Last night, I hit a deer doing 70mph on a feeder road...by the grace of God, I managed to keep the rubber side down... Wiped out most plastic and radiator leaks. I milked it home until the temp got one notch from top, then shut it down. Just as I was reaching for key, I got an F1 error on display. This morning, I thought I would fire it up for a few seconds to see if I could locate any obvious leaks in cooling system. The F1 error is gone, all appears normal.. she turns over strong as an ox but won't start. I read through the topics on ECU problems, but does not seem to apply to my situation, as it was never on it's side.

The majority of damage appears to be cosmetic, other than headlights- I am really in the dumps about this accident and would feel much better if I knew she was at least still running strong.

FYI, immediately after impact, she was running fine until I came out of shock that I was not road rash.. I coasted a couple blocks, then shut her down with key.

I would post a pic which would blow your mind that I did not go down- not sure how.

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated to lift my spirits.

Welcome to the for um sogcyp,

That's fantastic news, that fact you stayed on. Dirty little buggers are building up numbers and have seen a few on the roads around here too.

If she was running OK when you shut her down she will be OK.

Not sure on the code someone will chip in with that.

Thank God your OK , and here to tell us the story.
best of luck

If you go to General ZX14 in the top area about 6 down there is a sticky called, New Image Upload Method give that a try

* Last updated by: ethin14 on 9/9/2011 @ 1:44 AM *

OUCH... Salt in the wound Hub! Naww... THX Ethin14 & Hub- I will do just that on obtaining the code when I get off work tonight and post results- Meanwhile, I will try and post a few pics!

Bambi bit it- So did my poor 14-

It sucked bad.... I did not even have time to hit brakes...in half a second I thought "Well... this is it..." This is my 5th big-bore Ninja...last time I was down was in 86' on the first gen BB- ZX1000....Hit by a tourist not paying attention... Anyway... may start wearing helmet again... wake up call?

Yeeesh!Glad you are okay there.We gots LOTS of deer here.I've been REALLY fortunate to not be a statistic.I have to ask ya....what did it actually FEEL like?That's a pretty good sized animal....a 70.What did it do when ya hit it?Bounce off to the side?It came at ya from the side,yes?Yer bike doesn't look too bad...considering.Geez...Glad you're safe and sound man....and Welcome(hell of a deal for a welcome).I think the outcome would have been very different IF he'd a hit ya from the side instead of the front.They love to dart out from the side.Very dangerous for a biker.

I have a video of one of my rides...I'm blastin about 110 or so in this big deep sweeper.TWO fawns cross just up ahead...I see the first one...darts across in front of me(I couldn't stop if I had to)(leaned over and diggin deep)...but it's sister,or whatever,it runs across there as well about a second later.I caught it on film,but when it happened,I barely noticed that second one.Cleared the first fairly easily,just MISSED that second one.It was VERY close.If it had panicked and stopped....Mine would be a different story as well.All I saw was a flash of brown and light spots as I went by it.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/9/2011 @ 11:26 AM *

THX for the greet Blue- You guys are giving me a new perspective on forums... She jot in front of me from the left side and so fast, I only had a second to brace myself..I did not have time to feel anything other than I just knew I was going to eat pavement. The biggest shock was realizing I was still vertical and mobile right afterwards. I went back about an hour later in car to put her down (I was not carrying at the time) and she was a coyote treat already. I made direct contact with her chest and there was a good 5" cut- possibly the headlight. I say "her" because my GF identified her as a young female, but not a baby, as she was lacking spots. Anyway, here in SE Texas, we have a lot of wild game and I will be investing in an amplified deer horn in immediate future.. Should have known better....

Food-for-thought Hub... Headed to house- will post code shortly-

OK- I get no code- It goes into a user-programming mode starting out with "language" then a menu with mileage etc. At no time does it give me a code, tried it four times. Still turns over strong, just won't fire up.

??

I know this is gonna sound....well....BAD...okay?But here goes.First off...your bike looks like that dude in 'The Fly"...the one with what's his name....played in Jurassic park(the first one).JEFF GOLDBLUM...ya,that's it.Sorry...couldn't help myself.Secondly....if I'm not mistaken....your codes that relate to the FI error display are NOT BEING DISPLAYED....cause the FI ERROR program has been 'corrected'....somehow.You have to get the FI ERROR CODE to display,THEN,push top and bottom buttons together...your number of code will then show up.I could be wrong...but I think that's what's going on.I do believe a mechanic(or owner)who had the particular 'tool' to access the ECU COULD go in and find all codes.But the average guy I don't think can get there without that Kawasaki 'tool'.

You can access those code numbers all day long...until that main FI ERROR goes away...then,that's it until she codes'FI ERROR' again.Normally,the FI ERROR will remain after the engine and power are shut off....so the numbers can be found.In your case...the problem,whatever it was,apparently WAS corrected by something...maybe powering off the bike.If it shows up again ...do not turn the key off...go directly to the two button push thing.You should then be able to get the number.

Pretty sure that's what I did when I had to search for the actual numerical code.

