Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Sambo32 on December 19, 2011, 06:02:22 PM
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Hey everybody! Been on here for a while, but this is my first post. I tried searching, but couldn't come up with much. I'm thinking about switching to a full zx14 exhaust. Just looking for the dual look as I feel it fits the bike better. If using the full stock setup, will I need a PCV and if so, does anyone know of a good map for it? I know I'll have to modify the center stand and set up a hanger for the left side. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sam
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Sorry. I've got a 2010 and was thinking of going the 2008+ zx14 route as maybe the cat in the header would make the systems more comparable.
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An opinion only, if you left the flies in and went with the system that has the cats intact I would say no to a PCV, if you go catless, yes. That is the road I would follow, YMMV and all that yada.
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I don't know if you can or not, but if I put on a full system I'd damn sure want to take advantage of the extra power a PCV would bring to the party. But yes, I know its easy to spend other peoples money. ;)
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The pcv(or remap) is well worth the cost if it adds no power. The low end response is much better and easier to use. To be honest, I would buy one before an exhaust system.
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A PCV would be a "nice to" have but I doubt that it is a "need to" have. But having said that, you might want to check into the Guhl or some other tune if you aren't interested in adding a PCV. Something to keep in mind with the ZX-14 exhaust, is the fact that the 2006-2007 didn't have cats in the header, just in the mufflers. The 2008 and up bikes had all three cats so that is added weight, and heat.
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To add to my earlier post, I must confess I read the thread wrong yesterday. I was thinking it was an aftermarket exhaust with full "header" pipes and everything. If you are just switching to the ZX-14 system for the symmetrical looks and you are not looking for more power, then I would not see a need for a PCV.
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I have a full standard ZX 14 system. 2006 headers and 2009 mufflers and there are no cats in the mufflers.
I was told early bikes had the cat in the muffler and later bikes had them in the headers.
Bike runs great and looks much better and balanced IMO.
I am considering the Guhl flash or the fly removal but happy as is at the moment
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I'm running the full ZX-14 exhaust on my 2010 with Two Brothers slip on mufflers, K&N air filter, and no PCV. No issues after 12K miles. I asked the same question as you before I swapped, and the answers from those using the same or similar setup were all no, it wasn't needed.
I stopped using ECON mode because of the extra vibrations it added, but after switching the exhaust, figured I would leave it in the richer mode unless I was desperate for mileage, in which case I wasn't throttling it anyway.
I also started out with the non-cat header, but switched to the newer one with the cats to quiet it down a little. It also made it run a little smoother, and much less decel popping.
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Thanks for all the help. I'll be looking around now. There was a full 2011 system on ebay yesterday for $186 shipped, but it was taken down today. Must have made a local sale. That would have been nice.
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Is there any difference in the diameter of the zx14 midpipe from 06/07 to 08-11? It seems like the aftermarket slip-ons are marketed for the specific years. I bought a 2008 header last night and wanted to know if the 06/07 mufflers will fit without widening the midpipe or anything.
Thanks
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"06-'07 have different pipe diameters. Either a gasket change or year specific muffler to headers are required.
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alright. Thanks
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I'm running the full ZX-14 exhaust on my 2010 with Two Brothers slip on mufflers, K&N air filter, and no PCV. No issues after 12K miles. I asked the same question as you before I swapped, and the answers from those using the same or similar setup were all no, it wasn't needed.
I stopped using ECON mode because of the extra vibrations it added, but after switching the exhaust, figured I would leave it in the richer mode unless I was desperate for mileage, in which case I wasn't throttling it anyway.
I also started out with the non-cat header, but switched to the newer one with the cats to quiet it down a little. It also made it run a little smoother, and much less decel popping.
Totally baffled by your statement that eco mode causes vibrations. Makes no sense that it could happen, and I've never heard anyone else complain about it. I have 28,000 miles on mine and I run it 95% in Eco mode, as does the guy I ride with every weekend. Running leaner would not have any way of making a bike vibrate more.
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I was thinking the same thing. I've always used eco mode as well and never felt anything but smooth.
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Totally baffled by your statement that eco mode causes vibrations. Makes no sense that it could happen, and I've never heard anyone else complain about it. I have 28,000 miles on mine and I run it 95% in Eco mode, as does the guy I ride with every weekend. Running leaner would not have any way of making a bike vibrate more.
I never thought it should matter either, but it does on my bike (which came from the factory with rediculous amounts of vibrations).
I rode almost exclusively in ECO mode for the first year, then discovered the huge hesitation when cracking the throttle on steep downhills in low gear was MUCH worse in ECO mode. I started using non-ECO mode, and as a side effect, noticed less vibrations in the bike. After that, I played with it for awhile, and there is definitely more vibrations when it's in ECO mode.
For some time now, I've suspected my excessive vibrations were related to fuel mixture, fuel timing, or flow through the motor. When I installed the K&N air filter, the vibrations were reduced quite a bit. Adding the cat free ZX-14 exhaust with the fully open Two-Bros slipons also reduce the vibrations a little more, although I lost that gain when I took steps to reduce the noise (probably added back pressure).
Sometime this winter, when I find some spare time, I'll run through the valves and sync the throttle bodies. I'm hoping that cures the vibs, because if it doesn't, I'll probably be parting with the bike.