Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: kargagtr on September 19, 2012, 12:16:11 PM

Title: pure water
Post by: kargagtr on September 19, 2012, 12:16:11 PM
Dear friends, I love the Gtr 14 but I got few questions,
1)I'm trying to understand the little clean, uncolored, no smell, non oiled, pure looking water left under the concours 14 after I ride a while...( maybe 45 min or so)
This water is not much, it is about a size of a normal hand....
The bike is not over heating, nor loosing or leaking any coolant....However in city ride the motor temp changes between the 3rd and 4th, and when it is on the 4th level, the fan works time to time, but never passes the 4th line...
No cracks on coolant bottle,nor any cracks or leak on the radiator or radiator hoses....Which would leak in coolant color, this water has no colors or odors......What is this water? that seems coming from a condensation hose? is it normal?
2)Is it normal to multifunction display panel to show constantly different "RANGE" depending on the gear ,speed and rpm, and not be spesific for more than 20 to 25 seconds, ie: after getting a full tank of, first it shows something like "Range 260 + miles, second gear now it shows 198 mi, 3rd gear not its 168 miles, 4th gear Range 210 miles, so on.... so it changes all the time, it wont stay still for a minute....It does show a range but as I explained, it seems not much use since it constantly changes ?
Thank you for your times and helps on my questions,
Have a safe ride
Karga
2009 Kaw. Concours 14
4700 mi
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 19, 2012, 12:54:16 PM
Do you see this water each and every time you park the bike? Have you ridden in the rain recently? If you have and you got a bunch of water in the air box it could be coming from there. See the pic below, click it to expand. That clamp inside the red circle is designed to be removed in order to drain the air box. Take a look at yours and see if it's full of water. 

The range changing is normal depending on load and gear selection.

[smg id=373]
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Rhino on September 19, 2012, 01:47:29 PM

2)Is it normal to multifunction display panel to show constantly different "RANGE" depending on the gear ,speed and rpm, and not be spesific for more than 20 to 25 seconds, ie: after getting a full tank of, first it shows something like "Range 260 + miles, second gear now it shows 198 mi, 3rd gear not its 168 miles, 4th gear Range 210 miles, so on.... so it changes all the time, it wont stay still for a minute....It does show a range but as I explained, it seems not much use since it constantly changes ?

As Conrad said, completely normal. It is constantly recalculating based on all the inputs. Unfortunately it doesn't do averaging.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: kargagtr on September 19, 2012, 01:59:40 PM
Thank you for your reply,
No, I wasn't riding in the rain nor going thru a water...I looked at where you ask me to and seems both of the little mini bottles are empty....
And yes , so far I'veridden 5 times and each time that pure water is right underneath...
Where can I order the nice black highway bars like you installed... Are they reasonably priced, total of 2 or more have you installed?
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: stevewfl on September 19, 2012, 02:22:09 PM
Trade it for a hardly-ableson and it'll become an oil puddle =)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Mad River Marc on September 19, 2012, 02:24:18 PM
If you are referring to the round black things sticking out the sides those aren't highway bars, those are GSG Frame sliders...  I think I got mine from twisted throttle..
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 19, 2012, 02:44:06 PM
Thank you for your reply,
No, I wasn't riding in the rain nor going thru a water...I looked at where you ask me to and seems both of the little mini bottles are empty....
And yes , so far I'veridden 5 times and each time that pure water is right underneath...
Where can I order the nice black highway bars like you installed... Are they reasonably priced, total of 2 or more have you installed?

Can you tell where the water is leaking from? Any chance that you have a friend playing a trip on you and pouring some water under your bike as a joke?    ;)
If not, I have no idea. There's isn't anything on the bike that contains only water. Are you sure that it's not brake fluid?

As for the GSG sliders, http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/3931/605/ (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/3931/605/)  You can order them in black using the pull down box on the top right for $16 more. Or you may want to check these out, http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9386.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=9386.0)  The sale price is gone but you can still get them, contact Ryan at the number listed.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: kargagtr on September 19, 2012, 03:02:11 PM
Thanks for the replies , and for the great suggestions
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: maxtog on September 19, 2012, 03:38:31 PM
Thank you for your reply,
No, I wasn't riding in the rain nor going thru a water...I looked at where you ask me to and seems both of the little mini bottles are empty....
And yes , so far I'veridden 5 times and each time that pure water is right underneath...

