Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: marku8a on March 30, 2012, 04:37:28 PM

Title: Area P Exhaust Installation Tips Requested
Post by: marku8a on March 30, 2012, 04:37:28 PM
My Area P full system arrived today. There are several pieces with close tolerance slip fit connections. The instructions recommend the use of high temp lubricant or WD40 to ease the installation. With all these loose pieces it looks like it's going to be a major PITA to get things all aligned.

Is there someone with experience installing this system that can offer advice?

Mark
Title: Re: Area P Exhaust Installation Tips Requested
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 30, 2012, 06:09:01 PM
Install from the front to back and once everything is together tighten everything down starting from the front again.  Did you buy new exhaust gaskets?
Title: Re: Area P Exhaust Installation Tips Requested
Post by: marku8a on March 30, 2012, 08:53:10 PM
Quote from: Jeremy Mitchell on March 30, 2012, 06:09:01 PM
Install from the front to back and once everything is together tighten everything down starting from the front again.  Did you buy new exhaust gaskets?

Thanks Jeremy. Yep I have the new gaskets. I think you reminded me of that in an earlier post. I also have the Fuji nuts.

I just removed the stock system. Wow! It weighs a ton!! Actually the stock system weighs in at 29.5 lbs (11 header & cats + 18.5 pipe & can). The Area P weighs 12.5 lbs (6.6 header + 5.9 pipe & can). Doing the math a 17 lb weight savings.

The inboard nuts were pretty difficult to reach. None were loose like other stories I read about. They were not as tight they should be if torqued properly for their size. It's going to be a real pain to get the 2 inboard nuts on with the self locking Fuji nuts.

Looking forward to some more knuckle busting tomorrow!

Mark
Title: Re: Area P Exhaust Installation Tips Requested
Post by: marku8a on March 31, 2012, 10:05:30 PM
Completed the install this afternoon. As I expected, it was a pain trying to get all those pieces aligned. It just took quite a bit of patience and wiggle this push that.

One thing I do recommend is to protect the radiator while you are wrenching the header nuts. I didn't realize that the back of my ratchet dented some of the cooling fins when I removed the stock exhaust. When I installed the new pipes I slipped in a thin piece of cardboard to prevent further damage. Fortunately no leaks!

Sounds awesome. I can't wait to ride tomorrow!!

Mark
Title: Re: Area P Exhaust Installation Tips Requested
Post by: ZG on March 31, 2012, 10:21:47 PM
Congrats Mark!! (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/sakdjiu.gif)
 
 
But...
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/cdsioduyf8we.gif)
 
Title: Re: Area P Exhaust Installation Tips Requested
Post by: marku8a on March 31, 2012, 10:31:46 PM
Quote from: ZG on March 31, 2012, 10:21:47 PM
Congrats Mark!! (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/sakdjiu.gif)
 
 
But...
 
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/cdsioduyf8we.gif)

Thanks! I haven't tried to post pics yet. I will take some tomorrow and see how it turns out.

Mark