Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: wroman on September 18, 2013, 06:29:34 PM
-
I know I am not the only one to have this problem but has not been widespread that it gets talked about much on the forums. I can barley budge the adjustor, even with the bike on the center stand. I have tried the suggestions for using silicone spray. Have unbolted the adjustor and let it hang overnight after loading it with solvent free silicone and even tried 3-in-one oil that seemed to work for awhile. After my 2500 mile trip it can be barley budged again. I have had other bikes with the same type of adjustor and never had a problem.
-
MGvaleri just recently posted a vid on this I think.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14888.msg183049#msg183049 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14888.msg183049#msg183049)
-
Still under warranty I hope.
-
MGvaleri video is excellent- definitely worth a try if the bike is not under warranty.
Fred
-
The later model adjusters do not appear to be the same as on the video. I am pretty sure they function the same but cannot figure out hoe to disassemble as in the video. I have a 2012 model.
-
- that video posted is of the old model Concours' pre-load adjuster.
- newer concours models do not have an adjuster which can be opened up.
- mine was replaced under warranty when the adjuster seized (entire shock + adjuster replaced as one unit) , but 6 months later has also now seized.
- so , took it off the frame , hung it upside down in a plastic bag filled with engine oil for half a day , then got it back upright sprayed it full of wd40 whilst working the adjuster bit by bit. Now it works fine.
.
-
MGvaleri just recently posted a vid on this I think.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14888.msg183049#msg183049 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14888.msg183049#msg183049)
Should we feel slighted that he posted his vid over there but not here?
-
MGvaleri just recently posted a vid on this I think.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14888.msg183049#msg183049 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=14888.msg183049#msg183049)
Should we feel slighted that he posted his vid over there but not here?
Is that not here? Am I in the wrong place? Is this the wrong thread? wtf?
-
Is that not here? Am I in the wrong place? Is this the wrong thread? wtf?
Um...
Gilda Radner Nevermind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3FnpaWQJO0#)
-
- that video posted is of the old classic fastest model Concours' pre-load adjuster.
- newer Less fast concours models do have an adjuster which can be opened up.
- mine was replaced under warranty when the adjuster seized (entire shock + adjuster replaced as one unit) , but 6 months later has also now seized.
- so , took it off the frame , hung it upside down in a plastic bag filled with engine oil for half a day , then got it back upright sprayed it full of wd40 whilst working the adjuster bit by bit. Now it works fine.
.
FIFY..
-
Conrad, did they replace the scock and spring as a whole unit?
-
Conrad, did they replace the scock and spring as a whole unit?
Dunno, you'll need to ask Pistole. See post #5 above.
-
complete rear shock , spring and preload adjuster was replaced as one unit.
.
-
My 2011 locked up fairly soon after buying the bike. Took it to the dealer, they rolled it to the back, returned 10 minutes later and it's not been an issue in over 2 years since. Not sure what they did. I asked them, just in case it happened again. They told me to just bring it back. I guess they didn't want me trying whatever it was that they did.
-
My 2011 locked up fairly soon after buying the bike. Took it to the dealer, they rolled it to the back, returned 10 minutes later and it's not been an issue in over 2 years since. Not sure what they did. I asked them, just in case it happened again. They told me to just bring it back. I guess they didn't want me trying whatever it was that they did.
Pipewrench on the knob?
-
Pipewrench on the knob?
Probably, but they left no marks and it's worked great ever since.
-
Pipewrench on the knob?
:yikes: :_shudder_Emoticon
-
Pipewrench on the knob?
I hate when that happens.
-
After a full year and 20,000mi I went out on a trip with roads following the seaboard (Gaspe Peninsula).
On a bright sunny day, high winds were carrying sea mist, noticeable as my helmet visor would become coated with a sheen just after 15min of riding.
Coming back to the big city a few things started to work awkwardly on the C14 (2012); rear brake pedal felt like a wooden block and the pre-load adjuster became very stiff.
Both issues where solved thanks to the help of my best friend; white lithium spray grease. A few shots, wiggle it and Voilà!
White lithium spray grease comes out from the can with a solvent allowing it to penetrate tight spots (just like penetrating oil) but once the solvent evaporates it takes the viscosity of grease, it is very resistant to water and the elements.
It also work wonders for lock's key cylinders.
-
My 2011 did this at about 9k miles. I could tell that it was getting tighter and tighter every time I adjusted it. Finally it seized. I tried the pipe wrenched, but even with that it hardly budged. Shot some WD-40 or Prolong (can't remember which up under the black adjuster knob and it's been working great ever since (I'm at 16k now). I figured it must have been road dust. ::)
-
1500 miles on my (month on the road) old 2012 and it too froze up on me. Sprayed BreakFree under the cap and it's good to go.
Ed
-
Mine works fine. I wonder if riding it in bad weather (lots of rain and such) causes dirt to get in or water washes out any lubrication?
-
No rain or bad weather. I do use it frequently to go between 1-2 up. It just suddenly locked up solid while attempting to adjust, refusing to budge. I didn't think a shot of anything would make a difference. But, I was able to twist it instantly after applying the juice.
Ed
-
Mine came loose after spraying some liquid wrench around it. I think dust and crap blows into it.
I am going to wrap it with black duct tape to keep dust out, see it if that helps.