Houston... We have a problem!!

[silverspurs]

EVERY 1700 OWNER NEEDS TO TAKE THEIR FUEL TANK OFF AND UNDER GOOD LIGHTING, CHECK THE WIRES THAT GO INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE IGNITION TOWER FOR WEAR, FRAYING OR BURNING OFF OF THE INSULATION WHICH CAUSES A DEAD SHORT, CAUSING THE MAIN 30 AMP FUSE TO BLOW, COMPLETELY SHUTTING DOWN ALL SYSTEMS ON YOUR BIKE... THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON A TRIP TO CANADA, 2000 MILES FROM HOME AND RUINED A GREAT TRIP. I AM AWARE OF AT LEAST TWO OTHER 1700 OWNERS THAT HAVE NOTICED WEAR ON THESE WIRES JUST BELOW WHERE THEY COME OUT OF THE IGNITION TOWER... ONE INSTANCE COULD BE BAD LUCK... TWO PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IS THE START OF A TREND... AND NOW THREE PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM THAT I KNOW OF.... THAT'S A WARRANTY/RECALL ISSUE IN MY BOOK. I'LL SAY IT AGAIN... EVERY 1700 OWNER ALL MODEL YEARS NEED TO CHECK THIS... IT COULD SAVE YOU A TON OF TROUBLE FAR FROM HOME!!... LET US KNOW WHAT YOU FIND!!

My bike had 23000 miles on it when this occurred...

We need to know if others are finding this problem, and if so, we need to start a push for a recall/fix by Kawasaki...

[davidsheek]

I'll check mine tomorrow.

[Bubba in TX]

I'll check mine in March..... the next time I see it... has not been that long since I had the tank off and ran more wires up and around and through the ignition area on both sides. I was not "looking" for that issue but I did not see anything getting rubbed or chaffed at that time. I have put about 5k on it since.

With the vibrations on the engine and frame this thing puts out I can see it happening.

Silverspurs, now that you have found the problem and fixed it have you had any other fuse problems? I believe we were saying at the time for the main fuse to blow look around the ignition switch and wiring. Every time I have ever had the main fuse blow was a ignition switch problem.

[silverspurs]

Originally Posted by Bubba in TX

I'll check mine in March..... the next time I see it... has not been that long since I had the tank off and ran more wires up and around and through the ignition area on both sides. I was not "looking" for that issue but I did not see anything getting rubbed or chaffed at that time. I have put about 5k on it since.

With the vibrations on the engine and frame this thing puts out I can see it happening.

Silverspurs, now that you have found the problem and fixed it have you had any other fuse problems? I believe we were saying at the time for the main fuse to blow look around the ignition switch and wiring. Every time I have ever had the main fuse blow was a ignition switch problem.

the bike has been perfect since that repair... and you were right on in predicting that the problem would be in that area...

[silverspurs]

I'm copying a post from another thread here because I think it is relevant to this discussion... you may or may not agree... that is ok... thanks rick

Originally Posted by Comanche

Silver, funny how things turn out. I was wondering about what happened recently with your situation because of you being stuck out in the boonies and having to get back in a different manner.

I have never trusted manufacturers or builders. I usually just get familiar with any vehicle or bike I own and look for problem areas (rubbing, shorting, fraying, clearance issues, etc.) based on past experiences. So I doubt Mr. Kawasaki is going to consider bad placement of wiring a recall issue covered by warranty. This happens in anything driven or flown so we just have to remain diligent. I am glad it worked out favorably for you.

I agree, that folks should be checking periodically for wear, chaffing etc as a normal course of maintenance... stuff does wear out...

the reason this needs to be addressed by Kawi in my opinion, is that they ran a protective sleeve over these wires where they exit the ignition, this sleeve protects these wires... if they had extended that protective sleeve just a couple inches longer, this would not be happening... I believe that as people start accumulating mileage on their bikes, we are going to hear a lot more about this and I believe it is bad design on Kawi's part that could have been prevented with appropriate protection in what is an obvious wear area on this bike...

that's why I hope owners will post up their inspection results... if this is common on bikes with over 20000 miles, I believe Kawi needs to fix it with a retrofit... ymmv

[Lunatic]

This is good information. Thanks for posting it.

[chefdon1]

430am dead on the side of road, pushed to Walmart parking lot. Ater buying flashlight and reading glasses found main 30 amp fuse blown, replaced and as expected blew out immediatly. With a full tank of gas and no tools to remove the tank I had no choice but to called a grumpy person to pick me up. Waited till the rental car place opened to rent a car. Called the hook to take it to the dealer. Hopefully this is covered under extended warrentee.

[Bubba in TX]

chefdon let us know.... sounds like the chaffed wire on the frame thing..... I will be rechecking mine when I get moved.

Also can someone tell me a easy way to desperate the fuel lines. I always feel like I am going to break something when I do it.

[ridgeman06]

Silverspurs,
Any chance of a picture as to this specific location of this potential problem spot? Or could you elaborate a little more in your description? I'm not sure what you mean by ignition tower?
Is the tank removal pretty straight forward, or is their certain tricks that I need to know.
I still don't have a service manual.
Thanks for any follow up, Eric

[tstorey823]

Originally Posted by ridgeman06

Silverspurs,
Any chance of a picture as to this specific location of this potential problem spot? Or could you elaborate a little more in your description? I'm not sure what you mean by ignition tower?
Is the tank removal pretty straight forward, or is their certain tricks that I need to know.
I still don't have a service manual.
Thanks for any follow up, Eric

Ridgeman, email me at tstorey61210@gmail.com about a service manual.