Help... The mod parts are slowly but surely coming in. The R-77 full exhaust arrived yesterday and I know it sounds strange..., LOL!!! - but I actually read the instructions; and read other "stuff", watched videos (about the headers, NOT the fat girl series in the wesson oil parties at the holiday inns on the waterbed...), and have arrived at a couple questions for which I just can't seem to get a definitive answer...
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First...
The instructions clearly state that you do not use a header gasket; no problem, it's an interference fit, etc. But, not having my sky-lift stand yet... I spoke with my "people" at the dealer just in case I have to take it to them for that install. Interestingly, they did not believe me about the gasket, and insisted that you must have a gasket. Well, that was not too much of an issue, because I showed the techs and the service manager the instruction sheet, etc...
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However, since the fit is an insert/interference fit, and remembering the good old days (Norton and Triumph...), and the instruction sheet says to "tap" the individual header pipes with a rubber mallet to fully seat them, the question here is do I use an anti-seize compound? If so, what brand, etc. There is no mention about that minor detail. As we all know, "minor details" can become major problems later.
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Second...
Has anyone installed a full 4-1 Yoshimura header set on a 2012-2014 ZX14R, and if so, were there any problems that I need to know about. I've never "worked" on a ZX14R, and D-Day is approaching...
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I appreciate any responses, advice, etc.
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PS - once the headers and pipe are installed, heated up and retorqued, the ECU is off to C-Blast.

I have never had a YOSHIMURA full system but i have had others. Never used gasket for the headers, with the exception of the brocks 4-1 i put on my '10. The headers had adapters which called for gasket between the pipe and adapter, but not at the connection bewtween the adapter and exhaust outlet. The Gen1's had a gold crushwashergasketthingamajiggy that i just reused. No leaks, no problems. Just my 2 cents, but i am sure others will chime in.

* Last updated by: Fazer on 10/22/2014 @ 6:29 AM *

... says to "tap" the individual header pipes with a rubber mallet to fully seat them, the question here is do I use an anti-seize compound?

None. Like the good old days.

1. Install headers into head ports.
2. Install the header clamps on loose.
3. Hook the springs on the headers to clamp.
4. Install rest of exhaust system so everything is now sprung and bolted up loose.
5. Shake the collector lightly as you 'tap' each header more into the ports.
6. Tighten header clamps.
7. Tap the pipes one more time, and if the collector does not move, do not dent the lightweight tubes.
8. Move the muffler back and forth so the tube out of the collector does not try to place a load back on the collector. If it begins to load as you tighten, then shim the bracket so no stress is on any part of the pipe.

How to loosen the carbon build up that locked the pipes onto each other: Use mr. goodwrench penetrate in a spray can that can go up against WD40. If WD does not cut it, try the gm shit.

Anti-seize compound will just carbonize under the high heat, don't need it, don't use it!

Hubs directions are perfect, only thing I would add is be sure you use a rubber mallet, not metal, and tap GENTLY!!! Everything should fit smooth and snug, if you feel like you need to force it something is wrong, STOP and look at it again!

Love mine, you're gonna love yours, the Yoshi exhaust has GREAT sound!!! Leave the extra baffle inserts out, they don't make much difference and are a PIA to get back out after they're in, I know because I HAD to try them. BAD decision!!! Congrats on your new exhaust!

Hubs directions are flawless, I have installed that system and all is as stated. Gentle with the mallet, patient R with the jiggly fit, jiggly fit, tighten check. I'm excited! We are all gonna need pics! WOOT!

You are gonna love the R-77. Looks, fit, and sound are perfect for the 14R.

Great instructions and advice!!
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Interesting "devil's in the details" question.
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The primary header pipes (at the cylinder head end) has two pieces; a short insert pipe (2") with a collar at mid point, and the bolt flange. These two parts (one for each primary) were packed separately, but it's obvious that the flange is to be located behind the "insert" between the primary to keep the insert in place.
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So... maybe I should "tap" the inserts into the exhaust ports first, then slip the flanges over primary pipes, and tap the pipes into their respective insert? Or put those parts on the primary and tap away with my rubber mallet....?
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Then finger tight until all else is installed; then torque the flange bolts, install the primary tube springs to the flanges, then attach the primary pipe to collector springs, etc.?
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Update!! The ABBA Skylift arrived and before I do anything, I will assemble that bad boy and make sure that I don't drop the 14R on my head... That would be a tragedy for the bike....
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Boy I wish one of you guys lived close enough for a "bribe" to help me with this... Just think, pool, beach is 30 minutes away, barbecue, HD movies, free beer, etc... LOL!!!!

