About time I did some maintanance!

[Strika]

I have done almost 10,000 klms since I got the 9. So It was in desperate need of some maintainance. So today I took to the shed. 1st on the agenda, was the chain. A nice RK 530 GXVORSTVXW ring of some kind. All went exactly to plan. I even fitted a Split link! (runs and ducks for cover from the safety crats )

Next job was too replace the brake fluid. It had been in there I reckon since the bike was built! It was black, and sludgy!! It even got so bad, that the lever became notchy when squezzing the brakes. So I bled a bottle through it and it is as hard as a 16 year old watching Dutch porn now!

The next job Is an oil change. I have a filter sitting ready and some fresh oil. I am just waiting for the oil to settle to the bottom again now and I am off the drain it and replace the oil filter. I'll keep ya's posted. But so far so good. All the bits went back together without any left over stuff, which is always a bonus. I am even going to cheat and not take off the lower fairing!!! (I have a little bit of plastic sheeting which makes itself into a perfect protector/funnell!!)

[Rossi]

Marty,
dont forget the shims mate

Here's a really good write up with pictures too

http://www.calamarichris.com/zx9r/valveadj1.htm

[Gosling1]

.... I even fitted a Split link! (runs and ducks for cover from the safety crats

good work Marty, what about a clean and good detailing as well mate ??

[Strika]

.... I even fitted a Split link! (runs and ducks for cover from the safety crats

good work Marty, what about a clean and good detailing as well mate ??

Yeah that is on the agenda for tomorrow Gos!!! It's got 2500klms worth of bug guts all over it!

Here is a better pic of that front tyre. It must have been that last run up the Reefton which did it!!!!!

[photomike666]

I don't rate your version of a 'better' pic, nor does it do any justice to the damage you have inflicted on a harmless piece of rubber.

From what I saw this morning the tyre has balled up so bad, it tore small holes and the steel belt is showing

[Strika]

I spoke too soon!!!!! Whoever the last butcher...er mechanic was to refit the oil filter, must have taken to it with an rattle gun!! Fark it was on tight. I have always been lucky enough to remove it with a thin screwdriver driven carefully thru the end across ways. I did this, and all it succeeded in doing was opening the filter like a feckin tin can!!!!! It was feckin tight.

I actually had to go down to the autopro store and spend $6 dollars on a little filter tool. The one i have in the toolbox fits the 6 but not the 9. So now I have a universal oil filter wrench which is here if anyone needs it!!!

Once I had the tool sorted, and locked down tighter than alcatraz, it eventually shifted.
So now all the mainantence is done, except for the new tyre which is being done Monday PM.

So the bike is ready for it's next trip to NSW. The rear tyre is probably good for another 2-3000 k's, so most likely will have to throw one on while in Sydney in the New Year.

The brakes feel awesome now! I'll probably throw myself over the bars next time I ride it!!!

[Strika]

I got motivated and washed it during my lunch break! Clean again!!

[Wattie]

Marty,
dont forget the shims mate

Here's a really good write up with pictures too

http://www.calamarichris.com/zx9r/valveadj1.htm

talk about fastidious!!! but goddam thats a good read!


i might save that one, the Z, is pretty much the same, but harder to get with the frame over the top of motor

[BladeBoy]

Did you leave the front wheel in the washing machine

[swabio-ACT]

Did you leave the front wheel in the washing machine

Nah he is just trying to save it from falling to bits... you are looking at the first ZX9 Unicycle right there! And ppl here think only Gos is into creating weird monstrosities!

[MrStompy]

i have nothing constructive to add..

except that the zx9 in black (blue whatever the hell it is) is a damn fine looking bike. i came so close to putting my money down on one back in 2000 when they first came out.
instead i walked out of the store for a 5 minute cool off and never came back. the next week i was on a plane to england where everything changed for me ... (long story)

i still have a real soft spot for that particular bike in that colour.
One day when i have money to burn i will buy that bike in that colour just for nostalgic reasons.
as is said here (nearly every day) ya gotta love tha 9

[BladeBoy]

Yes, a dam fine bike, pity Kawasaki don't make them anymore all that R&D has pushed them in another direction.

[mrmina]

good stuff marty.

i think i need new chain and sprockets done.... maybe one day

[Neka79]

The brakes feel awesome now! I'll probably throw myself over the bars next time I ride it!!!

we can only hope!!


at least it'll save u the pain off locking the rear wheel when the joining link breaks

[Strika]

The brakes feel awesome now! I'll probably throw myself over the bars next time I ride it!!!

we can only hope!!


at least it'll save u the pain off locking the rear wheel when the joining link breaks

I spose at least with shit brakes, you had half a chance of keeping up Neka!!! Mind you, I think I would prefer to take my chances with the split link on the new chain, than the 32 seized links on the old one!!!

And...at 2pm today I am having a new front tyre fitted. So the 9 will be all ship shape, and ready to take on another 3000+ klm return trip to Sydney.