phytrax
Zone Head
Posts: 526
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posted April 01, 2007 08:23 PM
The high beams are great on the straights but they suck around turns. I don't care for the low beams either. Maybe I need to point mine up a bit, but when I hit the brakes I can't see anything with the low beams, and I've stiffened the front suspension pretty much all the way.
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Concourse14- Corbin Seat, Candy Apple Red Paint, Area P Slip-On
RIP+ZX-14- Brock's Gen3, Heli Risers, Corbin Bags, Corbin Seat and Oval Backrest (Burgandy Snakeskin and black alligator), Muzzys Frame Sliders, flies out, 18t front sprocket, PC3, Puig Double Bubble, Pirelli Diablo Strada's
KX450F - kickstand
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 02, 2007 12:07 PM
quote:
The high beams are great on the straights but they suck around turns. I don't care for the low beams either. Maybe I need to point mine up a bit, but when I hit the brakes I can't see anything with the low beams, and I've stiffened the front suspension pretty much all the way.
Yea, you have to pull the low beams up to be useful. . They are not bad but they are on par with VFR's low beams.
Today was the first day I put in Mid grade in the 14, here in Florida mid grade = 89 oct.. I finished the test with super Unleaded with 171 miles at 4.19 gals = 40.81 MPG. Wind was not in my favor today. Tuesday I will ride the VFR so we will see how the mid grade performs Wednesday.
Rob
21,311 miles
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phytrax
Zone Head
Posts: 526
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posted April 03, 2007 06:26 AM
Ok, I thought the lower octanes gave you more performance so why wouldn't it give you better mileage also? Any gurus wanna splain the details?
____________
Concourse14- Corbin Seat, Candy Apple Red Paint, Area P Slip-On
RIP+ZX-14- Brock's Gen3, Heli Risers, Corbin Bags, Corbin Seat and Oval Backrest (Burgandy Snakeskin and black alligator), Muzzys Frame Sliders, flies out, 18t front sprocket, PC3, Puig Double Bubble, Pirelli Diablo Strada's
KX450F - kickstand
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 03, 2007 11:58 AM
Phytrax I agree with your thinking, that's why I'm playing with this experiment. with the VFR this is the case but the Honda is designed for 87. The ninja is designed for 90 so I'm just curious to see how this all plays out. With my drive I have to fill up the bike every day and the trip says between 162 - 167 every day. Not perfect condition but real world.
Rob
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raband
Expert Class
Posts: 121
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posted April 03, 2007 10:50 PM
How does the lower octane over there give better performance?
In OZ the octane is only worked out on the RON while yours is on the RON and MON?
The advantages of running a higher octane over here is sometimes debateable, but there would never be an advantage in running a lower octane.
Some higher octanes run additives (cleaning), but it's only certain engines that don't like them (one brand fouled the plugs in my XX several times).
Do your higher octanes have something added to boost the octane (ethanol?? or something)?
____________
PS - its black - its f'kn sexy and it pulls better than a dentist
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 04, 2007 12:00 PM
Raband, I have no idea why certain gasolines re-act as they do but there does seem to be a difference.
So far the 87 oct I used 4.4 gallons a day.
with 93 oct I dropped to 4.1 & 4.2 gallons
Today first day with the 89 oct I filled up with 4.01 gallon and I really had to work to get that much in. Today the wind was to the south so I did get a break coming home. We will avg out Friday and Monday's numbers to get a true avg.
Rob
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Ninja_Knight
Zone Head
Posts: 666
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posted April 04, 2007 12:56 PM
Not to diminish this post any, but does .1 - .4 gallons really make much of a difference? I will not ride cross town for $2.59 if I can get $2.61 right by my house. It seems like we are just counting pennies when discussing fuel types and their savings. If 93 octane is better for my bike and its engine, then I think that is important. But I wouldn't spend more for 93 octane if it won't improve my bikes performance just to squeeze an additional $1 out of the tank. I realize that the 14 is a gas whore, and if we wanted to conserve fuel we would all be on low displacement cruisers. Does anyone have any ideas for dramatic fuel economy for this bike?