The bike contains (or should contain) absolutely no "pure water" in it at all.  Unless someone put water in your coolant system instead of an antifreeze mix, which would be a bad thing, indeed.

Assuming your coolant is COOLANT, and you have not washed the bike in several days, there are only two possibilities for water-  rain or condensation.  And if it is condensation, I would not expect a "hand sized" puddle of water, unless your relative humidity there gets really high.  You didn't specify WHERE the puddle is located under the bike, which is an extremely important clue.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 19, 2012, 03:52:39 PM
I bet the bike is just working hard and sweating, from having to tote that massive exhaust around. :stirpot:  I wonder if you have an exhaust leak, and that is condensation?
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 19, 2012, 04:45:19 PM
Please pay no attention to the Twit in the above post....although he may have a point (I truly hate to say that) about the condensation from the exhaust.

I think I would check the oil site glass and see if the oil is murky and also check the oil cap to see if you have any brown sludge on it.  Report back if you do.   Where does the temp gauge stay in normal riding outside of the city?  It really sounds like the bike may not be heating up enough.  I think Mr. Conrad had that issue with his bike.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: B.D.F. on September 19, 2012, 05:27:33 PM
The range function is tied to the current mileage function so it will change as the way you use the bike changes. For example: if you ride down the road at, say, 50 MPH is 4th gear (a straight, level road) the range function will yield a certain distance. Now upshift into 6th, hold the same speed and watch the range increase. It does this because your instantaneous mileage has increased so whatever amount of fuel in the tank will take you further. Unless riding at a pretty steady speed that you expect to maintain, such as when on a highway, the range function is not really useful. It is correct data but not useful data.

As for the clear water, if you ride in the rain a certain amount of water will enter the air intakes up front. The air induction system has a set of baffles and dips to capture as much water as practical; that water is fed to a hose that exits by the left hand rider's peg. That drain will also drain any oil that condenses from the engine vent into the air intake system so occasionally there will be a fair amount of water with a bit of oil or usually oil foam in (floating on top of) it.

Brian

Dear friends, I love the Gtr 14 but I got few questions,
1)I'm trying to understand the little clean, uncolored, no smell, non oiled, pure looking water left under the concours 14 after I ride a while...( maybe 45 min or so)
This water is not much, it is about a size of a normal hand....
The bike is not over heating, nor loosing or leaking any coolant....However in city ride the motor temp changes between the 3rd and 4th, and when it is on the 4th level, the fan works time to time, but never passes the 4th line...
No cracks on coolant bottle,nor any cracks or leak on the radiator or radiator hoses....Which would leak in coolant color, this water has no colors or odors......What is this water? that seems coming from a condensation hose? is it normal?
2)Is it normal to multifunction display panel to show constantly different "RANGE" depending on the gear ,speed and rpm, and not be spesific for more than 20 to 25 seconds, ie: after getting a full tank of, first it shows something like "Range 260 + miles, second gear now it shows 198 mi, 3rd gear not its 168 miles, 4th gear Range 210 miles, so on.... so it changes all the time, it wont stay still for a minute....It does show a range but as I explained, it seems not much use since it constantly changes ?
Thank you for your times and helps on my questions,
Have a safe ride
Karga
2009 Kaw. Concours 14
4700 mi
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Just Krusen on September 19, 2012, 06:44:11 PM
Exhaust condensation would be my guess.  Some bikes have weep holes in the exhaust to let the water out and prevent rust.  I have not looked at the C14's pipes yet.

Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 20, 2012, 04:32:52 AM
The range function is tied to the current mileage function so it will change as the way you use the bike changes. For example: if you ride down the road at, say, 50 MPH is 4th gear (a straight, level road) the range function will yield a certain distance. Now upshift into 6th, hold the same speed and watch the range increase. It does this because your instantaneous mileage has increased so whatever amount of fuel in the tank will take you further. Unless riding at a pretty steady speed that you expect to maintain, such as when on a highway, the range function is not really useful. It is correct data but not useful data.

