Kawasaki ZX-10R Forum banner

Which mods are most noticeable?

4709 Views 26 Replies 16 Participants Last post by  Boxtradamus
My 10r is nearly stock aside from Yoshi slip, gearing, and air filter so I've been looking up performance parts to affect my top end but anytime I do research, I get mixed reviews.

I was looking at a Full Brocks exhaust - Read that the Hp difference from a slip on isn't drastic enough for the price difference (Unless you're seriously into drag racing which I'm not)

i was looking at the power commanders and read it basically isn't necessary for street riding and occasional racing

Ultimately, from what I've read, a tune & flash will be most beneficial. I just have no idea how much either will cost. Also, complete noob question but I've only ridden on stock suspension.. Anyone care to chime in on if upgrading is worth it(Opinion)? I plan to make my gen 1 my street/track bike and it's already the most comfortable I've ever ridden... It's safe to say I'm trying to get the most performance per dollar. Also, I got drug by a zx14r yesterday when I redlined in 6th and I didn't like it.:crackup:
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
On my 06 zx10r replacing stock intake cam with a 3rd gen intake cam and installing microsquirt ecu were the best mods, it made a huge difference power wise, a difference I could feel, gained at least 4mph in a 1/4 mile.

https://youtu.be/XvlQrhHZOvg Here is a video on the intake cam upgrade.
On my 06 zx10r replacing stock intake cam with a 3rd gen intake cam and installing microsquirt ecu were the best mods, it made a huge difference power wise, a difference I could feel, gained at least 4mph in a 1/4 mile.

https://youtu.be/XvlQrhHZOvg Here is a video on the intake cam upgrade.
Probably not the best mods for a noob. I wouldn't tackle these personally.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Probably not the best mods for a noob. I wouldn't tackle these personally.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
I must of missed noob mods, my bad. Good luck beating that zx14r, no noob mod is going to get you there, just save your money and save up for a zx14r or h2.
There are motorcycle shops that can do the job. Noob mods gets you no gains, but will drain your wallet just as fast.
This is true. What gen are we working with anyway? I'm guessing 1 or 2?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
I'm a noob myself, and feel like the best things I can do are those that give me better control of the bike. I really don't need more power. What would I really do with it anyway?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
  • Like
Reactions: 1
I'm a noob myself, and feel like the best things I can do are those that give me better control of the bike. I really don't need more power. What would I really do with it anyway?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Exactly. Unless you are in contention for the lap record at COTA or Mugello, you can't use any more power. It's all about control. Better brakes, better control levers/pedals, suspension, fueling, tires, chain.

There's nothing you can do about that ZX-14. Buy one, or buy an H2, if you expect to keep up with one of those.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
I've taken a few 14rs out but he trick is once you're ahead let out lol cuz they be chargin hard. The gen 4 or 5 will pull it but man them 14s get movin on the big end
  • Like
Reactions: 2
I must of missed noob mods, my bad. Good luck beating that zx14r, no noob mod is going to get you there, just save your money and save up for a zx14r or h2.

I don't recall saying I wanted noob mods lol. I just asked something that I figured was a noob question. I want the best mods per dollar. For instance, I'd hate to pay 1.5k for some full exhaust + tune and get 7-15hp when I could pay $300 or so for a flash and get 10hp.. It's a lot of things I don't know, mechanically, but I can damn sure ride my bike lol. After 15k miles on it, I'm looking for more ponies. Last time, I was just advised to get the throttle insert and get the bike geared . . . Did that, felt like a new monster but now I'm looking to spend more money on it. Not specifically for the 14 but just personal preference. I like going faster through corners & straight lines.
Exactly. Unless you are in contention for the lap record at COTA or Mugello, you can't use any more power. It's all about control. Better brakes, better control levers/pedals, suspension, fueling, tires, chain.

There's nothing you can do about that ZX-14. Buy one, or buy an H2, if you expect to keep up with one of those.

No disrespect but I would love more power. Of course, I'm not the fastest guy in the world but I will say I'm fast and as mentioned, my gen 1 will be my track/street bike next season. That is, unless I buy another because it's often some good deals on here. (I upgraded the brakes, levers, rearsets, and got it geared already) - In my og post, I asked for input on suspension
What's the top end on your g1?
Geared +2 in the back, gps indicated 186.7 - I believe the front sprocket is stock, Mind going blank rn

I'm a noob myself, and feel like the best things I can do are those that give me better control of the bike. I really don't need more power. What would I really do with it anyway?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
I would use more power to kick more ass :crackup: I don't want to get too much into how I am with my gen 1 but more power is just what I want.

