All I have is 'second hand' information, but I have full confidence in the source. Here's his info: http://forum.cog-online.org/index.php/topic,27838.msg115586.html#msg115586.
Is it possible that the 26,000 mile adjustment is for bikes with O2 sensors?
Thanks. I was aware of that source but I was looking for something from Kawasaki. The point being that I do not think they will ever take a side on that issue (maintenance interval differences), at least not an official side.
Brian
You don't consider that to be a reliable statement, and from Kawasaki? I know it's not in writing from them, but I doubt you will ever see that.
It does work out that way because non- US and non- Canadian bikes have O2 sensors as well as the longer valve lash check intervals but I do not think those two things are related. I cannot see how a closed loop F.I. system using an O2 sensor would lengthen the intervals between the inspection and adjustment of a purely mechanical thing like valve lash. The cause of both differences may be the same though- US emissions regulations.I was thinking along the lines that the O2 sensors would satisfy regulations and allow for longer inspections because a problem would be detected sooner by the bikes system.
Brian
I was thinking along the lines that the O2 sensors would satisfy regulations and allow for longer inspections because a problem would be detected sooner by the bikes system.
I do not think there would be any 'detection' by the ECU until a valve actually burned and then the rider would already know because of that nasty skip.... Really, the F.I. system cannot compensate or react to valve lash until that lash was so far out of tolerance as to be ridiculous.Not compensate but maybe throwing an error code (before that nasty skip ) because of a slight loss of compression and a incomplete burn loading up the O2 sensor.
I believe the valve lash schedule on C-14's in the US and Canada was due to an agreement between Kawasaki and the US gov't but do not know that that is a fact.
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Brian
I did not say or imply that anything was or was not reliable. Please read my post again.
What I said was that I was aware of that source for the information but was looking for another source, preferably written. Fred's statement came from a conversation he had from someone who is an employee or associated with Kawasaki; I do not believe that it represents Kawasaki's official position. I too would be surprised if Kawasaki did print any official position on that issue and that is why I asked you for clarification about the source of your information.
If the reason for the different lash check intervals is emissions based, and I do believe it is, then it is not likely that we will ever see any direct mention of that from any vehicle manufacturer.
Brian
I do not think there would be any 'detection' by the ECU until a valve actually burned and then the rider would already know because of that nasty skip.... Really, the F.I. system cannot compensate or react to valve lash until that lash was so far out of tolerance as to be ridiculous.
I believe the valve lash schedule on C-14's in the US and Canada was due to an agreement between Kawasaki and the US gov't but do not know that that is a fact.
Brian
If the valve adjustment was off, it would negatively affect the emissions in a measurable way before it burned a valve. If they actually used a O2 sensor, and had preprogrammed limits for how far off the feedback could be, the ECU could throw an error code indicating the correction factor was outside of the limit.
However, since North American bikes don't have 02 sensors, it doesn't matter anyway.
I'll have to research this 15,000 mile EPA test a little. It would be sad if Kawi decided they could drop the 02 sensors, since the EPA test requires stricter maintenance intervals.
Given that closed loop systems should be more efficient under the typical conditions the bike would see compared to a fixed map open loop system, it would be ironic if it was this test that resulted in them being dropped for the US bikes.
Just got the bike back from the dealer. Had my 15k service done, but bike actually had 20k when I took it in. None of the valves required adjustment, however I did not ask how close they were to needing some. Total cost for the service was $649, increased a bit because I requested full synthetic motor oil. Dealer has also gotten approval to replace the front brakes under warranty, and the rear TPM sensor. Will take bike back in when the parts are received. My dealer is Primo Powersports in Lilburn, Georgia. They've never done me wrong, at least not in my opinion.
I think the valve check is scheduled too soon, should be 25-30k at least for the first check.
That seems a bit too high for a "non-adjust".
Just got the bike back from the dealer. Had my 15k service done, but bike actually had 20k when I took it in. None of the valves required adjustment, however I did not ask how close they were to needing some. Total cost for the service was $649, increased a bit because I requested full synthetic motor oil. Dealer has also gotten approval to replace the front brakes under warranty, and the rear TPM sensor. Will take bike back in when the parts are received. My dealer is Primo Powersports in Lilburn, Georgia. They've never done me wrong, at least not in my opinion.
I think the valve check is scheduled too soon, should be 25-30k at least for the first check.
FWIW - Top Gear Motorsports in Athens did my valve service for $275. Can't say anything bad about Primo, but I have always found them a little high (both bike prices and service). But they are a good dealer.
-David
Athens, GA
Just got the bike back from the dealer. Had my 15k service done, but bike actually had 20k when I took it in. None of the valves required adjustment, however I did not ask how close they were to needing some. Total cost for the service was $649, increased a bit because I requested full synthetic motor oil. Dealer has also gotten approval to replace the front brakes under warranty, and the rear TPM sensor. Will take bike back in when the parts are received. My dealer is Primo Powersports in Lilburn, Georgia. They've never done me wrong, at least not in my opinion.
I think the valve check is scheduled too soon, should be 25-30k at least for the first check.