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Flood of 400cc Kawi Junior Cup Bikes?

Discussion in 'General' started by grasshopper, Sep 25, 2024.

  1. grasshopper

    grasshopper Well-Known Member

    So is the entire FS section going to be flooded with Junior Cup Kawis for sale after Jersey? I might have to jump on one of those little pieces of shit.

    What are the pros and cons of these little bikes to look out for? Any known motor / trans issues? Any mods required to ride the thing hard as far as frame and chassis? Are there magic numbers to stay within for ride height, forks, shock ect?

    Educate me.
     
    Once a Wanker.. likes this.
  2. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

    Maybe the info will flow more freely after the series is over... I asked the same a while ago and it was all crickets. Overall I like mine, doesn't handle as nice as my R3 did, but the extra 10 or so HP more than make up for it in overall enjoyment. Hopefully the extra inventory will mean a healthy ULW Endurance for the next few years.
     
    Once a Wanker.. likes this.
  3. grasshopper

    grasshopper Well-Known Member

    I was thinking endurance too. It would be nice to get a package deal of 2 of them that are setup.
     
    evakat and Once a Wanker.. like this.
  4. 27

    27 Well-Known Member

    You said Kawasaki and trans issues… I know it’s a stereotype but so they still have transmission issues? Iirc that started on the early 90s ZX6D models where streetbikes would break them… frames would crack often on uncrashed 95-97 ZX6Rs… same engines notoriously threw rods…

    I only spent two years on Kawi’s 05-06 and absolutely loved their support programs/Team Green and their ZX6RRs… I too had multiple issues that were material failures… internal moving parts breaking that shouldn’t have…

    my hypothesis on them historically having material failures was that they have lower quality specs on the materials… they are a Heavy Industry company that makes huge machinery mostly where more porous or lower quality alloys may not be an issue…

    I have no idea about these little bikes but if a few of you get them and make a class of it’s own and sell the show… like a geriatric gauntlet:D
     
    5axis, Once a Wanker.. and No Brakes like this.
  5. onesixsix

    onesixsix Untitled

    Sorry, but why would this happen? Everyone moving to Ninja 500 or going to the Kramer APX350?
     
  6. grasshopper

    grasshopper Well-Known Member

  7. onesixsix

    onesixsix Untitled

  8. Kirby Wadle

    Kirby Wadle Active Member

    Trans pops out of gear from day one with all of the fixes installed - next step undercutting

    Front brake is marginal and needs to be cleaned and lubed every day or two to avoid dragging

    Other than that mine has been a hoot

    Seems to be an advantage vs RC390 or R3 - hangs with ZX4R better than you might think

    Easy on tires - not picky about setup

    I'd recommend
     
  9. grasshopper

    grasshopper Well-Known Member

    Does R&D out of Florida still undercut and cryo treat transmissions? Or where did you get yours done at? I had one done on a SV 10+ years ago but haven't had one done since.
     
    Once a Wanker.. likes this.
  10. voss555

    voss555 Well-Known Member

    Spears did ours in the R3. Never one issue.
     
  11. Senna

    Senna Well-Known Member

    From what I’ve heard through friends:

    -popping out of gear. Helps to
    have gears undercut.
    -Aftermarket radiator sometimes needed as they can run hot.
    -front rotor upgrade needed.

    That’s the main stuff I’ve seen. They are very reliable bikes.
     
  12. Kirby Wadle

    Kirby Wadle Active Member

    I use spears shock mount to get the recommended ride height in back and near stock fork height

    I'm on Ohlins 10.5 spring rear GP front 9.0 spring - 170 lb - I haven't tried anything else after getting the clickers where I like them
     
    boxcrash and Once a Wanker.. like this.
  13. onesixsix

    onesixsix Untitled

    So, ballpark, how much does it cost to get gears undercut (including R&R), adding an aftermarket radiator, and front rotor? $1K? $2K?
     
    Once a Wanker.. likes this.
  14. voss555

    voss555 Well-Known Member

  15. Kirby Wadle

    Kirby Wadle Active Member

    The hot ticket would be to buy one set up

    Probably 750 - 1000 to have a shop split the case
     
    Once a Wanker.., Razr and onesixsix like this.
  16. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

    re: shifting issues, mine came with the following and I still have occasions of popping into neutral from higher gears. Not enough to be a big issue.

    Heavy Duty shift detent
    Barnet clutch springs
    Barnet Clutch Plates and Steel plates (1 day on them)
    Spears shift kit
    Norton Clutch Springs
     
    Once a Wanker.. likes this.
  17. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

    FWIW mine was a non-pro trackday build- seems like he opened up the Norton catalog and checked about 2/3 of the boxes. I'd imagine a bike that's been running in the top half of Junior Cup all season is pretty sorted (but may not be exactly cheap)
     
    Once a Wanker.. likes this.
  18. Once a Wanker..

    Once a Wanker.. Always a Wanker!

    I used my deposit on a ZX4-RR to buy a Husky FE 350s to dual sport ride, with no regrets. I guessed a well set up 400 twin would be a 'cheaper and plenty of fun' option for a track bike. I'll be considering one myself.
     
  19. StaccatoFan

    StaccatoFan XC,Athena,Titan,AresTRS Comp,BDS9,Cobra,<Erebus?>

    I happen to know one of the front runners Dads. He had at least one maybe 2 400s I believe he’s selling. They’re moving onward next season. Pm me if interested. I don’t think he gets on here.

    correction

    https://www.facebook.com/share/p/DBPpp3DZf1cthXFY/?

    Phils bikes are meticulously maintained.
     
    Last edited: Sep 25, 2024
    PatricksDad likes this.
  20. Tristan

    Tristan Well-Known Member

    FYI it's a "private group" but I requested access and got it within an hour
     
    StaccatoFan likes this.

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