TOPIC:

You can add my name to the list of people saying "don't sell it". That bike is just too pretty to let anyone else have it. Imagine how you'd feel if a week after selling it you got a call from the new owner telling you that he found the silly little break in a wire that was causing all the problems. Electrical is a bitch to sort out when it doesn't want to run properly.

One of my favourite "tools" is a 14" X 17" blown up copy of the wiring diagram and had it laminated. First with the larger diagram you can easily follow the wiring and can see the colour coding. What's nice with the laminated copy is that you can mark it up with a water borne marker as you check and test components, then after you've got it all sorted out, wipe it off with a clean cloth and hang it up on the wall in the shop as wall art.

Sit on it for a week or two Ariel.
You’re not a real Z1300 rider until you’ve flung the beast in the shed and swore it’s going on e-bay, this happens at least three times before you get it to run as it should.
I had no end of problems with mine to start with, it’s just a case of keeping at it, you will get there.

As said take a break, you will regret selling it.
Electrical problems are a true test and when you find that dirty little bugger of a gremlin you will be very proud of yourself. The only way to find an intermittent electrical problem is with presistence and a very very logical sequence of testing. Even keeping a log and photos of the progress of eliminating each and every connection on the bike.
I have found that most electrical problems like yours are caused by age. Try going over all the connectors with DeoxIt, a product made for keeping the fine connectors of sound systems conducting. It cleans and seals the surface so no more oxidation occurs. I have been using it on BMWs for years and it really works. One other thing to look for is slightly loose connectors that cause intermittent open circuits, you may need to squeeze them closed a touch to get a good connection.
With brass connectors they sometimes get a black oxide coating which acts like a diode and only conducts in one direction which depending on the required direction may or may not work well.
With things like electrinic ignitions a small voltage drop can stop the whole unit from working. When you test you will see the correct voltage but when it is working the bad connection can cause a big voltage drop because of the extra current the unit needs.
But whatever you decide selling should not be on the option list because you will regret it after puting so much into it.

Chin up and put the axe back in the wood heap.

Uhhhh. Don't sell it. Did you ever consider going to a REAL specialist. One that is very experienced and does the Z1300 everyday ?

Reason I am asking is that I went to Germany to Wilfried and got my bike back thinking: "is this really mine" ?

Of course it needs to be considered the last measure, however before selling THIS beauty make up you mind. Check out: www.kawasakiz1300-der6zylinder.de/ which I need to agree does not say that much about him, however he is more into the engine than into the web.

Just a thought.

regards,

Holger

I agree with Rick on this one. The multi plugs are a source of bad connections, this was also one of the problems I had. Have you considered cutting some of the multi plugs out and simply soldering the wires together. After all how often are you going to have the loom apart.

Dave,
I share similar Z13 battles: but stick with it, your bike is too nice an example to sell.
Just a thought: a couple of classic bike owning mates, have used a motorcycle electrics guru in solving hard to fix issues: each time he's fixed the gremlin. He's actually worked on my Z13 and fixed an issue.

If you're at the "end of your rope" with it might be worth giving him a call: not sure where you are based, he's located in Long Eaton, Notts, but does a call out service if you cant get your bike to his workshop. He goes by the name "Towza" - (yes its an odd name) - he owns about 12 bikes himself, and is an honest guy to deal with.

towzatronics.com/ tel 07724 410622

Might be worth a call before you get too pi55ed off with your Z13.

Cheers Tim