Kawasaki Concours Forum
Concours 1400 (C14) FAQ => C-14, aka Concours-14 GTR 1400 => "Farkles" => Topic started by: VirginiaJim on October 25, 2011, 05:08:22 AM
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I decided to do this shifter mod not because I thought the shifting lacked smoothness but because, quite frankly, it was there and being sold by Murph of Murphskits http://www.murphskits.com (http://www.murphskits.com) . The price was right being at $21.00 for the kit. Murph has some well written instructions http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/docs/Bearinged%20Up%20Shifter.pdf (http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/docs/Bearinged%20Up%20Shifter.pdf) , so basically I'm just going to add my take on them. The whole installation took about an hour for me to do.
The kit consists of two bolts, bearings, spacers, tiny washers, and a nut (no, that's not me). Here's a picture of the shifter before the upgrade....
[smg id=94]
Here's a pic of what was involved in replacing the shifter bushing (shifter removed with tools used). I did not have another 10mm box end so I used my metric adjustable wrench instead.
[smg id=93]
Removal of the shifter lever was very easy as was removing the bushing from the shifter. I did use a 1/2 bolt that I had lying around in my spare nuts and bolts tub. Took a bit to find it. I did not count threads on the linkage. Basically I used a spark plug gap tool to measure the distance between the nut and the rubber boot on the shifter side of the assembly. It was about .035 on mine. I just made sure I didn't move the jam nut much. So in order to take the linkage off I twirled the lever around until it came loose. That way I kept the jam nut in it's same position. I'm sure that there is an easier way.
[smg id=92]
Bearing installation was very easy as you can just about push the bearings in with your fingers. Murph includes two bolts and a nut in the bearing kit. One bolt has a hex head and one has a 'normal' rounded hex keyed head. I don't know why anyone would use the hex head bolt unless you wanted it to go on a tractor. I couldn't figure out what the nut was for (I'm hoping it was to keep the bearings and spacers on the shipping bolt). I dumped them off the shipping bolt and then realized I didn't pay attention to where the washers went. In reading the directions (I hope), it looks like they go on each end of the shifter and not internally somewhere.
Tightened it up and will take it out for a spin tomorrow. I'll let you know what magic has occurred.
Picture with it installed...
[smg id=91]
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Nice touch with the leaves in the second pic. :thumbs:
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Can't quite make out the tool closest to the leaves...and why didn't I use it when I installed? Hope I didn't goof something up.:-)
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Can't quite make out the tool closest to the leaves...and why didn't I use it when I installed? Hope I didn't goof something up.:-)
Spark plug gauge...metric and English.
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Nice way to load pics. Since I'm not the sharpest knife in the computer drawer I have to ask how you do that.
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Nice way to load pics. Since I'm not the sharpest knife in the computer drawer I have to ask how you do that.
I've created a picture album for you. You can find it by selecting the media tab at the top of the page. You can upload pics (within limits) to your album and then use them in your posts. The pictures are hosted here on Rick's server(s).
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Spark plug gauge...metric and English.
what did you use it for in installing the the new bearings?
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If I told you I would have to do you bodily harm..... I've updated the first post. Read it again and all will be made clear.
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Got it! Thx.
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I did this mod, but it only took about 15 minutes ;) When out riding, I totally forget about paying attention to tell the difference, but I have noticed that I don't think I have missed a shift since doing it. Not that I missed a lot before..... ;D
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I don't think I've missed one either (that I can remember).
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Okay...I'm confused....is this mod helpful in making shifting more precise or not? After reading the follow-up comments I seem to get the impression that folks that have done this mod originally didn't have a shifting issue, which make me ponder the question, "Why do the mod?"
If someone did have an issue with making shifts, then how did this mod make it better? Did it affect all gear shifts up and down or what exactly was the benefit?
I guess I'm one of those that try to live by the KIS ideology (Keep it simple)....As a result, I only do mods if I feel there is a benefit or need....in other words, I'm for doing mods but only if they serve some practical purpose. I'm not clear from some of the remarks that people had an issue in the first place with the shifter or what the issue specifically was. I ask because I do miss an occassional shift between first and second if I'm really getting on it, but whether this mod would be helpful to me is unclear? Does this mod result in a shorter throw of the lever? Does it create a longer throw? Does it make the pressure of the lever less or more sensitive to your shoe/boot? Or is this one of those mods that is dealing with a person's physical characteristics (i.e. large feet or small feet) compared to bar extenders/risers for long or short arms?
Sorry for being so obtuse...
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No change in the distance of the shifter, it just makes the motion smoother and gives a more accurate feel.
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Okay...I'm confused....is this mod helpful in making shifting more precise or not? After reading the follow-up comments I seem to get the impression that folks that have done this mod originally didn't have a shifting issue, which make me ponder the question, "Why do the mod?"
