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Thread: ZX14 vibration issues

Created on: 10/21/15 04:26 PM

Replies: 8

OZrevhead


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Location:

Sydney, Australia

Joined: 01/11/15

Posts: 162

ZX14 vibration issues
10/21/15 4:26 PM

Guys, a few months ago I bought a 2007 zx14 after a long stint without my own bike (riding wifey's zzr on and off), this didn't really become apparent right away but now I'm noticing a problem. I commute about 1/2 hour to work and during that time my right hand goes numb, sometimes my left does too but its easier to rest it while riding so maybe thats why the right cops it worse. I thought I was gripping the bars too tight or putting too much weight on my hands but now I think there is a deeper issue at play. I believe my bike has an engine vibration problem, if I press on my footpegs the right way I get a buzzing feeling in my feet too. I started googling it this morning and saw a lot of posts about it, I read one thread through and the issue was never resolved. They mentioned balancers being out of pgase from the factory, loose mounts but no one confirmed they fixed it.

Can you guys tell me if any of you have had vibration issues with your 14 and if you successfully fixed it?

Any help would be great


* Last updated by: OZrevhead on 10/21/2015 @ 4:27 PM *



OLD GIRL - 2007 Black zx14, Muzzy 4:1, PCV, QS, 1" risers, 165hp so far @ 142,000km, 9.70@144.6 ....... NEW BABY - 2014 Green/Black ZX14R, Two Bros slip-ons, PCV, Dynojet QS, 1" risers, Sargent seat, Brocks clutch kit, 206 HP on dyno

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Grn14


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Location: Montana

Joined: 02/25/09

Posts: 15511

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/21/15 6:23 PM

"become apparent right away but now I'm noticing a problem"...how's the front tire doing?

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OZrevhead


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Location:

Sydney, Australia

Joined: 01/11/15

Posts: 162

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/21/15 7:32 PM

I will have a look shortly and post back, I would be happy if thats all it was.

:)



OLD GIRL - 2007 Black zx14, Muzzy 4:1, PCV, QS, 1" risers, 165hp so far @ 142,000km, 9.70@144.6 ....... NEW BABY - 2014 Green/Black ZX14R, Two Bros slip-ons, PCV, Dynojet QS, 1" risers, Sargent seat, Brocks clutch kit, 206 HP on dyno

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Nightmare


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Location: Okotoks, AB

Joined: 04/07/09

Posts: 602

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/21/15 9:38 PM

The problem with this kind of issue is there are so many things that can cause vibrations and how bad the vibration is generally subjective.

You may also feel the effects more in your right hand not only because its more difficult to give the hand a break but also because the throttle tube is directly connected to an engine component. I notice a big difference between the left and right bars and my hand gets tired after my commute as well (air temperature and speed seem to be a factor but again its subjective).

Since you're not the original owner, I would assume the previous owner never did any general maintenance and the biggest cause of vibration is from the engine itself. The top things you should be checking are the vacuum sync of the throttle bodies, valve clearance, spark plugs and cylinder compression. A leak down test would also help you identify a weak cylinder and give you an idea of the overall health of the engine but its not something a home mechanic can do with basic tools and if the cylinder compression is within spec and adjusting the rest of the items fixes this issue I wouldn't bother with it (spend the money on gas and go ride!).

The vibration from an engine is going to be caused by a difference in power between the cylinders. For example, if the #2 throttle body is drawing in more air, it'll be making more power, which causes an imbalance and thus vibration. Syncing the throttle bodies will mean they should all be drawing in the same amount of air and producing roughly the same amount of power.

Keep in mind that there maybe several things out of spec and can all be adding up to make the vibrations unbearable.

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OZrevhead


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Location:

Sydney, Australia

Joined: 01/11/15

Posts: 162

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/21/15 10:53 PM

Thanks mate, good points to consider. If it is a throttle sync issue then it should vary with throttle opening right? Since the difference will be more pronounced with small throttle openings. I will tinker with throttle position on the way home from work and see if I can match anything to the symptoms. The vibration is a very fast buzz though if that helps, cruising at highway speed.



OLD GIRL - 2007 Black zx14, Muzzy 4:1, PCV, QS, 1" risers, 165hp so far @ 142,000km, 9.70@144.6 ....... NEW BABY - 2014 Green/Black ZX14R, Two Bros slip-ons, PCV, Dynojet QS, 1" risers, Sargent seat, Brocks clutch kit, 206 HP on dyno

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Hub


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Joined: 02/05/09

Posts: 13917

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/22/15 6:06 AM

My own experience said the bars were too low. I installed the riser blocks and my numbness cleared. It was that small a move that made all the difference. No sync or balance would have helped. Same buzz at the pegs, same stock position at the balancers, sunk when the interval came... still points to those extenders unloading the arm angle.



Tormenting the motorcycling community one post at a time

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Grn14


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Location: Montana

Joined: 02/25/09

Posts: 15511

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/22/15 6:21 AM

"My own experience said the bars were too low. I installed the riser blocks and my numbness cleared"...yep...this works for LOTS of guys with this issue.Also a throttlemiester could help...allow you to get your grip off that right hand periodically.Or at least reduce your grip over the long haul.Tank grips also help to allow you to use your knees to stabilize your torso while riding.You can lighten your bar gripping by using your knees instead of your arms and hands.The bike will virtually steer itself in most cases.Having a death grip or something is totally unnecessary.


* Last updated by: Grn14 on 10/22/2015 @ 6:23 AM *

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Danno


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Location:

Southwestern Illinois

Joined: 12/18/11

Posts: 2142

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/22/15 6:40 AM

Another thing to remember is that an inline-4 has an inherent rocking couple that, despite counterbalancers, produces a high-frequency buzz. This can get worse with age and miles as carbon builds up on the piston crowns and the state of tune deteriorates.

So raise the bars, loosen your grip, balance your tires, pour in some Techroline, synch the throttle bodies, get some foam grip wrappers and see if the vibes still put your hands to sleep. If it does, get a 6-cylinder BMW. I hear they are pretty smooth.



'07 CPB Blue; ZGST windscreen with MRA X-screen adjustable spoiler, tube bar adaptor, PC III, ATRE,BMC air filter, modified stock seat with 2nd Look cover,Scorpion Flame Ti slip-ons, Galfer rotors front and rear, braided-stainless lines, C-F 10R front fender, C-F hugger, C-F inner fairing panels, painted foreman's fins with faux C-F inlay, polished rim lips wired for heated gear and accessories, Givi V35 side bags and E41 topcase with SW-Motech qd mounts

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Maddevill


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Location: Hayward, CA

Joined: 04/23/11

Posts: 2673

RE: ZX14 vibration issues
10/22/15 7:41 AM

Oz, put a set of Grip Puppies on your grips and get a throttle lock. The grip puppies give you a larger diameter and relieve pressure on your hands a bit. The throttle lock allows you to let go and relax your throttle hand when it gets tired. I use a Go Cruise. Simple and around $39 here in the states. These combined with a T- body sync and bar risers should fix most of the problems.

Mad



Owner of KNGKAW.

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