I've taken a few 14rs out but he trick is once you're ahead let out lol cuz they be chargin hard. The gen 4 or 5 will pull it but man them 14s get movin on the big end
That's what I should've done. I have it on film lol. He wasn't on the camera until I pinned it in 6th. Before his flash/tune, that rarely happened but I want more hp several other reasons. I was listing the 14r incident to comedic but that went wrong. Guys saying there's not a need for more power but I don't think they understand :grin2:
My main point is, I love my bike so much that I'd rather add more horsepower to what I have instead of buying the newer, stronger models. Personally, I just couldn't find enough information to make choices on what to buy so I came to the bike gods.
My main point is, I love my bike so much that I'd rather add more horsepower to what I have instead of buying the newer, stronger models. Personally, I just couldn't find enough information to make choices on what to buy so I came to the bike gods.
I just fear that the $ you'll have to spend to hang with the new bikes, you coulda bought one... Used gen 4 are very reasonably priced I've noticed.
Don't reflash the gen 1, it is already unrestricted. With -1+2 gearing your top speed will be 170mph. Beware of gimmick mods like the k&n filter, TRE, etc. There is power to be had in the head. cam timing & combustion chamber size. A full exhaust from the right manufacturer will show gains in the midrange. I do not recommend brocks for gen 1. Try Akra, Hindle, Yosh.
To be honest, if you want to win the highway races, you need a turbo or a newer bike. Id stay away from gen 4 and go to the gen 5, or buy a newer zx14. If you love gen 1, turbo it. That should be enough power.
For suspension, I think the gen 1 stock suspension is decent if you get it set up right. I wouldn't try to win races through the mountains, but it is plenty good for street. The race suspension is not going to be plusher. One thing you can try is the ZX6R dogbone linkage for the rear shock. Supposed to better for solo riding.
The gen 1 brakes suck, as you know. Plenty of options to fix that. First thing I would do is braided lines, then master and calipers.
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Power commander, ignition module, full akrapovic exhaust, braided brake lines, 19x18 master cylinder, built for your weight stock suspension just do cartridges and springs front and rear, rear sets, and you're good to go. as johns said, ecu doesn't need to be flashed, just tuned.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Best bang for the buck that you can feel when you're out zx14R hunting?


....though I prefer these for ease of use/maintenance:


....don't get any better than that for straight line shenanigans.
See less See more
2
  • Like
Reactions: 1
I just fear that the $ you'll have to spend to hang with the new bikes, you coulda bought one... Used gen 4 are very reasonably priced I've noticed.

Very reasonable. With the money I've spent on my last two bikes, I probably could've had something much newer lol. Thing is, I love my gen 1 but I haven't ridden any gen afterwards. I've ridden newer 1k's and really liked them so it may just be time to add something new or trade.
Don't reflash the gen 1, it is already unrestricted. With -1+2 gearing your top speed will be 170mph. Beware of gimmick mods like the k&n filter, TRE, etc. There is power to be had in the head. cam timing & combustion chamber size. A full exhaust from the right manufacturer will show gains in the midrange. I do not recommend brocks for gen 1. Try Akra, Hindle, Yosh.
To be honest, if you want to win the highway races, you need a turbo or a newer bike. Id stay away from gen 4 and go to the gen 5, or buy a newer zx14. If you love gen 1, turbo it. That should be enough power.
For suspension, I think the gen 1 stock suspension is decent if you get it set up right. I wouldn't try to win races through the mountains, but it is plenty good for street. The race suspension is not going to be plusher. One thing you can try is the ZX6R dogbone linkage for the rear shock. Supposed to better for solo riding.
The gen 1 brakes suck, as you know. Plenty of options to fix that. First thing I would do is braided lines, then master and calipers.
Power commander, ignition module, full akrapovic exhaust, braided brake lines, 19x18 master cylinder, built for your weight stock suspension just do cartridges and springs front and rear, rear sets, and you're good to go. as johns said, ecu doesn't need to be flashed, just tuned.
These two posts contain all the knowledge i was looking for. I already run zx14r calipers on my bike with braided lines lol. That was the first thing I did after I started pushing my bike further & further.
what? No one mentioned the 1/5th throttle insert.

Dreaded, recommend the 1/5th, very felt, gives you access to the horse power that is already in your bike, but that most people can't get to or don't use.


Let me know if you have questions, really the first mod anyone should do when they want a little more from their 1000cc bike.
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top