ScaredyCat

Expert Class
Posts: 201
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posted June 27, 2003 04:59 AM
Paranoid Newbie
Hi all,
Nice to be on here at last. I just got my ZX12 a couple of weeks ago and have a couple of questions:
After 1000 km, I've got an intermittent rattle at 2000 revs from the valves/airbox/injectors area. I've tried listening through a short hosepipe but I can't pinpoint it. Sometimes it just seems like it's an airbox resonation. I'm a bit worried I've got a ticking valve.....
The other thing is: is it normal for the right hand side of the seat to get very hot? All stock, cat, etc etc remember....
Any info gratefully received.
Cheers!
____________
If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.
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EastBayDave

Needs a job
Posts: 2245
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posted June 27, 2003 06:03 AM
...the "rattle" your hearing I believe are the emission "reed-valves" your hearing cycling. I don't think it's anything to worry about. Now if it's an actual "valve-ticking" I would take it to your mechanic/dealer/whatever & get it checked out. Make sure you oil level is correct (top line in the window), & generally check out most of the things in the owners manual you are supposed to check.
Dealers are notorious for not "prepping" bikes correctly, & NOW is the time to discover that, not later. Welcome aboard...
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Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
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ScaredyCat

Expert Class
Posts: 201
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posted June 27, 2003 06:52 AM
Thanks
Thanks EBDave,
I've had kwaks for many years and thought I knew all their funny little sounds. But the valves don't go out of clearance, and definatelt not within 600 miles.....
The thing that worries me is that sometimes it does it, sometimes not. Makes me think it's not valves. It DOES make me want to go to fully synthetic oil though, as I'm still running Mineral oil for running in.
Thanks for the feedback mate.
____________
If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.
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ScaredyCat

Expert Class
Posts: 201
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posted June 27, 2003 06:55 AM
EBD,
By the way, I'm completely stoked . (Well, aat having the bike that we've all got. I look forward to "shooting the shit" about it soons soon as I get some experience on the beast!).
:-))))))
____________
If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.
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ynot

Expert Class
Naaaaarf
Posts: 232
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posted June 27, 2003 07:36 AM
To answer you other question... Yes it's normal for it to run hot on the rh side. I dont think it's your sert it's probably your shin and it feels like your seat...
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But Brain... Where are we going to get enough Caramel and a Cherry big enough to cover the Alps?
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ddpete3

Pro
Posts: 1189
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posted June 27, 2003 08:12 AM
Take it back to the dealer....that's why you have a warranty.
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EastBayDave

Needs a job
Posts: 2245
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posted June 27, 2003 08:16 AM
I sincerely hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine!
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Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
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worm~hole

Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
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posted June 27, 2003 08:25 AM
...or slap on a full MUZZY system...that'll erase all other incidental 'sounds' and fill your ears with pure motorcycling auditory rapture...from the 'lumpy cam' sound at idle through the angry banshee call of a wild banshee at full tilt WFO boogie...makes a wonderful 'warning device' as well
____________
“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
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ScaredyCat

Expert Class
Posts: 201
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posted June 27, 2003 09:26 AM
Yeah
You're right.
I got my old (like 10 years old) helmet delivered to here, and now I I hear no problems from the engine!
But the thing that gets me pissed is that this engine sounds a load rougher that my old zx11, which would run for ever - 100,000 miles at 146bhp).
I'm just a paranoid ex-zx11 rider, I was expecting the ZX12 to be reliable too,
If anyone can put my mind at rest?
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If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.
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ScaredyCat

Expert Class
Posts: 201
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posted June 27, 2003 09:31 AM
Dave,
I was also thinking that the "reed valve" thing was the noise.
If it is, I can relax!
____________
If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.
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frEEK

Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted June 27, 2003 10:30 AM
damn, thats an interesting country ur stationed in. do u acutaly HAVE a dealer there?
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harryzx-12

Needs a job
Posts: 3643
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posted June 27, 2003 02:13 PM
Welcome to the site.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways- Body thoroughly used up, totally worn out...Screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride !!!"
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kcadby

Pro
Posts: 1733
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posted June 27, 2003 04:47 PM
Edited By: kcadby on 27 Jun 2003 17:48
We have been DragRacing a ZX12 (stock motor) for over 3-years now with NO PROBLEMS!!!
I just road a 03 ZX12 last weekend that runs VERY RUFF below 3,000rpm I was SHOCKED at how "bad" it runs since I have ridden SEVERAL ZX12s that ALL run much smoother (well YCIS' bike runs ruff but... he won't let me map it!!! )...this 03 also has the "on/off-throttle JERKS...REALLY BAD!?!?!?
I will install a Full Exhaust and PC3r on it in a couple of weeks...Custom Map it and I'm sure it will run MUCH smoother then...
As for the valves (noise/adjustment)...I haven't heard of ANYONE that has had any problems there...I have checked a few bikes at 7,000-miles and not had to change ANY shims!!!
Don't worry...the 12 is a GREAT/WONDERFUL bike!!!
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ZHooligan

