"we" (Darcy, my grade A mechanic and me watching!) tried everything 1st, then just had to "crack" open the cases.... it woulda been GREAT news if it were a snapped gear shaft, as that is repairable.... as it is, what was found, is not.
I don't know the details, but some sort of 1mm bit of bearing matter/metal that lives in the actual case has failed. my mechanic canNOT believe that kawasaki designed it like this or that NO-ONE else has ever had it happen to them (we called around everywhere, and apparently this is the first time it has ever happened???) he thinks all the dealers are keeping their mouths shut about it so Kwak doesn't have to "cover" a design fault.....
anyway, i just got the news this morning on the phone, so i will PEDAL down there (as i have been doing now for a few weeks, thank you for getting me fit 6r
)
in all seriousness... I ride like a girl (no offense girls, but i'm not a hoon nutter), yeah, the occassional wheelie here and there, and a few burn outs on BALD tyres....but F@RCK me, it's a gawd-DAMN sportsbike!!! i really thought i baby-ed (babied?) the piece of shit ever since i got it a mere 40,000-ish Kay's ago (I had planned on keeping this stupid thing for a few good years, as I did all the research B4 i bought it. I don't believe in buying the latest greatest newest weapon.-well, i would, but $$$- I like the classics, and I wanted to one day say, yeah, i've had this beautiful bike for decades, but damn, two years, and....).... and yeah, i did ride it high in the rev range, but again, is it not a bike that redlines at..... oh hell with it, too pissed atm...
I mean, i serviced it religiously. always changed the oil before it was anywhere near dark honey colored! changed the oil filter every change as well. always the good silkolene stuff.... always changed/checked the air filter. changed plugs when they didn't need it really, etc, etc... it was tenderly loved! except for the tyres.....
LOOK, all I can ask now, is what should I do? I hate motorcycles now. again, thank you for that too, Mr. Kawasaki....
do i get a new motor? (will a '02 636 fit it easy enough?? -may atleast put a little smile on my face- well, it is just thinking about it
) do i sell it as is? (i'll seriously take offers 
) i'm just beyond low.... my legs are so sore form riding my push bike everywhere.....
pics to come in a few hours.....
(<---- i seriously am crying as i write this, can't see the keyboard from the the tears now, damn sniffly nose now too, oh, great, snot on the keyboard.. hope kawasaki didn't make my keyboard, it'll probably break if i look at it wrong....)
and justifies an "upgrade" 
andi - 
)
