shaft drive greasing

[Lonewolf]

Its actually quite satisfying to work on your own bike.

[nickhlx]

Hi guys,

New to this forum as just researching possible alternatives to the current steed ( FJR)  and this is a definite maybe... also considering the ZZR as a bit lighter ( good ?) but really don't want a too "head down / sporty" ride, as I like long days, almost "endurance touring".. 

Anyway...

Looking through the list of topics, this caught my eye, as, on the FJR, greasing things is critical ( vital even where the linkages are concerned !! ) and I was wondering what the recommended intervals are for spline greasing on the GTR ? Sorry for the "newby" questions, but haven't got a bike or handbook and the perceived wisdom might be different anyway...

( where is best to post the list of the other queries I have, to keep to the "rules" ?)

Nick

[mecki]

( where is best to post the list of the other queries I have, to keep to the "rules" ?)

There are rules? 

[2kwacks]

welcome to the forum first of all the zzr1400 isn't "arse up head down" it's a very capable tourer infact the only thing the zzr1400 lacks for touring long distances is panniers and top box. I've still got my zzr1400 and I've toured france/italy covering over 3,200 miles in 7 days with no problems at all the gtr1400 is more comfortable as a long distance tourer due to the more up-right position, the taller screen and fairing provides more weather protection and of course the big sod off panniers and top box comes in handy and if you plan on doing a lot of touring it would be your better option but for everyday use and the odd touring here and there! the zzr1400 with panniers and topbox if needed, is more than capable off hitting the spot just right. so if your in 2 minds between the zzr and gtr it will depend on what you want the bike for. sorry if I've confused you, but don't dismiss the zzr as just a missile   it dose touring just as good as pulling your arms off As for the re-greasing the splines on the gtr1400, I will be doing my wheel hub splines everytime I remove the wheel. as for the rest of the shaft, I've heard the recommended re-greasing is at 20,000 miles.

[nickhlx]

Thanks, 2Kwacks, that's really encouraging...  I will need to test ride both one day to see which "fits best" for long days...

I have found the FJR to be almost ideal, but, if anything, would prefer ( I think) something a touch lighter sometime but of similar capability, and initially I started looking at the ZZR, saving I think around 30-40 kgs. This I had largely discounted, thinking it must be too "race-orientated", although never ridden one, so your comments are very welcome. I just need to find out a bit more about its quirks and foibles ( like the FJR's linkage assembly, which will likely kill you if you let it be dealer serviced !!) and the many other things that come with time

I have been greasing (all) the splines on the shaft / final drive each time the wheel comes off ( approx 6,000 miles) - I like servicing and probably definitely overdo it  because I can, and reliability for me is key on the few occasions we get to tour far and wide, when an avoidable breakdown would be a massive disappointment.

I used to tour with my riding buddy (Mike) at least 3 or 4 times a year, although we used to ride together several times a week most of the year, but then I had "my accident" and I am still in a wheelchair, 3 years on, although have a replacement "new" FJR sitting in the garage on SORN, ready to go,  just waiting for me ( won't be long now)     Both legs seriously damaged ( one crushed and folded in half below the knee ) following a no-fault accident ( a Blonde in a Discovery  ) but I have managed to grow both back again !   

However, Mike has also had problems and fingers crossed is also on his way back to the saddle and we will hopefully be off again on the tours..  He has a house just south of Alicante, and both of us had decided that Spain was the country to tour in, although still have a few to trial !!  France seems to be getting a bit less biker friendly these days from what I have read, although the reality may be "no change"..    This year I was (am) hoping to get to do the NW side of Scotland as we always seemed to get up to the top right corner whenever we ventured up there, and I definitely want to see Applecross next time.

I notice that people's summary here, on the left of posts, don't state the area they are from, unlike on the FJR forum, which is really helpful for us newbies.. 

Is there a "club" workshop for the "1400"s like the excellent Fudge workshop we FJR owners have when things are beyond owners ? Or possibly a list of places that come highly recommended where the guys do know the machines intimately, and do do what they should and say they do ?  Until I am familiar with the machine I would like (need) to be sure all was OK by having someone else independent check any critical points over..

Anyway, time to close...

Thanks again,

Nick

[Kwikasfuki]

Hi Nick,

You can view where the members are from on the member map.

[O.C.]

Welcome Nick, you'll find lots of info on this forum.

I had a ZZR in 2008/8 it didn't suit me, but I do suffer with a back problem anyway..

[2kwacks]

Hi nick that sounds like a really nasty bike accident you had. the fact that it was not your fault must be really frustrating, but glad to hear your on the mend and it hasn't put you off biking where all, so vulnerable out there! yet, we still choose to ride bikes. well they it's hard to give up what we enjoy so much good luck with finding a suitable replacement, either it be the zzr or gtr you can't go wrong, they are both excellent machines and are "spot on" at what each do best. hope to see you on one of the forums bike meet's in the not so long future..!

[Rusty]

Nick .. "Hello and welcome" .. glad to hear you are on the mend ... enjoy this forum, we all do ! 

[nickhlx]

Thanks guys...

Hours of reading ahead of me !

Nick

[nigelp]

I've sent a query about this to someone at Kawasaki UK, by chance he has just replied that he is at the factory in Japan! So here's hoping we get some feedback directly from source. I even managed to do the link thingy, quite by chance, so your words may well be being translated into Japanese. You've been warned.