Greets people.

I have had a Z250 K6 for almost a year and it has been ridden pretty hard and used VERY frequently.

In the last week or so I noticed a sparadic rattling noise coming from the rear area of the bike.

I guessed it was the caliper getting a bit stiff and the pads sticking.

On further examination (after taking it back to the dealer) it was found that there was a lot of play in the axle and it seems that the bearing perished a while ago and moisture has got in to the axle. Luckily the bike is under the 2 year warrenty and I saved myself about ?500 (I'm in the UK). It needed lots of work including a new axle, lots of bearings and seals and a new drive shaft.

The other problem I had (which wasn't covered under the warrenty) is there was a small split in the plastic diff breather and moisture has probably got in there. My dealer explained that this isn't covered under the warrenty and comes under "lack of maintenance". Whilst I accept this, it cost me about ?250.

Has anyone had the same thing happen to them?

It seems that stock bearing life on the Z250 is a big issue. The front bearings had to be changed within 6 months of the bike being new. Not even a years use and the rear axle bearing has perished too.

I have also just purchased a K7 Z250 and I've noticed that Suzuki have started fitting covers on the rear axle bearing so they're obviously aware of the problem.

Can anyone give me any tips on what to look out for on the Z250 with regards to general maintenance?

Great forum by the way.