ZX14: Secondary Flies Removed?

[STULER]

I got an 07 zx14 and was thinking about removing the flies to increase the low rpm torque. From what I've read, they unlock quite a bit more "instant torque" and make the bike quicker. Do you think the removal of these would make the rear tire spin a lot easier? In the Rain? and do you think it would make the bike more difficult to control turning?

[5forty2]

My question is "does the 14 need more torque?"

[steves]

I guess that all depends on what your tire budget looks like.

[diavolo]

Turbo it

[superbike]

You might want to look at having it mapped in a simular way to the Concours. I hope "the table" checks in on this thread...he has done some research in this area I believe. Then again, I might just be talkin out my azz!

[Psycho1]

I've read that several people that have done this, have reinstalled them again after cliaming a big loss of ridability. From what I've read the throttle response becomes way too sensitive.

[STULER]

My question is "does the 14 need more torque?"

NEED and WANT are different It doesnt NEED more torque. lol idk ive heard mixed expressions. I was reading on a forum that a guy removed em and took it out for a ride in the rain, came around a corner and barely touched the throttle and spun out like it was nothing. so im a little iffy

[loudnlow7484]

I looked at a dyno chart of a '14 with the butterflies removed and a good map, and the torque curve looks about as flat as a table. I think with it mapped correctly, you'd end up having to relearn how much azz it's got on the bottom end, but it shouldn't be dangerous or unpredictable.

I also looked at a chart of a stock one, and it really looks like Kawi neutered the thing on the bottom end...... probably to protect people from themselves.

An aside: Do you think that the ZX forums might be a better place to get qualified opinions on this?

[thetable]

Nero took his out and put them back in. With them out, it really does hurt drivability, particularly with the mostly closed throttle position. It makes smoothly accelerating a definite challenge. If I was going to ride the bike, I'd leave 'em in, but if I was going to take the bike to the strip, I'd pull 'em. So yes, they will hurt in the rain because it will be much more difficult to roll smoothly into the throttle, and in the corners likewise.

I've looked a little bit, but I still have another 22+ months left under warranty, so I'm not futzing much with anything on my Connie. Besides, I don't need no shiny dyno queen.

[H-2 CHARLIE]

Im sure it has plenty of power .. do you want to chance the O its not working out right ? IT MIGHT END LIKE THIS .

[STULER]

I looked at a dyno chart of a '14 with the butterflies removed and a good map, and the torque curve looks about as flat as a table. I think with it mapped correctly, you'd end up having to relearn how much azz it's got on the bottom end, but it shouldn't be dangerous or unpredictable.

I also looked at a chart of a stock one, and it really looks like Kawi neutered the thing on the bottom end...... probably to protect people from themselves.

An aside: Do you think that the ZX forums might be a better place to get qualified opinions on this?

Yea if they would accept me as a member. Its bs. my thing has been "pending" for like 6 months now. its bogus.

[scottynoface]

Zxforums and kawiforums are both garbage, but yeah your part throttle cruise is what will be effected. If you get a custom map it gets a lot better.

[Nero]

Do what you want, but just be prepared for the nuttiness that comes with a bike that wants to accelerate whenever you hit a pothole because your hand twitched half a millimeter. I put mine back in because, even though the extra quickness off the line was thrilling, it was not fun living with the bike every day. I found that when I ran against a 'busa, they'd pull away from me at the start and I'd reel them back in as the flies would open. They make the 'seat of the pants' feel cool, but removing them will require a re-map to match the new power curve. With the exhaust, PC and flies in, the bike is plenty powerful, murderously quick, and easy to live with day-to-day.

[STULER]

Do what you want, but just be prepared for the nuttiness that comes with a bike that wants to accelerate whenever you hit a pothole because your hand twitched half a millimeter. I put mine back in because, even though the extra quickness off the line was thrilling, it was not fun living with the bike every day. I found that when I ran against a 'busa, they'd pull away from me at the start and I'd reel them back in as the flies would open. They make the 'seat of the pants' feel cool, but removing them will require a re-map to match the new power curve. With the exhaust, PC and flies in, the bike is plenty powerful, murderously quick, and easy to live with day-to-day.

Thanks for the info Nero. .. ill end up keepin em in.

[DClark]

I don't have a ZX14, but I do have a '11 C14. These bikes have feces for torque down low because of the flies. Those who have removed them and got remaps found the bike very drivable.
However, if were to do that (and go with a PC) I'd lose the eco mode on my pcm and the traction control won't work as well.
There is tuner back east who tunes so that you keep the flies, but they just open sooner. This sounds like the best way to go as it give you good power down low, but with no drawbacks.I'll go this route once I get the $ for a Area P 4-1 full exhaust.
Oh, and I read a recent article on the ZX10 that said it has less power than euro version. Why? The flies on the U.S. version open later- to help the bike meet epa noise regs. Just food for thought...