Weird Vibration? Is it just me? : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

mcmmotorsports · 07-02-2008, 09:32 PM

So I never noticed this until recently. I have 900 miles on my 14 and if you are in 6th at around 40 MPH's and go WOT, there is a subtle vibration that is kinda annoying. I don't remember it before and I can even feel it at WOT in other gears as well. I have had this bike since April and it has NOT gone into the dealer for its initial service. I did just change the oil myself at 500 miles.
Anything notorious on these things to loosen up?

Kawi_T · 07-03-2008, 06:04 AM

It sounds like the way you are riding it to me. Why are you in 6th gear at only 40 mph? I would guess that its a little clutch chatter. I think 6th is too high a gear for 40 mph.

mcmmotorsports · 07-03-2008, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kawi_T

It sounds like the way you are riding it to me. Why are you in 6th gear at only 40 mph? I would guess that its a little clutch chatter. I think 6th is too high a gear for 40 mph.

I think I wasn't clear in my post. I am not saying I ride that way, I am just saying that I feel the vibration the strongest in 6th at lower speeds. It almost feels like harmonics. I can feel the vibration in almost every gear if I lug the bike down slightly. I am having a mechanic take it for a ride today to see if he feels anything wrong. He is a Busa tech so I am sure he would EASILY feel a vibration since he is used to them.

Az-ZX-14 · 07-03-2008, 06:58 AM

My dealer told me to adjust the chain at 500 miles. It really can loosen up during this time which can contribute to you issue. Let us know what you find.

CUCULANDRA · 07-03-2008, 07:04 AM

You Are In A Way To High Of A Gear For The Speed, Lower Your Gear And You Will Not Have That Problem....

mcmmotorsports · 07-03-2008, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUCULANDRA

You Are In A Way To High Of A Gear For The Speed, Lower Your Gear And You Will Not Have That Problem....

LOWFLYER · 07-03-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUCULANDRA

You Are In A Way To High Of A Gear For The Speed, Lower Your Gear And You Will Not Have That Problem....

This is actually not very good for your motor if I'm not mistaken. I know when it comes to cars, they say you should never go WOT when you're in too high a gear for the speed. I would assume it goes the same with MC's. Not saying you ride this way, but when you go WOT @ 40mph in 6th your motor is turning around 2XXX rpms and it's trying to........someone help me out here, You're tryin to do a burnout with your bike in fuel save mode (6th) .....not gonna happen without some bad vibration.

mcmmotorsports · 07-03-2008, 03:05 PM

Well, my buddy rode it and said he felt it....said it was more like a buzz versus a vibration. He said the chain was a little loose and suggested I tighten it up and apply some fresh lube. I did tighten it slightly and the buzz is still there......slightly. I will lube everything up, check the tension again and run with it. He said the buzz goes away above 6,000 RPM's which I already knew. Oh well.
And yes, lugging of ANY motor is bad. I just tried to explain where the buzzing occurs.

Az-ZX-14 · 07-03-2008, 04:26 PM

MCM,

Check your operator manual on the adjustment. I gives in detail how much travel to allow before tightening things back up. What type of lube are you going to use?

mcmmotorsports · 07-03-2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Az-ZX-14

MCM,

Check your operator manual on the adjustment. I gives in detail how much travel to allow before tightening things back up. What type of lube are you going to use?

The tech told me to wipe down the chain with a rag then just spray it liberally with WD-40.

brettzx14 · 07-19-2008, 10:18 PM

fYI there is a vibration noise they make around 5000 you can get rid of this it is coming from the ball bearing in the down sensor need a couple drops of sewing machine oil p.s be careful pulling it apart

VinHemi · 07-20-2008, 02:40 AM

Check your chain adjustment, I had to adjust mine 3 times in the first 1000 miles. Also if it's a buzzing noise, it may be the tip over sensor located behind the clocks. Mine buzzed like a muther when I first got it. I wraped it in some automotive insulation, now I dont hear it anymore.

oldman&theZX · 07-20-2008, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmmotorsports

The tech told me to wipe down the chain with a rag then just spray it liberally with WD-40.

mmmm....I have used WD-40 to clean the chain...but never use as a lube only ...always used a "chain-wax" so it wont fling off....

Anyone else comment !!!

JJ in SC

Jaywheel · 07-20-2008, 06:36 AM

Wow, a tech told you to lube your chain with WD-40? That is hard to believe. Probably need to start talking to someone else about your bike. Trust me, get the chain wax. You will not be happy with the other suggestion.

mcmmotorsports · 07-20-2008, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinHemi

Also if it's a buzzing noise, it may be the tip over sensor located behind the clocks. Mine buzzed like a muther when I first got it. I wraped it in some automotive insulation, now I dont hear it anymore.

Yes, it is more of a buzzing than a vibration. Where can I find this sensor? Where are the clocks?

VinHemi · 07-21-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmmotorsports

Yes, it is more of a buzzing than a vibration. Where can I find this sensor? Where are the clocks?

Sorry, speedo/tach cluster. Remove your windscreen, to get at it. It's bolted just in front of it, one 10m bolt holding it on. Some people have taken it apart and put a couple of drops of oil in it to quite it down. I chose just to wrap some insulation around it, u dont see it anyway once the windscreen back on.

mcmmotorsports · 07-22-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinHemi

Sorry, speedo/tach cluster. Remove your windscreen, to get at it. It's bolted just in front of it, one 10m bolt holding it on. Some people have taken it apart and put a couple of drops of oil in it to quite it down. I chose just to wrap some insulation around it, u dont see it anyway once the windscreen back on.

So this sensor buzzes enough to feel if not insulated?

oldman&theZX · 07-22-2008, 10:03 AM

As far as I am concerned, if the voice on the other end of the phone at Kawi asks for my VIN and then tells me my bike is NOT included in this recall who would you believe? A Kawi rep or someone who posts that there are no VIN specific bikes on this list?

I know this pertains to another post...but are you sure!! it is not that "frame " issue and just a noisy sensor ?

Let me tell you about recalls.....they are based on RISK....more than likely no one really knows when a issue happens ( bad welder, poor material grade, poor assembly)....whatever !! This can happen with Suppliers to Kaw and manytimes they may not give the real truth due to their liability.

RISK is based on $$$ ...so when an issue is detected at the plant or in the field (ie.. cracked/broken frame) they consult the RISK Managers and see HOW MUCH this will cost them to correct it with a recall. Then if the can save $$$ my only recalling 75-80% of the bikes, the rest of them is called RISK !!!

So do you really believe just because by bike's VIN # is not on the list...you are Safe .....Now that is Risky !!

I have 08 and I am going to check ALL the torque on the frame/motor mounts against the specification in the manual...just to be safe....If I owned a 06/07, I would be first in line at the dealership wanting a "NEW bike "

That's my story and I am sticking to it !!!
JzJzz

Ride today...to you can ride again tomorrow !!!

mcmmotorsports · 07-22-2008, 10:31 AM

Well maybe I should bring it to the dealer and let them check it out.

oldman&theZX · 07-22-2008, 10:43 AM

And dont be afriaid to have them show you where this recall issue is and how it is checked... I would stand there and watch them !!! If the Service Manager is a stand up guy and a rider...he should support your wishes.

I don' twant to sound like the dome's day messenger, but it you your life on that bike...you got to have confidence in your equipment and your skill. If I didn't I would dump it like a " cheating wife"

...and never look back!!

I do hope it is just a noisy sensor !!!

..

Good Luck,
JzJzz