The Oddest Mechanical Failure: A Kawasaki Z200 Stopped on a Dual Carriageway

During a weekend ride from the Midlands in the UK to Norfolk, my old Kawasaki Z200 experienced an unusual mechanical failure. The bike simply stopped without any apparent reason, leaving me in a challenging situation.

Preparation and Initial Troubleshooting

Having driven hundreds of miles over the weekend, I decided to embark on a longer journey that would take me over a 20-mile dual carriageway. After a rough 20 miles, the bike unexpectedly stopped running. I was well-prepared for such situations, carrying a full tool kit with me.

Going through all the usual checks, everything seemed to be in order. There was no obvious reason why the bike should have stopped, leaving me puzzled about the cause of the failure.

The Surprising Discovery

While sitting next to the bike, I was staring at it furiously trying to figure out what had gone wrong when I noticed something unusual. The split link on the chain had essentially come apart, with the top plate and the clip that holds it missing.

The realization of the potential disaster that could have occurred if I had continued on the dual carriageway without fixing the issue was terrifying. The risks of the chain breaking or coming apart at high speed were too great to contemplate.

Temporary Fix and A Risky Start

Determined to not be caught in the situation again, I called my then-girlfriend to pick me up. However, a quick look around the house revealed an identical split link sitting unused on the windowsill of our building. This spur of the moment decision would prove to be a stroke of luck.

Finding the exact replacement chain link, I decided to fit it immediately, using the tools available. With the immediate repair in place, I couldn’t resist the curiosity and decided to start the bike again. To my amazement, it started effortlessly and ran perfectly.

A Smooth Ride Back Home

After a potentially hazardous situation, I was able to ride the bike home safely. Unbeknownst to me, this repair brought an end to the bike’s era of mechanical failures. For thousands of miles, the Kawasaki Z200 continued to serve me faithfully without any further breakdowns.

A Supernatural Explanation?

I am still fascinated by the unpredictable nature of mechanical failures and theoccurrence of such an odd incident. While I can only speculate, I imagine that perhaps something outside of the ordinary was looking out for me that day. The bike that had failed me seemed to correctly predict the exact moment of failure, allowing for a temporary fix.

Whether it was a case of lightning never striking the same place twice, or a serendipitous outcome aligned with personal safety, the experience remains a curious and memorable tale.