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Tech. Questions From A Non-Tech. Guy

jeffrymcgee

jeffrymcgee

Training Wheels
I bought a Concours 14 ABS last year and what a bike! I love it!!! I'm a convert from the cruiser world. I've read some threads here and have some general tech. questions I'm sure someone can answer. Right now, my bike is stock. Nothing has been changed on it. I've read a lot about Kawasaki's MotoGP racing bikes and all of the parts they use. So here are my questions... What is the advantage of changing from the factory exhaust to an Akropovic (or any other high end brand) exhaust? What is the advantage of changing from the factory spark plugs to NGK Iridium spark plugs? What is the advantage of changing from the factory oil to Elf synthetic oil? What is the advantage of changing from the Bridgestone tires to the PR2s? I know these are simple questions, but I just don't know the answer and I've been reading my eyes out lately trying to understand motorcycle technology. By the way, I'd love to learn how to work on my bike, if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks!
 
Well, I can't answer most of your questions but I can answer one. I have a C10 and haven't done anything to my exhaust, but I know you can net horsepower gains with exhaust on cars. Learned that from my room mate in college who ran autocross in his VW Golf. Changed out the exhaust system and netted a 7hp gain, which is pretty good on that little rollerskate. Even a little gain makes a difference where all other things are equal. As for learning to work on your bike, I've received a lot of help from the fine folks in this club. I've done a little bit of mechanic work here and there over the years on my car, but the bike seems less intimidating than a car since it's easier to access everything and it's all so much lighter. The biggest problem I've encountered with the C10 thus far is having to remove all the tupperware to do almost anything. The upside is that having done it so many times, I'm getting pretty good at it. ;) '06 C10 Brett Hatfield AMA# 1019197 COG# 8229 (CDA# 0267) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brett0769/2739088475/" title="Connie 8-08 by Brett0769, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3245/2739088475_f0196924f5_t.jpg" width="100" height="75" alt="Connie 8-08" /></a>
 
I have a C10 also but I can answer some of you questions and I'm sure others will be by to add more. I know alot of the 14 guys have switched to the Area P slip on for better looks and lighter weight,plus higher flow without to much noise. I have heard a 14 with that pipe on and its got a nice sound without being annoying. Most also add a ECM controller like the Power Commander, aka PC3 to remap the fuel curve. Many like to remove the secondary butterflies for more pull in the low end. The most popular mods seem to be a PC3,flies out and Area P pipe. I don't see any advantage to the spark plug switch, if I recall the bike already has Iridium plugs. Oil can be a slippery subject as they say ;p it's what ever is your preference but any good quality oil is fine. From what I've read most do not like the factory tires due to a short life span and the PR2's and Dunlop Road Smart seem to be a good choice also with good all around grip and decent life. I hope this helps and I'm sure others will chime in with more and better recommendations. CT AAD COG #7011-A 2003 Concours-Mary Ann 1995 Honda Nighthawk 750 wifes
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Exhaust... Weight, looks and sound. Many of us are not fond of the Scud missile... Spark plugs... Uh, it comes with iridium. No reason to replace 'em Synthetic oil after the motor's broken in. I'm not sure about the Elf oil. I'm running Shell Rotella T 5w-40 Synth. The switch from Bridgestones to PR2s is easy... IMHO the BS suck canal water. The PR2s totally transformed the bike... YMMV RayK COG# 8125 CDA# 0273 '08 ZG 1400 '07 KLR650
 
Guys, Thanks for the information. You've given me food for thought as to the mods to make on my bike. I'll definitely change to the PR2 tires when the time comes. That seems to be the consensus here. The AreaP exhaust (gotta have that carbon fiber) seems to be a good way to go. I don't know why Kawasaki put that box on there. I'm not sure about the Power Commander. I may be getting in over my head with that one! Thanks again! Jeff '08 Kawasaki Concours 14 '92 H-D FXRS Low Rider '90 Honda Rebel '79 Kawasaki KE 125 '78 Kawasaki KM 100
 
There's no need for the Power Commander UNLESS you remove the secondary butterflies. If you're just adding the AreaP, then the stock ECU is fine. RayK COG# 8125 CDA# 0273 '08 ZG 1400 '07 KLR650
 
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