Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: jtk1531 on March 17, 2012, 08:22:29 PM

Title: shock preload adjuster cap (2010-2012 model)
Post by: jtk1531 on March 17, 2012, 08:22:29 PM

anyone knows how to take off the plastic adjustment cap on the shock preload adjuster?
frequent rides in the rain seem to result in a siezed up adjuster. i'm thinking of using some silicon grease to lube up the inside of the cap.

i've read about using WD-40 and other types of spray-on lubes to free up the adjuster, but i don't think petroleum-based solvents will be safe for o-rings that might get in contact with the spray liquid.

Title: Re: shock preload adjuster cap (2010-2012 model)
Post by: momo65 on March 17, 2012, 08:51:22 PM

I don't know how to take the cap off, but whatever you do, do not use WD-40, you are going to end up with a bunch of dirt and grime afterwards, am pretty sure someone here will help you with your question.

Title: Re: shock preload adjuster cap (2010-2012 model)
Post by: wally_games on March 17, 2012, 09:01:59 PM

Same happened to me and I've read that it's happened to others. I took mine back to the dealer and they had it working within 10 minutes and I haven't had a problem with it again for about 10 months.

Title: Re: shock preload adjuster cap (2010-2012 model)
Post by: Glennn on March 18, 2012, 08:38:14 PM

There is a small pin on the back side (tyre side) of the adjuster that I have read (so not done myself) you push into the adjuster which then allows you to pull the cap off.

My adjuster seized within a week (http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php/topic,31675.msg150286.html) of having the brand new bike that had never seen rain.  I sprayed Inox (a penetrating lubricant) up under the cap, worked it back and forth and it has been fine since.

Title: Re: shock preload adjuster cap (2010-2012 model)
Post by: jtk1531 on March 18, 2012, 11:30:32 PM

Quote from: Glennn on March 18, 2012, 08:38:14 PM

There is a small pin on the back side (tyre side) of the adjuster that I have read (so not done myself) you push into the adjuster which then allows you to pull the cap off.

yeah, i noticed that pin too. tried to push the pin in yesterday evening while cleaning up the bike, but it doesn't seem to budge at all. i only had a small key on hand at that time that i tried to push the pin in with.
any site-reference to where you read about pin's function? is it supposed to be pushed in when the preload's fully in or out or somewhere in between?

Title: Re: shock preload adjuster cap (2010-2012 model)
Post by: Glennn on March 19, 2012, 12:04:17 AM

Quote from: jtk1531 on March 18, 2012, 11:30:32 PM

any site-reference to where you read about pin's function?

Have tried to find it for you but can't seem to work my google-fu at the moment.  I seem to remember reading you had to push it through with a nail or something and then fish it out of the adjuster when dissasembled.

BUT

I didn't like what I was reading and a jammed shock adjuster on a one week old bike was bad enough I didn't want to be responsible for breaking the thing.  But still, after I gave her a squirt with the lube and got onto it with the strap wrench it has been fine.