Messages

Get either Dunlop Roadsmart or Michelin Pilot Road.
Their wet grip is better than the Bridgestones dry grip.
They are both available in Gt and ordinary.
If you are fully loaded most of the time get the gts.
The 55 is 9.5mm taller in the middle than the 50 which fits no problem and makes it roll into corners easier but flat spots the center tread slightly sooner.

The problem with the original discs is that you have to clean out the bobbins between disc and carrier and spin the bobbins EVERY service. It's in the service schedule but no Kawasaki dealer ever does it so they lock solid and warp the discs.

It's brakes!
Don't mess about. Fit Brembo's.
They are loose on the bobbins and therefore don't warp.
You can also fit DP Titanium X Race pads. Much higher friction coefficient than hh pads and gentle on discs with a very quick bed in.
Very progressive feel with loads of stopping power.

Hi Mick, I use plastic drainpipe slit up the side with a saw so it expands to the right size for the fork leg.
It works perfectly as a seal driver and does not scratch the stanchion.
As an economical geordie I also appreciate that it is dirt cheap.
I've not been riding lately due to a stroke and now a Bell's palsy but I'll be out there soon.
Might even get that coffee in Middleton Teesdale eh?

Check the battery connections are tight.

Early bikes panniers could be lifted off whilst locked on.
Some even fell off whilst riding along.
2010 onward had improved latches but could still be removed from bike whilst locked on. It only takes a thief 2 seconds.
There are 2 simple mods that make them secure but you do need pannier liners. Cheap aftermarket bmw r1200rt ones fit better than genuine Kawasaki ones.
Get a "mountain runner" ecu flash as soon as possible as it hugely improves throttle smoothness/snatchiness and makes it pull like a train from tick over.
Use the gt carcass tyres with a 190/55 profile rear as this makes it much more nimble and as mentioned before keep an eye on those pressures, just 2psi down makes the front want to tuck.
That's the basics, after that just ride and enjoy.
And welcome.

How much current do you need?

FH012BA is higher current rated for the 41 amp gtr1400 alternator.
FH020BA is for the zzr1400 35 amp alternator so stick with the FH012BA either "genuine" one (Kawasaki don't make them they buy them in) or the aftermarket one which is probably made by the people who supply the same part to Kawasaki and Suzuki.
Clean all corrosion off the plate it mounts on and copper slip the mating surfaces to help heat dissipation.

The Road 5 is like the Roadsmart, you get more smiles than miles and unbelievable wet grip.

Alcohol does not affect plastics but does affect some rubbers.
All Japanese motorcycles have been alcohol resistant for decades as they were selling bikes in alcohol using countries even in the eighties.

Sounds like an a**e h**e. Go somewhere else.
HID's and LED's are supposed to be naughty but bright bulbs like Osram Nightbreaker Laser are OK because the headlamp is designed for bulbs and they are still 55/60w.

A2 or A4 which is harder will both be more than up to the job.

The best way to sort the seizing bobbins is to fit Brembo discs and forget about it.

eBay item number:232980700756
£38 delivered and very good quality. It even includes the ram mount.
Add it to your watch list for a while and they reduce it to £35 just for you.

Problem solved. If you have led indicator bulbs and switch off the ignition with the indicators still switched on it gets all confused due to the small voltage fluctuations during the shut down routine.
Cancel indicators first - no problem.