Hello everybody,

I just got a zx-14R 2012 with 1900 miles with a power commander and brocks exhaust system, the bikes runs great but around 4000rpm in the first and second gear I can hear a vibration noise coming from the bottom of the bike that disappear as soon as I pass the 4500rpm, I do not feel a vibration of any kind I just hear very annoying noise. The noise is like if a bolt is loose and a washer is vibrating around it. I inspected the bike several times but I can't see anything wrong. My exhaust pipes have little springs all over and all them are secure in place and cover with a clear hose.

Does anybody have experience something like that? FYI I checked my chain and it is fine. Let me know if you have an idea of what this could be.

Thanks

* Last updated by: alohaalex on 9/5/2012 @ 11:24 PM *

I'd just open er up some more....she's barely broken in IMO.Bunch of run ups to redline,then coasting down some and downshifting to keep the R's in the 5k range...lots of up and down rpm changes.For a bit.Let her breathe some with that Brock's on there...she wants to open up and breathe.I'd do that for a while...500 miles or so.Then see how that vibe sound is.My bet it'll be gone.

I can't really explain it...but IMO...this engine just loves to be fueled.1900 miles isn't much.Not really.Smooth aggressive throttle ups....strong throttle-ups...mine loves that.She's smooth and quiet as they come at 8700+ miles.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/6/2012 @ 12:49 AM *

Hey GRN doyou think it could be one of the balancers?Just a thought.
Craig

I doubt it(but anything's possible I suppose)....just remember Aloha....it's YOUR bike...if what I say doesn't 'sit' well with ya....then go with what ya feel you should do.Depending on what mapping you have in that PC...it could be causing this deal as well.Maybe.Possibly.With an aftermarket pipe...mapping...there may be areas of rpms that are not quite as 'smooth' as others....could be all it is.Could also be fastener vibes...although you say you checked stuff.How about the meter bracket bolts in front of the steering stem?You checked those for tightness?A bunch of bikes had 'loose' ones.

Although you mentioned a particular RPM range...did you happen to notice your engine temp when it was doing this?I gotta say...when those TWO fans kick in...you can get a mild 'rumble' coming from what sounds like the lower part of the engine there.It may be what you're hearing.When mine first kicked on both fans...I honestly thought something was wrong with the clutch assembly.It was pretty clearly adding some deep sound.

You COULD always disable your PC just to see if the 'noise' goes away...At least you'd know for sure if THAT was doing something(the mapping).I think some forget(including myself).This new motor is NOT the same as the other ones.It's been worked some.Cam lift...timing....ports.More 'aggressive' if you will.Adding a better breathing piping system and fueling does allow it to run stronger.Which IMO brings out some 'worked' motor properties.Not bad...just worked.You have your secondaries in there?

"The noise is like if a bolt is loose and a washer is vibrating around it"...that may be really all it is...IDK...I don't know of any fasteners on there that have washers that could make any sound...but maybe a bodywork seam is rubbing on another somehow?.Hose rubbing maybe on the inside somewhere in there?Does it do this if you 'gently' bring the RPMs up to 4K in neutral?You won't hurt anything by trying this.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/6/2012 @ 1:31 AM *

Use the service manual too tell u what bolts are were and what has washers then u go can directly too were your hearing this vibrayion without taking the whole bike apart.. my opinion is the exhaust is touching somewhere check the hanger on the exhaust..

I will try to bring the bike to 4000 rpm in neutral to see what happen, I have the feeling in the exhaust
touching somewhere at that rpm like "06blackpearl" said because it sound like a thin piece of metal that is making noise due some type of vibration. I checked the meter bracket and it looks secured and in place and when the fans kick in that is a diferent noise, I will keep investigating

Hi
If its the same sound as I had....its your TOS (Tip Over Sensor) It sounds like a metalic ring coming roughly from the front right hand side of the bike between 3500-4500rpm and only in gears 1-2. Next time you go for a ride lift your visor and take it up to 4000rpm in first gear and put your head over the right hand clipon. See if thats where the sound seems to be coming from. If its more prominate there then its more than likely your TOS. I complained to the dealership and the mechanic laughed as he gets regular complants from zx10 and zx14r owners on the same problem. Apparently there is a ballbearing in the sensor that rolls around and at certain revs (3500-4500rpm in first and second gear) this ballbearing vibrates causing the noise. Unfortunately we are stuck with it unless you remove it. I took the righthand top fairing cover off and took it for a ride just to satisfy my curiousity. Yep thats where it was coming from. Hope this helps.
Cheers

if that's what it is, wasn't there a thread somewhere about filling that will oil to eliminate the noise?

The sound that you describe coming form the TOS sound like the noise I have in my bike but I dod not know where that sensor is located and neither how it looks like because my bike did not come with manual, can you post a pic if you can? second I can't tell if the noise is coming from the right or left it is hard to tell due the wind and the street noise but I will try.
I would love to know if what toledoUPSguy said " wasn't there a thread somewhere about filling that will oil to eliminate the noise?" is true

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if that's what it is, wasn't there a thread somewhere about filling that will oil to eliminate the noise?

The thread is HERE

Rook says HERE: The tip over sensor is a small grey box with a wire coming out of it. It is right below the blacked out part of the stock wind screen and it is mounted to the cross member that the front fairing is screwed down to.

More info HERE and HERE

Kofla

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

KoflaOlivieri thank you for all the info I will read everything well and look for the TOS. More info for you guys.... the rattling noise is happening exactly between 3800 and 4300rpm in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear and I believe is happening in everything gear because I have the bike on neutral and when I got to the 3800rpm the noise started and it was gone as soon as the bike passed 4300rpm. To me the noise is coming from the left side but it is hard to tell but I will keep investigating. I just want to thanks all of you for your support, this noise is driving me crazy and not letting me enjoy the ride because now I'm continuously listing for it.

TOS is on the right side sitting on your bike.Grey colored...can't miss is.Remove screen...you'll see it.Maybe just a snugging of the bolts is all you need...I'd try that before pulling it apart and doing an 'oil fill' on it.Mine wasn't making any noise...but from past other people's threads...I knew it WAS possible..So I snugged my two bolts down pretty good.It doesn't move at all.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/6/2012 @ 11:09 PM *

Guys the problem is fixed I used two zip ties like ones shown on one of the links and I added two plastic washers just in case and the problem is gone, rode the bike at 4000rpn in 1,2 amd 3rd gear and no noise at all...I'm so happy :)
Thank you again!

* Last updated by: alohaalex on 9/7/2012 @ 1:20 AM *

Svscott,

If it is the same noise then yes you hit it right on the head!!

On mine I don't have the vibration but the noise is right there sometimes louder then othertime. I asked Ivan about that months ago and he told me it was the Tip Over Sensor an even a few guys have rapped it in bubble rap it's not as loud but is still there.

KoflaOlivieri,

Great info I will pass it on to my fello ZX14ers.

Alohaalex,

How long did it take you and how hard was it?