Because we can :D We just love to do "things" to our bike, inexpensive and doesn't hurt anything and might just help. I don't even realize I did the mod.
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So true...
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Ok, took the bike out a few days ago and forgot I had done the shifter until 3/4s of the way into the ride. Did about 100 miles with it. Bearing in mind that I really didn't have any problems with shifting before the mod, nor after, I can't say that this is a miracle product that made my hair grow or lengthen any body parts. It was fairly easy to install and not expensive. I can say that. Maybe if I were in a situation where I was constantly shifting it would make a bigger difference for me. I have seen no unintended consequences from installing this mod.
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... make me ponder the question, "Why do the mod?"
It ain't made a hill-o-beans of difference in my shifting...but damn it was fun doing and learned a lil more about my bike in the process. I'd do it again for that reason alone.
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Because we can :D We just love to do "things" to our bike, inexpensive and doesn't hurt anything and might just help. I don't even realize I did the mod.
Best answer. People who thinks it actually helps probably ride like girls. Me, I just like playing around with bearings.
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Ok, took the bike out a few days ago and forgot I had done the shifter until 3/4s of the way into the ride. Did about 100 miles with it. Bearing in mind that I really didn't have any problems with shifting before the mod, nor after, I can't say that this is a miracle product that made my hair grow or lengthen any body parts. It was fairly easy to install and not expensive. I can say that. Maybe if I were in a situation where I was constantly shifting it would make a bigger difference for me. I have seen no unintended consequences from installing this mod.
Hope you remembered to tighten that lock nut ;D
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What lock nut? ;)
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Okay...I'm confused....is this mod helpful in making shifting more precise or not? After reading the follow-up comments I seem to get the impression that folks that have done this mod originally didn't have a shifting issue, which make me ponder the question, "Why do the mod?"
If someone did have an issue with making shifts, then how did this mod make it better? Did it affect all gear shifts up and down or what exactly was the benefit?
I guess I'm one of those that try to live by the KIS ideology (Keep it simple)....As a result, I only do mods if I feel there is a benefit or need....in other words, I'm for doing mods but only if they serve some practical purpose. I'm not clear from some of the remarks that people had an issue in the first place with the shifter or what the issue specifically was. I ask because I do miss an occassional shift between first and second if I'm really getting on it, but whether this mod would be helpful to me is unclear? Does this mod result in a shorter throw of the lever? Does it create a longer throw? Does it make the pressure of the lever less or more sensitive to your shoe/boot? Or is this one of those mods that is dealing with a person's physical characteristics (i.e. large feet or small feet) compared to bar extenders/risers for long or short arms?
Sorry for being so obtuse...
i'm with you, from what i read this mod has done nothing. i would rather be riding the bike rather than taking it apart and putting it back together for no useful purpose, but thats just me.
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I leaned something useful from doing this mod. At first the mod seemed to do nothing, the bike shifted great same as it ever was. Then after about 20 miles my shifting started getting notchy It was as if I was using 3000 mile old Rotella (or even brand new Amsoil). So I dumped the Rotella and put in some Motul ZX9000 triple synth and some zink additive but there was no improvemnet in the notchiness. In fact it got progessively worse until the tranny got totally ticked off and would not downshift at all. Desparate, I did the only thing I could-upshifted. After doing that a few times I was in 6th gear. All was well till I got to the end of the road I was on and a stop sign. Being law abiding an all I stopped. The bike would not accelerate very well from a stop in 6th gear and I stalled it! Fortunately I was 90 miles from nowhere with no other humans in sight, only birdies to observe this emabarrsing moment. I pushed the C14 to the shoulder and called my wife to come get me. She said "go to hell, call one of your good time riding buddies". But they were all doing a track day so I got down and checked out the shifter. I noticed the lock nut was lose and that the shift rode had backed out and was way out of adjustment. I had failed to notice this while riding, being preoccupied by the notchiness. I had tried to tighten my lock nut with only one wrench, holding the other with my fingers. I have learned that this require TWO wrenches. Eventually a friendly stranger came along and loaned me a second wrench and I was soon on my way, happy and wiser.
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Thanks for the update. It pays to lock up your nuts.
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Thanks for the update. It pays to lock up your nuts.
Not too tight though...
Don't wanna strip em out!
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i'm with you, from what i read this mod has done nothing. i would rather be riding the bike rather than taking it apart and putting it back together for no useful purpose, but thats just me.
IMHO, a set of bearings used in an application in which there is rotation involved would almost always be a better choice than a metal sleeve. It just seems logical ......doesnt it? And for the super price that Murph sells this for, how can you go wrong. Your bike will come to a screaching halt with rubber brake lines or steel braided lines, but if they were only $20 ..... I would still upgrade to the braided ..... thats just me.
