So I've got 72K miles on my 2012, which I bought new. I'm committed to keeping the bike until problems arise. What's the consensus from you guys with big miles as to how long can I expect the bike to be reliable? It's been well maintained and never abused.

Thanks.

My 08 has 50k miles and it's run trouble free the whole way. I haven't used the bike for anything but sport riding after 24k miles and it's not been light duty operation.

I've heard of some people who had over 100k miles and still rode them over 100 mph all the time. That was years ago. It would be interesting to know what ZX-14s have the highest miles.

* Last updated by: Rook on 10/8/2020 @ 3:22 PM *

It's a bit like the "how long is a piece of string" question, there's no definitive answer. Type of use and riding habits can affect engine longevity. Thrashing the engine when cold, lugging the engine at low revs in high gears, lots of short journeys with cold engine and the obvious one, poor maintenance. Just keep riding and alert for any undue noises or vibration etc. The cam chain and tensioner are most likely to need attention first IMO but are easily replaced. A check of the oil pressure is also a good indication of engine health.

My 06 is approaching 80k miles. Stock cam tensioner, stock wheel bearings, no smoke, no weird stuff. 90% sport ridden but rarely taken to red line. I expect it to last much longer.

Mad

I've got a 2013 with 66K miles. Had to replace the water pump and fork seals. Other than that no issues.

A Guy in Arkansas has 213,000+ miles on his 1-owner 2008 Concours; first valve adj at 64k miles; original plugs at 104,000 miles. He rides it like he stole it, too.

Cliff's own words on his valve adjustments (posted 2019)..
"1st was at 64,000 & 1/2 were tight, second was at 122,000 & all were tight, 2 with almost no clearance. Third time 195,000 & all were good."

Another comment (2019, his Bike 213,000 mi)
" few valve adjustments, few batteries & just basic maintenance. No failures or breakdowns as of yet. Replaced wheel bearings & steering bearing as a preventaive once. Couple months ago replaced throttle cables as a preventative. Have a fuel pump to install, also as cheap insurance just haven't got to it yet.

Cam sensor o ring & valve cover gasket had started seeping somewhere in the high 100's. Front disc were replaced somewhere around 130,000 - 140,000. Worn past min. thickness.

Mostly just criss cross the country!"

Long Live Kawasaki's toughness

Lee in California has 188,000 miles original zx-14 2006. He Drag raced and he beats bike regularly,

He is on instagram posting most days. Lee_1400

I have asked for a copy of his log, 4 valve checks, only needed adjustment once. No major failures

These motors are very high milers.

BB

* Last updated by: busabim on 1/6/2021 @ 12:22 PM *

And not one blown head gasket with those high milers

Or, has anyone said their oil looks like a Hershey bar attacked it...

This is one boring bike.