As for the clear water, if you ride in the rain a certain amount of water will enter the air intakes up front. The air induction system has a set of baffles and dips to capture as much water as practical; that water is fed to a hose that exits by the left hand rider's peg. That drain will also drain any oil that condenses from the engine vent into the air intake system so occasionally there will be a fair amount of water with a bit of oil or usually oil foam in (floating on top of) it.

Brian

Thanks Brian, I pretty much said the same thing in post #1 except I had a visual aide.  Ha!  ;)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Mister Tee on September 20, 2012, 08:21:57 AM
Almost every bike I've owned had a drain hole in the bottom of the exhaust to let condensate drip out and it usually collects noticeably on a cold day.  I've never noticed condensate under my own C14, but I'm sure that is what you are looking at.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: B.D.F. on September 20, 2012, 12:17:55 PM
Yeah, you are correct, I did not read the entire thread before posting. But I think I can redeem myself and trump you visual aide at the same time.... watch this:

KiPass!

Yep, that ought to do it.

Brian

Thanks Brian, I pretty much said the same thing in post #1 except I had a visual aide.  Ha!  ;)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 20, 2012, 12:28:37 PM
Yeah, you are correct, I did not read the entire thread before posting. But I think I can redeem myself and trump you visual aide at the same time.... watch this:

KiPass!

Yep, that ought to do it.

Brian

 :hail:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: kargagtr on September 20, 2012, 03:18:28 PM
Good news dear friends, I was at the Kawasaki dealer today, getting the factory recall done with that little piece in breaking, and had the bike checked...No sign of even a drop of water, no leaks, no oil drips...Every fluid level is just right, all the colors are also nice....Service tech was telling me, after washing this specific bike it is normal to see some water coming on to floor after even a week or two, he was pointing out all the intakes intakes and places where water might drip and sit, and then finally find its way to floor....

To answer the question about the engine temp. it is usually on the second level to third level within city, rarely on fourth level, and when it reaches to fourth level the fan does come on.

Thank you all for your knowledgeable responses.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 20, 2012, 03:20:38 PM
No good can come from washing a bike...

Sounds like to me it's running a bit cool.  Keep an eye on the oil color in the sight glass and underneath the oil cap.  If it starts getting muddy looking or frothy then you may have to change the thermostat.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: kargagtr on September 20, 2012, 03:30:55 PM
VirginiaJim Ok, I'll Keep an eye on the oil color in the sight glass and underneath the oil cap.
Isn't average 3rd to fourth level normal, within city low rpm(below 4500) , maybe about 30 to 40 min rides?
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 20, 2012, 03:43:59 PM
If you have condensate coming out of drain tube, it ain't normal.  I've never seen it on my bike in nearly 5 years of ownership with riding in rain storms and washing it once a year whether it needed it or not.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Cuda on September 20, 2012, 04:12:58 PM
I've never washed my wheels, I'm trying  to get them to look like ZG's 8) 8)
No I forgot when I changed my tires they were washed DAMM.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: ZG on September 20, 2012, 04:39:40 PM
I've never washed my wheels, I'm trying  to get them to look like ZG's 8) 8)

 :rotflmao: :thumbs: :chugbeer:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2012, 04:41:51 AM
Good news dear friends, I was at the Kawasaki dealer today, getting the factory recall done with that little piece in breaking, and had the bike checked...No sign of even a drop of water, no leaks, no oil drips...Every fluid level is just right, all the colors are also nice....Service tech was telling me, after washing this specific bike it is normal to see some water coming on to floor after even a week or two, he was pointing out all the intakes intakes and places where water might drip and sit, and then finally find its way to floor....

To answer the question about the engine temp. it is usually on the second level to third level within city, rarely on fourth level, and when it reaches to fourth level the fan does come on.

Thank you all for your knowledgeable responses.

To me those temp readings sound normal.