____________
2009 B&O Special Edition, Brock's CF Gen 3 Exhaust, Dark Smoke ZG Double Bubble Windshield, PCIII, Muzzy Fan, Heli Risers, Throttlemeister Heavy, Nautilus Stebel Horn, Waiting on HID's and Tinted Signal Lens
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phytrax
Zone Head
Posts: 526
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posted April 05, 2007 10:55 AM
Well here's what I understand about octane and power. Lower octane gas will ignite more quickly so it's like increasing your timing. If you use too low an octane you get pinging (detonation) though, which is very bad. Certain high performance vehicles require high octane because the timing is advanced more already. The dyno numbers I've seen show higher hp with lower octane as long as your don't get detonation.
As for saving pennies, a lot of pennies adds up eventually. Everyone has a sweet spot somewhere between all out performance and all out utility. Not many people would pay $100/gal to get an extra 40hp, but some would. (just an example)
____________
Concourse14- Corbin Seat, Candy Apple Red Paint, Area P Slip-On
RIP+ZX-14- Brock's Gen3, Heli Risers, Corbin Bags, Corbin Seat and Oval Backrest (Burgandy Snakeskin and black alligator), Muzzys Frame Sliders, flies out, 18t front sprocket, PC3, Puig Double Bubble, Pirelli Diablo Strada's
KX450F - kickstand
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zxbob
Pro
Posts: 1692
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posted April 05, 2007 12:58 PM
quote:
i get 27.3 mpg, 93 oct... hmm...
hey wormie, what kinda mile-per-gallon are you getting on your zx-14?
What did you do ?
Im still show'n 30.1 
Bob
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countersteer
Needs a job
Didn't read the owners manual
Posts: 2207
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posted April 05, 2007 01:00 PM
+1 rear sprocket is my best guess?
____________
Scott
Long Island, New York
2006 ZX-14, 2003 ZX-12R
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 05, 2007 05:02 PM
quote:
Not to diminish this post any, but does .1 - .4 gallons really make much of a difference? I will not ride cross town for $2.59 if I can get $2.61 right by my house. It seems like we are just counting pennies when discussing fuel types and their savings. If 93 octane is better for my bike and its engine, then I think that is important. But I wouldn't spend more for 93 octane if it won't improve my bikes performance just to squeeze an additional $1 out of the tank. I realize that the 14 is a gas whore, and if we wanted to conserve fuel we would all be on low displacement cruisers. Does anyone have any ideas for dramatic fuel economy for this bike?
I can't really argue this point. I'm putting together this post because few people fill their bike up everyday and well the nerd is getting the best of me as far as MPG. You are correct as far as wind conditions and wrist action is concerned. Still this is more of a fact finding & trouble shooting post with my interest focused on the different fuels. To be honest I don't really see a difference in performance.
I do wonder if I had this job a year ago would I have picked the ZX-14? I know that if the answer were no, I might have missed out on one of the best touring bikes built and that would have been a shame. With a little luck I will ride the ZX Friday, seems there could be rain in the area and I may have to drive the car for the 2nd time in almost a month.
Rob
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted April 05, 2007 05:45 PM
the avg MPG reads 29.9 on my computer, but i believe the actual MPG is lower
i alway us 93 octane
it was around 32 MPG stock before i did the brocks meg and p/c with the race map
but the performance gains were well worth it
hell i run hi test in my lawn mower, too
____________
2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 07, 2007 05:17 AM
Well my conclusion after riding 1 week on reg fuel (87 oct.), super (93 Oct.) and one week on mid grade (89 oct) is that Mid Grade appears to be the most desired for our beloved 14.
Kawasaki engineers say 90 oct is required and when Brock was testing the 14 I believe he preferred mid grade for the best performance.
