BIG BLUE_ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 374
|
posted August 07, 2009 01:03 PM
Vibration...Help please
I'm getting a vibration and it seems to be getting worse. It's a buzzing sort of vibration. I feel it in the levers (not the clip ons), the foot pegs and sometimes the seat. The vibration is linked to RPMs, that is as the RPMs increase so does the intensity of the vibration. It seems to be the most intense at around 5000 to 7000 RPMs. My bike has 12600 miles on it. I just changed the oil at 12K and also just had the injectors sync'ed. I checked the torque of the exhaust header bolts and they are fine. I did notice the mid-pipe has been rubbing against the frame but it's probably been like that since the install at 5500 miles and the vibration is a recent delevopment.
Does anyone have any ideas? Otherwise I'll be forced to take it to the dealership. Thanks in advance!
____________
2012 Blue on Black ZX14R with Go Faster Stuff...
2007 Blue ZX14 Gone...
  
|
eklipse636
Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
|
posted August 07, 2009 01:26 PM
It wouldn't be the front tire would it? I've had a vibration before and it ended up being the front tire cupped.
____________
Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
|
3000psi and falling
Zone Head
Posts: 848
|
posted August 07, 2009 01:28 PM
Maybe check your motor mount bolts, Mine worked loose and made popping sounds and made some vibration.
____________
08 ZX14, 2010 Persimmon Red bodywork.
Flies pulled, 16-42, BMC street, 8" extensions, drag shock, cut pan, Cycle Concepts Drag Pack and springs, muzzy m14 w/ oval can, lowered, Shinco usoft rear, pcv with autotune, leightweight Shori 18ah battery, throttle meister. 500lbs at bandimeres scales with half tank of juice.
|
bigtallguy
Novice Class
Posts: 86
|
posted August 07, 2009 04:31 PM
Engine balancers been adjusted lately?
|
Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
|
posted August 07, 2009 05:37 PM
quote:
Engine balancers been adjusted lately?
BINGO. Sounds like somewhere went bad inside your engine. Some Guys bike had his balancers out of alignment with the crank (180 out made it worse than if they werent even there) and his bike vibrated something fierce. Could feel it through the tank it was so bad! And it was really bad at those RPMs. Pull the covers and check it out.
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
|
Bently
Needs a life
2012 14r In Blue and no Mods!
Posts: 5428
|
posted August 07, 2009 07:10 PM
you did not say but you have not put a 16 tooth front sprocket on lately have you? If you go with one that's not rubber mounted it can cause exactly what your saying
|
BIG BLUE_ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 374
|
posted August 08, 2009 10:49 AM
My gearing is still the stock 17/41. My tires are new and I static balanced them myself. I will check the motor mounts and look into the engine balancers. Thanks for the input guys!
____________
2012 Blue on Black ZX14R with Go Faster Stuff...
2007 Blue ZX14 Gone...
|
BIG BLUE_ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 374
|
posted August 08, 2009 11:51 AM
OK i just looked in the service maunal regarding engine balancers. You guys are suggesting I merely double check the balancer(s) adjustment, right! It says adjust the front balancer first then the rear. Any advice or is it as straight forward as the maunal suggests and can I really screw anything up if I do it wrong?
____________
2012 Blue on Black ZX14R with Go Faster Stuff...
2007 Blue ZX14 Gone...
|
bigtallguy
Novice Class
Posts: 86
|
posted August 08, 2009 01:58 PM
It's as easy as it sounds, just turn clockwise until it squeals then back off till it stops. I don't know what can be screwed up if you do it wrong, but it really isn't very complicated.
|
ShadyD
Novice Class
Posts: 39
|
posted August 11, 2009 05:12 PM
I too have vibration that I can not nail down. Where would I find this information about the engine balancers in the service manual ?
I'm going to check the motor mounts.
I've had the front tire already rebalanced.
|
BIG BLUE_ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 374
|
posted August 11, 2009 06:07 PM
The engine balancer adjustment is on page 9-34 of the service manual. I did adjust them and the vibration did not go away. I'm going to check the emgine mounts next and then I don't know...
____________
2012 Blue on Black ZX14R with Go Faster Stuff...
2007 Blue ZX14 Gone...
|
brunocbrxx
Parking Attendant
Posts: 14
|
posted March 03, 2010 02:42 AM
quote:
Maybe check your motor mount bolts, Mine worked loose and made popping sounds and made some vibration.
Any news on this issue ... mine is making the same thing and I really don't know where to start ...
It has begun after the recall, when the frame has been retighten.
