Right I’m after some advice here really as the problem could just be me or a typical Kawasaki trait.
I brought an 03’ ZX6R A1 model, really clean and mint with 3200 miles on the clock. Previously I had a Suzuki GSX600F which had just covered 23k miles when I sold it. Now with the Kawasaki I first noticed that the headlight flasher didn’t work. No problems and was fixed under the warranty but was told it was a typical Kwacker thing and that the problem would come back (water getting into the switch gear). Then I noticed after washing it that my front brakes squealed. Problem went away after a few days but having spoken to the mechanic he said that’s another trait of Kawasaki/Tokico calipers. They also seems to click at random times of use, just one click but it’s there.
Riding wise I basically ride to work and back, 35 miles each way. Up the M2/A2 then filtering through traffic, nothing too heavy and the bike is never thrashed. The engine sounds fairly tappetty. I mean more tappetty than my Suzuki which had covered a shed load more miles. Is this another Kawasaki trait?
Basically this bike has lots of traits and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced these with an A1 ZX6R? I hate the fact I hear these noises and constantly worry about the bike, so much so that I’m at the point of chopping it in for a GSXR.
Mine is the 07 599cc model but the switchgear never stops working when it’s wet and the brakes are fine. When I’ve just washed it and sprayed the caliper/discs with cleaner they might squeal for the first few meters but back to normal after that. The top end is more noisy than my gixer 750 and busa, maybe that is a kawasaki thing ? The busa will get noisey if the oil is too old or knackered, have you tried changing the oil ?
now not having riden a kwa i would assume it shouldnt be making loud tappin noises this would indicate the hydrulic tappets are not getting oil possibly
I used to find that my Z1000 made a tapping, clicking kind of noise from the top end of the engine. I ws told that it was just injector noise and nothing to worry about.
I did about 20,000 miles on the bike and it never got any worse and never missed a beat
I had a J1. It was ok and I also had clicking on the brakes. I ended up scrapping it after the crankshaft and gearbox proceeded to eat each other. I’d go for the gixer mate. The Kawasaki’s are much heavier and outdated compared to the K4 gixers onward.
Kawk’s are a temperamental breed.
I ride a 9 and compared to other bikes it sounds like it was made by British Leyland engineers out of spare bits of scrap… there’s loads of clicks wheezes and jiggling tappy noises… thing is, she runs fine and once you’re used to those noises they’re great cos you hear what’s going on so much better… any sound goes missing and you know you gotta check what’s going on…
I suppose if you’re used to pitch perfect purring, then it might not be your cup of tea… depends how much you like the ride…
I have the same model A1P 2002 and I am now in my third year of ownership. I have experienced none of the things you list above with mine but the only thing I was warned of when looking for one was the “Agricultural” sound of the bike, particularly on tick over. More of an issue on the 636 A1P than the earlier or later models. I would agree with that comment now having one and the only cure for the “agricultural” sound on tick over is the AKY can I have fittted to the bike, sounds lovely at any revs now;)
Everyone says kawasakis are noisy, and they are. The trick is knowing which noises are OK. Someone with an ear for engines (or kawasakis) should be able to help.
i have the 05 c1h 636 and have to say all kawasaki engines are noisy EXCEPT!! the new zx10r which i took out today must say its looks are not to everyone’s taste but the bikes is awesome!! but anyway as i was saying the are much noisier than the other big names. the main engine ticks are from the cam-chain tension which is crap at adjusting itself and occasionally needs a helping hand. fit louder pipes if you dont like it it makes up for the noises with its ride. dont worry just enjoy it.
I think the general consensus is that they are fairly noisy bikes. I do have a 636 version.
Think I’ll be starting with an oil change to see if that makes it any better, then it’s due a full service in 1.5k miles so hopefully any problems will then be found out.
Inneresting subject. . . I want to get a K1 kwak ZX7R - I’ve seen one that looks really nice - but as for the noise it makes - unless it obviously sounds dodgy I’ve got nothing to compare it to - so I guess it would pay to go and look and crucially - LISTEN to at least three or four of them to get an idea of what they are supposed to sound like - or maybe i should just go for A K1 gixxer 750? :blink:
I’ve got an A1P as well. I’ve got a slip on end can, and I did notice the difference when I first put that on - it is pretty “tappetty”. Also, it sounds a lot more tappetty in neutral, but I’ve been assured that that’s the clutch and it’s typical, and not to worry about it. I’ve not had any of the other problems you’ve mentioned, bar squealy brakes when the calipers have been dirty. No clicks there tho.
Yeah got a J1 (abeit a fairly messed up one!) and the engine is fairly sound to my ears, although the clutch sounds a little ‘whistly’ when in neutral…
The brakes are squealy though, and have put a brembo master cylinder on mine, and the first set of calipers I had on were properly fooked, have put on some second hand calipers (still 6 pots) and braking is pretty good, will be fantastic once I get some straight disks on there…
Not sure why you need to concentrate on the back brakes, you can get good improvements from the front. Braided are worth it, You can get some 4 pot calipers from an older GSXR 600 SRAD which will fit on and will improve things, as a brembo master cylinder will. Harrison billet do some mini-6’s that go on there, but are quite steep at 440 per pair…but will be a massive improvement!
must say its looks are not to everyone’s taste but the bikes is awesome!! but anyway as i was saying the are much noisier than the other big names. the main engine ticks are from the cam-chain tension which is crap at adjusting itself and occasionally needs a helping hand. fit louder pipes if you dont like it 