Here were my results, my testing only includes 2 days Wed and Friday, Monday results are off because that was the first day of the change over and that's not a number which used 100% of grade.
Regular 87 : 4.4 and 4.37 gallons on the 171 mile route
Mid grade 89 : 4.0 and 4.15 gallons on the 169 & 171 mile route
Super 93 : 4.2 and 4.13 assuming about 171 mile trip (sorry I did not keep mileage for this test but it was the same route).
One screw up. I went to a Chevron with 3 grade pump and one hose? I don't think that the fuels are distributed instantly, maybe someone here can give us more information on this?
I started this post Friday with 20,969 on the odo and I currently have 21,647 that's 678 miles this week. The 14 does seem to be getting into the groove of things. My 3,000 rpm valve talk has become a bit more quite, and as most people here know engines just like to be run, and this 14 is no different.
The chain has only needed to be adjusted once in the last month but I try to lube it (WD-40) every other day (320 miles). Tires are holding up pretty good. The rear was installed at 11,200 miles and I suspect next month I'll need a replacement. Front tire is still pretty new. I'm going to change the oil every 5000 miles.
I will continue to post here a couple time a month to give you all a quick update on tires, chain condition, fork oil, shocks lights any thing that appears to be failing.
Rob
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phytrax
Zone Head
Posts: 526
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posted April 11, 2007 12:39 PM
Holy crap, what kind of tires are you running?? 10,000 miles on the rear??
____________
Concourse14- Corbin Seat, Candy Apple Red Paint, Area P Slip-On
RIP+ZX-14- Brock's Gen3, Heli Risers, Corbin Bags, Corbin Seat and Oval Backrest (Burgandy Snakeskin and black alligator), Muzzys Frame Sliders, flies out, 18t front sprocket, PC3, Puig Double Bubble, Pirelli Diablo Strada's
KX450F - kickstand
>>> MySpace --CLICK-- <<<
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 15, 2007 04:47 PM
Phytrax,
I've had company all week sorry about the delay. I'm riding on Michelin Pilots both front and back. The back has almost 11,000 miles and I suspect will need to be replaced next month. I may luck out and get 15K. The way it was explained to me the pilot has a harder rubber in the center and softer rubber on the sides, this appears to be holding true.
As far as getting a lot of miles out of tires, well I ride like a puss...well almost all the time ;^) and I weigh 160 lbs so this will have an effect on the outcome of the life of a tire.
Robert
22,044 miles
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butterthegreat
Expert Class
Posts: 329
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posted April 24, 2007 11:05 AM
quote:
Phytrax,
I've had company all week sorry about the delay. I'm riding on Michelin Pilots both front and back. The back has almost 11,000 miles and I suspect will need to be replaced next month. I may luck out and get 15K. The way it was explained to me the pilot has a harder rubber in the center and softer rubber on the sides, this appears to be holding true.
As far as getting a lot of miles out of tires, well I ride like a puss...well almost all the time ;^) and I weigh 160 lbs so this will have an effect on the outcome of the life of a tire.
Robert
22,044 miles
All this is great information. I had a 14, but I sold it to be my 600rr and my 250. I never even fully broke it in before I sold it. But I will be getting one in the next few months.
I also ride 160 miles a day to commute to work, and hearing that the 14 does that trip in one fill up is very promising.
I can't wait to get my 14 again!
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted April 24, 2007 11:17 AM
Do you ride the 600RR 160 miles a day
____________
2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 24, 2007 12:14 PM
I suspect that the ZX-14 will go about 210 miles per tank (yes most likely on fumes) if your riding is somewhat neutered. Last years trip I managed 234 miles to a tank and it took 5.5 gals...way to close to the edge for me. I guess that's what happens when you own a bike with an accurate fuel gauge.
Man 160 miles on a 600RR, if your vertically challenged it might be fine but man if your taller than 5 foot 7 inch that can be a miserable ride, still I'd consider it, he-he I'm 5'4" tall.
