How to service a motorcycle - Kawasaki ZRX1200R and ZRX1100

[@flexjay87]

Kawasaki did a great job designing this bike. It looks fast sitting still :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Happily, in this case, looks aren't deceiving!

[@SteveHoward-qf8de]

Having had a 1100 around 10 years ago, i decided i wanted another, but its been a headache choosing which one to go for. I'm almost 60 years old and no rocket man nowadays. Thank you for helping me decide. I'll just get the best one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Steve!

[@impalaSS65]

Thank you, very well structured and easy to follow. The answer to "what tool?" is the most important and it saves time to know. Thanks you!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome!

[@geoffhess2267]

Jon, I need to do a service on my GSX650F shortly, so I found this super helpful. Btw, I love the ZRX. Yours is a keeper!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, thanks, Geoff!

[@ridehard876]

Wow, great video! I have the same bike and this feels like a digital owners manual. Will save lots of time, thanks!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome! You can check out my full ZRX playlist if you want more ZRX videos. Cheers!

[@m27931]

Good video - weirdly the hardest part of maintaining this bike is getting the oil filter back on because the exhaust header is in the way. The best way I found is to get the filter housing on first without the big bolt and hold it in place once you get past the header, then get the bolt with your left hand while you press the filter housing in place with your right hand. Still takes some effort to hold that filter housing up with one hand due to the spring tension, but it’s doable, and easier than trying to get the whole filter unit past the header with the bolt already in it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It definitely could be easier.

[@michaelZ1B]

Yes. The better method (if aligned properly) to enable the long bolt to slide right up just as you say. Otherwise it's a royal pain. The engineering on this part was poor. Even the Shop Manual should suggest what you said as a much preferred method.

[@steveflaming9901]

this is an AMAZING video. i just picked up a used zrx and like learn to do some of this myself. thank you for making this. i need to find you clutch bleeding video. i went out today and my clutch lever all the sudden has too much play and wont shift. hoping it is something simple, preparing for it not to be.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@steveflaming9901 It could be several things (low fluid level, air in the line, faulty line, or master cylinder that needs to be rebuilt). None of these is too serious. Good luck with it!

[@Spartansrule118]

love the zrx content. subscribed!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, thanks!

[@joehooyen725]

Hi,great video on a beautiful bike. On every bike I have had with that cartridge style oil filter they have always assembled spring , flat washer then oil filter. The flat washer stops the spring from digging into the rubber groumet in the filter.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Joe, you're correct. The flat washer often sticks to the underside of the old filter and gets thrown out. In the past, I have serviced many bikes with the washer missing. In fact, I had to buy one for this ZRX. Thankfully, I've never seen a spring push into a filter without the washer. Why Kawasaki added a part (the cup shaped part that sits on top) to an assembly that is so often improperly installed is beyond me. I specifically included the proper assembly sequence in the video because I've seen it done incorrectly so many times. 🙂 In the past, I serviced a bike with both the spring and washer missing, 🤔 not good.

[@jodavey3053]

Hi Jon, ever since I have owned and serviced the bike, the cup that sits on top of the oil filter was missing, and never had any problems, should I buy one and put in in on when I do the next service...... cheers

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@jodavey3053 That's a great question. I would first verify that your specific year has the cup. If so, I would get one just for my own peace of mind. If you don't want to get one, I would recommend at least talking to a Kawasaki tech to get their take on it.

[@jodavey3053]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thanks Jon

[@ScooterWV]

I like how you recommended the Kawasaki oil YOU USE, and then put Mobil One in the bike. GOOD CHOICE, I use Mobil One in just about every vehicle I've owned.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Oops! Mobile One is a great product. Cheers!

[@gilbertreeves2084]

jon..I was thinking of the fan and then you mentioned it.The only thing I wish my zrx had was a temp gauge.The faired zrx`s had one so i think there is a simple solution underneath the gas tank on the the thermo housing.The motor is so understressed they just gave it an overheat light that you can only hope works if the thermostat stay`s closed or you hole the radiator.Loved the vid..Cheers.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Gilbert! I was just out on the ZRX today filming two more comparisons. I was going to mention the lack of temp guage in the video but didn't - it really should have one. But I loved every minute of riding the ZRX. They're great machines!

[@Lt_dangle]

Love it ,about to purchase one soon ,thanks for a video ,

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome. They are great bikes!

[@tango2126]

Thanks 👍👍

[@LanciaD50]

wonderful bike and video

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@LanciaD50]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 i have a zrx 1200 r too :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@LanciaD50 Nice Dan, they're wonderful bikes!

