Bought the bike a few days ago and noticed a leak coming from the top of the motor. I haven't pulled off the fairings so I can't verify it's the valve cover or not. After some research this morning I discovered that there is a service bulletin and Kawasaki will fix it free of charge, so that's awesome! Now question time. The bike has about 13k miles on it so should I go ahead and get them to do the valve clearance checks while they're already working in there? If so, what's the usual cost of this maintenance? I'm asking because I have a loud tick going on and I'm not sure if it's the CCT or the valves. Any info would be appreciated and useful.

 

What is "awesome" is if they fix it correctly! A leaky valve cover is not a difficult task, once you get behind the plastic. Get a new gasket and some sealant of your choice. While you're "in there" go ahead and spec things: when you pull the cover to replace the gasket, get some feeler gauges and check your valves. Inspect the play in your timing chain and adjust acccordingly, as well.
I encourage guys to do their own work whenever possible, because it gives you the "visual record" of seeing it for yourself; not to mention the satisfaction factor. If you have a small workspace and a few tools, you can do this job. (But, I also understand if you can't; not a job to tackle at curbside...)

 

Thanks Jeff. I'm not confident that I have the skill to do the work, so I actually just got back from the dealership. I dropped it off and I'm hoping they do a good job. They have a good track record from what I understand.

 

I waited till my 15,000 mile service. took care of both at the same time. it saved money on the service too because of them picking up the gasket cost.

 

Good call hoed, but I would have thought that things would have been checked after the 1000 mile break in? (my way, not kawi's way)

 

No kawi says 15grand then valve check. So really the labor and the gasket was free all they had to do was check the clearance. I just paid full price the 30grand service wow big difference. BTW bout to bust 40 thousand miles very soon.