I'm thinking of selling my '07 14. I don't want to but I'm getting older and I don't enjoy working on my bikes like I used to despite recently retiring and having more time. With the 14, it's more of a challenge for me because I don't understand how everything works, meaning the computer, fuel injection, sensors, etc. The thought of having to fix problems related to those things is a big part of why I may sell it. I also have a dislike for repair shops and haven't been in one since 1980. So in the future I'm faced with either taking the bike into a shop, or hope any problems will be easy enough to diagnose and fix, maybe with the help of you guys and this great website.
I moved from So. California to Utah in April, 2016. I left behind my few riding friends. We always owned older "classic" bikes and my 14 was quite a shock to the group. My point is I don't have anyone personal to help me with problems a 14 may have and I'm no longer exposed to learning things in general like you do in a group of friends.
My 14 is 10 years old and has been ridden easy. 20,000 miles. It's been garaged with blankets and even parked in an office when I was working for the entire time. I baby the bike. I've never even used a water hose on it, just towels. It's been very reliable so far. I have no trouble with changing fluids, tires, filters and any "nut and bolt" stuff. That's the history so you have an idea of the bikes condition right now.
What I want to ask all of you is what your opinions are as far as what to expect in the NEXT 10 years. Most of you have more experience with the 14 and the newer computer/fuel injected bikes in general. I'm sure many of you have friends who have similar bikes and you share things you've learned over time. I cannot think of anyone better to ask than you. I realize any bike can be perfect or a lemon or something in between. Who knows what another 10 years will be like? But I know you can share your thoughts and it will help me decide if I should keep my bike. If it looks like the bike will continue to be reasonably reliable, I'd lean toward keeping it. If you think things will start failing, share that too.
How reliable do you think a 14 like mine will be in the next 10 years? How many miles do you think the motor is good for if you adjust the valves clearances, change plugs/ fluids/filters regularly? If garaged and covered and always ridden on good roads (no excessive vibrations/shock) and no riding in the rain if it can be helped, do you think the computer and the various electronics and sensors will remain reliable? Those are the parts that concern me a lot. If you've worked under the tank and around the throttle bodies, has Kawasaki used quality rubber hosing and rubber parts or have you seen problems? Any other experience you have regarding reliability is appreciated.
My other question is about the costs if the bike is taken to a shop for various maintenance and repairs. I know the shops will vary with their labor costs and their methods of finding a problem and fixing it. I have no idea because my bike has never needed a shop. But keeping my bike may mean I'll have to give in and take it to a shop.
I'd appreciate any repair costs you can share, just to give me an idea. I plan to always change my own oil, filters and fluids, but even those basic costs would be good to know. Valve clearance check/adjustment would be very helpful. Troubleshooting and repair for computer/sensor/electronics issues. Any fuel injection related repairs. Front fork/suspension repairs or rebuilds. Anything else would be helpful.
Thanks a lot for any information you can provide. It'll help me decide what to do.