D.I.Y.. winter service

[2kwacks]

decided to do the winter service today, and a few other jobs on the gtr that as been bugging me ever since new, the coolant level as always been just on the low mark on the reservoir bottle when stone cold. ok that's no problem, but I do prefer the level to be at 3/4 mark between the low mark and the full mark so that was the first job, second job was to change the engine oil and filter and air filter, 3rd job was to lube the cables and grease the slide runners on the windscreen mechanism, lube the throttle cables and while I had both fairings panels off, thought may as well give it a good clean also while the fairings panels were off, may as well check whats involved in replacing the spark plugs. look's quite straite forward once you have the fairings removed, you will also need to remove both fairing stays, both subframe brackets and the air suction valve cover and move aside a few cables and connectors blocks. this will give you only limited excess to get the stick coils and plugs, so time, patiences and care will be the key when replacing the plugs I've also heard the standard plugs are the iridium type so if this is the case, they should not need replacing for 25,000 miles which suits me just fine if anyone is thinking of removing the top,bottom,middle fairings for the first time, best to give yourself plenty of time if your doing the oil and filter and air filter while you have the fairings panels removed, because you don't want to be rushing trying to get the farings panels back on, if care is not taken it would be very easy to snap lugs off or even crack panels then you would be well best to take your time and you will be fine here's a few pics for those of you that have not yet removed the fairings panels, this may give you some idea what's involved and what room is behind the fairing panels

[Bryn]

Just getting the panels off scares me 

[BigAlan]

I intend to take the side panels off soon, have you an idiots guide of how this is done?

Alan

[Bryn]

have you an idiots guide of how this is done?

Alan

I'd definitely need one as well   

[2kwacks]

Just getting the panels off scares me 

removed many motorcycle fairings panels in my time..Ho! but this was the first time I've removed the panels on the gtr. if you take your time and don't force anythink on or off then you will be fine. it's only the spark plugs that will be a bastard to get to. everythink eles incuding the air filter, was very easy to get to

[Bryn]

I reckon I'm quite lucky with my GTR purchase.... 9500 miles on the clock, and at it's 7500 Kawasaki dealer stamped service the previous owner had a new set of Iridium plugs fitted.... so I'm not planning on doing a plug change for a while   

[2kwacks]

it was really very simple to remove the farings panels so there's no need to worry. I started from the top first, removing the tank front top panel, then the glove box, top fairing, middle fairing and bottom fairing, but I took the bottom belly fairing panels of seperate, theses can be removed as one full section, but I found it easier to split the panels a part at the point where they join at the front, theses are held together by 2 self tapping screws on either side, and 2 push type fasteners in the middle, theres also theses push in type fasteners in both side fairing panels, theses are very easy to remove.. just use a small pointed screwdriver to push the centre core in then just use the screwdriver to carefully prize them out, when replacing just remove the centre core and push the fastener in the hole then push the core in it it's level with the base. just make sure when replacing the fairing panels you take your time and make sure everythink clicks into place where it should go before you fasten anythink. this will be self explanatory, as soon as you remove the fairing panels it's plain to see how the panels join together.

[2kwacks]

well your set for many miles to come yet before you need to replace the plugs, but there's really no need to replace spark plugs at such low mileage. providing my gtr runs ok and the m.p.g dosen't drop, I will be happy to leave them for 25,00 miles before I consider changing them

[tommytool]

Thanks 2kwacks.  I removed both side fairings last weekend to route some airings and your pics really helped. I endorse everything you say about taking your time and making sure nothing is forced.
Bit annoyed that the interface leads from the autocom in the tool box are 6" too short to reach the cradle on the bars. Pah!!!!!!