Just did my valve clearances check at 33000 klm ..Ya it was over due by a bit ...but having done it I found out that everything was in spec ..It was actually mostly well withing spec..leaving me to wonder something I thought at the very begining .
I reasoned that this monster was purpose built..to blast the drag strip all day long ..therefore
Kawi was counting on some pretty harsh treatment being inflicted on of these bikes ..which some in here have certainly put the bike through. That being the case ..they have been built to last.
For myself I have ridden my bike in a rather more "normal " way. There were the few daliances into the death zone ..but nothing sustained. I have always used Motul oil with the bike and changed it regularly.
I am thinking that this bike if ridden without excess -since it was built for excess-may turn out to be one very very long legged wonder..re durability ..
So far my 14 has had zero problems and the valve check was great ..I am thinking it will be a while before I let this road warrior go ..
or it ...
me!!

*** My 14 and I are hitting the scorching road south this coming Sunday ..expect to log the guts of another 7000 miles before I get bacK!! fun times..this is some machine...

* Last updated by: painterdude on 7/27/2009 @ 7:45 PM *

+1 to all that, and enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the report Painter. Have a great trip and take plenty of pics.

Nice to hear from you again, Painter. My dad was telling me yesterday that his owners manual told him the engine should be replaced in his kawi cruiser after 34,000 miles. "I hope that's not the case for me," I told him, "I'm 1/3 of the way there."

Almost 10,000 miles and going strong. I was easy on her for the fist 4000-5000. She's seeing some harder running now for sure. I just avoid any unnecessary abuse. For general commuting and such I try to keep the revs at ~3000-4000, I avoid bumpy roads, roll off the throttle as slow as is safe for conditions after revving high - that kind of thing. You know, fast riding causes ware so why do I want to beat on the bike going slow?

38,000+ right now!!!!Haven't check the valves yet but will this fall!!

About time, I would say

I think ninja master ..if you have been a blaster..you may wanna do the check ..soooner than later.
You can easily do it yourself ..if you have patience cuzz its dead easy.

Rook ..I think if you ride the 14 normally..the thing is going to go several times 34000..Most of us of course will prolly buy a new one sooner than later and will not see huge miles ..it just good to know how durable these bikes appear to be ..

* Last updated by: painterdude on 7/29/2009 @ 1:29 AM *

So far 18000 miles on my '06, and zero problems, it just keeps running better, cooler, and the milage is stil going up. The only issue I have had was when I had the valve clearance checked at about 16000 miles ( all in spec, no adjustment needed )the valve cover started to leak - the dealer replaced the gasket with a new one no charge, but I did have to wait a week for the gasket to show up, so this meant another trip to the dealer and a day of lost riding. The chain and sprockets are in fine shape, and I expect them to last a good long time, they also havent needed an adjustment for over 7000 miles (I do keep them well lubed at all times - chain lube is way cheaper than a chain/sprocket set ) other than tires, oil, and filters, zero issues with anything else. The things I have done were (acording to my wife) were totaly unneccessary - APE cam chain tensioner ( to eliminate the annoying start up rattle), Power Commander III to adjust for the 2 1/2 in. Area P pipes, flies out, Ivan's map, TRE 006, Buel foot pegs, Convertibars, and a mount for my GPS.
The good side = smoothest running bike I have ever owned, highway milage is over 43, great brakes, excelent handeling for a bike this size (it is not a 600, and I dont expect it to drive like one) and the ability to blow off damn near anything on the road with ease, and it is easy to keep clean.
The bad side = it eats tires, with the mods I have made for performace and the Convertbars sitting me more upright for comfort, full throttle in first gear is just about insane (this may not realy be a bad thing, it depends on your point of veiw), and if I ever get a ticket for speeding it is going to cost me plenty.
Bottom line = it's a keeper!