KZ1100D2 Spectre leaking oil.

Hi all!

Just got this bike a week ago and am having a LOT of fun with it so far. Just a few problems that need addressed. Mostly it's got a fairly bad oil leak just under the top cover, I guess you'd call it a cam cover. I'm no mechanic, but I was quoted 8 hours labor to replace the gasket under this cover. They said I'd have to break cam chains and all kinds of stuff. I've changed valve cover gaskets many many times in my old Nova SS and it takes about 20 minutes total. Is this something I can do myself, or should I take it to a bike shop?

Also, it looks like Z1 only sells the gasket I need as part of a set. I'd really rather not tear into the whole top end if there's just one gasket that needs replaced. Anybody know the correct part number I'll need?

Maybe they thought you meant the head gasket??? Still probably wouldn't be 8 hours, and you still wouldn't need to break the chain for that, they either misunderstood or thought you were a sucker. I don't quite know how long it'll take, I'm inclined to say a little more than 20 minutes to do right, but it's not a big deal. Might try calling Z1 as well. A lot of times they're able to get things that aren't necesarily listed on their site, so if you tell them what you need they can probably get it for you.

Yeah, they also quoted 3 hours for fork seals, and it was $200 to clean and sync the carbs. At least they did that right. I am in central Nebraska, so there's not a lot of good shops around

I'll call Z1 this afternoon. Thanks!

Jason

Looks like the Valve cover, and maybe the cam end plugs. Z1 will have all of the above. Just remember that when you remove the cover, that the cam chain tensioner will need to have the cross wedge removed, before you bolt the cover back down. Also you really need to at least check the valve clearances while it is off. Use the link in my signature for a pdf file version of the service manual that will cover this and much more for your Specter.

You need to stay away from that dealer; they are trying to rape you! Everything they told you is a lie. Replacing the valve cover gasket on a KZ is just as easy (actually easier) than replacing it on a small block Chevy. "Break the cam chain"? Wow, what an outrageous line of BS; they should be kicked in the pants for telling you that! Ed

Oh yeah, they said they just did basically the same job for someone. Said they had 40 hours in it but only charged 8. What a bargain, huh?

My old Yamaha leaks out of both head gaskets and I can see that being expensive and difficult, but other than the leak right on the top this thing is bone dry.

I'm going to order the parts from Z1 today and just do it myself. If I get into trouble I'll make my brother in law help.

Hey, that's what family's for right? If you have a manual for the engine, should be a walk in the park. Might give all the bolts a good soaking in penetrant the night before if they haven't come off in a while, try to prevent stripping anything, which seems to be the only issue I ever have on thes.e