As for water still dripping off the bike a week or two after you wash it? That sounds pretty dubious.

Unlike Jim, some of us like to ride a clean bike and when I wash mine I always take it for a short spirited ride afterwards to dry her off and keep the rust off the disks. I've been known to have a beer or three while I wash my bike and if that's the case, I use my electric leaf blower to dry Connie off instead of a ride. 

Be sure to pull the seat off after you wash and get the tank dried off under the seat area. Some folks have had issues with rust in the area where the seat mounting tangs are.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: jtk1531 on September 21, 2012, 08:03:34 AM
start up the engine after washing the bike, warm it up till operating temp. helps evaporate off any water that's trapped around the engine area. i wait till i see steam condensing on the windshield before shutting it off.

i've had corrosion inside spark plug holes (in previous bikes), probably because of water getting in there through washing.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: rcannon409 on September 21, 2012, 08:45:08 AM
I vote for condensation dropping from the air conditioner condenser.   I'm sure there's one under that plastic..somewhere.

Seriously, after a  humid days riding, I'll get mystery water from my c14 as well.

Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Mister Tee on September 21, 2012, 08:45:18 AM
Maybe a few hours, but water isn't going to be retained in the fairings for a few days.  No way.  Especially if you've ridden it afterwards.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2012, 09:12:29 AM
I vote for condensation dropping from the air conditioner condenser.   I'm sure there's one under that plastic..somewhere.

Seriously, after a  humid days riding, I'll get mystery water from my c14 as well.

Maybe he has that secret AC option?
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: gPink on September 21, 2012, 10:03:45 AM
Maybe he has that secret AC option?
That's not coming out til 2014, along with the secret cruise control option.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 21, 2012, 11:09:03 AM
I am just glad I figured out the potential culprit many posts ago. ;)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2012, 11:11:09 AM
I am just glad I figured out the potential culprit many posts ago. ;)

Well done Poke, I'm all out of cookies. How's about a beer?   
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 21, 2012, 11:13:50 AM
I'm well stocked with cookies.   Have a cookie, Poke.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 21, 2012, 11:14:48 AM
Well done Poke, I'm all out of cookies. How's about a beer?


I like the good stuff, so don't be a cheap ass please. Come visit the Buckeye state sometime, I will introduce you to some roads that your state is sorely lacking. :chugbeer:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 21, 2012, 11:15:52 AM
I'm well stocked with cookies.   Have a cookie, Poke.


Are they homemade?
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: B.D.F. on September 21, 2012, 11:20:00 AM
Yeah but his guinea pig got loose and those things ain't chocolate chips.

 :o

Brian


Are they homemade?
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: B.D.F. on September 21, 2012, 11:21:40 AM
Great job! Hey, I got this spot that won't go away.... I will send you a photo and I want you to let me know what it is. The photo is a little dark 'cause there isn't much light shining on the spot so you might have to squint a little....

 ;D ;D ;D

Brian

I am just glad I figured out the potential culprit many posts ago. ;)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 21, 2012, 11:23:09 AM
Great job! Hey, I got this spot that won't go away.... I will send you a photo and I want you to let me know what it is. The photo is a little dark 'cause there isn't much light shining on the spot so you might have to squint a little....

 ;D ;D ;D

Brian


I have no desire to see any of your birthmarks.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: B.D.F. on September 21, 2012, 11:29:19 AM
Who said anything about a birthmark? Go read that post again Brian.....

 :o ;D ;D

Brian


I have no desire to see any of your birthmarks.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2012, 11:38:38 AM
 :rotflmao:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 21, 2012, 11:39:42 AM

I like the good stuff, so don't be a cheap ass please. Come visit the Buckeye state sometime, I will introduce you to some roads that your state is sorely lacking. :chugbeer:

No worries there Pokey, I like the good stuff too. You're right about the roads here, most of em anyways.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 21, 2012, 01:18:57 PM
Who said anything about a birthmark? Go read that post again Brian.....

