Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: marku8a on January 21, 2012, 09:49:24 PM

Title: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: marku8a on January 21, 2012, 09:49:24 PM
I am considering going with the Area P full exhaust system. Looking at the maintenance manual, it says that the radiator needs to be removed. I don't really want to break into the coolant system. Is it possible to remove and replace the exhaust without removing the radiator?

Mark
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: Son of Pappy on January 21, 2012, 10:48:21 PM
Yes.  I left the uppers connected, bottom swings enough to get things done.  It really is a quick job.  I may remove mine just to touch up the High temp header paint I did some 30000 miles ago.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: SpazOnaConcours on January 21, 2012, 11:27:22 PM
Yes.  I left the uppers connected, bottom swings enough to get things done.  It really is a quick job.  I may remove mine just to touch up the High temp header paint I did some 30000 miles ago.

+1

You want to take the lower radiator mount off and pull the radiator a bit forward at times, but it can be done without radiator removal. I hope you have good, thin tools for the nuts though... 1/4 drive stuff (extensions and/or wobbles), and/or good flex-head ratcheting box ends are nice too. :)
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: timbo on January 22, 2012, 07:04:13 AM
+2

I took the upper and lower radiator bolts out and used a bungee coed around the front forks to hold the radiator forward, out of the way.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: gPink on January 22, 2012, 07:59:22 AM
Replace the header nuts with Fuji-locks while you're at it.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: So Cal Joe on January 22, 2012, 09:25:24 AM
Replace the header nuts with Fuji-locks while you're at it.
I don't want to hijack your thread but I'm going to have the 15000 miles service done soon and I would like to know what size Fuji nuts for the header bolts so I can have them replaced at that time.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: gPink on January 22, 2012, 09:37:08 AM
Joe, I don't remember if they are 6 or 8mm. If nobody chimes in I'll check later.
http://www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=fuji+lock&x=9&y=6 (http://www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=fuji+lock&x=9&y=6)

Just checked-8x1.25mm
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: philipintexas on January 22, 2012, 12:03:37 PM
If you don't remove the radiator, be very careful in working around it. I think it is made of aluminum foil and can be damaged just by looking at it wrong.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: marku8a on January 22, 2012, 12:12:13 PM
Thanks for tips guys. I did learn about the Fuji-locks in another thread. I think I have almost every tool under the sun.  I do have a good selection of sockets, ratchet extensions, universal swivel, etc. I think I will order my system tomorrow.

Thanks again!

Mark
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: timbo on January 22, 2012, 01:38:43 PM
And don't forget to change the header gaskets, they are only a one time use.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: marku8a on January 22, 2012, 03:41:38 PM
And don't forget to change the header gaskets, they are only a one time use.

Excellent point! Thanks for the reminder!!

Mark
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: So Cal Joe on January 23, 2012, 08:18:45 AM
Joe, I don't remember if they are 6 or 8mm. If nobody chimes in I'll check later.
http://www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=fuji+lock&x=9&y=6 (http://www.boltmotorcyclehardware.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=fuji+lock&x=9&y=6)

Just checked-8x1.25mm
Thank you, I'll get some and have the dealer put them on when I have my 15,000 mile service done.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: basmntdweller on January 23, 2012, 01:36:38 PM
Just curious, what is so special about Fuji nuts and what is wrong with the factory nuts that are on there?

And don't forget to change the header gaskets, they are only a one time use.

Are these the gaskets to the engine block? I just bought a set of ZX-14 pipes and muffler for my C-14, same header gasket?

Thanks, Matt
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: Gearhead82 on January 23, 2012, 01:58:11 PM
Just curious, what is so special about Fuji nuts and what is wrong with the factory nuts that are on there?

Are these the gaskets to the engine block? I just bought a set of ZX-14 pipes and muffler for my C-14, same header gasket?

Thanks, Matt

Yes, the ZX-14 uses the same header gaskets as the C14 and those are the ones you'll want to replace when you put the new system on. 

The Fuji lock nuts have some steel tabs in them that prevent the nuts from backing off, which the stock ones are known to do.

