C10 Performance Mods

[xjs36uk]

Firstly, I'd like to say hello, I'm new to the forum but not new to Bikes, Kawasakis or the GTR/Concours 1000

As a long time fan of the GTR1000 I've heard a lot of tales about what it takes to make more ooomph with this beastie.

We'll my first one I had back when I lived in the UK and was a Despatch Rider for 20 years, now strangely enough, that GTR (sadly missed) was an ex Kwasaki press bike, so my 'tuning' attempt met with very easy succes, but I cannot say until now that Learned completely the right techniques. You see that beastie was a 1990 A5 and in Blighty that meant only one thing... 100 measely horses, it literally felt strangled above 7000rpm and the sort of riding the GTR encourages was something of a chore. So any ways as is quite normal with Uk riding all year long, the paultry exhausts with an exit hole no bigger than my little finger, rusted through within 6 months of purchasing the beast. As all couriers are cash strapped, one had to think of some alternative and an alternative to endless welding rapidly disappearing steel. it was during one of these moments when I decided to have a look and see if the spare silencers (Motad Neta) I had for my beloved GPZ1000RX (Ninja 1000R) would fit.... Lo and Behold... yup. and with an exit hole I could almost get my hands in, whilst remaining street legal. The result was outstanding, now she'd pull to the redline in every gear but top. I then heard from a friendly Kwaka mechanic that he'd once cocked up the cam timing on a GTR, he'd timed it according to the RX workbook, but that's one tooth earlier on the inlet, he told me that he only found out about it when the customer came back and asked him what he'd done but the bike was so powerful now it scared him.... hmmm... well you can guess what I did... the result was 155mph and first gear wheelies.

I have lived with this memory for many years and finally this summer I received from my lovely wife, a rather sparkling 1986 A1 In wineberry red....
Of course I was one very happy chappy, but this was of course short lived, because this is Austria I now live in and this means that our beloved steed has a whopping 94hp   .... Still armed with my previous knowledge, I put the Pipes on from my RX (this one lives in my Bar) and advanced the inlet one tooth, oooo definately an improvement BUT still no 7000rpm rush    Ok me thinks, GPZ1000RX Carbs, A real pig to fit and make sure your air box rubbers are new and squishy, but they do fit, so we're up from 32 to 36mm and just for good measure I stuck in the RX's Ignition box, Jeeeeeeeezus it now got some serious Mid range grunt, a friend following me just two days ago on his new z1000sx coomented of how quickly it took off, two up and the front wheel skimming the tarmac, oh boy definately on the right track but still no 7+ rush aaaarrrrggghhh... so why did my last GTR prove to be such a rocket.... hmmm quite a bit of head scratching and it comes down to one thing... it must be cams, but when I did this with my old GTR, I checked the cam profiles, lift and duration and they were identical.... so though I'll double check, the Kawasaki manuals show the The GTR and GPZ have a total of 10 degrees difference in duration, how can that be when they're the same??? So in the end I thought I'll have to check this up with my friend over at the gpz900r owners club, as he supplies all parts kawasaki. A quick check on his Microfiche and all became clear in more than one way, firstly RX cams have a different part number, so they are definately different cams and secondly it would seem that Mr K had already fiddled with my last GTR whilst it was still on thier fleet. (hence previously i have always believed that RX's and GTR's had the same cams). So now to the final point, I've just put the GPZ cams in..... and..... It started snowing heavilly !!!   but she is smoother, quieter and revs so quick you have to watch how quickly you open the throttle.

Test run coming with the first thawing, hopefully in a couple of days.

But to sum up:
To get 125hp (GPZ1000RX/Ninja 1000R standard output)
You will need
One pair GPZ1000RX Motad Neta Silencers
A set of GPZ1000RX 36mm Carbs
A GPZ1000RX Ignition Module
A pair of GPZ1000RX cams (with sprockets)  Part numbers (Inlet 12044-1112) (Exhaust 12044A-1113)
A set of airbox rubbers (unless your are already squishy)
And lastly you could try removing the air restrictor from the airbox (remove the battery tray and it's in the air intake, held in by two screws) this will help provide a better air flow for your new bigger carbs and save the need for rejetting.


Also by the way for anyone that is interested, The Original GPZ900R (Ninja 900R) and the GTR1000/Concours share the same mainframe, so many parts are interchangeable, including front fairing frame and fairing (a slight mod is required because the GTR has a bigger Rad).