 :o ;D ;D

Brian


Hard to believe, but I am a tad bit confused. :feedback:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: B.D.F. on September 21, 2012, 02:41:22 PM
I congratulated you on guessing what the OP's spot of water was. Then I said that I have a spot myself and wondered if you could diagnose that spot for me. I said I would send you a photo of the spot but that it was a little dark because there was not much light where the spot is. It has nothing to do with a birthmark. My spot is located in a fairly dark place.... need I go on Brian? Think of a place where I might have a spot that is not well lit usually. I am really NOT going to send you a photo of my spot, it was just a humorous reference.

Hey, free humor and it struck me as funny at the moment. Now, not so much. Kirby laughed pretty hard though.  ;D

Brian



Hard to believe, but I am a tad bit confused. :feedback:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 21, 2012, 02:48:16 PM
At the risk of being a party pooper here, let's try to veer back to the OP's subject.  ::)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: just gone on September 21, 2012, 04:02:06 PM
At the risk of being a party pooper here, let's try to veer back to the OP's subject.  ::)

You had to say pooper didn't you! Just when I wanted to show everyone my spot.

(http://www.westshoreendoscopy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/colonoscopy.jpg)

Think of a place where I might have a spot that is not well lit usually.

Don't worry, when you get old enough someone will come along and light it up for you.

But seriously folks (return to topic), I have yet to find any water or other mystery fluids under my C14. Dog pee
on the back wheel once, but that's it.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Mister Tee on September 21, 2012, 04:44:51 PM
I thought I had an oil leak from my new Gixxer not long after I bought it, but it turned out to be the crappy black chain lube they put on it at the dealership.

(Is that a vagina?)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 21, 2012, 05:03:28 PM
No wonder you are called Fartymarty, and looks like I see some light at the end of that tunnel!!!!!  :o  And Jim.....since I figured out the issue with the mystery leak, it seems this thread has reached it's rear-end. :rotflmao:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: ZG on September 21, 2012, 05:39:24 PM
No wonder you are called Fartymarty, and looks like I see some light at the end of that tunnel!!!!!  :o   

 :rotflmao:
 
 
Oh ya, and.....  :doublepuke:
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: just gone on September 21, 2012, 07:05:38 PM
(Is that a vagina?)

Only in prison. :yikes: (or so I'm told.)
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 21, 2012, 08:56:48 PM
Only in prison. :yikes: (or so I'm told.)


Hear they refer to it as a buttgina.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 22, 2012, 05:25:36 AM
 :o
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Conrad on September 22, 2012, 05:26:23 AM

Hear they refer to it as a buttgina.

What prison are you in Poke?
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: just gone on September 22, 2012, 11:43:33 AM
What is that noise?.....anybody hear it?

......it sounds like someone is sharpening a sword (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=2554;type=avatar) or something.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: gPink on September 22, 2012, 11:52:28 AM
...and quoting Scripture.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: Pokey on September 22, 2012, 11:54:08 AM
What is that noise?.....anybody hear it?

......it sounds like someone is sharpening a sword (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=2554;type=avatar) or something.


Sounds like a martini shaker to me. ;D
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 22, 2012, 02:23:03 PM
Winner!
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: B.D.F. on September 22, 2012, 04:07:15 PM
Yikes!

Back on topic, is that a fob way, way up there on the left hand side? Or is that the right hand side, I can't tell which way is 'up'. That photo needs a pointer to mark 'North' like a map....

Brian


You had to say pooper didn't you! Just when I wanted to show everyone my spot.

(http://www.westshoreendoscopy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/colonoscopy.jpg)

Don't worry, when you get old enough someone will come along and light it up for you.

But seriously folks (return to topic), I have yet to find any water or other mystery fluids under my C14. Dog pee
on the back wheel once, but that's it.
Title: Re: pure water
Post by: stevewfl on September 22, 2012, 04:16:57 PM
Yikes!

Back on topic, is that a fob way, way up there on the left hand side? Or is that the right hand side, I can't tell which way is 'up'. That photo needs a pointer to mark 'North' like a map....

Brian

Speaking of FOBs, wish you, your wife and Kirby could've joined us HERE today!  http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10831.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10831.0)