couple of problems I found starting my second valve adjustment.

[lather]

I did the first at 20,000 miles and changed 15 shims IIRC. Now at 55,000 miles I had the plastic off for coolant change so I am checking the valves and will put in new iridium spark plugs, throttle body sync and hope to have no worries for another 45,000

I found that the foam heat guard pads on the inside of the middle cowlings look brittle and crumbly. They are still mostly intact but I don't think they will last much longer. I ordered them when I ordered my replacement coolant overflow bottle (which I busted by overtightening a mounting bolt) I noticed that the pad part numbers have been superceded so maybe Kawi recognizes the foam is not up to the task.

Also noticed that both bottom (left and right) engine mount bolts were missing. I had to go back and submit a second order! The part numbers for this bolt has also been superceded. THis bolt uses thread locker. I did not use new bolts (you are supposed to) last time but did use thread locker

The strange thing is that I never noticed any vibration or handling issues with these engine mounts unconnected to the engine.

[C1xRider]

I did the first at 20,000 miles and changed 15 shims IIRC. Now at 55,000 miles I had the plastic off for coolant change so I am checking the valves and will put in new iridium spark plugs, throttle body sync and hope to have no worries for another 45,000

I found that the foam heat guard pads on the inside of the middle cowlings look brittle and crumbly. They are still mostly intact but I don't think they will last much longer. I ordered them when I ordered my replacement coolant overflow bottle (which I busted by overtightening a mounting bolt) I noticed that the pad part numbers have been superceded so maybe Kawi recognizes the foam is not up to the task.

Also noticed that both bottom (left and right) engine mount bolts were missing. I had to go back and submit a second order! The part numbers for this bolt has also been superceded. THis bolt uses thread locker. I did not use new bolts (you are supposed to) last time but did use thread locker

The strange thing is that I never noticed any vibration or handling issues with these engine mounts unconnected to the engine.

Hmm, which bolts?  Maybe I should try removing mine.   

[lather]

Which bolts? The most expensive ones on the bike, of course!
"Mfg Product Number: 92154-0089
Description: BOLT,SOCKET,12X268    for 2008 KAWASAKI Concours 14
(ZG1400-A8F)
Order Quantity: 2
Unit Price: $15.96
Total Cost: $31.92 "
And that is at a discount place!

They are the bottom socket bolt for the left and right front engine mounts - the Y shaped cast aluminum piece with two hex head bolts at the top and the socket blot at the bottom

[B.D.F.]

I don't think you need any engine bolts as long as you have a fresh battery in your FOB....

Strange that those bolts both fell out. As I remember, they are pretty robust and torqued to a fairly high value. Not jabbing at you in any way but is it possible you might have forgotten to tighten them? Like perhaps you were going to go back with a torque wrench and forgot? I think we have all been there at least once... and probably more than that.

Brian

I did the first at 20,000 miles and changed 15 shims IIRC. Now at 55,000 miles I had the plastic off for coolant change so I am checking the valves and will put in new iridium spark plugs, throttle body sync and hope to have no worries for another 45,000

I found that the foam heat guard pads on the inside of the middle cowlings look brittle and crumbly. They are still mostly intact but I don't think they will last much longer. I ordered them when I ordered my replacement coolant overflow bottle (which I busted by overtightening a mounting bolt) I noticed that the pad part numbers have been superceded so maybe Kawi recognizes the foam is not up to the task.

Also noticed that both bottom (left and right) engine mount bolts were missing. I had to go back and submit a second order! The part numbers for this bolt has also been superceded. THis bolt uses thread locker. I did not use new bolts (you are supposed to) last time but did use thread locker

The strange thing is that I never noticed any vibration or handling issues with these engine mounts unconnected to the engine.

[VirginiaJim]

I think our friend Lather is challenging the legend, Haroldo, with his exploits.  This is good as Haroldo doesn't play here much anymore.

[lather]

It is possible probable that I forgot to tighten them, same as the fender bolts. I was probably in the process of switching from a hex socket to an allen socket on my torque wrench when I was suddenly distracted by one of the usual daily occurences around here like lightening striking the house and causing a water main leak, or the washing machine backing up into the guest toilet, or a  Panther  wacking a gash in the dogs nose. Although I am merely a motorcyclist, everyone else around here, for reasons unexplained, considers me HOH and expects me to attend to these issues and promptly.

However, my theory is that some crackhead found out how expensive these bolts are and stole them to sell for drug money.

[C1xRider]

However, my theory is that some crackhead found out how expensive these bolts are and stole them to sell for drug money.

 

That's probably it!

[Conrad]

It is possible probable that I forgot to tighten them, same as the fender bolts. I was probably in the process of switching from a hex socket to an allen socket on my torque wrench when I was suddenly distracted by one of the usual daily occurences around here like lightening striking the house and causing a water main leak, or the washing machine backing up into the guest toilet, or a  Panther  wacking a gash in the dogs nose. Although I am merely a motorcyclist, everyone else around here, for reasons unexplained, considers me HOH and expects me to attend to these issues and promptly.

However, my theory is that some crackhead found out how expensive these bolts are and stole them to sell for drug money.

A thrill a minute around your place eh? 

[lather]

A thrill a minute around your place eh? 

Yes, it is scary. I have to go on long road trips frequently just to relax.

[Burbs]

Yes, it is scary. I have to go on long road trips frequently just to relax.

Absolutely nothing wrong with that kind of relaxation therapy! 

[Rawman]

However, my theory is that some crackhead found out how expensive these bolts are and stole them to sell for drug money.

Thank you Lather, that cracked me up, I needed that.......

[lather]

Thank you Lather, that cracked me up, I needed that.......

Anytime...Was that pun intended?