The inserts go OVER the pipe(s).Not mounted into the header outlets first.You slip the flanges onto the pipe...then the insert on the end...then install...then springs...then carefully align and tighten.I can't remember if the factory headers have gaskets up in there...but if there are...do not remove.Leave alone and go forward with the install.You might put a small dab of bluelocktite on the studs...before adding the nuts.I did...but that's just me.They have been known to loosen some.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 10/23/2014 @ 7:27 AM *

Yes, the inserts ONLY "insert" into the primary tubes (which are "swaged" to allow that insertion). Once they are inserted, the flange pieces are retained by the insert collar ring. I assume that I position the primaries (with the insert intalled), and that's when you start "tapping" the pipe itself to get the "big" end of the insert to go into the exhaust port.
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The insert ends that go into the primary are somewhat of an interference fit; no problem, so far, per se. Just tapped them with the rubber mallet till they were flush/even with the collar resting on the end of the primary tube. I'll play with getting the primary pipes aligned and fitted when I can lift the bike up enough to work safely and comfortably.
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Again to all, thanks for the assistance!

Forget any pounding of the insert into the port first, then the pipe. Here is what you are fighting. The one spigot will be too high/low/east/west, you're chasing that one pipe all out of sync, rather than inserted in the pipe and now it lines up with the pipe/with the port/with the collector/etc. Get it?

Got it! Thanks for the clarification. But then again, my life is nothing but Murphy's Law writ large... I know some of my questions may seem stupid, but I've found out that unless I ask, Murphy will be standing in the workshop...

groomlake, In my opinion there is NO such thing as a stupid question when someone is trying to learn! People ask questions because they don't know, not because they are dumb. Personally I would rather take the time to answer a question rather then let someone make a mistake that could potentially be costly or dangerous to them. One of the best things about this forum is the freely shared knowledge coming from individuals who have a passion for bikes and the ZX in particular. Each person here has a different background, education, and experience level but almost all are willing to share what they know or have learned. Pretty cool in my opinion!!! I'll get off my soap box now.

Wiggly wiggly gently gently, skin a knuckle swear a bit have a cup of coffee and repeat should be fitted by the 3rd cup.

* Last updated by: ryanc on 10/25/2014 @ 6:10 AM *

berndV ---- Love the way that exhaust looks. Im considering it myself. Would love a video if you could. Any regrets?

berndV ---- Love the way that exhaust looks. Im considering it myself. Would love a video if you could. Any regrets?

I don't have a video-sorry. I have no regrets and would buy the same pipe again even if it was twice the money. Not only is it very light, but in my opinion it is the most aesthetically satisfying pipe available for this bike. The sound is also terrific, perfect in fact.

Berndv... I just noticed you had the ivan setup. How's that working out for you? Is it as smooth as he says it is?Worth the money? Ivan is about an hour from me I was planning to take a ride and check out his setup. Did you consider the akrapovic setup? If so what made you pick the r77?

JimmyB, I've been running Ivan's reflash and a PCV with his map for some time now and love it!!! The combination of reflash and map is VERY smooth and responsive, feels like you're running a turbine engine it's so smooth. Power everywhere!!! Wish I was as close to Ivan as you are, would also like to see his collection of bikes!

Rktsled.. I can't tell by your picture is that a yoshi or an akro system? How you like the sound / loudness?

Berndv... I just noticed you had the ivan setup. How's that working out for you? Is it as smooth as he says it is?Worth the money? Ivan is about an hour from me I was planning to take a ride and check out his setup. Did you consider the akrapovic setup? If so what made you pick the r77?

I am very happy with Ivan's flash and PCV map. Very smooth and great power. However, I cannot compare it to any other flashes as I have never run any of them on the 14R. Regarding my choice of pipe, I simply prefer the looks and sound of the R77 over any other that is available for this bike. I would have gone with the R77 had it been twice the money. Yoshimura's fit and finish are also extremely impressive. For the money, it is a real bargain IMO.

So how did the OP like it?

How much weight lost? Any power lost?

JimmyB, Sorry I didn't see your question sooner! Yoshi exhaust on my bike and I love it, nice mellow sound, no high pitched shreek. I don't run the extra baffles in mine, tried them and couldn't tell much difference, they were a muther to get back out!

Just about to finish up on my 4-2-1, seems like the fit is good but it's not exactly rock solid in there like the stock header, is that ok?

You have your gaskets,right?It should snug up fine...do the outside pipe first,only 'snug',then work on the other outside pipe,snug,then either of the inside ones.Tighten all down.I WOULD...put a small dab of red loctite on those head screws.If you've tightened it down already,and it's not solid...you best check everything again...it should be solid.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 8/24/2017 @ 2:45 PM *

First...
The instructions clearly state that you do not use a header gasket; no problem, it's an interference fit, etc.

That's from the first post, am I missing something?

I WOULD...put a small dab of red loctite on those head screws

Color: Red

Service Temperature: -65°F (-54°C) to 300°F (149°C)

For disassembly: Heat parts up to 482°F (250°C)
and separate parts while hot.

You can skip the red loctite too.

* Last updated by: piken on 8/25/2017 @ 4:22 PM *