Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Stephen.G.Fiddes on April 16, 2014, 03:45:15 PM

Title: Bearing'd up Shifter Install Report
Post by: Stephen.G.Fiddes on April 16, 2014, 03:45:15 PM
Bike Info:
2013 C14, Purchased new in Nov '13, now with 5000 miles on it.

Shifting was not as smooth as when I purchased it.  It started getting bad after 400-500 miles.  having my previous bike with 1&2 gears going out, it had been nice having a smoothly shifting transmission.  Finally ordered the Kit from Murph's and installed it.  Shifting is smooth as glass now! 

However comma, I noticed something... When I took the bushing out, it was a Nylon bushing... I thought they went to an aluminum one between 2010/2012? I remember reading that a few places... But the bushing on my '13 was definitely Nylon...

Either way, the bearing kit is WELL worth the 21 beans with free shipping to have the smoother shifting. 
Title: Re: Bearing'd up Shifter Install Report
Post by: VirginiaJim on April 16, 2014, 04:46:21 PM
Glad you could tell the difference....I couldn't.
Title: Re: Bearing'd up Shifter Install Report
Post by: Stephen.G.Fiddes on April 16, 2014, 08:59:45 PM
Glad you could tell the difference....I couldn't.

Im pretty sensative to feel (easy boys!). So if something isnt right, I tend to notice it pretty quick, then it annoys me.

Last weekend when Katie and I were on or trip, I forgot to turn the preload up, and when we hit the twisty section, I regretted forgetting it. Ive never had a bike with good suspension (stock 650 suspension BLOWS!) so this one is the best I've felt, so I definately noticed the wrongness of it. 

Little vibrations and odd sounds too. I notice every little thing.

Ymmv.
Title: Re: Bearing'd up Shifter Install Report
Post by: C14lvr on April 16, 2014, 09:14:29 PM
Was the nylon worn?
Title: Re: Bearing'd up Shifter Install Report
Post by: Stephen.G.Fiddes on April 16, 2014, 09:54:46 PM
Was the nylon worn?
I'll have to clean jt up and look later.  I took it apart the other day tho and greased it cause there was almost nothing on it! That helped a bit but not much.
Title: Re: Bearing'd up Shifter Install Report
Post by: C14lvr on April 17, 2014, 08:03:18 AM
Ya know, I haven't noticed any problems with my 2011.
Never looked closely at the sleeve on mine.
I'll check it out when I can and let ya know if it's metal or nylon on the '11 models.
Title: Re: Bearing'd up Shifter Install Report
Post by: Stephen.G.Fiddes on April 17, 2014, 07:11:56 PM
Rode a longer distance today and shifting was very much improved even over when the bike was brand new.