Sorry for my english
Best regards
Bruno
|
68gts2
Zone Head
hobbies ( Beating you !!! )
Posts: 927
|
posted March 03, 2010 04:53 AM
Welcome Bruno. I think you just answered your own question. If the vibration started when your frame was worked on that would be my starting point in looking for the vibration. Find iut what was done and see if it was done incorrectly.
____________
Chromed-out,in the dirt 08SE with all the good stuff!!!
|
Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
|
posted March 03, 2010 07:15 AM
 Edited By: Sticks_n_Stones on 3 Mar 2010 15:15
Jesus guys, you just gonna ignore my post above or what?! Than I will type it louder:
"SOME GUY" HAD THE VIBRATION ISSUE TOO: I RODE IT AND TOLD HIM HIS BALANCE SHAFTS WERE 180DEGREES OUT OF ALIGNMENT. GUESS WHAT THE DEALER FOUND AFTER HE SHOVED IT DOWN THERE THROAT? BALANCERS WERE 180 DEGREES OUT!
It's not a matter of checking tension! They were installed wrong from the factory. For those of you who have ridden bikes that had there factory installed balancers removed (like I have) you would recognize the vibrations-- except they are 2-3 times worse since the balancers are working to accentuate the vibrations instead of negate them.
'Some Guy' road his bike for 10,000ish miles before finally getting it fixed. he was stunned how much smoother it ran afterwards! Obviously, kinda like the engine mount bolt torque/ frame breakage issue, someone at the Kawi plant is a friggin clueless moron.
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
|
68gts2
Zone Head
hobbies ( Beating you !!! )
Posts: 927
|
posted March 03, 2010 11:19 AM
Ok ok Sticks just don't type any louder at us! We got it! Ha ha ha.
____________
Chromed-out,in the dirt 08SE with all the good stuff!!!
|
SLVR_BLT
Zone Head
Chicken Strips!
Posts: 589
|
posted March 03, 2010 05:25 PM
I had a similar issue on my bike but it turned out to be that the tire shop tensioned the drive chain too tight and the driveline/engine vibes were traveling through the tight chain and into the chassis. That would be the easiest to check.
____________
2006 Kawasaki ZX14, Muzzy Full Titanium Exhaust w/ Carbon Can, PCIII, BMC Street Filter
|
smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
|
posted March 03, 2010 06:11 PM
Edited By: smokinZX14 on 4 Mar 2010 02:12
..
____________
Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
|
Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
|
posted March 04, 2010 05:26 AM
quote:
The engine balancer adjustment is on page 9-34 of the service manual. I did adjust them and the vibration did not go away. I'm going to check the emgine mounts next and then I don't know...
Hey Blue, did you ever get your vib issue figured out?
____________
British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
________________________________________________
|
brunocbrxx
Parking Attendant
Posts: 14
|
posted March 04, 2010 06:06 AM
quote:
Jesus guys, you just gonna ignore my post above or what?! Than I will type it louder:
"SOME GUY" HAD THE VIBRATION ISSUE TOO: I RODE IT AND TOLD HIM HIS BALANCE SHAFTS WERE 180DEGREES OUT OF ALIGNMENT. GUESS WHAT THE DEALER FOUND AFTER HE SHOVED IT DOWN THERE THROAT? BALANCERS WERE 180 DEGREES OUT!
Ok, ok, yesterday I did check the shafts and turns out that the front one was VERY out of alignment (about 180º) and the back one was about 90º ...
It's much better but couldn't nail down all the vibration.
Still get that vibration through the frame between 5000 and 7000rpm, but now it's not that strong
Tomorrow I will check the frame/engine bolts torque.
quote:
Welcome Bruno. I think you just answered your own question. If the vibration started when your frame was worked on that would be my starting point in looking for the vibration. Find iut what was done and see if it was done incorrectly.
I'm not sure if it was right after that because one month later I replace my drive kit with a RK and my cam tensioner ...
After that I did start to feel those vibrations.
Thanks for your answers
Best regards
Bruno
|
BIG BLUE_ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 374
|
posted March 04, 2010 07:59 AM
quote:
Hey Blue, did you ever get your vib issue figured out?
Yes and no...I did adjust the balancers. I had the stealership look at it when they where fixing my valve cover leak (under warranty) and they didn't think the vibration was anything out of the ordinary. Had a couple other riders tell me they didn't think it was bad at all. It's just not as smooth as I remember when I first pruchased the bike and it's also not as smooth as my buddy's 14. I've learned to live with it.
