The Kawasaki Eliminator, a name that resonates with power and sleek design, has captivated motorcycle enthusiasts for decades. Spanning various models and engine sizes, from the original 1985 ZL900 to the modern 451cc iteration, the Eliminator has carved a niche for itself as a versatile machine blending cruiser comfort with a touch of sportbike performance. However, like any motorcycle, the Eliminator isn't without its quirks and potential issues. Understanding these common problems can help you make an informed buying decision, maintain your existing Eliminator, and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Let's dive into the issues that Eliminator owners have reported over the years, focusing on common models and offering insights into potential causes and solutions.

Carburetor Conundrums: A Common Complaint (Especially on Older Models)

One of the most frequently reported issues, particularly on older Eliminator models (ZL900, ZL1000, ZL600), revolves around the carburetor system. These are often complex, multi-carb setups that can be sensitive to fuel quality, age, and proper maintenance.

Symptoms of carburetor problems can include:

  • Difficulty starting: The engine may crank but fail to fire, or it might take excessive attempts to start.
  • Rough idling: The engine idles unevenly, sputters, or stalls frequently.
  • Poor acceleration: The bike feels sluggish and unresponsive when you twist the throttle.
  • Hesitation or stumbling: The engine hesitates or stumbles during acceleration, especially at lower RPMs.
  • Backfiring: Loud popping noises from the exhaust, indicating unburnt fuel igniting in the exhaust system.
  • Poor fuel economy: A noticeable decrease in the number of miles you get per gallon.

Potential Causes:

  • Clogged jets: Small jets within the carburetor can become clogged with debris from old fuel or contaminants.
  • Dirty or corroded components: Internal carburetor components can corrode or become coated with varnish from old fuel.
  • Vacuum leaks: Leaks in the vacuum lines or intake manifolds can disrupt the air/fuel mixture.
  • Float level issues: Incorrect float levels can lead to flooding or fuel starvation.
  • Diaphragm problems: Carburetors using diaphragms (common on many Eliminator models) can suffer from cracks or tears, affecting performance.

Solutions:

  • Carburetor cleaning: A thorough cleaning of the carburetor is often the first step in addressing these issues. This involves disassembling the carburetor, cleaning each component with carburetor cleaner, and reassembling it with new gaskets and O-rings.
  • Carburetor rebuild: If cleaning doesn't resolve the problem, a complete carburetor rebuild may be necessary. This involves replacing worn or damaged parts, such as jets, needles, floats, and diaphragms.
  • Fuel system cleaning: Cleaning the fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel filter can prevent debris from re-clogging the carburetor.
  • Vacuum leak inspection: Carefully inspect all vacuum lines and intake manifolds for cracks or leaks. Replace any damaged components.
  • Professional tuning: After cleaning or rebuilding the carburetor, it's often beneficial to have it professionally tuned to ensure optimal performance.

Electrical Gremlins: Tracking Down the Source

Electrical issues can be frustrating to diagnose, as they can manifest in various ways and often have multiple potential causes. Eliminators, especially older models, are susceptible to electrical problems due to aging wiring, corroded connections, and faulty components.

Common Electrical Problems:

  • Battery drain: The battery drains quickly, even when the bike is not in use.
  • Starting problems: The starter motor may not engage or may sound weak.
  • Intermittent electrical failures: Lights, signals, or other electrical components may work intermittently.
  • Blown fuses: Fuses blow frequently, indicating a short circuit.
  • Charging system issues: The battery is not charging properly, leading to a dead battery.

Potential Causes:

  • Loose or corroded connections: Connections throughout the electrical system can loosen or corrode over time, leading to poor conductivity.
  • Faulty wiring: Wires can become brittle, cracked, or frayed, leading to short circuits or open circuits.
  • Bad ground connections: Poor ground connections can cause a variety of electrical problems.
  • Faulty regulator/rectifier: This component regulates the voltage from the alternator and rectifies it to DC for charging the battery. A faulty regulator/rectifier can lead to overcharging or undercharging the battery.
  • Faulty stator: The stator generates electricity for the charging system. A faulty stator can result in a dead battery.
  • Faulty starter solenoid: The starter solenoid relays power to the starter motor. A faulty solenoid can prevent the starter from engaging.

Solutions:

  • Inspect and clean connections: Carefully inspect all electrical connections for looseness, corrosion, or damage. Clean the connections with a wire brush or electrical contact cleaner.
  • Check wiring: Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage. Repair or replace any damaged wires.
  • Check ground connections: Ensure that all ground connections are clean and secure.
  • Test the charging system: Use a multimeter to test the output of the alternator and the voltage at the battery. If the charging system is not functioning properly, test the regulator/rectifier and stator.
  • Replace faulty components: Replace any faulty electrical components, such as the regulator/rectifier, stator, or starter solenoid.
  • Consider a wiring harness replacement: If the wiring harness is severely damaged or corroded, it may be necessary to replace it entirely.

