What about your Cam Chain Tensioner?

Hi Folks,
I've set up a little poll to see how many of us have addressed or even considered the cam chain tensioner on our 1300s.
Please answer the poll.
Bill/KZQ

gd4now, one of the members over at KZR, posted this about cam chain tensioners. I think it's good and historical information:
 
Thanks
Bill

If / when I begin restoration of my 1300, I intend retaining the stock tensioner, but with a pinch bolt arrangement to stop the push rod backing off.

Please don't miss the POLL at the top of this page.
Thanks
Bill/KZQ

Kawboy recently expressed an opinion in support of the OEM tensioners. Frankly such an opinion ran so directly against what has become (at least in my mind) the accepted conventional wisdom that I had to take a closer look. Are these failures a real issue or has the internet just created another meme? I've done a bunch of digging even inquiring at other Kawasaki sites (you may have noticed).
We don't have enough information yet. Truly, the poll will give the best perspective, if we can get 20 or so answers. It may be that perception is the truest view of the issue.
At the very least Kawboy and I will be revising David's FAQ with some real world data as context.
Bill

The poll is flawed, IMHO. It doesn't allow for multiple responses.

Take my case.. I have 3 kz's. 
One runs APE - it's my 'running' bike at the moment, with about 7k since rebuild.
Two have OEM - I think... haven't gotten that far yet in rebuild.

Of the two, I bought z100 kit with shortened spring and planned to run it.

The last one, I've been looking for a manual unit other than APE.. One that has finer adjustment threads for more 'feel' when tightening.

For the poll I replied 'manual'.

The real thought, once again IMHO, is where did the idea 'oem must be replaced'? Was it born out of actual failures, or perceived possibility of failure?

For me, this video is all I need to swap it out.. Just like ball bearings in steering heads can dimple the races.....

Shoot to about 1:45 on the timeline.



d
 

dcarver220b wrote:

The poll is flawed, IMHO. It doesn't allow for multiple responses.

Take my case.. I have 3 kz's. 
One runs APE - it's my 'running' bike at the moment, with about 7k since rebuild.
Two have OEM - I think... haven't gotten that far yet in rebuild.

Of the two, I bought z100 kit with shortened spring and planned to run it.

The last one, I've been looking for a manual unit other than APE.. One that has finer adjustment threads for more 'feel' when tightening.

For the poll I replied 'manual'.

The real thought, once again IMHO, is where did the idea 'oem must be replaced'? Was it born out of actual failures, or perceived possibility of failure?

d



 

Hi Don,
I have two 1300s. I also have two accounts so I voted twice. (The second account is one I use to look at the site with no special permissions.) Since we've already collected ten responses I suggest that others do as you have and just describe your fleet in this thread after you've answered the poll. I'll tally the counts from the poll and the thread.
Your question about why replace rather than repair will certainly inform the eventual result.
I'm thinking that Ape's Pro models have the finer thread you desire.
Bill