coils and guess what...still no spark

December 25th, 2014, 08:25 PM	#37
Hero Danny Inline 4!!! Name: Danny Location: MA Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2008 CBR600rr, 1987 KLR 250 Posts: A lot.	His battery seems fine to me, sounded like it had some juice. I'd put my guess on a bad wire, possibly a ground? __________________________________________________ Be careful. Remember you are invisible

January 2nd, 2015, 03:21 PM	#39
ninja250r81 ninjette.org guru Name: scott Location: australia Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250r se Posts: 435	Get a multimeter that has continuity tester and start probing wires. Put +ive and -ive on either end of the wires you are checking it should "beep". Much saver than checking the "hot" version. Connecting a battery one end and looking for power. Some thing is not getting a signal to switch or activate. Should always probe before replace less costly in replacing good parts when its a wire or a terminal. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE BATTERY Safe probing :-)

September 4th, 2015, 10:50 PM	#40
nathan1 ninjette.org member Name: nathan Location: melbourne Join Date: Aug 2015 Motorcycle(s): none Posts: 15	Hey ive got the similar issue with my bike. No seems to make any sense or actually answer the question thats been asked or help with the problen at hand. Info seems to be everywhere. I need help from a pro. Like i said same thing as this guy. No spark. The same trying to start noise. I've replaced coils etc so don't give the same obvious answers. 3 new oem ignition switches stock. No spark. Tested it all. Is there a certain setup within the ignition switch? How is the resistor setup supposed to look? Theres a grey wire connected with a resistor. Is there another wire that should be with it? 09 kawasaki 250r carb version. Thanks for the help if anyone can help. And yes carb, stator etc are all good just to save a nuisance of having to answer the same stuff a thousand times. If you've been through similar stuff and fixed the issue could you let me know please. Ta

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