Moderator
Post Whore Extraordinaire!
Posts: 3829
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posted June 27, 2003 08:35 PM
Honestly I have found the ZX12 makes more and or at least more unusual noises then I had been accustom to on all of the many bikes I have owned in the past. I believe some of it being the configuration of the frame as it is truly different then the convention set ups, and obviously Kawi tried to not burden the beast with a hige amount of insulation. Also there seems to be a bit more noise from the ram air. That all said you get used to it and theyjust keep on running.
I would not hesitate to ask your dealer to check it out as you are on warranty and having just picked it up they are pretty good about checking things out. You will likely find out things are fine.
Welcome to the board and to the fun and exileration of a 12.
____________
To those who do not count their life in years, but in how life
has touched them in the past and how much it can hold in the
future; -- Youth is forever.
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jonwright

Needs a job
Posts: 2416
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posted June 27, 2003 08:42 PM
Sheeeeeit. Ride that fooker, man! A 12 is an investment in time, effort, and yes, mortality that one should not take lightly.
Treat her well as she has your life in her jaws at 170+.
She is a fast beast but one that requires an even and smooth hand. But you should know that coming from a ZX-11.
Not much gives one the thrill of twisting the throttle and thrashing a 12R. But she also reminds you really quickly to respect her in the morning after your time of play.....
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worm~hole

Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
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posted June 28, 2003 12:23 PM
quote: Welcome to the board and to the fun and exileration of a 12.
...and acceleration
____________
“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
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EastBayDave

Needs a job
Posts: 2245
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posted June 28, 2003 03:32 PM
quote: damn, thats an interesting country ur stationed in. do u acutaly HAVE a dealer there?
shoot, I'd like to bring my ham radio over there. That country (Kuala Belait, Brunei) is hella rare on the bands...
____________
Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
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tj zoom
Novice Class
Posts: 64
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posted June 29, 2003 06:16 AM
Welcome here Cat....... Enjoy the ride.....
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ScaredyCat

Expert Class
Posts: 201
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posted June 29, 2003 06:40 AM
Thanks for the feedback guys,
Turns out it must have been a case of the "newness" rubbing off, 'cos it runs sweet now. The ticking has been replaced by that nice intake reverb.....
Had it redlining today for the first time - quite a rush....!
There's one other thing, I had read about this "sand in the airbox" thing, it looks like it's definately there from new, as I just checked mine and the airbox (that's like AFTER the filter) had a load of grit in it - probably residue from the factory grit-blasting.
Might be worth checking yours.
Thanks again.
____________
If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.
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ScaredyCat

Expert Class
Posts: 201
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posted July 04, 2003 09:20 AM
Freek, EastBaydave,
You guys been here? Damn, I thought this place was in the Middle East before I came here! Nobody knows where this is.... I'm still not sure....
(I'm on the island of Borneo, SE Asia, spot on the equator (or near enough).
So I might have some "running hot" questions...!
EBD, never got into the HAM thing much past the old AM sidebands, I was interested but there were too many exams involved!
But there's a hell of a lot of cars over here with a call sign on the window......
(They all start with V8 - I thought it was funny when I saw a Proton with V8 on it).
I think there's no limit on the radio bands here.
Anyway, back to bikes.....
____________
If it ain't broke, BREAK IT.
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frEEK

Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted July 04, 2003 02:05 PM
nope, never been there, but read the CIA fact book about it, and of course everyone knows the Sultan of Brunei. wouldnt mind bein that guy!
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EastBayDave

Needs a job
Posts: 2245
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posted July 05, 2003 05:25 AM
quote: EBD, never got into the HAM thing much past the old AM sidebands, I was interested but there were too many exams involved! But there's a hell of a lot of cars over here with a call sign on the window......
(They all start with V8 - I thought it was funny when I saw a Proton with V8 on it.) I think there's no limit on the radio bands here.
Yah I know guys, off topic but bear w/me here for a sec.
Yep, been playing around w/ham radio since I was a kid; something like 40 years now. Other than riding bikes, it's a fun hobby I never tire of. Fun to do when it's raining or otherwise not riding time. Always enjoyable to contact someone far far away, & have a chat about lifestyles, etc.
V8xxx is the callsign for all stations in Brunei. There are not a lot of stations there, so it's considered somewhat rare on the bands, & it's also a "Dxpedition" destination for many during worldwide "contests" which I participate in several times yearly (typically during wintertime here.)
I carry a small radio on the bike when I go up into the canyons; as cell phones typically do not work deep in canyons far from the city- where the ham radio will. I've gotten medical help to fallen folks much faster than normal several times now- maybe saving a few riders. It's a great feeling, & a great hobby...
Back to the Big Ninja...
____________
Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
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frEEK

Administrator
ummm... yeah
Posts: 9660
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posted July 05, 2003 08:30 AM
never thought of a radio when riding in remote areas. that's a helluva good idea. i'm guessing a compact ham radio like that aint too cheap tho.
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EastBayDave

Needs a job
Posts: 2245
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posted July 05, 2003 03:41 PM
Edited By: EastBayDave on 5 Jul 2003 16:42
Yep, well if your's (or someone else's) life depended on it...we have a saying:
"...when all else fails....there's always Ham Radio..."
Doesn't anyone remember the sci-fi movie "Independence Day?"
If you'd like to look at some equipment pricing, check out this site. It's the biggest vendor on the Planet...
http://www.hamradio.com/
____________
Enjoy the ride!
02' ZRX1200
00' ZX12R sold
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Silkywilson

Parking Attendant
Posts: 4
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posted July 05, 2003 05:44 PM
No one mentiond the damn ashtray, that thing is bound to rattle and pinpointing where it comes from is a pain in the ass... when I finnaly found it a little dynamatt fixed the problem..
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