____________
2012 Blue on Black ZX14R with Go Faster Stuff...
2007 Blue ZX14 Gone...
|
Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
|
posted March 05, 2010 08:40 AM
Edited By: Hellmutt on 5 Mar 2010 16:41
quote:
quote:
Hey Blue, did you ever get your vib issue figured out?
Yes and no...I did adjust the balancers. I had the stealership look at it when they where fixing my valve cover leak (under warranty) and they didn't think the vibration was anything out of the ordinary. Had a couple other riders tell me they didn't think it was bad at all. It's just not as smooth as I remember when I first pruchased the bike and it's also not as smooth as my buddy's 14. I've learned to live with it.
I see.......you just never know though. Motorcycles change over time, season after season. Like a new car that eventually develops a tick, then a squeak, then a rattle, then some occasional corner wheel hop, then it starts missing, etc..........normally a motorcycle CAN live twice as long as a car ( if cared for properly ) and usually only attains 1/2-2/3 the mileage in that lifespan; because of poor weather, winter storage, or lack of time.
But on the other hand, I work for a dealership service dept, and it's amazing how "less than ethical" they can be when it comes to giving the customer his earned and deserved "absolute-quality level of service". Sometimes if it's in for warranty work, the dealer wants it fixed and gone because he's only getting a percentage of his normal flat rate for that job.......less profit, less care.......sadly enough. But I've left companies for that very reason, so I would honestly treat this bike like your child or yourself and get a second opinion if it's that noticeable to you -- not saying that this dealer isn't reputable, just see if another dealer would concur.
____________
British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
________________________________________________
|
zixxer14
Pro
Damn that was Quick
Posts: 1233
|
posted March 05, 2010 08:57 AM
Big Blue you say you checked its adjustment but did you check its phasing. I wouldn't take the stealerships word on this as they are very reluctant to do this as warranty, if they even know how, because it costs them. Enough of them have been out of phase to make this something to check. These bikes are very smooth if running right. Just my 2cents.
|
Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
|
posted March 05, 2010 09:30 AM
Agreed zixxer14. Just the expression on Some Guy's face after he came back from a ride on my bike shows the difference getting rid of that vibration makes: he was totally crest fallen that his bike was no where near as smooth as mine, and totally stoked at how my bike- and his bike when its fixed- felt when its all working right. He sure as hell was determined to get it fixed afterwards though!
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
|
extrapilot
Expert Class
2008 ZX14
Posts: 155
|
posted March 05, 2010 09:30 AM
Edited By: extrapilot on 5 Mar 2010 17:32
I'm kind of scratching my head at this one. How could the balancer shafts get out of phase, during the course of operations?
They are gear driven.
I think they have dampeners on the drive part, if they go bad and allow the balancer to twist out of phase?
Blue mentioned that he just had his injectors synced, (I'm sure he meant throttle bodies).
I would be looking real hard at that service, as this would certainty cause a vibration if the job was screwed up.
____________
'pilot
|
BIG BLUE_ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 374
|
posted March 05, 2010 11:01 AM
Edited By: BIG BLUE_ZX14 on 5 Mar 2010 19:10
No I did not check the phasing (pretty sure I wouldn't know how to anyway). I have lost faith in my local kawi dealer to do anything correctly as they fired their vetran mechanics to save money. I just scheduled my valve adjustment at a local tuner/mechanic that has a good reputation and I will have him look into the phasing. Thanks for the input and confirming my suspicions that my 14 is not as smooth as it should be.
quote:
Jesus guys, you just gonna ignore my post above or what?! Than I will type it louder:
"SOME GUY" HAD THE VIBRATION ISSUE TOO: I RODE IT AND TOLD HIM HIS BALANCE SHAFTS WERE 180DEGREES OUT OF ALIGNMENT. GUESS WHAT THE DEALER FOUND AFTER HE SHOVED IT DOWN THERE THROAT? BALANCERS WERE 180 DEGREES OUT!
It's not a matter of checking tension! They were installed wrong from the factory. For those of you who have ridden bikes that had there factory installed balancers removed (like I have) you would recognize the vibrations-- except they are 2-3 times worse since the balancers are working to accentuate the vibrations instead of negate them.
'Some Guy' road his bike for 10,000ish miles before finally getting it fixed. he was stunned how much smoother it ran afterwards! Obviously, kinda like the engine mount bolt torque/ frame breakage issue, someone at the Kawi plant is a friggin clueless moron.
I'm listening Sticks! Is there a mark on the balancer shaft to indicate proper position like on the cam shafts? I mean could I tell just by looking at it that it's 180 degrees wrong?
____________
2012 Blue on Black ZX14R with Go Faster Stuff...
2007 Blue ZX14 Gone...
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC