The Voyager Whine

[Danny]

A little over a year ago I bought a very lightly used 2011 Voyager with 6400 miles on it. He must have rode it in the garage, there wasn't a blimish on it.
ANYWAY, Kawasaki donated a KAMS kit, and I paid the labor, but the drive belt (new to me) whined. I asked about it, and a dealer said: it's in spec.
I heard Harley riders talk about "belt whine", and I found it annoying, and concerning, so I started researching.
An old Harley mechanic said Harley factory, and shops, and rice burner factories, and shops set the belt deflection too tight.
Well, my son and I put mine on the Jack stand, and it was barely 3/8". Manual says: see dealer.
Harley says "I think" 3/8" to 7/16" deflection. I know it ain't a Harley but, same principle.
We set mine at 5/16". Whine gone, shifts smoother, seems o pull better. Now all I hear is the tires, wind, and exhaust. This has to be better on bearings front and back.

[David (N. Alabama)]

A little over a year ago I bought a very lightly used 2011 Voyager with 6400 miles on it. He must have rode it in the garage, there wasn't a blimish on it.
ANYWAY, Kawasaki donated a KAMS kit, and I paid the labor, but the drive belt (new to me) whined. I asked about it, and a dealer said: it's in spec.
I heard Harley riders talk about "belt whine", and I found it annoying, and concerning, so I started researching.
An old Harley mechanic said Harley factory, and shops, and rice burner factories, and shops set the belt deflection too tight.
Well, my son and I put mine on the Jack stand, and it was barely 3/8". Manual says: see dealer.
Harley says "I think" 3/8" to 7/16" deflection. I know it ain't a Harley but, same principle.
We set mine at 5/16". Whine gone, shifts smoother, seems o pull better. Now all I hear is the tires, wind, and exhaust. This has to be better on bearings front and back.

Been discussed many times since '09. Deflection is in the service manual.

Thanks for the reminder though. Be nice if we had stickys for this type of thing.

How did you get Kawasaki to throw in the KAMS for your bike? Send me a PM please.

[rock42]

i have had my 2015 voyager about a month and i keep hearing about kams kit i have no idea what that is and if i need one. could someone expain it to me please. thanks

[otter]

here you go, routes heat away and down from the rider and passenger.

http://www.kawasaki.ca/accessory/kawasa ... ystem-kit/

[Me Again]

i have had my 2015 voyager about a month and i keep hearing about kams kit i have no idea what that is and if i need one. could someone expain it to me please. thanks

Don't need it on a 2015
I believe it is stock on 2012 and newer

[David (N. Alabama)]

i have had my 2015 voyager about a month and i keep hearing about kams kit i have no idea what that is and if i need one. could someone expain it to me please. thanks

Don't need it on a 2015
I believe it is stock on 2012 and newer

Yes, it is stock on 2012 and newer.

[hank43]

If you're on a ride and can't adjust it, you can do this:
spray a little soapy water on the belt, whine gone instantly, will probably get you home until you can adjust properly.

hank43