Hey I gave the VFR a once over last week and dammit if it did not take 9 hours.
New chain, F. Sprocket, fork oil, oil filter, and both Switches. I had to do the switches most likely because I turn off the bike with the kill, some habits die hard.
Rob
VFR 89,904 miles
ZX-14 22,714 miles
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ZX11D
Zone Head
Internet Police
Posts: 674
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posted April 24, 2007 03:23 PM
quote:
Phytrax,
I've had company all week sorry about the delay. I'm riding on Michelin Pilots both front and back. The back has almost 11,000 miles and I suspect will need to be replaced next month. I may luck out and get 15K. The way it was explained to me the pilot has a harder rubber in the center and softer rubber on the sides, this appears to be holding true.
As far as getting a lot of miles out of tires, well I ride like a puss...well almost all the time ;^) and I weigh 160 lbs so this will have an effect on the outcome of the life of a tire.
Robert
22,044 miles
You must be talking about Michelin Pilot Road, right ? 
____________
'94 ZX-11
'07 ZX-14
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sideways
Novice Class
Posts: 61
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posted April 24, 2007 04:40 PM
32.7mpg for me, brocked out....kinda have a heavy hand though! I remember reading somewhere, maybe the brock diary or somewhere where he stated that higher octane robbed power or something like that. Then I remember reading dyno #'s etc. with race fuel, u4 or whatever with the highest hp, so I don't know.
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butterthegreat
Expert Class
Posts: 329
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posted April 25, 2007 09:47 AM
 Edited By: butterthegreat on 25 Apr 2007 10:49
quote:
Do you ride the 600RR 160 miles a day
Yes I do....it's been my daily commuter for the last 4 months....
I am also 6'2" and weight 275.....and I have no problem on the 600rr....I am fairly comfortable.
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Ninja_Knight
Zone Head
Posts: 666
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posted April 25, 2007 10:23 AM
160 miles per day???  Sheesh! The only job I would make a commute like that for is a breast tester at the Playboy Mansion.
____________
2009 B&O Special Edition, Brock's CF Gen 3 Exhaust, Dark Smoke ZG Double Bubble Windshield, PCIII, Muzzy Fan, Heli Risers, Throttlemeister Heavy, Nautilus Stebel Horn, Waiting on HID's and Tinted Signal Lens
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butterthegreat
Expert Class
Posts: 329
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posted April 25, 2007 10:37 AM
quote:
160 miles per day??? Sheesh! The only job I would make a commute like that for is a breast tester at the Playboy Mansion.
Sometimes you gotta go where the money is....
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 25, 2007 06:07 PM
quote:
quote:
Phytrax,
I've had company all week sorry about the delay. I'm riding on Michelin Pilots both front and back. The back has almost 11,000 miles and I suspect will need to be replaced next month. I may luck out and get 15K. The way it was explained to me the pilot has a harder rubber in the center and softer rubber on the sides, this appears to be holding true.
As far as getting a lot of miles out of tires, well I ride like a puss...well almost all the time ;^) and I weigh 160 lbs so this will have an effect on the outcome of the life of a tire.
Robert
22,044 miles
You must be talking about Michelin Pilot Road, right ?
Yes you nailed it.
Rob
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butterthegreat
Expert Class
Posts: 329
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posted April 25, 2007 10:01 PM
quote:
quote:
quote:
Phytrax,
I've had company all week sorry about the delay. I'm riding on Michelin Pilots both front and back. The back has almost 11,000 miles and I suspect will need to be replaced next month. I may luck out and get 15K. The way it was explained to me the pilot has a harder rubber in the center and softer rubber on the sides, this appears to be holding true.
As far as getting a lot of miles out of tires, well I ride like a puss...well almost all the time ;^) and I weigh 160 lbs so this will have an effect on the outcome of the life of a tire.
Robert
22,044 miles
You must be talking about Michelin Pilot Road, right ?
Yes you nailed it.
Rob
Have you tried pirelli diablo stradas?
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