Hi there!

So I am finally getting a 2020 ZX-14R (just because its a final edition) however I wanted to know, what are some of the most common problems found on the ZX-14R after putting some miles? I'm talking over 50.000 miles!

Thanks guys, if it weren't for you guys, I don't think I'll be getting a ZX-14R!

Oh, and I have problems with cam chain and tensioner, how weak are these parts on the ZX-14R? Kawasaki has an history of tensioner or cam chain problems so yeah

The main thing was the rod bearings lacking lubrication and throwing a rod. That was Gen1. I am not sure I have ever heard of that happening with a Gen2. If I did it was only one I can remember reading about.

The CCT is just noisy. Only heard of an actual problem with that twice including a recent thread on here.

I think that's it. You got a Gen2 so I think you are safe against just about everything. It's all ironed out over the years. Any Gen1 still running should be safe too. The rod would have let go by now if it was going to do it.

So, automatic cct or manual cct? I hear manual cct let you use a worn out chain for a longer period of time

Frankly my dear, there are no problems with this design. When we speak common, it goes back to the early years. Connecting rod failure, frame cracks, early gen tensioners, subthrottle lag. Years later, no engine failures, no frame breakage, no tensioner noise, throttle delivery improved. All factory fixes. That my dear should show you how out in the field they held point as one of the best if not the best performing bikes for the last 14 years.

If this is last year, this like all the rest were in a constant refinement exercise. Subtle as they are, they are found with different part numbers for the same item. I remember Kruz had ragged on the first gen air cleaner cover being plastic. The next year or one after had the stamped out steel one. Thus the hidden refinement.
Tensioner too has been revised and you don't hear about chain noise on the later style tensioners. In fact, none here at all, i.e., the updated tensioner.
Probably a touch quicker than last year or drop down another year. Could be another team of up and comers improving the map. I've had 4 of them and all were bulletproof, one faster or say torqueified more than the other.

Gotta remember this is a 14 year run at it, and very few have blown no matter how the bike was broken in. Book break in is the way to go.

Engineering has been setting cam chains for decades, and I'm speaking about all brands. You'll go backwards using a static tensioner. It's high maintenance, meaning, you'll have to pop the crank cover and keep checking for perfect tension, or let the engineering do its job for you. Racing it is a different story.

Chain wise, no wait, rub both hands together real fast; which hand stayed cold? You'll have to come up with a better theory that two part rubbing on each other do not equally wear each others surface areas out, right? Now, make a fist with one hand. Take the other hand and follow your fingers down and around the fisted fingers. Kind of looking at your open hand as the inside of a roller, and your fisted hand is a pin. So that rubbing you felt was heat. And a chemical kind of reaction is moving molecules off that pin. As the rubbing down continues, the chain grows in length. Think about it. As you would cut a circle in half, that's what is happening to one side of the pin. The tightest curve is around the crank. The cam sprocket, not so much. And when they say 'the weakest link,' that shaving down of the pin is who is about to crack with enough ground away at the half circled looking pin.

Now that's a stretch justifying a static tensioner to extend life.

So, automatic cct or manual cct? I hear manual cct let you use a worn out chain for a longer period of time

Never heard of a worn out timing chain yet but a manual might let you use it longer. I'd replace the chain if it ever gets that stretched. A manual keeps your chain at the set tension under all conditions so it is safer for harsh engine use. The OEM tensioner allows slack to come back in the chain when you let off the throttle but you won't hear a rattle from it except at idle when you first start the engine.

All of the common problems that I can think of seemed to be on the Gen 1, mainly:
-Rod bearing (Rook mentioned earlier)
-Cam chain tensioner (Rook also mentioned earlier)
-Engine mount snapping (exclusive to the Gen 1 and haven't heard reports on those in a long time)
-Leaking valve cover gasket (Gen 1 & 2, don't reuse the gasket and/or add a couple of washers to the bolts when reinstalling the cover)
-Excessive rear tire wear (problem is pretty prevalent on all models, replace worn out tires with new tires, mainly due to the fact the bike is a blast to ride and its difficult to not be heavy on the throttle)

Most of the posts are related to performance enhancements for an already high performing motorcycle (eg, reducing the weight, high end suspension, aftermarket exhaust and ECU flashing)

"Just Cliff" down here in Arkansas has 225,000+ miles on a 2008 Concours (Gen 1). Still the original engine. He waited until 44,000 miles to do the first Valve Clearance check. He mentioned putting 120,000 miles on a set of spark plugs.

Generation 2 engine will last forever.
You will need a couple of new Batteries to get to 50,000 miles. Don't forget the Valve Clearance check around 16,000 miles. Rook had Spark Plugs last 44,000 miles. Many sets of Tires and probably a Chain/Sprocket set.
Enjoy!

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=759E7173-0E24-22A8-81F439F41CBC0995&page=1&searchTerm=spark%20plugs#24

Tires.That'll be yer biggest problem.Keeping tires on it.I went over 24K miles before having my valves checked.They were all in spec.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/7/2020 @ 11:40 PM *

+1 for tires
especially the front one, the bike being front-heavy

Rook had Spark Plugs last 44,000 miles.

Not that I would suggest waiting that long but the 08 runs as well with new plugs as the 44kers. Same experience on valve clearance adjustment and engine vacuum sync. I think it should be done but as far as I could tell, it ran the same before and after.

As mentioned above, the biggest problem with the ZX14 is it's insane appetite for eating rear tires. I am now searching for a place that sells them by the case. Or at least a 6 pack.

Mad

If its not to late Kresna watch out for the biggest problem of all and that is keeping off the 14. A wife or partner will think there is a secret 'other' party when you spend so much time on the bike. Follow Rook and Hub advice and you cannot go wrong. Be espicially aware of so called dealer technicians who bugger up every thing they touch. They are but a few but beware.

Alright then, I guess the bike is a solid one!
Mine wull arrive around may, or at least that's what they said

What about the brakes though? Is that Brembo upgrade really needed or its for show?

It's more an upgrade from using nissan for all those years. The pads are two instead of 4 individual pads a caliper. That's more contact area so yeah, it has a slight percentage change to the upside if you add that to the braking as well. Once you walk up to it and feel that lever for the first time, you'll ask yourself if it's for show.