Hope you all enjoy this.
Mark 

[T Cro ®]

Wow Mark that's quite the performance write up and an enjoyable read too; welcome to the forums....... 

Here in the states we have Steve..... Steve In Sunny Florida! 

[MAN OF BLUES]

interesting read, and welcome.
Just to iterate, Steve and I went this route wayyyyyyy back in 2005, in search of elusive hidden h.p., pretty much everything you noted except the ignition module.
Cams, 36mm Nija carbs and all...I went the route with old ninja SuperTrapp mufflers that reallly flow , and airbox mods...
Resultant horsepower would never hit 125, sad to say.....
It was fun to modify, but the engines displacement simply restricts everything.
So don't be sad when you finally get it on a Dyno, you did everything we tried, but you will have the pleasure of saying the mods were fun.
thanks for sharing 

[xjs36uk]

Thanks for the words guys, just to point out that I'm not searching for that elusive HP figure, I just happen to know that the Connie/GTR engine is a Ninja 1000R/GPZ1000RX engine, so just putting it back how it should be. Yes we all know Kawasaki used to measure their HP at the Crank so the RX was 125hp at the crank whilst the GTR/Connie was 110hp at the crank, bearing in mind the Shaft assembly itself will sap around 10% of the power alone and with other friction losses etc, the C10 was around 92hp at the back wheel and the RX was about 115hp at the back wheel. Im more interested in how it feels, I like a strong top end rush and having regularly seen speeds (indicated) on the RX of 175-180 mph the difference should be (and is) noticeable so by making the C10 the same in Engine and power characteristics will without any shadow of a doubt make a BIG difference to the power and power delivery I'm expecting indicated 155 (as per my last C10) but with aerodynamic restrictions  any more would be dreaming. I've already proven that doing all this without using RX cams gives the C10 a huge increase in midrange power, now with the RX cams in, I've softened that a bit, but we're now making increasing power all the way to the red line, albeit not as strong as the RX (friction losses) it's addictive and besides I have a 1990 ZX-11 (ZZR1100) which still tops an indicated 190 mph and accelerates like nothing else on this planet.

Regardless, these are the mods I have made and am well satisfied with the results. It's now a shaft drive RX with a Big Fairing

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

well Mark, I don't want to rain on your parade, but as MOB already mentioned, we've BTDT, and the results are no way even close to what you're claiming. I'm not trying to be a "know it all" on this, but in this venue, I kinda am... and everything I know and share is backed up by dyno runs to PROVE what I'm sharing. Let me give a little lineage info so guys who read this will understand the zg / gtr and rx / zx / gpz connection a bit.
      1) the original bike in production that started all this was the ninja 900, also known as gpz900, '84 in the states. Same head and engine design as the zg/gtr had until 06, but the 997 cc engines had a larger bore / stroke.
     2)The 997cc engine was tweaked in 2 ways, the lower hp model in the zg / gtr and zl series bikes, and the higher hp gpz / zx series. The bore / stroke / compressions were all the same across the board; the cam timing, carbs, and exhausts were all larger on the zx/gpz series.
     3) A stock zg / gtr american bike will typically dyno in the 89 hp range. A zx1000 will dyno in the 105 hp range, per several articles I've read that had dyno charts with them.
     4) back in 05 / 06, several of us here experimented with the EXACT setup you've just outlined; ZX1000 cams, 36mm carbs, opened exhausts and airbox inlet removed.  My bike was dyno'ed at 103.5 HP at 9300 rpm. Stock it dyno'ed 89 hp @ 8800 rpm.
     5) the gpz / zx cams do not make better midrange than the stock zg / gtr cams. Dyno proven. Up until 5000 rpm, the zg cam will outpower the zx cam. they tie from 5 to 7000, and at that point the zx gam will outpower the zg cam till peak power.
      6)unless you plan on riding your zg / gtr in excess of 7000 rpm all the time, you've made the bike SLOWER by doing the zx cams. BTDT, and it's humbling when you do 4000 rpm roll-on's with your zG riding buddies and they leave you and your high hp monster - BTDT too.
      7) pulling tha airbox inlet is a BAD idea. It makes alot of noise, but noise doesn't equal power. again, BTDT. In fact that's how i discovered what is now known as the "2 minute mod jet kit" - my bike was on the dyno and I started experimenting with the airbox inlet size. By reducing the inlet my bike gained 7 peak hp and 8 # TQ at 5000 rpm - right where you need it. and this WAS with zx cams and 36's, on my 1109 engine.
    Unless you like bent valves, advancing the intake cam 1 tooth is a BAD idea, and it's not going to help top end even IF it did work, which it won't. The closing point is so early the cylinder will be seriously starved, and the everlap gaining over 20 degrees is NOT a good idea.
    9) My bike currently has a zx11 cylinder block bored 2mm and welded up to be bolted onto the zg block / head by grafting the zx11 cylinder block with a zg cylinder block. It has 11.5 compression. custom head work, cams, lightened pistons / rods, custom header, 36mm carbs, etc etc... Top speed I've seen was 144 indicated (my speed is accurate compared to gps) It was still pulling, MAYBE it would have gone 150 - MAYBE. To get a warmed over stocker to make 155 you better add in an airplane to drop it out of...
   Should I continue?    Steve

