Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

so, on my way to P.I. for the supers the bike developed a BUZZ from 3000rpm- 45000rpm, I have checked the tappets, they are all within spec but some are very close to minimum, and will be changed, I havenot checked the timing chain adjuster,

if I take out the cap bolt from the adjuster and then remove the adjuster, will this show how much the chain is worn or stretched, is there a way of measuring cam chain wear in the motor.
Cheers

in a nutshell - no. The only way to measure cam-chain wear properly, is to have the chain out of the motor, and do a 'stretch' test. All cam-chains have a set amount of 'stretch' before they are considered fucked.......Basically you just measure the length of a set number of links, and the measurement has to be less than a certain length.

If it is longer than the specified length - the cam chain needs replacement.

Thanks, I had a bad feeling there was not going to be an easy way, took the tensioner out today and there is a bit of wear and pitting on the underside, not sure if this is causing any problems. what is the average km for a chain, the manual does not give any recommended replacement, I got the bike with 42k on it and it is now 75k would the chain be due for replacement?

most tensioners always show a bit of wear & tear.....if bits are missing or you spot a crack or something - time to replace it. But some minor pitting etc - nothing to worry about.

75k ......I would replace it. Replacement of cam-chains is almost entirely dependant on what sort of life the motor has had. If it has been thrashed - you would do one at 50k. If it has never been flogged *ever* - you could maybe double this or longer without any real issues....