My 08 has almost 50k miles on it. Most Engine parts are the originals from the factory assembly. I have a billet oil pump cover, HD clutch springs, APE cam chain tensioner and that's about it for the engine. I have changed a lot of the other parts for performance reasons. I have removed a LOT of parts to reduce weight.

The only things that have been replaced because they wore out were brake pads, battery, chain and sprockets and tires. The spark plugs even were working fine at 40k miles but they looked pretty bad. At 50k the clutch plate fibers are just about wore out but they are still working fine.

I did replace the head cover gasket with the updated part. The original gasket leaked.

I change oil and filter every 2500 miles.

I try to change air filter every 6000 miles but have gone to 8000 or even 11000 a few times.

I change brake and clutch fluids every couple years. Coolant gets changed about every three years.

I store with Seafoam fuel additive and run a little of that during the riding season.

The bike stays in a non heated storage unit all year round.

The battery is on a maintainer when stored.

I've done most of the scheduled maintenance items but not always on schedule.

No real problems with this bike have cropped up. Had a messed up thread I recently fixed. The bike will make a funny squeal/buzz from the tail when I hit the starter button with a hot engine. I think that's the starter relays. The compression test came back in spec but was at the low end of spec. The bike will still do a nice wheelie in second gear so I can't tell it's lacking power.

I wonder how long this bike will keep going before it ends up a piece of sculpture in my living room?

* Last updated by: Rook on 9/15/2019 @ 10:30 AM *

As long as you want Rook. A bike can be maintained as long as there are parts available...

Oil, especially dirty oil will eat the internals away. Bearings, crank/case inserts, rings.
Air cleaner, especially high flow aftermarkets, can't hold back the more tiny microns that etch the cylinder walls, and are crushed down with the valve landing on the seat; these two are the main upkeep if you want parts to last.

So every 2,500 on the oil is perfect.
Replacing the element sooner is how to keep the parts from wearing out sooner.

Pre-filtered to the main filter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sxEpgJ3i50

$$$$$

Hi there!

Does changin it to APE Cam Chain Tensioner is a must ?

I still don't trust Kawasaki OEM Tensioner

As long as you adjust it periodically you’re fine. The previous owner of my bike never adjusted it and when i had my mechanic adjust the valves he said the cam chain was so tight he was surprised it didnt break. He installed a new OEM and said that it really looked well built. In his opinion he said theres no reason for an aftermarket one.

Does changin it to APE Cam Chain Tensioner is a must ?

An APE tensioner stays at the proper tension all the time (if it was adjusted properly when installed). The OEM tensioner has a range of tension because of its spring loaded self adjusting mechanism. I have never heard of a self adjusting CCT allowing the cam chain to jump teeth but that is the reason APE tensioners are used in race applications. A sudden large decrease in engine load could cause an OEM tensioner to reduce tension enough to jump timing. Most of normal people just use them to eliminate the rattle at startup.

Here's a How-To with pics.

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=9CFD17D8-1372-66AE-3B0D2BD6B6297697

* Last updated by: Rook on 9/16/2019 @ 6:38 AM *

Oh-- add to that, "always let the bike warm up to two bars before whooping its butt!"

75k miles. As far as I know, stock clutch, stock wheel bearings, stock motor except for a Yosh pipe and PC3.
Regular oil changes, now using Rotella T6. Valves were checked twice. New spark plugs at 63k.
Fork seals replaced and both ends revalved and cleaned.
It's not quite as smooth as the newer versions but gives every indication of lasting forever.

Mad

SWEET!

Awesome mad. You've got a good bike there. It helps to keep them maintained.

don't ride it

That's what happens after the parts get scarce.

"Don't ride it". Sounds like my nephew. 2006 ZX-14 with 5,000 miles on it.

"Don't ride it". Sounds like my nephew. 2006 ZX-14 with 5,000 miles on it.

SEE it going to last forever as long as its in a climate control room and on wheel stands

Since I got my 14R, the Harley is going to last forever...

Don't know about a life time but my 2005 Bandit is at 150+. IMO this truly is the good ol days of motorcycling. So many great bikes to choose from.

* Last updated by: 1wheelpeel on 10/8/2019 @ 3:26 PM *