Z1OwnersClub GB

My Z1000R started to pink under load.

First noticed it on a trip through France. I was loaded up with the wife and luggage but I tried super unleaded and that seemed to help but when the motor gets hot I can just notice it.

I am guessing it may be the advance/retard unit as I haven't serviced that in the 5 yeras I have had it and the timing is fixed.

Does it come apart reasonably easy or do you get the springs firing off in all directions as soon as you dismantle it?

Anyone think of any other causes? (I know... lose the wife off the back!!)

David

I think there are several factors - fuel is one - some of the modern petrol doesn't seem to have much anti-knock properties.

One my bikes, I tend to retard the ignition timing 2-3 degrees to help combat the pinking - that's tougher to do on the later bikes as the ignition timing is 'fixed'. So the only way to adjust is to elongate the ignition pickup mount holes a little.

I also think wear on the cam chain contributes too. As the cam chain wears, the cam timing retards itself more and more - in extreme cases, you are looking at the exhaust cam being retarded 3-4 degrees and intake around 6-7 degrees retarded.

]Thanks Jeff, didn't think of the cam chain so glad you raised it and I think that may be the problem. It would sort of make sense as I went out today and lubed the advance retard yet it is still there.

Next question is do you guys recommended linkless or is the soft link type OK on the old air cooled Zeds?

David