Optimal performance and fuel economy on 08 C14, what should I do?!

[blueverclear]

Given the choice, I would pick BMC before K&N, but a stock paper filter is fine too. Also, once you talk to Fuel Moto, you will find that they will steer you towards a BMC as well...that's what they sell with their performance packages.

NGK plugs...but don't order them from Kawasaki. I think they're something silly...like $30 each from Kawi...lol.
You can buy them at a Kawasaki dealer...but order them out of the generic parts book, not the OEM fiche;).

Rem

got it! I've run NGK plugs in pretty much all of my bikes. I will be changing them when I change that air filter out

Thanks for the link VirginiaJim!

[gPink]

Are you changing them because there is a problem or a glutton for punishment? 

[Deziner]

 

[VirginiaJim]

What he said...

[blueverclear]

Are you changing them because there is a problem or a glutton for punishment? 

lol well...... just thought id change them since the bike is about 7 years old with about 15k miles. Should I not worry about it?

[Deziner]

Personally,  I would wait at least another 30k. While it's not a horrible job, it ain't easy either. Especially the first time.

[Daytona_Mike]

my 08 with full areaP, BMC filter, flies out pc5 with auto tune yielded 52 mpg all day on my way to Idaho  at a boring speed of 55 to 65 mph. My map is  from Fuel Moto.
I have no idea what my average is. I never looked. I dont think I want to.

[Deziner]

my 08 with full areaP, BMC filter, flies out pc5 with auto tune yielded 52 mpg all day on my way to Idaho  at a boring speed of 55 to 65 mph. My map is  from Fuel Moto.

Please tell me that was on 40 mph twisties 

[Daytona_Mike]

Please tell me that was on 40 mph twisties 

I wish . I was following a friend who was having transmission issues and could not go any faster.
THat was the only time i got that kinda gas mileage.

[tomp]

I agree about the ROI may take a long time to happen.  Took an easy ride yesterday, 55-65 MPH, and short shifted around 3.5K.  This delivered 45.6 MPG, according to the bikes computer.  Second half of ride, stepped up to 65-75, with higher shift points, and still got 43.5 MPG.  I'm happy with the performance and mileage that the stock 08 provides.  My 04 RT and Dyna give me around the same mileage.  A KLR650 got me 50 MPG average, and I would rather sacrifice the few  MPG's to ride the C14, any day.  Hey, it's your bike and money, have fun with both...  tp

[jimmymac]

Mine usually shows 34. something.
My wrist is part of it, and so is this ethanol mixed junk I have to run.

I have the PCV, CS1 and a K&N filter from my old ZX14.

Oh yeah, flies pulled. My map is leaner than stock just about everywhere.
I'm afraid to run my lean ECO map, for fear of being too lean.

[blueverclear]

I agree about the ROI may take a long time to happen.  Took an easy ride yesterday, 55-65 MPH, and short shifted around 3.5K.  This delivered 45.6 MPG, according to the bikes computer.  Second half of ride, stepped up to 65-75, with higher shift points, and still got 43.5 MPG.  I'm happy with the performance and mileage that the stock 08 provides.  My 04 RT and Dyna give me around the same mileage.  A KLR650 got me 50 MPG average, and I would rather sacrifice the few  MPG's to ride the C14, any day.  Hey, it's your bike and money, have fun with both...  tp

thanks tp, yea i think the only thing I am gonna do is the bmc filter and possible a pc3 or pc5 if i can find one at a reasonable price. I guest just for the piece of mind that my bike is running the best it can.

Oh, and my daughter lives in Sugar Land, tx. I should be there in early june for a visit!

[blueverclear]

Mine usually shows 34. something.
My wrist is part of it, and so is this ethanol mixed junk I have to run.

I have the PCV, CS1 and a K&N filter from my old ZX14.

Oh yeah, flies pulled. My map is leaner than stock just about everywhere.
I'm afraid to run my lean ECO map, for fear of being too lean.

I know my wrist is DEFINITELY the problem lol almost want to put a rostra cc just to control my wrist on the interstate......

[Deziner]

Smiles per gallon is FAR more important than miles per gallon. At least in my world....

[AlbertaDoug]

Smiles per gallon is FAR more important than miles per gallon. At least in my world....

+1

[Riverszzr]

[xxx] if your goal is the best running bike and the best fuel economy------- while the two can be mutually exclusive they don't have to be and quite often making it slightly richer than the way in which they arrive (all motorcycles) will actually produce more efficient combustion and you will actually gain fuel economy not lose it. (when ridden the same)

whereas if you think leaning out something already running too lean (arguably every bike comes this way because of epa bullshit) is only going to make it even less efficient and get worse fuel mileage and be harder on the engine...[xxx]

[tomp]

read into this anyway you wish;

 but if your goal is the best running bike and the best fuel economy------- while the two can be mutually exclusive they don't have to be and quite often making it slightly richer than the way in which they arrive (all motorcycles) will actually produce more efficient combustion and you will actually gain fuel economy not lose it. (when ridden the same)

whereas if you think leaning out something already running too lean (arguably every bike comes this way because of epa bullshit) is only going to make it even less efficient and get worse fuel mileage and be harder on the engine...

 But make your own mind up, I know so many have their heads so buried in the sand to fact and science they couldn't possibly comprehend such a thought.

I will agree with the aspects of EPA mandated lean engines, and possible changes through mapping, but the last sentence wasn't really necessary to the members here.  Different folks and different opinions, but dumping on one's thoughts is no way to win friends and influence people, especially on something as personal as the hobby of motorcycles and riding them... tp

And now Jim and Max will have to consider locking this enjoyable and informative thread, before things get out of hand, like last week.  Hope not, though.

[blueverclear]

I will agree with the aspects of EPA mandated lean engines, and possible changes through mapping, but the last sentence wasn't really necessary to the members here.  Different folks and different opinions, but dumping on one's thoughts is no way to win friends and influence people, especially on something as personal as the hobby of motorcycles and riding them... tp

And now Jim and Max will have to consider locking this enjoyable and informative thread, before things get out of hand, like last week.  Hope not, though.

Well I hope it doesnt get locked, its a good thread imho lol. I'm sure that by reviewing the opinions of everyone and playing around with a few different maps i will get what I'm looking for. Doesnt have to be science or so serious its just a toy and not that big a deal! There are definitely more important things to worry about for me and my life I just enjoy the conversations and different opinions on the subject.

Thanks everyone!