Exhaust System

Good move keeping the airbox

V&H header's are pretty good for the price. Mine is a pain to change the filter though. Have spoken to a few others and they have the same issue.

No need to pull the pipe but you have to fiddle with filter removal / installation.

mtbspeedfreak wrote:

...'76 KZ 900...fouls plugs more often than I'd like so I need to rejet it regardless...K&N airbox filter...No other internal engine modifications...

Patton wrote:

Before addressing carb jetting,
would first assure:
-- full battery voltage reaching coils;
-- properly timed fat blue spark;
-- correct valve clearances;
-- correct fuel level (clear tube method);
-- freshly serviced air filter;
-- pilot air screw adjustment (try slightly leaner setting)....

mtbspeedfreak wrote:

...new Yuasa battery, Dyna S and 3 ohm coils, NGK BR6IEXs (Iridium's), MSD 8.5mm wire, and a K&N airbox filter. I've only tinkered with the pilot air screw adjustment- I think I'll hold off on any more tuning till the Kerker's on. I'd imagine straight pipes require slightly different tuning than any system with a muffler.
...higher up in the RPMs, the headlight and indicator lights...get brighter as the RPMs increase...on my longer trips, the battery weakens....

The items suggested assuring before messing with carbs are common causes of plug fouling that may persist even with perfect carbs.

new Yuasa battery, Dyna S and 3 ohm coils, NGK BR6IEXs (Iridium's), MSD 8.5mm wire --- don't assure any of them.

Would also perform basic charging system test with good fully charged battery (fluid levels to spec, etc.).
If in doubt about battery, would do specific gravity test and have it load-tested.

Need 13+ volts across battery terminals @ idle, and 14~15 volts @3-4K rpm.
With engine OFF, voltage at coil primary terminals should equal voltage across battery terminals.
Less than full battery voltage at coils is probably due to loss at wiring connectors and/or switches between battery and coil, and/or imperfect connections at battery terminals, and at lug where negative battery cable attaches to rear of engine.

Good Fortune!

mtbspeedfreak wrote:

...strongly leaning towards a Kerker...Has anyone gone insane from 12 hours in the saddle of listening to the Kerker scream? The competition baffle would be fun on weekends....

Kerker offers at least three different baffles of varying restrictions.

Have enjoyed the civilized standard street baffle (most restricted) on Kerker equipped KZ900 for many cross country tours without excessive noise or complaints from law enforcement.

While rather subdued at cruising speed, it does wail nicely under acceleration.

Good Fortune!

larrycavan wrote:

Good move keeping the airbox

V&H header's are pretty good for the price. Mine is a pain to change the filter though. Have spoken to a few others and they have the same issue.

No need to pull the pipe but you have to fiddle with filter removal / installation.

Same experience on Z1 -- have to fiddle with bolt and filter to remove and replace.

Filter is a little easier to R&R with Kerker on KZ900.

Both get oil on collector while draining.

Good Fortune!

if you want a MAC with no baffles i got one I'll sell you for a hundred.

Kerker with street baffles. By far the best street pipe. BIG mid range torque and nice over rev.

Hey guys,

Good news, thanks to some mad hustling of Z1 Enterprises, I've installed a Kerker system this weekend! I took it for a short (only 100 miles this time around ) ride tonight- I definitely seemed to notice a "seat of your pants" improvement! Thanks to everyone who offered their opinions! A guy actually stopped me while I was sitting at a redlight and offered his praise! He told me that I have my priorities in order haha.

Anyway, I did a whole mess of maintenance this weekend, including installing the Kerker. I certainly don't want to sound like a n00b, but the instructions for mounting the megaphone were as confusing as they could be. I gave the bike the "once-over" when I returned form my test ride, the megaphone assembly slid back in the bracket- despite being held by the band clamp.

Would anyone who has a Kerker or used to have a Kerker mind taking a quick look at these pictures to make sure I have the bracket attached correctly?

<a href=" www.flickr.com/photos/mms5119/5049789773/ " title="Progress 026 by mmsmithgall, on Flickr"> farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/5049789773_ed2920de3a.jpg " width="500" height="375" alt="Progress 026" />

<a href=" www.flickr.com/photos/mms5119/5050408296/ " title="Progress 023 by mmsmithgall, on Flickr"> farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5050408296_a8535e2d46.jpg " width="500" height="375" alt="Progress 023" />

<a href=" www.flickr.com/photos/mms5119/5049788589/ " title="Progress 022 by mmsmithgall, on Flickr"> farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5049788589_d7d38337ea.jpg " width="500" height="375" alt="Progress 022" />

Thanks!

Oops, let me figure out how to link pictures.

[ www.flickr.com/photos/mms5119/5049789773/ ][/http://www.flickr.com/photos/mms5119/5049789773/]

Progress 022 by mmsmithgall , on Flickr

Progress 026 by mmsmithgall , on Flickr

Progress 023 by mmsmithgall , on Flickr

Alright, now I'm cookin' with propane!

Could use a hand-made bracket and mount with mini-motor mount to isolate frame from vibration.

Pic is Kerker on KZ900 LTD.

Good Fortune!

Same method on Z1 with V&H.

Good Fortune!