Z1000SX owners

[dreamer75]

Hi all - I got a new Z1000SX a couple of months ago - 2019 version, but I suspect not much has changed over the last few years (at least not relevant to this).

Absolutely love the bike, but one big problem. It's heating the frame up so much it's burning me unless I wear leathers. So I can't wear my motorbike jeans, leggings, or probably even jeans & goretex. Even the other day in 21 degrees heat, so hardly a hot day, by the time I got home from work (about an hour) wearing motorbike leggings which are reasonably thick, it was getting unbearable.

First time it happened, it was so bad that my leg was red and blotchy for a day or so, and we had to stop to buy gardening knee pads to strap to my leg, so I could carry on riding

Has anybody experienced the same? Haven't taken it to the dealer yet - I will do, but I need to predictably recreate the issue and take it to them hot, as they'll only do a short road trip of about 4 miles so unlikely to happen in that time.

I'm after any thoughts or suggestions and help! Our current theory is that the cat is getting very hot, and the frame sits just above it. So it's being heated from the cat. So maybe a decat would help.. Photo below of the offending frame - mostly on the right hand side (although left also gets hot). My leg doesn't even touch it, sits away from it, but still hot enough to actually burn me. The engine casing gets hot too, but I expect that, and it's manageable. But the frame.... you can't touch it with bare skin for more than a quick touch when it's hot.

Desperate for ideas, because full leathers in the recent hot weather has been pretty warm, and would be nice to have the option. Also not feasible in the rain in the winter when I need the goretex....

[Jazoli]

I have one of the same model and its fine, trackday in 25 degree heat no problem, sunday ride out in 28 degree heat again no problem, my bike is standard and has no modifications and I can't say I've ever noticed the heat from the engine/exhaust more than any other bike I've owned.

Edit I've worn textiles, leathers and jeans on it, not tried shorts yet, a decat will definitely help if you can't cope with it.

Edited by Jazoli on Thursday 29th August 08:51

[andburg]

cheap riding jeans?
The answer for harley riders is to make sure your jeans are fully kevlar lined not just hip and arse.

[dreamer75]

Not cheap jeans no, Rokkertech. And Motogirl leggings which have several layers. That isn't the issue.

Pic of what it did to one of my legs, you can even see the line of the edge of the frame, which 24 hours later was still red and blotchy

[dreamer75]

Jazoli said:

I have one of the same model and its fine, trackday in 25 degree heat no problem, sunday ride out in 28 degree heat again no problem, my bike is standard and has no modifications and I can't say I've ever noticed the heat from the engine/exhaust more than any other bike I've owned.

Edit I've worn textiles, leathers and jeans on it, not tried shorts yet, a decat will definitely help if you can't cope with it.

Edited by Jazoli on Thursday 29th August 08:51

Hmmmm, which is pointing towards something not being right with mine. I know they get hot in general, but should be able to ride in textiles. Thanks

[Jazoli]

dreamer75 said:

Hmmmm, which is pointing towards something not being right with mine. I know they get hot in general, but should be able to ride in textiles. Thanks

One caveat is that I always wear race boots or my waterproof boots which cover the calf and lower leg, the ones you have (if they are your bike boots) will offer very little in the way of protection from heat or anything else

[Ryan-nunm9]

I was out on one of the hottest days of the year for the best part of 8 hours training a chap on a '19 Z1000SX and he didn't say anything about heat issues. Granted he was wearing leathers, but does sound like a bit of an issue on yours.

[Krikkit]

Might be worth getting an IR thermometer and getting a reading of just how hot it is (along with other panels and the engine casing)

Either way it sounds like a fault rather than them all being that way, I can't imagine they'd deliberately let that panel get so hot.

[Jazoli]

Krikkit said:

Might be worth getting an IR thermometer and getting a reading of just how hot it is (along with other panels and the engine casing)

Either way it sounds like a fault rather than them all being that way, I can't imagine they'd deliberately let that panel get so hot.

I'll do that with mine next time I am out and post up the temps for a reference.

[dreamer75]

That would be great thanks! I’ll get one too and we can compare notes!

On the boots. Yes they are bike boots. Dainese. And yes they’re short. I have long leather boots too. It’s a decision for when it’s very warm outside and I’m wearing jeans.

[Mr Scruff]

Definitely sounds odd to me, I’ve done a good few miles on mine in the heat and never had that issue - wearing riding jeans.

[Mr_Tickle]

I have an older Z1000, but as you say, probably not massively different bike, and I've done loads of miles wearing shorts with no problems. Sounds like something's going on with your bike.

[anonymous-user]

I think you definitely have an issue with your bike unfortunately. I have had mine for three years from new, and although it is the model before yours, so not a direct comparison, it does not get that hot. Mine is mainly used for commuting, and spends a fair amount of time in slow moving traffic, I can feel the heat from the engine when stationary, but is never uncomfortable.

[dreamer75]

Popped it to the dealer but they aren't interested in investigating sadly . (Bike only 3 months old....... )

It seems to be linked to filtering - I'm wondering if lots of heat soak during filtering and dissipates through the frame. It's that or the cat. Or both ! It doesn't do it all the time (of course) and hard to reproduce, but if the dealer don't want to investigate, then it's down to me to figure it out..

[Jazoli]

I've not ridden mine since my last post so I can't help, I will hopefully be out over the weekend and will try to remember to take some readings.

[Jazoli]

Just thought I'd update this after my ride out on mine over the weekend, I had my jeans and shorty TCX boots on and the bike really was uncomfortably hot around my ankles and lower legs when riding around slowly taking in the view, I'd forgotten all about this post until then, I'd say the frame temp was well above 60 degrees if not more ( I didn't have my thermometer on me), its definitely the catalytic converter causing the heat, I can see why it could cause an issue for some, normally I'm in full leathers and sports boots and generally going a bit faster so there's more airflow to cool things down and the leather offers protection from the heat.

So in short, yes it gets fking hot.

[SAS Tom]

If Kawasaki don’t decide to do anything, try the sticky backed heat shield stuff that looks like foil. Stick it to the inside of the frame. I did this on my VFR that got hot as the exhaust is under the seat and it made a huge difference.

[Unbusy]

Is there a de-cat pipe for these bikes available? I would look at putting on a Rapid Bike Easy or similar to get more fuel through and drop the temperature slightly. Even if it doesn’t drop it much it should make the engine sweeter as it more then likely runs on the lean side.

TL;DR wear thick kinky boots.

[Jazoli]

Unbusy said:

Is there a de-cat pipe for these bikes available? I would look at putting on a Rapid Bike Easy or similar to get more fuel through and drop the temperature slightly. Even if it doesn’t drop it much it should make the engine sweeter as it more then likely runs on the lean side.

TL;DR wear thick kinky boots.

Decat is by cutting the cat off the headers and fitting a Y pipe or replacing the headers completely so not straightforward if the bike is under warranty and/or on a pcp.

Edited by Jazoli on Wednesday 25th September 07:22

[dreamer75]

Akra do a decat for it, but I've heard it needs a remap to go with it - and it's not cheap.

I think it's the slow speed stuff like you say - I am noticing it mostly if there has been a bit of filtering for more than a couple of minutes. I guess higher revs, slower speed, lower airflow.

Bit of a pain, but I feel I'm getting closer to the problem! I'll have a look at the heat shield although I'm not sure how you get around the back of the frame to fit it?