I have the 2013 SE Spark Black ZX14R. In Australia we don't get the rear seat cover on our models. I ordered one when I got the bike last week and it came without the silver and green decals that run along the bottom edge. What a rip-off, and cost me $98.00 for the 2 little strip decals. Nice one Kawasaki (not!).
I'm trying to work out exactly where the decals should be positioned, same as factory. Can someone with this model tell me how many mm from the front edge they sit, and how far up from the bottom edge at the rear.
I'd appreciate any help.

* Last updated by: sweetfa65 on 7/28/2013 @ 4:52 PM *

Welcome...first off...but can't you get a blowup of that seat cowl off a website?Maybe the Kawasaki site...copy that pic...then go from there?Seems like ya could...anyway...Have fun...

Have you installed decals before...these Kawasaki ones?Best to use a VERY mild soap and water spray solution.Clean the surface VERY well...then spray.Spray the decal also.You may want to trim a slight bit off the circumference of it.Spray both sides.Peel off slowly and carefully from the backing paper.1)Spray the cowl...put decal on...and align.NOW...very important...take a credit card and carefully without too much pressure work any bubbles to the edge and out.If you need to readjust...add some more water to the decal(maybe lift as well...you may have to)...and continue on...being careful not to TEAR the outside circumference.(the clear part).Get all the water out from underneath with the card.It may take a bit...just go easy on the decal.Finalize by wiping(carefully)the decal with a soft cloth...it should be fine.It will dry overnight..but periodically check to see the edges are not raising up.Just hold them down...squeeze any water out...and wipe off again with the cloth.If the edges are raising at curved points...it's probably not aligned right...so go slow and take yer time.

I know you didn't ask about applying...but I thought I'd share that with ya anywho;)I messed up a couple of mine applying...had to get new ones.You don't want to do that;)Your new pic there...you can see where the colored part is aligned with the angle in the bend of the seat cowl...the corner angle(going into the seat part of it.You want the clear edge of the decal to roll OVER that angle there....on the inward flat spot.DO NOT GRAB the decal at any time on the adhesive side....go slow...peel the paper off...and add water.Credit card the bubbles out from the center of the horizontal plane to the edges.SLOWLY.Peel the backing paper all the way off first.Then the decal will be more pliable.Spray it ...and apply,moving to the right spot with the cushion of liquid.Hold one end down as you press it into place.It will slide easily with the water under there.Cut the tabs off as well...before you remove from the backing paper....you won't need those interfering.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/24/2013 @ 8:39 PM *

Sweet- I keep my bike at my shop, less riding it on the gravel that way, but I'll take a gander at mine tomorrow and get some measurements for you.

"Roger" Grn. Thanks mate.
I haven't picked the decals up yet, but I guess it'll all make more sense when I see them. Just wanted to prepare in advance.
Thanks for the application advice. VERY helpful reminder. I've done some decals in the past, but not so many factory or clear ones.
Sharing is caring. Thanks man.

Phuck'n kawi rippers. Stickers were 98 that's nuts!

sweetfa65 I have the same model as you, can you tell me where you ordered your seat cowl from & what did it cost you?

Thanks Mate

You're welcome Sweet.Congrats on yer spaceship....badass fer sure.They'll 'probably' have a clear top film,and that paper backing.But they may not have that top covering.If so...just stick the one end(the wide graphic end)where you want it to be...then gently peel the clear part off...and press the rest of the decal backwards onto the cowl(with lots of water).Gonna need a razor blade probably to separate the clear from the decal itself.Watch touching the adhesive side....or damaging the edges.If you do cut any circumference off...make sure you cut with a very sharp scissor.You don't want to 'pull' any cut parts away from the decal...that will damage the clear edge.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/25/2013 @ 10:26 AM *

G'day Martin. I ordered my seat cowl from my S.A. Kawasaki dealer at the same time I took delivery of the bike. Aussie dealers should have one or be able to order it in for you. Mine was ex-Melbourne I think. They charged me $150.00 for it which I was told was "under cost". I think they said normally about $300.00 so it'd be worth negotiating if you order one. The little decals on the sides were shocking though at $98.00 a pair. Tell me they're not making us squeal on spare parts. It may be worth asking around on the sites if U.S. owners have fit new back ends for dragging. I liked the seat cowl on my 07 and want to have the same look, and not too many Aussie ZX14R's will have one. I guess you have to pay if it's what you want.

Hi sweetfa65, just ordered from the local Kawa dealer here in Brisbane cost me $280 complete with decals.
Will have it Tuesday :)

Why does it not come with the bike, do I call "cash grab!"
W

Australian models don't come standard with it. :(
Like you said Wolfman "cash grab!"

Shito!

Shito is right. Some smart bastard decided that ours should come with a grab bar instead. Screw them (or screwed me), I prefer the seat cowl. They give you a bike that's the fastest/most powerful fkn bike on the planet and put a little passenger handle on it. WTF??? Will the next model come with speakers at the back? lmao
Cool Martin. Sounds about the same sort of money as I paid. Picked up the decals today. I cornered the guy that sold me the bike and he arranged for the decals to be $80.00 the pair. That'll pay for a few scotches tonight while I stick them on. :)
Any confirmation on location anyone?

* Last updated by: sweetfa65 on 7/26/2013 @ 12:15 AM *

Well..you know that grab bar is quite spendy...so ya did okay...kinda...Course..I'd rather the seat cowl...but....

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/26/2013 @ 1:38 AM *

Hey it came with a grab bar and tail piece??? I spent 250 beans on mine! So I guess it sort of evens out!

THe cowl is extra?

Geeez, what a crock of s**t. The bike is expensive enough as it is.......and yet they gig you for yet another $98 for stickers?

That is nuts.........

PLEASE, can someone help me out with this. I'm trying to work out exactly where the decals should be positioned, same as factory, as I don't want to get them on crooked. Can someone with this model tell me how many mm from the front edge they sit, and how far up from the bottom edge at the rear.

* Last updated by: sweetfa65 on 7/28/2013 @ 4:53 PM *

We're 2mm in front measuring from the edge where my finger is.

In the back we are 6mm up from the bottom edge

You can see in the picture that the decal does not necessarily follow the same line as the decal on the tank.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the layout. I'll be more than happy to help in anyway I can.

* Last updated by: nasty on 7/29/2013 @ 12:42 PM *

Please post a pic of the finished project.

Thanks nasty. I just need to know how many cm's/mm's it starts from the front edge of the cowl. Right down the bottom. I did a rough calculation counting the little squares on the seat fabric. I came up with about 15cm / 150mm. Is that about right?

Good luck with the hair dyer peal and stick. I suck at that!
remember to post up the finished product...

Yeah, that sounds about right.

Nasty what is the plan if Aug 10th is rained out???

They talking phucking rain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???? I'll have to play it by ear and see what happens. If I'm in Toronto when it starts raining then I might as well hang around there for a couple days. Otherwise I don't know.

Thanks for the help Guys. Specially Nasty & Grn.
I'm all over it now. Pics to follow.....