Kawasaki ZX-14: How To: Install Swingarm Extension Kit
Before installing the swingarm extension kit on my 2009 Kawasaki ZX-14, I tried to make sure I had everything covered. I actually consulted with a custom bike builder at Fat300 Custom Cycles before starting. The final results of the project turned out pretty good and was not a difficult week-end project. Of course the key is the tools, take your time and plan it out.
I think the final results, turned out good. My next project is to install lowering links to bring the back-end down.
Difficulty Rating, 1 being easiest and 10 being hardest: Probably a 4
Tools needed:
- Mightyvac Brake Bleeder (optional).
- A set of Front and Rear Bike Stands
- Sissor Motorcycle Lift or a low profile floor jack.
- metric wrenches, a set of metric sockets and allen sets. a 32mm socket for axel nut.
- A bike chain breaker
- A new tube of axel grease.
- A chain riveting tool
- A grinder or small air sanding tool (remove old chain)
Parts Needed:
- zx-14 swingarm extensions
- new extended (at least 6 inches) brake line
- new extended chain
- after bleeding the brakes, you will need some new dot4 brake fluid
Make sure your area is clean and organized.
You might need some help to lift your Kawasaki ZX-14. I used the front and rear bike stands, with the floor jack.
Start by removing brake line at the rear brake caliper.
Loosen and remove the rear brake caliper from rear brake hanger.
Remove the cotter pin at the rear axel nut, and remove nut with 32mm socket.
The Axle rod should slide out without any pressure. Do Not beat axle, to remove. You will probably need to place something under the rear tire to support it, so it does not drop. A 2x4 or something.
Once the axel rod is removed and tire out of way, slide the brake hanger off. Remove the chain from around the rear sprocket. DO NOT pull the chain off the front sprocket. Just leave it and let it hang loose at the rear.
At this point the zx-14 rear tire is removed, rear brake line disconnected and hanging. Chain is also hanging.
You are now ready to istall the zx-14 swingarm extensions. Make sure you tighten all the way. The extenstions will be different from the left side and the right side.
After both sides are tight to manufacturing torq requirements, rub some axel grease on the axel and slide it through the new extension chain adjuster block. (you will need another person, or be able to support the tire so that you can align the axel as you slide it through. I used 2x4 and another piece under it, like a pivot point so I can lean on the high side and lift and tire into place)
The axle should slide with ease. Once The Axel and tire are in place slide the tire back, with the chain adjust blocks moving, leaving about 3/4" - 1" for room to adjust the chain. You do not want the blocks up against rear of the extensions with no room to adjust. Tighten down the axel bolt a little to help maintain the position of the tire.
Once in position, cut the old chain. DO NOT remove it at this point.
I used a pneumatic mini sander kit to grind down the edge of the rivets on one link.
Once they were grind down, I used the chain breaker tool to remove the rivets, and link.
Once the link is removed, I used the new master link to connect the top of the old chain to the new chain with the new master link (DO NOT PERMANTLY INSTALL THE MASTER LINK). I also used a very small zip tie to temporary keep the old chain and new chain connected, while I pulled the bottom of the old chain, so that the top chain was being pulled with the new chain around the front sprocket. Doing this saved me from having to remove more parts from the bike to install the chain around the front sprocket.
After you have the new chain in place, remove the disgard the old chain.
Align the new chain around the rear sprocket, make sure you have 3/4" - 1" space between the chain adjustor blocks and the rear of the extension.
Ensure you proper chain length and cut the new chain.
Using the chain adjuster blocks, adjust the rear tire to tighten the chain. Check your owners manual regarding the chain slack requirements. Ensure equal adjustment on both side to keep tire in alignment during travel.
Rotate the rear tire and inspect for clearance and alignment.
Tighten rear axle bolt, and install the cotter pin.
Install the new zx-14 brake line and bleed the rear brakes. I used MITYVAC VACUUM PUMP MV8000. It made the job easy.
Your Kawasaki ZX-14 will look great with it's new Extended Swingarm Kit.
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ZX-14 Before Stretch and Lower
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ZX-14 After Stretch and Lower
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