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Has anyone broken down the parts that make up the Murphs Bearing Upshifter? I’d like to make my own, but use all stainless parts. I don’t really want to take my bike out of service to order all the parts. I made a similar kit for my BMW K1200 GT. This kit from Murph’s was said to have come from one of these forums online.
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Has anyone broken down the parts that make up the Murphs Bearing Upshifter? I’d like to make my own, but use all stainless parts. I don’t really want to take my bike out of service to order all the parts. I made a similar kit for my BMW K1200 GT. This kit from Murph’s was said to have come from one of these forums online.
I think Mr. Murphy has done exactly that and for the paltry sum of $21 US you can have all the parts in hand and swap whatever you can find for stainless.
Here you go...http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=130_133&products_id=463 (http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=130_133&products_id=463)
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Can't get much cheaper than that, although I really couldn't tell the difference. I'm an insensitive sod.
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Can't get much cheaper than that, although I really couldn't tell the difference. I'm an insensitive sod.
I've heard that about you...
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...and shifty too...
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IMHO, a set of bearings used in an application in which there is rotation involved would almost always be a better choice than a metal sleeve. It just seems logical ......doesnt it?
Rotation, probably. Back and forth toggling, maybe not. Are there seals on these bearings? Hard to tell from the pictures. If not, what keeps them from getting full of road grime and turning into bushings or worse?
They only problem I have shifting is when I don't pull the clutch lever all the way to the bar, especially when the bike is cold. It seems like it needs every bit of clutch pull to disengage the clutch completely. Yes, I've replaced the fluid and bled the system in the process.
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Will someone please be so kind as to giving me the bearing size or number? I need to change to a bearing, as the bush is worn out.
Thanks in advance.
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Will someone please be so kind as to giving me the bearing size or number? I need to change to a bearing, as the bush is worn out.
Thanks in advance.
And nobody likes a worn out bush. :rotflmao: :yikes:
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:rotflmao:
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And nobody likes a worn out bush. :rotflmao: :yikes:
I beg to differ! A worn out bush is better than no bush at all...
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I beg to differ! A worn out bush is better than no bush at all...
Truth
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Will someone please be so kind as to giving me the bearing size or number? I need to change to a bearing, as the bush is worn out.
Thanks in advance.
In advance as well, you're welcome.
http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=48684.msg390771#msg390771 (http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=48684.msg390771#msg390771)
Now on to the important stuff:
I beg to differ! A worn out bush is better than no bush at all...
OH, let me tell you, there have been times when I wish I had gone with no bush at all, instead of the shrubbery that I did go with.
(http://images.easyfreeclipart.com/597/16-well-thats-the-maximum-hours-of-work-we-can-accommodate-for-each--597465.jpg)
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:goodpost:
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In advance as well, you're welcome.
http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=48684.msg390771#msg390771 (http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=48684.msg390771#msg390771)
Now on to the important stuff:
OH, let me tell you, there have been times when I wish I had gone with no bush at all, instead of the shrubbery that I did go with.
(http://images.easyfreeclipart.com/597/16-well-thats-the-maximum-hours-of-work-we-can-accommodate-for-each--597465.jpg)
while the bearings in your link may work as replacements, I felt the need to make a comment in that particular post.... sorry, but I had to.
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In advance as well, you're welcome.
http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=48684.msg390771#msg390771 (http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php?topic=48684.msg390771#msg390771)
Thank you kindly FM.
Your comment on the post is duly noted MOB.
Found them through my local bearing supplier, at just over $10 for 5. On order, so will get them in the week. Now I can get this sorted.... :chugbeer:
I'm considering using only 3x bearings, with a small spacers ( 4mm thick X (by) the size of the inner race of the bearing) between the bearings, to prevent the bearings from effectively becoming a "bush" (As MOB said in his post).
:feedback:
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Now on to the important stuff:
OH, let me tell you, there have been times when I wish I had gone with no bush at all, instead of the shrubbery that I did go with.
(http://images.easyfreeclipart.com/597/16-well-thats-the-maximum-hours-of-work-we-can-accommodate-for-each--597465.jpg)
Well, there are a few notable exceptions to that rule...
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I beg to differ! A worn out bush is better than no bush at all...
Confucius say "a bird in hand worth two in bush"
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Really, guys? Back on topic please.
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Really, guys? Back on topic please.
We are always so easily led off track, and fooled by all the politicians.
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I need to change to a bearing, as the bush[ing] is worn out.
You may be the first or at least in the top 5 to wear this out. Lots of miles? or pressure washer damage?
Somewhere (this forum or elsewhere) is a thread about farkle remorse. I put the plastic map light for the top of my tank bag
since I never use it because of my GPS, however I guess under the right circumstances (riding at night with a non functioning GPS)
it could come in handy (if I happen to have the correct map with me ::) ). I never had any remorse over buying Murph's bearinged up shifter,
but I've often thought it was the most useless un-needed farkle on my bike, and I've got some silly ones.