zzr1100 starter noise

[vara54]

Hi there. When i crank the engine over the starter makes a clonking noise. I can remember reading some where that the kawasaki ZZR1100's don't liked being cranked over with a weak bettery because it can cause the starter clutch to fail. If this is the case what sort of a fix is it. Thanks.

[MaxB]

Hi there. When i crank the engine over the starter makes a clonking noise. I can remember reading some where that the kawasaki ZZR1100's don't liked being cranked over with a weak bettery because it can cause the starter clutch to fail. If this is the case what sort of a fix is it. Thanks.

I have not heard of the alternator/starter clutch being a problem on big Zeds. If it is, you get to the starter motor above the gearchange cover. It is a big job. Not hard, just time consuming. You are in the business so it should be OK?

The only crapping out I know of is the usual high ks and abuse stories, not really the bike's fault.

From my experience ZZRs need a fully fit electrical system to go well. A good battery is a must. I would check out the starter relay, the switches and wiring to the starter motor. I know of one guy who oversprayed an earth with engine paint and had intermittant starting problems.

Also a tired starter motor can give you that slack feel and chew up the battery. Exchange and repair kits are available for that.

Hope that helps.