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

oh one more thing - n to say your '90 model zx11 "accellerates like nothing else on the planet" well, that also says alot - there are so many bikes out there now that will EAT the zx11 it's amazing. Heck, a c-14 would give a zx11 fits - Steve

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

just to prove, here's a dyno chart from a "dyno day" that we had back in february - we ran about 10 zg's with various mods. I have all the charts. Here's one of a bone stock zg1000, my 1109 with my hi-lift torque cams, and a stock c-14. Dammit, those 14's are strong! Steve

[gtr1000]

       

[xjs36uk]

No offense taken Steve, the mods I've performed are purely based on a suck it and see basis, I will admit that I have now put the restrictor back in the airbox, I cannot say if it's made a difference either way as I doscovered one of the carb bodies was cracked and allowing air into the vaccum chamber. But I will say I DO like my power above 7000 rpm and am well chuffed with the overall results.

As per the cam timing one tooth advanced, this was told to me by a Kawasaki Mechanic, I did do with my last GTR and this one, both showed a definate and nice change over stock, please don't forget we're talking UK and Austrian models which were heavilly restricted in the first place, the only full power model claimed 110hp was the A1 sold in the UK in 1986. As to longevity my first GTR died at 90,000 miles due to me putting crap oil in (it was all I could afford at the time and I lament it 100%) and that was after running 75,000 miles in this 'enhanced state' No issues at all. Of course with the GTR I now have I have RX cams timed as a standard RX.

The Torque issue goes without saying, I personally have no problem with the loss of the lower end torque as my riding style uses much more of the top end. It is really about what the individual wants and by no means lessens your rather brilliant engineering advances for the Connie, It's just not my cup of tea, we don't have miles of endlessley straight roads here, in fact the longest straight road I have yet come across in Austria is about 200yds !!! Most of what we have is tight twisty mountain roads and that is an absolute hoot with the GTR's handling and a top end power band. I notice a lot of guys with Connies hanker after the 7th gear mod and a bigger fatter mid range punch, I am not a cruiser myself, just a plain and simple mad lunatic speed freak. Nothing gives me more pleasure than entering 'the 170mph tunnel'. I love all my Kwakas and am a mechanic also. My HP claims are not based on my personal Dyno runs, that stuff doesn't interest me, they're instead just guide figures that have been published over the years in various UK bike magazines, It's all academic anyways, I go by the rule if it feels fast then it probably is and if I make a change and it feels faster then it probably is! I'm not working to exact Science, just tinkering in my Garage based on some things I already know about the ZX series engine of which I have had quite a few in various guises which I have self maintained during my 2 million mile 20 year despatch career.


By the way do you have any objection to me giving your details out to the boys over at the GPZ900R Owners Club (of which I am also a member) as some of your mods would likely be of a huge interest. Particularly the overflow mod!