You mentioned the water was leaking out...is it now REALLY LOW,or dry?If so...THAT could be the reason it's refusing to start.Maybe something to do with the water temp sensor or something along those lines?IDK....as far as I know...MY bike will not fire IF the oil has not circulated through the lines yet after an oil change.And I get NO codes either from that.I think it's a built in safety feature from Kawasaki....so's ya don't break yer engine or somethin.

There is something else as well...as far as I know...you MUST push BOTH BUTTONS in at exactly the same time.If one hits before the other,the one that was 'hit' will override and further button pushes for that particular 'mode'(like your language and such.The reset will 'select' items for the menu....but it won't get you out of that display until you push BOTH at the same time.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/9/2011 @ 5:53 PM *

Wow sorry about your bike did you at least get some venison out of it I would have and HUB isn’t there a tip over sensor in the front there if that got knocked off or is dangling it will not let the bike start. And for the OP good luck with repairs and double-check everything!

Tipover sensor's on the right side up under the windscreen....probably doin just fine! That was nasty crunch fer sure.

If the engine shut down on it's own with that FI error displaying,then restarting will either work and clear the error,or...the lamp will flash(red) and it'll code again.If it does,do not turn the key off.Go directly to the two button push.If she doesn't restart,you will get an FI ERROR and red light flashing while she's turnin over.It will either fire up,or code.But you have to be cranking the starter if it's Fuel related(FI ERROR).Which covers a lot of problems that can come up BTW which are NOT actually 'fuel related'(like timing).

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/9/2011 @ 8:24 PM *

I appreciate the tips fellas. I worked on it a bit more and can not get the F1 message to re-appear. The instrument panel turns on and all things look normal. Now... The advice on the tilt sensor under the windshield sounds like that may be a good place to start. Everything under the instrument display is just kind of dangling... I don't think it is completely dry also, but will look into that possibility as another sensor which is preventing startup.I am fairly convinced it is a sensor issue of some sort- it turns over strong with no odd sounds just as always- acts as if it is out of gas.

I am going to call it a night and plan on devoting tomorrow to tearing it down for detailed inspection. Blue, when you say the Tipover sensor's on the right side up under the windscreen, I am assuming right side if you are sitting on it? Can you please be specific as to dimensions and description of this sensor so I can look for it?

THX again guys for your help and anything additional is greatly appreciated-

This quote is from the service manual...DFI section...pg3-73.It is"When the motorcycle is DOWN(as in 'just happened'),the ignition switch is LEFT ON.IF the starter button is pushed,the electric starter TURNS,but the engine does not start.To start the engine again,raise the motorcycle,turn the ignition switch OFF,then ON.When the ignition switch is turned ON,current flows through the latch-up circuit and the transistor in the circuit is turned ON to unlock the latch-up circuit".So...if the sensor is dangling maybe or broken off...this is what you're gonna get.However...if the sensor is fine,then it won't be that cause the key OFF and back ON would have reset the transistor deal.It could however have been pulled loose further up the wiring when that left side fairing let go.It still should code however while cranking if it's sensor related.

Okay...how long are you allowing her to crank?Crank without stopping for at least 10 seconds or so.I know....sounds like bad advice.1)It's not starting....it's getting ready to code again...or start.Let it crank....give the starter a minute or two rest(cooldown) and go for it again.See if she codes.2)Open that throttle all the way.Crank as you're doing this.It should throw an 'FI ERROR' on the display.When it does,use the two button deal to find the number(s).DO NOT TURN KEY OFF!It MAY reveal the previous code from before..maybe.If it codes(a number)related to flooding or something along the 'throttle' items...probably forget it.Just related to what you just did.But you MIGHT want to save the number anyway.

No prob...right side(sitting on bike)...connected with a bracket ONTO THE MIRROR BRACKET.Pull windshield,stand in front of your bike,look straight down and a bit to your left.That gray colored rectangular deal with the wire(s) coming from the top of it.Plugged in?Good.It's not the tipover sensor.Doesn't appear in your pics that that part of the bike got damaged at all.You have power,yes?She cranks,YES?Any error code for 'vehicle down sensor' showing up?There IS one...starting with our famous disappearing 'FI ERROR" display.It's NOT the sensor then.I had to do a restore of my cowl and stuff cause I wrecked my bike in 07..new.I threw away that sensor not realizing what it was...being connected to my then broken mirror bracket.I got EVERYTHING back together...new parts and stuff.Went to start my baby.Nothin.NADA.No cranking,Nothin.Checked all my possibles.Everything but THAT SENSOR.Gotta say..all the electrics were working though.Just wouldn't crank.Got my manual out and looked in the 'troubleshooting' section.Lo an' behold...there it was...'engine will not crank'vehicle down sensor...wiring open or short'(something like that).Ya...open alright.Wasn't even IN there!What a dufe.Fun tryin to find that sucker in the parts fiche as well.It's NOT where you would expect it to be listed!

