Kawasaki 1400s

[GuiNNeSS]

Well, the ZX14 sits somewhere between the GTR and ZX10. Just sporty enough to hang with sportbikes on trackdays, but comfortable and capable enough to travel with full tourers.

 

But comparing the prices of the ZX14 and GTR, suddenly the ZX14 seems overpriced. I love my bike, but sometimes I wish mine had a GTR engine and overdrive gearbox with shaft drive.

[kaozie]

Well, the ZX14 sits somewhere between the GTR and ZX10. Just sporty enough to hang with sportbikes on trackdays, but comfortable and capable enough to travel with full tourers.

 

But comparing the prices of the ZX14 and GTR, suddenly the ZX14 seems overpriced. I love my bike, but sometimes I wish mine had a GTR engine and overdrive gearbox with shaft drive.

 

does your engine gets too hot???

[GuiNNeSS]

does your engine gets too hot???

 

I installed a 2nd fan on the right side, so the temperature does not go above 3 bars.

 

With only one fan the temperature will go up to 4 bars. never had it blink H before, but I don't want to try that.

[kaozie]

I installed a 2nd fan on the right side, so the temperature does not go above 3 bars.

 

With only one fan the temperature will go up to 4 bars. never had it blink H before, but I don't want to try that.

 

so far, mine has only reach the 3rd bar(not counting the 'C')

and its HOT!!! can even hear the fan kick in while travelling on expressways...

[Kazky]

I installed a 2nd fan on the right side, so the temperature does not go above 3 bars.

 

With only one fan the temperature will go up to 4 bars. never had it blink H before, but I don't want to try that.

 

Hi..where and how much did u get ur 2nd fan from?

to install it, is it easy and fast done by the mechanics?

[GuiNNeSS]

Bought a 2nd hand radiator fan off a ZX6 on eBay. Installation requires removal of radiator and some elbow grease to figure out how to position it so it does not contact with header pipes and cam covers.

 

I don't know about the GTR, but the ZX14 fan is unable to maintain the bike's temperature in stationary traffic, even in cool evenings, let alone blazing hot afternoons.

[frenchbiker]

Bought a 2nd hand radiator fan off a ZX6 on eBay. Installation requires removal of radiator and some elbow grease to figure out how to position it so it does not contact with header pipes and cam covers.

 

I don't know about the GTR, but the ZX14 fan is unable to maintain the bike's temperature in stationary traffic, even in cool evenings, let alone blazing hot afternoons.

 

This week was damn hot and i did one hour within the CBD at snail pace in the traffic but the fan handled perfectly i have never seen the temp more than 3 bars and as soon as i pick up speed on clear path it goes back to 2 bars, it is a bit hot at thighs level though but what else can you expect with such a big engine between your legs!

[GuiNNeSS]

Hydraulic Camchain tensioner

 

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/10129/DSCF1343.JPG

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/10129/DSCF1344.JPG

http://www.picturesky.com/albums/userpics/10129/DSCF1345.JPG

 

Cons :

- Possibility of spring back under sudden deceleration

- 'rattling', overly loose tension during cold starts.

 

Theres just a tiny, weak wire-clip holding back the mechanism. If this fails, the cam may go out of sync, bend a valve or worse, destroy the whole engine.

 

http://i1.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/e1/7e/8778_1.JPG

 

I didn't like the way the camchain rattled during cold starts, and the time taken before the noise goes away seems to be getting longer. So, taking no chances, I changed to an APE manual Camchain tensioner ($120 from your favourite mechanics, or cheaper from eBay)

 

20 minute installation, just need to loosen right side fairing. For best results purchase a 50cent O-ring, don't re-use to original one.

 

My bike is 25,000kms old btw.

[CMYRS]

this baby has panniers that swallowed my xtra large agv helmet with room to spare. so other helmets, shouldnt be an issue unless its a weird shape or design.

 

but the weight, good lord, on a level surface, back paddling took quite some effort. wonder what happens if u park head in to a lot downslope???

[CMYRS]

Neo, uve own the zx for sometime, any issues on spares or problem fixing?

 

the usual chant with the local mechs that kawa is the last jap brand to buy due to availability of spares and that its not easy to work on, is it true?

 

do u DIY mostly on your bike or is there a preferred workshop?

