Anybody found it possible to remove the oil filter without removing the fairings?
I am about to be faced with this as my 600 miler is coming up. I referenced the online shop manual and it states you do have to remove the fairings....wondering if anybody has been able to change the filter without removing the mids and lowers? It would be my first time, and i have read here how easy it is to break the tabs.

I took out the quick rivet at the bottom chin just to see how much room that gives you....its not much.

Thanks,
bardahl

No problems changing oil & filter without removing any fairings. Just make sure you have the bike up on a rear stand/ centre stand.

Neil

Thanks. Went to autozone and picked up one of those 3 armed universal filter wrenches, and I think I can get to it ok.

Do you guys change the drain plug, and filler cap gaskets as well down there? I see where the shop manual suggests it, but I trust the prevailing wisdom of the membership. I've never seen this in any of my older bike manuals.

Take care. And thanks for AC/DC!!!

NO no need to change the plug bolt, ever. You can change the gasket but I have used the same one for the last six or seven oil changes. I have new ones but this one looks like it might just last the life of the machine. lol

The worst thing I ever had happen by reusing a drain plug gasket is that they can squash down and the hole gets smaller each time. Eventually it will lock onto the threads and you need to cut it with a chisel. That's more a problem with Suzuki gaskets which are made to colapse to seal. As long as you don't overtorque the plug, one should last you a good many oil changes on a Kawasaki. Just put the flat side against the bottom of the oil pan, the side that against the bolt head will bevel in from the squeeze. might be a good signal you are overtightening if yours squashes down on the threads enough that it doesn't come off easy . I'd steer clear of reusing something like that or next time you will have to cut it.

Thanks Rook...I meant to say "drain bolt gasket or washer", not the bolt itself.
I'm good to go and will probably change the oil, with fairings on later today.
I love this bike.

I should have read the thread before I did my oil change today. Pain in the area to change oil with fairings on and not using rear stand.

Did my change last week with fairings on....it was fine, not too bad. Im sure it would be easier with fairings off, but I would do it again....I did use a rear stand though.

By the way, nice white ZX14r there MrWoo!