Looked again at that one pic there.Ya...if that mirror bracket got hit,and snapped in there,I guess the connector COULD get pulled loose...maybe.But I'm more inclined to think it's related to your radiator situation...low water or none.I really don't think my bike turned over when that sensor was gone.Power and all did come on.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/9/2011 @ 10:47 PM *

OK... That does make sense... sensor issue= no crank..
I am fairly certain I did not go near 10 seconds.. She always fires up with just a tap of starter unless stone cold.. even then a second maybe..
I will give your cranking procedure a whirl in the morning.. paying close attention for a code..
If I get same ol', I'll continue to break down, taking pics as I go along...
I put a 10Mb. zip file of all pics here FYI: http://www.pc-stop.net/dlz/14%20v%20Deer%20090811.zip

THX Blue-

G,day sogcyp sorry to read about ya bad luck there Bro,that sucks mate at least your ok but not yer bike,I hit a ute at 15-20 mph and hoping to be riding soon since June 14 last year LOL,but it looks like your damage wont be as severe as mine to repair good luck mate

OK... So here's the deal....

She is stripped as you can see....All electrical is intact....Tried multiple cranking sequences to no avail... Can not get F1 to reappear and all instrumentation and engine sounds appear normal. The grey sensor is sound..

I DID fill up the radiator as it has a leak, so that is the only obvious thing mechanical that needs to be replaced. I looked thoroughly over radiator and can not find a sensor attached to it anyway.

Baffled and sobbing...

Any ideas?

Ya...think I'm with Hub on this.She should start.Radiator has no sensor that I know of...only the water temp thing.That probably wouldn't stop it from starting.Your fuel pump IS coming on at 'key on' right?The Analog needles are doing their 'sweep'?.Didn't you say you rode it home or something like that....so it WAS running after impact,yes?

OK....

-Went through both fuse boxes in tail- every fuze and all looks OK-
-It SOUNDS as if fuel pump IS coming on.. I am assuming this is the sound coming from directly under the tank, on the rider side of the carbs?
-Instrumentation does it's normal sweep w/ needles when ignition is turned on- goes into normal data display-

Blue: yes, I did ride it home, until it got one mark above top on temp gauge. I turned it on/fired it up about 10 minutes after I shut it down after impact- I then shut it down for a minute or two once I drove it a couple blocks to give deer a kick in the head, but he was already croaked.. I then fired it up and drove 35mph about 1.5 miles then shut it down- this is when I got the brief F1 error. I did not try anything else that night, but the next morning the F1 error was gone, cranks like a champ since, just won't fire up.

Hub: on #4- getting another plug will be a chore- Can I not pull it from #4 chamber? Also, will this best be achieved with tank removed? As you can see from pic, that is only thing left.

thx fellas-

****One additional note-

The radiator fan does not budge.. Will it turn freely when not on? Is there a fail-safe sensor with the fan?

You rode it till it got one mark above top on temp guage...okay...it would either do that from NO FAN TURNING...or....lack of fluid...or both.

The Radiator took a hit,right?Okay....check the fan housing.Make sure it's not somehow been knocked in some way that would stop the fan from turning.It should turn freely....no reason not to.Even with the engine off.Mine turns.Perhaps even the fan shaft got jammed back into the fan motor some how.Maybe it just needs to have a good pull on it.Sounds like the fan blade(s) got pushed against the fan motor housing or something.Is the motor damaged(the fan motor).See any cracks that look like the shaft got jammed in there?And BTW...WHERE is your radiator leaking from?Where the fan sits?On the inboard side where the fan is attached?(those fins?).

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/11/2011 @ 12:50 AM *

Gotta throw this in there...your kill switch is in the RUN position yes?The small circular picture is pushed IN right?Not the one with the X going through it.

You rode it home....shut it off at the FI error.She sat overnight....COOLED DOWN...error was gone next morning.Makes sense.IF the code was for something to do with the fan itself,you wouldn't know until you were able to start it back up...and see if the fan kicked on after she ran for several minutes.I think your fan is stuck somehow.

I'm looking at your bottom picture there with the fairing and all removed...and that one of after the crunch with the deer and that side fairing is gone.To me...your last pic....it doesn't look right...the fan I meanJust doesn't look right.And your other pic....I can clearly see some kind of scrub marks on the left side(sitting on bike)on the radiator...like maybe it got pushed back?That's a pretty good impact to be able to remove that fairing as totally as it did.That side of the radiator is right there.I'd bet your fan and radiator got smushed together.Jammed against the engine,maybe flexed back out so it didn't LOOK like it got slammed against it.I'd say...your fan/motor is jammed so it won't turn.What's the small bracket at the bottom if the radiator look like?Bent?twisted?If it got pushed back...it'll not be straight like factory.Having a not rotating fan COULD possibly signal something to the ECU that prevents the engine from actually starting.Kind of a safeguard so she won't blow up from overheating.I really don't know.But...maybe?Get that fan loose,turning,and see if she fires.Something there is holding it frozen...not the ECU IMO.If that shaft is somehow bent,then the fan would naturally hit on the radiator,and COULD prevent it from tuning.Just an idea.

That one pic to me looks very suspicious...showing the bottom of the rad.Awfully close to that piping.Looks like to me that whole side of the rad got jammed against the header pipes and top end of the engine.THAT could certainly crunch a fan shaft into the fan motor.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 9/11/2011 @ 1:10 AM *