Howdy all...hope everyone's getting some fun and safe rides in.I am.Anyway...thought I'd post about this simple maintenance job.First off...It IS simple.Went down and bought a couple liters of KEROSINE.(like the manual suggests).Bought a couple of those sponge type paintbrushes,and a shoe polish applicator brush...the little deal with the handle and horsehair bristles.
FINALLY...I started with this deal that I've ALWAYS avoided before.Bike up on rear stand,Removed the rear belly fairing there.Went to work soaking the chain(put a plastic long pan under there).Used the sponge deals to thoroughly "wash" the chain rollers and plates.I was amazed at just how well the kerosine cuts through the grime,and leaves the chain looking new.Soaked it good,several(at least two) runs around the length and then used the horsehair brush to give er a final light scrub(with more kerosine).The job took about 20 minutes to do...very easy cleanup,and great results.Completely wiped the chain down with a clean dry cotton towel...several times.Then took a hair dryer and evaporated the remaining kerosine that might have still been in there.Held the dryer on "hot" setting at the lower rear sprocket area,where the chain rolls onto the chainwheel.(I dryed it running the wheel backwards...by hand there).The chain really cleaned up great....all the rollers were free to move smoothly,and then I applied Maxima Chain Wax to it,but not overdoing it(did this this morning before my ride).Went for a NICE ride...200 miles at least.Temps...mid 60's.Overcast.PERFECT for my big bird.
Between 5 and 90mph+,in virtually ANY gear she ran better than when she was new.Amazing how smooth my bike performs since I loosened that master link as Privateer said.Cleaning with the kerosine definitely is the way to go.There was an extremely minimal amount of fling from the Chain Wax...and probably would have been even less had I not applied it,then went for a ride.
Anyway...thought I'd share that with ya guys.Very easy and positive little job.I won't be avoiding cleaning my chain again.The only thing I would say is....make sure you dry the kerosine from the rollers and all very well before riding or applying a lube.I cleaned her LAST NIGHT,so there wasn't any issue about gooey,flowing kerosine/lube mix going all over the wheel.
I CANNOT imagine however using 90 wt.GEAR OIL as the manual recommends to do the chain lubing.Unless ya want to spend countless hours cleaning your rims!I LOVE my Kawasaki zx14!Awesome bike....way awesome!Take care all....be safe!
I DID fail myself though...I ran her up to 190 AGAIN .Gotta say...she's still got some left up there... she's so darn smooth...what a ride!
I've also eased up on my suspension settings...from the manual's settings,I'd say I'm just about tuned in for my weight(175)(she's plenty plush now,and holds a line and such sweet.Corners' just wonderful.Accelerates...instantaneously.Fast cruise...solid and smooth.Even my front discs and brakes have mellowed out...nice!(was getting a pulse pretty strong before.No longer the case).14's just ROCK.ROCK I tell ya!
Got my new Angel ST 180/55 rear scrubbed in but good today.Front's going on next week.Happy ridin all!Be safe!
Sheesh...I almost forgot...baby turned 41 today!!!WoHoo!41,200+ miles of awesome,trouble free miles!!!
* Last updated by: blue07 on 10/8/2010 @ 5:47 PM *