Clutch Slippage: Losing Power

Clutch slippage is another common issue, particularly on Eliminators that have been ridden hard or have high mileage. This occurs when the clutch plates are unable to fully engage, resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheel.

Symptoms of Clutch Slippage:

  • Engine revs high but the bike doesn't accelerate properly: The engine RPM increases without a corresponding increase in speed.
  • Slipping is more noticeable in higher gears: The problem is often more pronounced when accelerating in higher gears.
  • Burning smell: A burning smell may be present when the clutch is slipping excessively.

Potential Causes:

  • Worn clutch plates: The friction material on the clutch plates wears down over time, reducing their ability to grip.
  • Weak clutch springs: The clutch springs lose their tension over time, reducing the clamping force on the clutch plates.
  • Incorrect clutch cable adjustment: An improperly adjusted clutch cable can prevent the clutch plates from fully engaging.
  • Oil contamination: Oil on the clutch plates can reduce their friction coefficient.
  • Warped clutch plates: Clutch plates can warp due to overheating, reducing their contact area.

Solutions:

  • Adjust clutch cable: Ensure that the clutch cable is properly adjusted. There should be a small amount of free play in the clutch lever.
  • Replace clutch plates: If the clutch plates are worn, they will need to be replaced.
  • Replace clutch springs: Replacing the clutch springs along with the clutch plates is often recommended.
  • Check for oil leaks: Inspect the engine for oil leaks that could be contaminating the clutch plates.
  • Use the correct type of oil: Ensure that you are using the correct type of oil for your motorcycle. Some oils contain friction modifiers that can cause clutch slippage.
  • Consider a heavier-duty clutch: If you ride your Eliminator aggressively or frequently carry heavy loads, you may want to consider installing a heavier-duty clutch.

Modern Eliminator 451 Issues

While the older Eliminators have their set of age-related issues, the newer 451cc Eliminator released in recent years is not without its potential problems, although these are generally less frequent and severe.

Potential Issues:

  • Software Glitches: Some users have reported minor software glitches related to the digital display or engine management system. These are often resolved with software updates from Kawasaki.
  • Initial Quality Control: As with any new model, there might be some initial quality control issues. This can manifest as minor fit and finish problems or early failures of certain components.
  • Fueling Issues: Similar to older models, even with fuel injection, some riders have reported minor fueling issues, particularly at lower RPMs. This may require adjustments to the fuel injection system.

Solutions:

  • Check for Software Updates: Regularly check with your Kawasaki dealer for software updates to address any known issues.
  • Thorough Pre-Purchase Inspection: If buying a used newer Eliminator, perform a thorough inspection or have a mechanic inspect it to identify any potential problems early.
  • Professional Fuel Injection Tuning: If experiencing fueling issues, consult with a qualified mechanic for professional tuning of the fuel injection system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: My Eliminator is hard to start. What could be the problem? A: Hard starting can be caused by several factors, including a weak battery, clogged carburetor jets (on older models), or a faulty starter solenoid. Check the battery voltage, clean the carburetor, and test the solenoid.

Q: My Eliminator's clutch is slipping. What should I do? A: Clutch slippage is often caused by worn clutch plates or incorrect clutch cable adjustment. Adjust the clutch cable first, and if the problem persists, replace the clutch plates.

Q: My Eliminator's battery keeps draining. What's causing this? A: A battery drain can be caused by a parasitic draw, a faulty regulator/rectifier, or a bad battery. Have the charging system tested and look for any aftermarket accessories drawing power when the bike is off.

Q: My older Eliminator has rough idling. How can I fix it? A: Rough idling is often caused by clogged carburetor jets or vacuum leaks. Clean the carburetor thoroughly and inspect all vacuum lines for leaks.

Q: Where can I find reliable parts for my Eliminator? A: Reliable parts can be found at your local Kawasaki dealer, online motorcycle parts retailers (like BikeBandit or Partzilla), and online auction sites (like eBay), but be sure to verify the seller's reputation.

Conclusion

While the Kawasaki Eliminator, in all its iterations, may present some common problems, understanding these potential issues empowers you to maintain your motorcycle effectively and address problems proactively. By focusing on regular maintenance, addressing issues promptly, and seeking professional help when needed, you can keep your Eliminator running smoothly and enjoy its unique blend of cruiser comfort and sportbike performance for years to come.