Thought I'd post this just for future issues for you guys with the ABS 2013's.There is a fitment issue with the new abs equipped models...at least with mine there was.It can lead to broken midfairing mount tabs where the tank cover lower projection pops into the grommet.
With mine..the left side of the tank itself was not sitting quite low enough...this caused the cover to show a BIG gap along the left side of the tank/cover seam(I tightened the mount bolts as well...they bottomed,so that wasn't the problem).So big in fact that you could look straight down above the tank and see the upper projection clearly...it was sticking out that much along that area of sweep....in the projection grommet.The lower one....it was off so badly that it couldn't be lined up into the grommet at all...not without pulling on the tank cover and trying to line up the projection for assembly.It WILL snap the fairing tab off because of the misalignment and stress...even if it is in the grommet.I called Kawasaki about it...explained what was happening.They noted it and were very cool.I have a fix for it....which worked perfectly.Just so you guys know....if yours looks not okay(the fitment of the tank cover)along the left side.I would guess Kawasaki will definitely address this deal...it's a quite simple fix really,but they probably may not have even realized at the factory that this is something that needs to be corrected.That cover gap is common...on all the 14's....but this one was too much...at least a good 3/8ths or more along that sweep,and I managed to snap the tab off installing as well.On both sides...which is not cool.The top projection fits fine...the lower one....it doesn't come far enough down to fit into the fairing grommet.Once it's pushed in there,it's pulling up on the fairing tab...which in effect opens that gap up more than it should.Something has to give...the tab breaks.The upper one is welded to the tank,so it can't break off.Lowering the tank as I did completely resolved the fitment thing...but the tabs are still not there(broken off).It fits okay and everything without the tabs on there....smooth and unnoticeable...but still....it should be corrected at the factory.They wanted me to take my bike to the dealer and have em replace the fairings...I said no.But they were willing to.I'll just keep it as is now...it fits perfect and doesn't appear to be any problem with the panels seating together and looking smooth and right.Just a heads up guys...and if you DO have a problem with it...here's the number to call...1-866-802-9381...ext.5.They want to here from others if this is a problem.....so call...they'll be cool about it.
BTW...I had all the tabs and stuff correctly seated...so I wasn't installing the tank cover incorrectly.They ran the abs lines under the tank....and I think they somehow allow the lines to push up on that left side someway....causing the tank to not be low enough....seemed like that to me anyway.Once I got the tank 'lowered'....everything fit right,and the gaps were gone.I'm surprised a bit that the assemblers didn't see this or think it just wasn't that big of a deal....maybe it's not to some people.But eventually you're gonna break those tabs trying to fit that cover on there down the line.I think so anyway.The lower cover projections are WAY OFF the way it is.
Just an aside...my 2012 did NOT have this issue....no lines running under the tank.All projections and bodywork fit perfectly,without drama.
* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/19/2013 @ 1:12 PM *