[GuiNNeSS]

My first servicing went off without problems, was able to get all the nessesary gaskets without needing to order in.

 

Stock spark plugs are $36, each, so I use Denso Irridium. $88 for 4.

 

Stock front brake pads are $250 per set (8 pads), but you can get cheaper aftermarket ones for around $180. (EBC, Braking etc)

 

For me I DIY what I can, usually minor things. Biggest thing I've did is to lower the radiator to re-wire my fans. But major servicing its better to go to a well equipted workshop.

 

For any spare parts, always plan and order well ahead, like one month before the mileage is due.

[CMYRS]

tks for the breakdown on pricing.

 

so its not a case of just rocking up to the workshop and doing a service on the spot.

 

u mentioned gaskets, where are these for??

[sjourn]

neo, how much otr for the z14? i heard that there is a power diff btw 07 and 08 model also? went down to looi's yesterday to salivate on the z14...

[frenchbiker]

Neo, uve own the zx for sometime, any issues on spares or problem fixing?

 

the usual chant with the local mechs that kawa is the last jap brand to buy due to availability of spares and that its not easy to work on, is it true?

 

do u DIY mostly on your bike or is there a preferred workshop?

 

It is true that major parts for kawa are on order only, and the best is like Neo says, order 1 month prior to due maintenance if you need it.

 

The market for high powered bikes Kawa is so small in Singapore that none will stock for any parts or accessories. Only on order,but that is not a surprise and Loois also told me that.

Just anticipate correctly and you would limit your down time, if you get into an accident then you would have to wait for awhile for your bike to get fixed.

 

For our concourse 1400 GTR, only a handful in Singapore, so yes for the parts we will have to wait...

[kaozie]

haiz... sad...

so we need more converts into kawa???

[GuiNNeSS]

tks for the breakdown on pricing.

 

so its not a case of just rocking up to the workshop and doing a service on the spot.

 

u mentioned gaskets, where are these for??

 

You need to replace the cam cover gasket when you check your valve clearances.

 

neo, how much otr for the z14? i heard that there is a power diff btw 07 and 08 model also? went down to looi's yesterday to salivate on the z14...

 

Mines $28,000. The significant difference between 2006/7 and 2008 models is in the amount of restriction in lower gears, not the overall power output.

 

The 2006/7 models are easily derestricted to give an even better response than the 'improved' 2008 model.

[sjourn]

 

Mines $28,000. The significant difference between 2006/7 and 2008 models is in the amount of restriction in lower gears, not the overall power output.

 

The 2006/7 models are easily derestricted to give an even better response than the 'improved' 2008 model.

 

thanks for the input..me still swaying the decision.

[ohayo]

paid now... should be getting the black on the second week of august!

 

OTR around - 28800 +

[CMYRS]

paid?

did uncle lee collect a deposit from u and promised the 2nd wk of aug??

[kaozie]

paid now... should be getting the black on the second week of august!

 

OTR around - 28800 +

 

welcome onboard!!!

btw, where did you get your bike from?

paid?

did uncle lee collect a deposit from u and promised the 2nd wk of aug??

 

you wanted the black as well right? dun think uncle lee likes to take any deposit...

[CMYRS]

welcome onboard!!!

btw, where did you get your bike from?

 

 

you wanted the black as well right? dun think uncle lee likes to take any deposit...

 

uncle leeeeeeeeeeeee

there goes my blck gtr again......

i waited since april.......

how how how.......dont want deposit but cant hold the bike for me either....

[Caramon]

have u tried speedway?

 

saw 1 gtr there last saturday....

 

was looking for a zzr14 instead....

[CMYRS]

have u tried speedway?

 

saw 1 gtr there last saturday....

 

was looking for a zzr14 instead....

 

 

sorry, where is speedway?

 

will take leave n check it out asap.

 

 

zzr14 i saw a few at loois.

beautiful big bike.

it feels so comfortable on it with all that room

[Caramon]

The address to Speedway is:

 

No.50 Bukit Batok Street 23

#02-26/27 Midview Building

Singapore 659578

 

hope u find ur GTR soon...

[kaozie]

uncle leeeeeeeeeeeee

there goes my blck gtr again......

i waited since april.......

how how how.......dont want deposit but cant hold the bike for me either....

 

think you need to drop by every weekends to pester him...

thats what i did...