Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: jsd on June 09, 2011, 05:10:40 PM

Title: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: jsd on June 09, 2011, 05:10:40 PM
So I'm riding to work 75 on the interstate and all the sudden it feels like somebody pulled 2 plug wires. As I am pulling into the brake down lane I notice my rear brake lever is stuck down. Upon yanking it up I hear what sounds like grinding stones, by the time I got to work whatever was in there worked its way out. I have a 09 that I was told had the recall done already. I was wondering exactly what the recall was and what I should look for?
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: CrashGordon on June 09, 2011, 05:18:32 PM
The recall was for this very problem--small rocks or road debris could get lodged and jam the rear brake. I would investigate further as to whether your recall was really done. Any dealer should be able to tell from your vin # whether it was done on your bike.
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: Bob on June 09, 2011, 05:20:54 PM
Look behind the recall protective shield and see if you have a rock being held in by the rock shield (meant to keep them out). It has already happened, so I'm not kidding.
 Did you adjust your rear brake or add peg lowers? This has also been a past problem with the rear brake staying on.
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 09, 2011, 05:31:14 PM
What year bike and was the brake recall shield done on it....?

Put your VIN into here and see if it's been done...

http://www.kawasaki.com/DefaultFrame.aspx?strContentURL=/SITE/VIVEHICLEINFORMATION/VICHOOSEVEHICLE.ASP (http://www.kawasaki.com/DefaultFrame.aspx?strContentURL=/SITE/VIVEHICLEINFORMATION/VICHOOSEVEHICLE.ASP)

If it has been done then file a complaint here......

http://www.nhtsa.gov/ (http://www.nhtsa.gov/)

I'm getting really tired of Kawasaki 'fixing' things that don't stay fixed  >:(
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: Bob on June 09, 2011, 05:52:26 PM
"I'm getting really tired of Kawasaki 'fixing' things that don't stay fixed"


It's not worth it Jim. Look what it did to me!  :yikes:
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 09, 2011, 05:56:33 PM
"I'm getting really tired of Kawasaki 'fixing' things that don't stay fixed"


It's not worth it Jim. Look what it did to me!  :yikes:

I know, but you're still ok with me....
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: Conrad on June 10, 2011, 04:58:34 AM
I know, but you're still ok with me....

 ;D
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: jonathan on June 10, 2011, 10:19:36 AM
The recall was to install a metal shield over the brake return spring to prevent pebbles from jamming the mechanism. To me it looked like it would make things worse, so I never had it done.
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: jaclaw on June 10, 2011, 11:06:22 AM
Is it a Recall or just a Service Bulletin.  Mine ('08) on the website says there are no recalls for the bike but I see nothing I would recognize as a shield.   
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: Bob on June 10, 2011, 04:18:46 PM
Is it a Recall or just a Service Bulletin.  Mine ('08) on the website says there are no recalls for the bike but I see nothing I would recognize as a shield.   

A recall!
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: jsd on June 11, 2011, 06:14:55 AM
I don't see any protective shield? There is a plastic sleeve that covers part of the return spring. When I got home and removed the peg mount to get a good look there was nothing in there, I must have knocked it out pulling on the brake lever to get it to release. I have 8,000 miles on it, original pegs for now. Perhaps a hugger would limit the stone tossing.
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 11, 2011, 06:30:54 AM
You should get a dealer to inspect it.  If this bike was not purchased new the previous owner may have removed it.  Even if it is there you can still get gravel in it.  I don't think a hugger will help alleviate that condition at all.
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: Conrad on June 11, 2011, 07:58:47 AM
You should get a dealer to inspect it.  If this bike was not purchased new the previous owner may have removed it.  Even if it is there you can still get gravel in it.  I don't think a hugger will help alleviate that condition at all.

I don't think that a hugger would help neither, but it cain't hurt nun. Plus they look cool.    8)
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: JetJock on June 11, 2011, 08:11:25 AM
I know what Huggies are. What the heck is a "hugger"? Is she good looking? Are the hugs free? ;D
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: Conrad on June 11, 2011, 08:17:47 AM
I know what Huggies are. What the heck is a "hugger"? Is she good looking? Are the hugs free? ;D

Free? Nope! Good looking? Yep.

(http://projektd.com/images/products/bodywork/gtr1400/101_32c_p.jpg)
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: JetJock on June 11, 2011, 09:59:49 AM
That's clean looking! Might have to give one a try.
Title: Re: Rear brake stuck on
Post by: Conrad on June 11, 2011, 01:10:25 PM
That's clean looking! Might have to give one a try.

Check with David, http://www.streetfightersbydesign.com/ (http://www.streetfightersbydesign.com/)

You may have to call him, he might have some in stock and give you a deal on one.