[mvvette97]

I am looking at buying an 06 with 13k on it. It's a one owner bike and is as clean as new. I was about to buy it then I read about the valve spring retainers cracking. Is this something that is one of those will happen for sure or is it just a here and there thing? What mileage does this usually happen? The bike has been well taken care of but not sure if that makes any difference or not. Just looking for a little info on this. I'm starting to have second thoughts a little. If it's just a hit and miss thing well we all know all brands have those but if it's for sure going to happen then maybe I should just pass on it. What are your opinions?

 

[zx racer]

I think its a hit and miss thing because alot have reported gen1's are bad about retainers failing and i just finished valve job and all retainers were good @20k so dont let that scare you, gen2's are some good bikes and if everything checks out i'd say go for it.

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[SOUN1]

That's still a breaking mileage lol... the only thing bad I heard about the gen.2 is that.... she's a big bone girl compare to a gen1. :spit:besides that..it's a good bike..

 

[NinjaLife]

Mine went at around 30K and I rode the bike pretty hard a lot of times, a lot of roll on racing.
I'd say if it's a good deal then get the bike, ride the piss outta it until around 25K and then have the valves checked. I think the retainers were changed for the 3rd gen and I believe those retainers will drop in on a Gen 2 head. While getting the valves checked you could possbily replace with the 3rd gen retainers and then not have to worry about it at all.

 

[evilaugust]

Yes, 3rd gen retainers fit.

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[Chris_1973]

It is hit or miss like somebody already mentioned. I just checked mine in January with 15500km's and they were fine, just out of spec. I've heard that the ones prone to failure have a small white dot on them and the 08's have a larger dot. Mine didn't have any white dots ?and it was an early production model (01 2006).
If it's a good deal buy it and check them. It's a great bike

 

[thundercoupe9]

It is hit or miss like somebody already mentioned. I just checked mine in January with 15500km's and they were fine, just out of spec. I've heard that the ones prone to failure have a small white dot on them and the 08's have a larger dot. Mine didn't have any white dots ?and it was an early production model (01 2006).
If it's a good deal buy it and check them. It's a great bike

The 3rd gens have small dots............................:heyyou:

https://youtu.be/plnlBhRuwUI

 

[Chris_1973]

I stand corrected. I got my dots wrong?

 

[thundercoupe9]

I stand corrected. I got my dots wrong?

You were very close.

 

[Because1000]

My retainer story....
Bought a 05 for 4 grand. Ran fine pulled like a sum itch. Then as I would I did a valve job... that's when I found them. All in all it was only 2 but once they were pulled the sheer luck was obvious. I would recommend anyone with a first gen replace them with 08 retainers. Because something tells me this isnt an if it happens scenario it's a when.