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

 Yes, perhaps different riding styles  / conditions are the determining factor here. what I particularly like about torque is that you can get going fast without needing lots of RPM. Great when you're in twisties and haven't geared down enough; personally i'm a lousy corner carver (florida is straight and flat) so torque works well to save my sorry riding abilities.
   I will disagree with you on the "if it feels fast, it probably is" approach.  What I've leaned is that a peaky power band "feels" fast when the rush comes on, and a torquey band doesn't feel fast because it never "comes on". The zx cams definitely "feel" fast, but unless you keep it spun up, they're not, in fact the stock zg cams pull better and are the better choice to 7000. My torque replacement cams outpower the stock zg cams to 7000.  2 minute mod jetting will get the zx1000's and 900's more midrange - noticeably more - and no loss of top end. It will "feel" slower because the 6-8# TQ increase at 5000rpm flattens the peak and takes away the amount of rush you feel. Unless you do roll-ons with another bike as a standard to judge against or employ a dyno, you may think you're making the bike faster removing the airbox inlet, when in reality you're slowing it down.
  Of course I'd be interested in conversing with the gpz guys, maybe get a sprocket or some jet kits going "over the pond" . thanks,  Steve

[xjs36uk]

Well this should settle the RX tuning thing once and for all.

Went to Munich Airport to collect my wife returning from 2 weeks seeing the Grandchildren.

And guess what, I got stopped by the German Police (Polizei) on the autobahn... why? They wanted to know what I was doing riding a bike in this cold weather at a radared 241.56 kmh That's 150.1 mph   I'm happy, especially as on the autobahn that is quite legal

[T Cro ®]

Your wife must be quite pleased with you!

[snarf]

150.1 two up, that's quite a feat.

[xjs36uk]

That was on the way to pick her up. I was alone.

But my wife loves Kawasaki's and has no problem with my riding style, she only starts asking me to slow down when going in excess of 160mph, and that only because of the turbulance!

To say she is one in a million is an understatement.

I only made one near mistake with her and that's when I bought the CBR500R, she said "IT'S A BLOODY H**DA, are you mad?" to which the obvious answer was "yes, but I only paid 250 euros for it.... and then everything was ok again

I mean how many can say their wife even likes you having a bike? I have seven and my wife bought me the last two. plus I have the 5 cars and 1 Van.
I normally cannot go out on a bike alone. The moment I put on my leathers, she's standing there saying "and what about me? i want to come to" It must be love 

[xjs36uk]

Brakes? Who needs Brakes they only slow you down !!!   

[T Cro ®]

That was on the way to pick her up. I was alone.

Well honestly I kinda figured da on my own........ 

In stock form the Concours is rather limited in top end ability; but I know that my "barely warmed over" motor has shown me a solid 120 MPH before fear of my license & wad of cash blowing out of my back pocket overshadowed the size of my ballz......   

[qman]

Hey Steve, how about a dyno chart showing the jet kit, foam thingy and the exhaust cam! I only ask because I've got the "economy" jets and was curious as to the difference with a stocker. I noticed what you explained earlier, it doesn't "feel" faster 'cause the torque is smoother. There's no sudden burst. BUT it's a heckuva lot more fun than my goldwing EVER was.

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

Here's one of a stock bike vs the TQ cams & 2mm jet kit on the same day - Steve

[qman]

Here's one of a stock bike vs the TQ cams & 2mm jet kit on the same day - Steve

Thanks Steve! I think I misled you, what I really wanted was one with the 2min jet kit and sprocket. If'n you got it great, if not that's ok two 'cause I was just curious to know. I'm sure other's are as well.
A big thanks for your support of this and the other forum.

[Two Skies]

That was on the way to pick her up. I was alone.

But my wife loves Kawasaki's and has no problem with my riding style, she only starts asking me to slow down when going in excess of 160mph, and that only because of the turbulance!

To say she is one in a million is an understatement.

I only made one near mistake with her and that's when I bought the CBR500R, she said "IT'S A BLOODY H**DA, are you mad?" to which the obvious answer was "yes, but I only paid 250 euros for it.... and then everything was ok again

I mean how many can say their wife even likes you having a bike? I have seven and my wife bought me the last two. plus I have the 5 cars and 1 Van.
I normally cannot go out on a bike alone. The moment I put on my leathers, she's standing there saying "and what about me? i want to come to" It must be love 

This might be one of the few times that having the ZX cams might actually make sense.  Over here in the states, if they pull you over for doing 150, that pretty much means 'say goodbye to your license (revoked) and btw we are impounding the bike!'

Of course, I'd be very concerned about the suspension.  Do Euro bikes have better forks than the stock Connie forks?  Several have reported craziness above 110 MPH (usually around 130 indicated).  Steve did get his front suspension sorted out on Shoodaben, and I understand that she's now quite smooth at those speeds.