Tech questions for a new to me bike

[Waterwalker]

Got an '88 Voyager that was hanger kept, in decent shape, just had not been ridden in a couple years. Felt comfortable buying it without it running because of the shape and PM he did on his other vehicles. Heck-as someone said on here- Just the "plastic" was worth what I gave for it!

So-Changed the fuel filter, changed the fuel-adding sea foam (1oz./gal), washed out the over flow res., and replaced battery. Not going to ride it until a lot more is done. But like a kid in a candy shop I had to "hear" what I bought.

Turned the key on, instrument lights look correct/good! Red button to run, choke forward, hit the start button...HOUSTON WE HAVE IGNITION!! After about 2-3 seconds she was purring like a kitten. What the heck This bikes been sitting for a while. Idled fairly smooth about (1200RPM Good???). No engine clinks, or clangs!!!

I was one happy person. Turned it off, waited a few minutes and it started right up. Realizing how long it sat up, I will still take it in for a tire to tire check for those things I can't or don't want to do.
just feel much more comfortable now hearing it run some.

Issue #1-the bike will idle smooth and consistent. When I take off ANY of the choke it dies.
Issue #2-probably related to #1- since I can't take the choke off, any throttle I give it will also kill it. This makes a little since because I have full choke.

Is the cause of the bike dieing as soon as the choke is reduced likely because the jets and entire carbs need to be cleaned?
Or am I missing something. Remember guys-this is my first street bike since Kawasaki made the 440 LTD (80's?). A Bultaco it aint!!
Thanks for getting me started.

[triton28]

In my case when I have the start lever fully on and I start the bike the idle is usually around 2200 rpm or more. After 5 or10 seconds I can reduce the start cable lever travel to about half off and later full off.
It sounds as though the hot engine idle speed may be too low. Try raising the idle to 2000 plus when the bike is first started from cold and see if that helps when you start to reduce the start cable lever.
The hot idle speed is supposed to be around 800 rpm but I find 900-1000 rpm works best for me.
If you don't have an owner's manual, use this link for one but be advised the rear tyre size listed in the specifications is incorrect, it is 15", not 16 as printed.
http://www.kawasaki-techinfo.net/showOM ... ng_code=EN" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
If your problem persists then I would drain the float chambers to see if any crap comes out. If so, there may be blocked idle jets/passages.
Hope that may be of some help,
Dave

[Avidrider62]

Your pilot jets, very tiny, have clogged up. Pilot jets allow the idling. So, yes, carbs need pulled and at least clean the jets to hear her idle. Rebuilt would be better. It's unlikely the thumb idle knob got turned so low it won't idle. When you throttle up, and it dies, tells me pilot jets clogged.

[Waterwalker]

If I recall the idle should be around 850-950 rpm. A couple minutes after starting at which time rpm's are about 1200, they will lower to about 950-1000 rpm's. Still can't put any throttle or take off choke because she dies. Thought (hoped) maybe new fuel with seafoam in it all night the jeannie might have cleaned the carbs enough. No chance. Carb rebuild time...UGH!!!

[Mr Jensee]

I recommend before you tear down the carbs, contact Carl Leo master mechanic who worked on these bikes professionally for a lot of years. His email address is voyagerparts@bellsouth.net. He will call you back if he thinks you need coaching or special points.