have 2012 zx14 run it at dragstrip in mid 9s w stock wheelbase, ecu reflashed, alien head pipe, lowering
links etc. Made three passes last week and engine threw rod. upon disassembly found two broken rods at the crank,
totally wiped out crankshaft and severe signs of lack of lubrication on other journals, bike has 4k miles w about 50 passes at strip. Has anyone a clue to why the oiling system isn't keeping up? oil was full and just changed , launching at 3500 rpm have never bounced off the rev limiter.
The whole bottom end is wiped out and I don't want to put it back together till I locate the problem... Help!!!
N

I think you used it too much when it was new.

Need some forensics. Any photos? Closeup of sheers, burns, material laying in the sump?

My 2012's #3 rod came through the block at 3600 miles as I was riding down the highway. Kawasaki denies it, but I think they had a problem with some bearings that were too tight from the factory on the early 14r engines. My replacement engine now has almost 20k trouble-free miles... although the bike around it (and me) was destroyed by a deer last month.

Ahhhh, Ranger, I'm really sad to read this news of you.

I hope you heal quick.

Will you continue to ride?

After much research it has become well known that the kawasaki zx 14 is not compatible with any
type of unsponsered drag racing(ie Factory backing). Its only good use is a pretty girl on the back going to get ice cream. hope anyone with serious hopes of racing this machine see this, good luck, off to top gas...
N

(sniff, sniff)

Do I smell bait?

Meh, maybe yes... maybe no.

I rest comfortably in the knowledge that susucki's crappy timing tensioners destroyed many engines. KHI has a handful of eaten lower ends with heaps of anecdotal forensic science.

You'll excuse me whilst I put a stiffer spring in my engine oil relief valve.

I have a 3 year old bike with how many miles?
I have this urge to race the bike without prep.
I have no clue about tearing down the engine to inspect bearings if not replace them with a tighter setup.
I have zero engine damage because I tear down my engines after events.
I have guys just ride piss out of the bike and now drag race it without even checking the oil filter internals.
I have oil filters up the ass so each round I top off oil and rip open filters before the next round.
I have found my problem... Too many drag bikes not breaking, might not be an oil [design] problem after all.

WOT could it be?

Meb, don't tell my doctor but I've been riding my other bikes around the neighborhood... lol. Just waiting on the insurance company to mail the check, then shopping for a new 14.

Your secret is safe with me. But not with the dozens of folks you've just told <wink>.

I'm 4 months out of surgery now, and I still break a sweat when attempting to push past my injury boundaries.

I remember almost the first statement out of my surgeon's mouth, when first meeting him for the evaluation for the procedure: "You can look forward to pain. Lots of pain." I ignored the advice...

I'm very glad to read that you're on the mend. It's spooky isn't it? Knowing those critters are still "out there", and nothin you can do about it.

Me, I sold off the cause of my woes (no, I kept the wife :)

No more dirt bikes for me...

"Back to your normally scheduled programming..."