Rear pre-load adjuster

[100milesaway]

Just a word of warning to everyone regarding the rear pre-load adjuster. I had a new one fitted under warranty about a month ago, as the original one had seized. I decided when the new one was fitted that as a precaution I would screw the adjuster in and out at regular intervals ie every few days just to keep it nice and smooooth. I also run the bike with the gap in between the adjuster and its body taped up to stop the ingress of water on wet rides. Also when washing the bike I cover the adjuster with a plastic bag in an effort to keep the water at bay. Good idea you may think! Well yes, BUT. After the weekend wash and polish, I duly wound the adjuster in, then out again, to be greeted by water seeping out in between the body and the black adjuster. So now we know why they seize up in the first place. So off came the footrest hanger, followed by the adjuster, which I left dangling from the bike for five minutes to let it drain, then blasted WD40 up under the black adjuster wheel, and it is now smooth and slick again.  I am a bit shocked really because I have been really vigilent on trying to keep the water out, but all to no avail. So I am now going to get an old bicycle inner tube and cut a section off, and make sure it is a really tight fit over the whole of the adjuster unit. Please be aware, because if your bike is out of warranty    ££££££

[Lonewolf]

Good advice Geoff, £600 for a new unit. 

[Cartman]

Interesting, especially in light of KMUK's comment that it is due to lack of use and an isolated problem! See letter in 'Fed Up' thread.

Having my rear shock replaced at the moment, if it ever arrives, so will bear this in mind.

If I was replacing out of warranty I'd be looking at Hyperpro or  Nitron as alternatives, better options anyway.

[O.C.]

Good point Geoff, and since our conversation on last Sundays ride out I too have started a Regime of winding the adjuster in and out, at the moment its fine

I will keep an eye on your experiences, and if needed will apply a french tickler to mine as extra 'protection'   

[pistole]

- yeah , me too. Have started to dutifully dail a couple of turns in and then turn her out. Sometimes forgetting whether its in or out this time .... buggered.



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[Martin#30]

Mine is in for it's third shock today, second warranty replacement. 23 months old, 29k miles.

I am very surpised Kawasaki have not updated the part, but I guess they have done the maths and decided that a redesign is more expensive than continuing to replace the shocks when they fail.

Martin.

[Cartman]

Mine is in for it's third shock today, second warranty replacement. 23 months old, 29k miles.

I am very surpised Kawasaki have not updated the part, but I guess they have done the maths and decided that a redesign is more expensive than continuing to replace the shocks when they fail.

Martin.

Mine went in on Monday, but the shock is on back order until end of next month, so I hope they got one in for you early!

[100milesaway]

Mine is in for it's third shock today, second warranty replacement. 23 months old, 29k miles.

I am very surpised Kawasaki have not updated the part, but I guess they have done the maths and decided that a redesign is more expensive than continuing to replace the shocks when they fail.

Martin.

Martin I dont think Kawasaki will be too bothered, they will be claiming back of the shock manufacturer.

[nige gtr]

Hi Geoff,I,m waiting now to be called back to the dealer for a new shock this week.I,ll let you know what they advise to keep it all working and happy.Thanks for the post.

[Cartman]

Hi Geoff,I,m waiting now to be called back to the dealer for a new shock this week.I,ll let you know what they advise to keep it all working and happy.Thanks for the post.

Spoke to KMUK on Friday and shock is on back order from Japan still, might be a month before they have any.

[O.C.]

mmmmmm...seems like there's been high demand for replacements 

I've been checking mine and its still ok, BUT it does seem to be less positive on its current setting (click) which is very odd.

I'm at Autorama tomorrow for the recall so I'll get it checked out

[Rusty]

Mine is fine and under warranty .... thank goodness ...at £600 a go ! .....

[pistole]

- i put a balloon over mine.

- and if you don't religiously wind it in and out , the first thing you'll notice is the knob take alot more strength to turn and when it does turn , you don't hear the "click" ... bad.

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[Debs]

- i put a balloon over mine.

You sure its a balloon and not a Condom 

[pistole]

- went scrounging about for a used condom but couldn't find any ... hence the balloon ....

- did i mention i was cheap ?

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