electrical problem

Hi just joined got a 79 kz1300
Just come back from work after 8 weeks no power when I turn key at lights on dash
Fuses ok
Battery ok any ideas

There's a second ignition switch in the side cover.
Best of luck.
Welcome to KZ1300.com
Bill

The second ign switch referred to above is actually the seat lock which has a security position if you shine a flash light on the side cover it should be labeled on it
bottom line if you open the seat and don't put in the right positon ( the key will come out in "A" the park position - you have the taillight on "B" (security) nothing works or "C" it will be all systems go, when you open the seat the key goes by a detent and springs back a bit.

It may be worth trying to find a pdf of the Owner's Manual (not necessarily the Service Manual, very different). One page has probably the greatest thing I've ever seen in a manual- a table, listing out all the different results of the various positions of the main switch (under the seat) and ignition switch (up by the handlebars).

I see the security reasons of why Kawasaki installed both, but can also appreciate the ludicrous nature of them as well.

I have an issue with the key switch that unlocks the seat doesn't always work correctly when I 'lock it' back in position.

Turn the seat key all the way to the right (down / park postion). It should light up the tail light. If that works then the seat key probably isn't making good contact in the lock position. I often have to turn mine slightly to the right of left of the lock position and then try again.

It would be easier to have a spare key so you don't have to keep changing back and forth between the handlebar key position and the seat lock position.

Anyway, that's how mine works. Best of luck.

A squirt of WD-40 into the lock barrell, then a bit of working with the key should put this right.

Pete F
UK