okay, remember my question about ticking at idle a while back? well that went away after around a day. now it is back. i went on the interstate yesterday and i think that is why. i have a ninja 250 and the first time was at 12000 RPM. i went to the dealer and they said i just need a valve adjustment (scheduled for 6000 miles; around 4800 miles now0 i was told by a seperate source 12000 RPM is harmful to my engine (i honestly had no clue - first bike and RL isn't till 13000). so yesterday i only got it up to 10000. but still ticking. now i am sad. is there permanant damage. tonight the ticking was still audible, but wasn't as present untill around 7-8000 and was as a high pitched "buzz" more really. someone - PLEASE help me. cause i am scared for my baby. say what you will about it being a girls bike, but it is a hell of a bike.
2007-09-17 17:46:48 · 8 answers · asked by Kenneth M 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Girls bike? No. But they do have their weak points. Oil feed to the cam isn't brilliant and the oil pump drive can break which takes out the entire engine. (google for GPZ305 engine problems - same basic engine).
12,000 RPM is fine so long as the engine's warmed up and you have good oil in it. Despite what Kawasaki tell you, I'd be on 2000 mile oil changes with that bike. That way you should have a long and happy engine life, oil is cheaper than cams.
As for your specific problems, I'd be looking closely at the valve clearances and the cam chain tensioner, and no - you probably haven't caused any permanent damage. Don't let it go on too long though.
2007-09-18 03:04:42 · answer #1 · answered by Steve C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ninjas naturally have a "slight ticking" sound that usually starts sometime after engine break in "500-1000 miles" if it's more than a "slight ticking" i.e if you can hear it with helmet on and shield down over normal road noise, you probably need a valve adjustment asap, especially if your a high revver. I usually have my valves adjusted every 3000 miles... but I race my bike and never shift before red-line "15,500 rpm." I don't really know what to tell you about the buzzing, it's something I would have to hear for myself. I hope this is helpful to you. If you have any other Kawasaki questions don't hesitate to email me.
2007-09-17 18:50:28 · answer #2 · answered by sikninja007 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the redline is 13,000 rpm its probably safe to 14,000. Doesn't need a valve adjustment yet as Kawasaki tend to set them loose to allow lack of maintainance. Probably a good idea to do oil/filter change and see if any metal particles come out (I wouldn't go more than 3, 000 miles between oil changes under any circumstances and usually around 2, 000 or so) What oil are you using and is level correct? May be a good idea to get a better quality motorcycle specific oil if your not already using one. Don't use automotive(car) oil as it breaks down at about 1,000 miles due to running through transmission.(gears literally chew up oil polymers) If valves get really quiet its time to worry as you don't have enough clearance and they will burn out. Buzzing is probably cam chain / adjuster not quite taking up slack, should be quieter in a few hundred miles (unless theres a recall/bulletin about any faults?) do a search .
2007-09-17 19:29:02 · answer #3 · answered by 1crazypj 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would ramping to 12000 be harmful to your bike. If they are afraid of floating the valves, then you would have damaged the valve (bends when it hit the piston) and the noise would never come and go but would be permanent. I am wondering if your valves are coming out of adjustment due to another reason other than normal tuning. I bet there is an issue with one of the valve springs or actuators
2007-09-17 19:32:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think ur motorcycle engine have an asymmetric firing order. But I am not very clear. I advise u to get on a site called bikerkiss to ask for help. There are many motorcycle experts there.
2016-05-17 10:38:37 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same thing with a Yamaha XJR 1300, was told its the valves set a bit loose and not to worry. 4 years later still does it and never had any problems.
2007-09-17 21:05:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Brakes? or idle to fast? also check seat sometimes its loose? maybe muffler noise/
2007-09-17 19:23:47 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess would be your valves.
2007-09-17 19:10:43 · answer #8 · answered by da kine 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