Rear shock preload seized

[Lonewolf]

I've just checked mine tonight and I cant budge it for love nor money. 

[BigAlan]

Going to check mine tomorrow if it's that common, perhaps it might cure the vibration.

Alan

[cpettifer]

My new rear shock is at my dealers (Cradley) - I just need to book the bike in when I'm back from holiday in a couple of weeks.

I'll try and remember to get them to have a look at it all - although their theory is that the issue is at the shock end, not the adjuster. Or rather it's how the adjuster actually adjusts the shock. The old unit used to be serviceable, but the new one is completely sealed, so they can't take it apart to see if there's an issue.

I'm thinking I'll get one of those neoprene covers for the shock and maybe try something on the adjuster too. Plus regular adjusting.

Having said all that my bike usage is likely to plummet very soon... more on that in another thread when I've sorted some things out.

[Lonewolf]

My local Kwak dealer examined my GTR on Tuesday mornng of this week and confirmed that the rear shock preload adjuster was seized. Two days later I get a call from Kwak dealer who confirm that the warranty claim has been authorised by Kawasaki and that the part is now with them and waiting to be fitted.

That is bloody good service without a shadow of a doubt. 

[100milesaway]

Which dealer was that Steve?

[Lonewolf]

Which dealer was that Steve?

Colin Apppleyards at Keighley. Dont normally rate them too highly but cant complain on this occasion.

[BigAlan]

My bike is with Kawasaki themselves right now and they are changing the rear shock adjuster while they have it, shame they can't sort the vibration as well.

Alan

[O.C.]

My bike is with Kawasaki themselves right now and they are changing the rear shock adjuster while they have it, shame they can't sort the vibration as well.

Alan

Alan, It would be amazing if the vibe problem was also cured by changing the adjuster   


or is that me being cynical..

[BigAlan]

That's you being cynical.

But even if they stand firm and say this is acceptable I won't let it lie, I will be writing to all the major motorcycling magazines with my story, I have others here who will verify they have the same problem, I don't give up easily.

Alan

[Martin#30]

Alan,

You have no doubt posted this elsewhere, and I have missed it, but can I ask how you experience the vibration? Is it noticeable instantly as you start the engine, or is it a symptom - i.e. a dead feeling hand after a short time riding?

Just asking in case it is the latter. I spent many weeks experimenting to solve this on a Triumph Trophy I had years back, and it was simply down to brake lever positioning. For me, if I rode with too much on an angle in my right wrist (because the brake lever was too high for comfort), I would get the dead hand feeling quickly.

Martin.

[mecki]

Well, I checked my rear suspension adjuster yesterday - 7500 miles 1 year old and I hadn't touched it since the bike was about a week old - and it works fine. 

[Lonewolf]

Well that's good.

[BigAlan]

Alan,

You have no doubt posted this elsewhere, and I have missed it, but can I ask how you experience the vibration? Is it noticeable instantly as you start the engine, or is it a symptom - i.e. a dead feeling hand after a short time riding?

Just asking in case it is the latter. I spent many weeks experimenting to solve this on a Triumph Trophy I had years back, and it was simply down to brake lever positioning. For me, if I rode with too much on an angle in my right wrist (because the brake lever was too high for comfort), I would get the dead hand feeling quickly.

Martin.

Martin

It starts at just above 2500 rpm and continues up the rev range, at 4000 rpm which is approx 85mph i can last for half an hour then numb hands.

I have been told its due to the mapping of the engine by Mr K (unofificial of course) and that the fitting of a Power Commander V with the secondary files deleted will cure it, I have the ability to purchase the PC but no idea what the secondary files are, but i want it fixed my Mr K, or if they pay then fine.

Alan

[Martin#30]

... and that the fitting of a Power Commander V with the secondary files deleted will cure it

I imagine they mean seconday flies, as in throttle butterflies. Our bikes have two sets of throttle butterflies, one controlled by our right hand, one controlled by the bike's ECU. This second set of ECU flies stops us getting full power in 1st (and thus flipping the bike) and steps in when traction control is triggered.

Lots of owners have done the PCV and flies removal to get more power in the lower gears, but personally, I doubt our traction controlled bikes would like the change. At the very least, TC must surely stop working.

Do you ride in ECO mode all the time btw? Mine is definately more vibey in ECO mode, though even then nowhere near enough to cause me issues or concerns.

Martin.

[Kwikasfuki]

Martin

It starts at just above 2500 rpm and continues up the rev range, at 4000 rpm which is approx 85mph i can last for half an hour then numb hands.

I have been told its due to the mapping of the engine by Mr K (unofificial of course) and that the fitting of a Power Commander V with the secondary files deleted will cure it, I have the ability to purchase the PC but no idea what the secondary files are, but i want it fixed my Mr K, or if they pay then fine.

Alan

Alan, are you going to the meet? I have a PC V which we could put on your bike and try it out. I'd have to bring laptop and put a 2011 map and then put my 08 map on again.