[zridert]

Hey guy, I'm new to riding and new to this forum. After taking the MSF this summer, I was hooked and had to get a bike. I ended up purchasing a '96 zx-6e with 9k miles. The bike slips out of second when I roll on hard, but it's ok when cruising around town. I was able to get in touch with some who is selling a transmission for 97 zx-6e. My question is that are all the components interchangable between 1996 and 1996? My plan is to get a used trans and rebuild (maybe even undercut) as necessary over the winter and do a swap in the spring. NJ winters are pretty brutal so I won't be able to ride until April. Also what should a used transmission in good condition cost?
My next comment is that because I am new to riding, I have been very careful on the bike. The first time I took the bike out on the highway (early Sunday morning), the wind buffeting was really uncomfortable. I was not and still not very comfortable at maintaining highway speed. Is this something that will improve with experience? I would appreciate any advice on the transmission and also regarding riding techniques that will improve wind buffeting. i guess being 5'7 and 145lbs does help much with the buffeting. Thanks

 

[QKENUF4U]

1. The bike slips out of second when I roll on hard, but it's ok when cruising around town.

2. My question is that are all the components interchangable between 1996 and 1996?

3.so what should a used transmission in good condition cost?

4. Is this something that will improve with experience?

1. needs shift fork/s
2. check part #'s from year to year
3. if your just looking for the gear sets then a couple hundred for both countershaft/mainshaft w/ gears
4. yes, it will take tiime
good luck

 

[pitbull76]

In addition to shift forks, ZX-6E's often have a damaged shift drum and bad gear dogs when 2nd goes out. Check out www.zx6e.com for more info on your problem. Instead of buying a used trans, you could buy just the parts you need from ronayers.com for around $300 or so if you need the drum, gear dogs, and shift fork. I wouldn't mess with a used trans from a ZX-6E unless it's very new because they are known for losing 2nd gear.

 

[Calamarichris]

Hey Zridert.
It sounds to me like your engagement dogs are tired. (These are the pegs poking out of the sides of part numbers 13260A through 13260G in the diagrams below.) That's the normal cause for bikes slipping out of gear. You'll want to get those dogs undercut by a machinist or replaced so that the engagement dogs pull themselves together when under power. You'll be cracking the cases and it won't be easy if you do it yourself, or cheap if you pay a dealership. Might has well put some new shift forks in there too as it sounds like the previous owner didn't have the best habits.

(1996 ZX6 )

(1997 ZX6 )

They appear to be identical, judging from the diagrams on www.buykawasaki.com. Since you're already splitting the cases, you might as well get both sets of dogs undercut. The hard part is really going to be splitting the cases anyway, so once you've gone that far, you might as well make her perfect in there.
Good luck and let us know how she goes.
-CCinC
P.S. And you get used to the wind. Just get a good fullface helmet and a snug fitting (or heavy) leather jacket that won't flap so much. If you're ever riding at speed with an open-face helmet on, turn your head to the side and open your mouth in the shape of a blow-up doll's ( :-o ) the wind blowing over your mouth makes a resonating sound like a musical jug that hillbillies used to play. (Just don't do this while some dude is in the lane next to you, or he might get the wrong idea.)

 

[zridert]

Thanks for quick replies

hey guys, thanks for all your quick replies. I picked up a service manual and thumbed through the transmission section. It appears to be very time consuming, but does not appear to require any special tools. If this zx-6e models is know to have weak transmission, then you are probably right in suggesting to stay away from used transmission. Oh well, guess i'll just have to waste at least 2 weekends sometimes in April or May pulling out the trans...or I can ride like an idiot shifting from 1-3 most of the time .
As for the wind issue, I guess the only cure is experience which gives me more of a reason to go out and ride every chance i get. I do have a full face helmet, leather, gloves, and boots. Can't take any chances here with NJ soccer moms and their SUVs.