02-18-2017, 05:21 PM
I've been doing a major service on my wife's 09 Kawasaki Versys 650. She bought in in '12 with 9k miles on it, and now it has 65k miles. Roughly 11k miles a year.
The motor has literally never been apart. Maintenance has consisted of changing the oil every 3~5k with good oil, keeping the chain tight & oiled (she's been through 4 sets), and making sure the tires are inflated, and not worn out. She's been through 6 sets of tires (about 1 set a year, plus an extra set for our Alaska trip 4 years ago). Plus the occasional filter cleaning & oiling.
Remarkably, it needed neither valve adjustment (shim under bucket), nor throttle body syncing. And, can I just say, what a PITA to sync. With EFI, you can't just throw a fuel bottle on it and run it, the tank has to be fully connected (about 6 hoses and 3 electrical connectors), then you have to use your tiny Trump hands and work under the tank.
The OEM NGK "iridium" plugs were, however, pretty well-consumed, even though they continued to work fine. I'll never hesitate to use the iridium plugs again - they are a *high mileage* plug!
Next job on deck will be to install all new bearings in the wheels, steering head & swingarm, and those are being replaced "just because". Should be good for another 65k miles after that.
The motor has literally never been apart. Maintenance has consisted of changing the oil every 3~5k with good oil, keeping the chain tight & oiled (she's been through 4 sets), and making sure the tires are inflated, and not worn out. She's been through 6 sets of tires (about 1 set a year, plus an extra set for our Alaska trip 4 years ago). Plus the occasional filter cleaning & oiling.
Remarkably, it needed neither valve adjustment (shim under bucket), nor throttle body syncing. And, can I just say, what a PITA to sync. With EFI, you can't just throw a fuel bottle on it and run it, the tank has to be fully connected (about 6 hoses and 3 electrical connectors), then you have to use your tiny Trump hands and work under the tank.
The OEM NGK "iridium" plugs were, however, pretty well-consumed, even though they continued to work fine. I'll never hesitate to use the iridium plugs again - they are a *high mileage* plug!
Next job on deck will be to install all new bearings in the wheels, steering head & swingarm, and those are being replaced "just because". Should be good for another 65k miles after that.