(http://img.jpcycles.com/product/ZZ91133_A.jpg)
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: wildnphx on January 23, 2012, 06:36:32 PM
Yes, the ZX-14 uses the same header gaskets as the C14 and those are the ones you'll want to replace when you put the new system on. 

The Fuji lock nuts have some steel tabs in them that prevent the nuts from backing off, which the stock ones are known to do.

(http://img.jpcycles.com/product/ZZ91133_A.jpg)

Is it really worth the $54 dollars or would a little locktite on the threads be ok?
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: gPink on January 23, 2012, 06:48:53 PM
What 54 dollars?
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: Flathead on January 23, 2012, 06:54:38 PM
Is it really worth the $54 dollars or would a little locktite on the threads be ok?

You only need 8 of them... Most places sell them in a pack of 10 for $9-$16...

Here is an example for $8.76 + $7.95 shipping:
 http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Nut-Fuji-Lock-Head138mm/dp/B00230OPWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1QMOGWERWEUPX&s=generic&qid=1327369959&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Nut-Fuji-Lock-Head138mm/dp/B00230OPWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1QMOGWERWEUPX&s=generic&qid=1327369959&sr=1-1)
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: wildnphx on January 23, 2012, 07:30:49 PM
You only need 8 of them... Most places sell them in a pack of 10 for $9-$16...

Here is an example for $8.76 + $7.95 shipping:
 http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Nut-Fuji-Lock-Head138mm/dp/B00230OPWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1QMOGWERWEUPX&s=generic&qid=1327369959&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Nut-Fuji-Lock-Head138mm/dp/B00230OPWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1QMOGWERWEUPX&s=generic&qid=1327369959&sr=1-1)

My bad they come qty 10 to a pack...  I was wondering why the heck there were so expensive...  lol

Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: Flathead on January 23, 2012, 07:39:06 PM
 I wouldn't buy them at $54 either LOL  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: wildnphx on January 23, 2012, 07:42:50 PM
Order has been placed so the new muzzy will be put on right the first time...  Only thing left to get before the Muzzy arrives is the exhaust gaskets...
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: gPink on January 23, 2012, 07:47:07 PM
Are you going to run a PCv?
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: Cheesecake on January 29, 2012, 03:01:27 PM
You only need 8 of them... Most places sell them in a pack of 10 for $9-$16...

Here is an example for $8.76 + $7.95 shipping:
 http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Nut-Fuji-Lock-Head138mm/dp/B00230OPWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1QMOGWERWEUPX&s=generic&qid=1327369959&sr=1-1 (http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Nut-Fuji-Lock-Head138mm/dp/B00230OPWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=A1QMOGWERWEUPX&s=generic&qid=1327369959&sr=1-1)
Same product, only $9.20 shipped
http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-FUJILOCK-NUT-30-0308/dp/B000WK2ZZG/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_1 (http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-FUJILOCK-NUT-30-0308/dp/B000WK2ZZG/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_1)
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: marku8a on January 29, 2012, 07:19:11 PM
Are you going to run a PCv?

gPink – I am not sure if your question is for me, the Original Poster. Yes I installed a PCv when I removed the flys. The most noticeable difference the PC made was the transition from throttle closed the just cracking it open. I made the other recommended fixes (adjust the cables, Throttle Tamer). Those changes made a big difference. With the PC the bike behaves like you would expect it to in the first place. I now can crack open the throttle while leaned over in a fast turn with confidence that I am not going to get a big unexpected whack of power.
Title: Re: Ehaust Remove and Replace Question.
Post by: wildnphx on January 29, 2012, 10:25:44 PM
gPink – I am not sure if your question is for me, the Original Poster. Yes I installed a PCv when I removed the flys. The most noticeable difference the PC made was the transition from throttle closed the just cracking it open. I made the other recommended fixes (adjust the cables, Throttle Tamer). Those changes made a big difference. With the PC the bike behaves like you would expect it to in the first place. I now can crack open the throttle while leaned over in a fast turn with confidence that I am not going to get a big unexpected whack of power.

If the question was for me then yes I alredy run a PCV and will be adding on autotune when Muzzy goes on this week...  I will be selling my two brothers slip on in case anyone is interested...  Love the sound of the Two Brothers...