[@jean-yvesmuller9689]

Hi, thanks for your tutorial 👍🙂

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome, Jean!

[@DrBo1]

What is the thing we used to do to the eccentric to rotate it 180 degrees to raise the rear a bit to quicken up the steering. Along with lowering the front a bit.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep, I've done that to a previous ZRX. The ZRX1100 actually handled a bit better with the narrower rear tire and, I think, slightly different chassis geometry.

[@davidanderson4500]

good vid jon. brill. great bike too.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks David!

[@benjamincastillo7924]

Is there a video out there on how to install stock front turn signals for a 2002 ZRX1200R??? Thanks Benjamin

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm sure there is but I didn't make one, sorry.

[@vd1170]

Hello great video. May i know are these still available to buy in europe? Where can we get spares to keep it running? Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm in the US, but I believe they are available on the used motorcycle market in Europe like they are here. Parts can be found through the Kawasaki dealers, scrap yards, online, etc. There is no one-stop shop, and you may need to get creative at times when sourcing parts on any older bike. Cheers!

[@vd1170]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thank you 🙏

[@vicpnut1]

Is the zrx still the 4 carb setup like the inline 4’s I rode in the 1980’s? I ask because I’ve been infatuated with the zrx since I first saw one at Kawasaki showroom back in 2004 +/- …..and I’m now squirreling away any $ I can in hopes of getting a bike by spring…….I’m leaning hard towards either a zrx or a Fz1……or which ever is the best bike/ brand / model similar to those two I can afford when the time comes…..anyways if I am lucky enough to find a zrx in my price range, am curious if I need to stow away extr $$ for a card sync / adjusting …..it’s weird ,when I was young I did all a repairs myself , but my bikes i be felt confident becaus of the way I rode back then ( very punishing on the bikes ) but now not to least alll…if you have any how to’s on carb syncing/ adjusting I be Interested in those too (suppose I should just go to your channel and look lol) …ways great basic service / safety Vid, thanks for posting

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Vic! Yes, the ZRX is a four carb setup. As long as it runs good when you get it and you winterize it properly, that setup holds a tune for a long time. It's not high maintenance. Good luck in your search!

[@TimHarakalOfficial]

What can I do of the eccentric marks are not in the same spot? Great video!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They should be. You could loosen one pinch bolt and turn that adjuster till it lines up with the other side. You'll probably need to readjust the chain afterwards.

[@rustywilliquette2803]

Will explain thank you

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome.

[@quayinlock]

What stand are you using?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I think it's a PitBull stand.

[@benjaminwilliams3568]

Whoaaaaaa?😮 At time Stamp 19.43 you are installing MOBILE OIL, Not the Kawasaki Brand you showed and talked about. What's the Deal Here Neal??? Why Mobile and not The Kawa Engine Oil???

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I have a clean 1 qt Mobile 1 container that I use to measure the precise amount. Sorry for the confusion. Cheers!

[@benjaminwilliams3568]

No, It's I owing of an apology to you. I made an assumption based on the label of the bottle. I'm wrong I'm sorry.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@benjaminwilliams3568 Apology accepted, Benjamin. Cheers!

[@franklackey3550]

Kind of odd he plugs Kawasaki oil then refills with Mobil-1 full synthetic???

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Actually no, though it looks that way in the video. I have a clean Mobil 1 quart container that I use for measuring out the proper quantity of oil. It was the Kawasaki oil that I used.

[@JJ-mh3hb]

What are these worth?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Depends on condition. You can check out NADA guides for the value in your area. Few bikes are in excellent condition. Most nice ones are in the good to very good condition range. Cheers!

[@michaelZ1B]

Says he likes using Kawasaki Oil and he features it. But the video shows him using Mobil 1.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Good catch. Mobile 1 is a great product, too. Cheers!

[@richardmerrifield8186]

Spray the WD-40 on the cleaning rag ....not directly on the chain .A chain wet with WD-40 will repell the chain lube .Trust me !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Good to know!

[@raf900foss9]

mobil 1 is not motorcycle oil

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@raf900foss9 They make motorcycle oil among their other products. Also, my single-quart Moblil 1 container is what I use to precisely measure oil instead of trying to guess while pouring from a gallon jug. Cheers!

[@elicisneros341]

JON , PLEASE SHOW HOW TO CLEAR THE OIL PUMP FILTER

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I sold this ZRX1200R last fall, so I'll have to wait until I pick up another one. Cheers!