Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

My ZX14 R is just coming up for a 24K service. I currently have Motul 300v 4t Factory Line 10w/40 oil in the engine. I have recently developed a ticking noise on tickover and during running at low revs (cant hear if it present at high). Does anyone have any opinions on what oil may stop this ticking noise? If it is not oil generated any ideas on what it may be and a solution to the problem.

get the shop to check the valve clearances. It's a bit early for a clearance check on a 14, but it can't hurt to ask them. I don't think that changing oil will 'stop' the noise, you are using a pretty good oil at the moment anyway.

Thanks i was hoping it was not that but looks like i might just have to put it in.

Robrooter just had to have his camchain tensioner replaced at about the same Klm's
Was a rattle and a half but he wouldn't notice it till it got that bad because he rides like a nutcase

Just took the bike to the Kawasaki dealer and he recons because i use the bike daily for commuting to work it may be a bit chocked up. He recommends giving it a blast up to 10000 rpm and working the engine a bit to clear out the carbon build up. If it still ticks then bring it in for a valve check.

You need to get out onto some nice deserted country roads every now and then, and wring the beejesus out of it.

If you have never hit the rev-limiter in 3rd and 4th, now is the time to give it a nudge.

I am not surprised that he is not too concerned about the clearances, these days you basically set them once - anywhere between 20k and 50k depending on oil quality and frequency of change - and that's it !!! Unless you are out regularly running your bike to redline every weekend (as track-day junkies will do) - then your clearances are unlikely to change much from just the regular daily grind to work and back .

I know a noiiiice cruisy rd for $250 + change

I noticed my 10 also had a slight tick, but it sounded more like injector pulse like on a car motor.
When i had the clearances done on the 10 tho, the sound/tick didnt stop, but i did notice that the motor felt bit more powerful and smoother over all.

So i would have to agree with the others, if you dont open it up often, then probably best thing to do.

Gosling1 wrote:get the shop to check the valve clearances. It's a bit early for a clearance check on a 14, but it can't hurt to ask them. I don't think that changing oil will 'stop' the noise, you are using a pretty good oil at the moment anyway.

agree with Gos

Motul is good stuff (goes in my 12)

seiko1 wrote:I know a noiiiice cruisy rd for $250 + change

Can I have the change?

I had a problem with loose header nuts on mine.

Caused it to make a ticking sound as well..

Also they do have an automatic cam chain tensioner and it could be what they say as half adjusted.

So when he is saying to give it a blast he is hoping that the tensioner will take up its remaining slack and eliminate tat problem.

On start up mine is very noisy, almost like it has no oil pressure for that split second.

But they say its ok..

Mine has only just over 9k on the clock..

Well been caining the thing at weekends and have now done the 24K service, things seem to have sorted themselves out now so i guess when going to work i cant go past 3rd gear now.
Sounds great now, roll on Moto Gp at the Island!!!!!!!!