Kawasaki Z800 rpms unstable at idle

My Kawasaki Z800 has clocked 5,000km and has just undergone its second service. I am now facing some problems with it — the auto choke does not work and it does not idle at a stable rpm thereafter. The engine also does not respond with a smooth feel like it did before, and I also experience misfiring. After contacting Kawasaki’s service team I figured that I should only use 95 octane petrol, but I feel there is more to this problem.

Please advise me as to how I should go about solving these serious issues.

Rohit Vartak, via email

AAA The Kawasaki Z800 is a fuel-injected bike, so there isn’t going to be any auto choke system on it at all!

Yes, fuel quality most certainly does rank high amongst possible culprits, so look at filling up at a different fuel station and see whether that helps.

Given that the bike is a little jerky after a cold start, there are a few possible issues we suggest you look at.

1. If you are washing the bike regularly with water, avoid spraying any water around the fuel tank cap area, from where a little water could enter the bike fuel lines and cause this kind of trouble for you.

2. Have the injectors inspected and cleaned out if required.

3. Have the motorcycle air filter cleaned, and check the air-box hosing to ensure there is no leakage.

4. Have spark plugs and ignition coil lines/plug caps checked and cleaned out, and plug gaps inspected and set to company specified levels.