Why let your overflow hose flop around under the air box? Use some P clips to hold that sucker in place. I made my own out of aluminum sheet (had to buy real P clips to get the rubber part).Looks kinda nice, I think. Now if there was only something that I could do with that gob of wiring snarled up under there, this would be starting to look like a real showpiece.

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/24/2015 @ 4:25 PM *

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HOly shit rook...I can't wait to see your finished product.

Here here!SWEET!

LOL, the motor part won't be finished for a long time. If this paint holds up well, I'll do the whole motor orange. I also hope to do something about that wiring but Hub says it would take a huge feat of engineering to get all the resistance right. I'd say at least two years from now, you might see it finished. For now, the parts that show with the fairings on are scheduled for completion by June. I have a few other details in the works as well. LOL, I'm starting to make my own parts. Just simple brackets and such but damn does it take time.

Removed the tail subframe, and a steel wiring bracket from under the fuel tank. That was 2 lbs of junk. Also the left side subframe is gone. 10.35 oz.

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Removed the tail subframe, and a steel wiring bracket from under the fuel tank. That was 2 lbs of junk. Also the left side subframe is gone. 10.35 oz.

I get tired of dealing with the folks (on other forums) that perceive 14s only capable of going fast in a straight line. Even reading published reviews that state 14s are sportbikes capable of cornering. What really annoys the shit out of me the most, is 95% of these people it wouldn't make a difference if they were on a 14, a 600, or probably a harley. So goes the saying, ignorance is bliss.

These same people don't understand how muscularly lean 14s are. Also there's the little things, like not considering 14s hold 1-2 gallons more fuel than bikes their comparing it too, which is 6-12 lbs. The other thing they fail to consider is the stock dual exhaust system, again something the bikes their comparing it do don't have that's good for around 20-30 lbs depending on what it's replaced with. So goes the saying, ignorance is bliss.

When I bought this bike, I knew how much it weighed. I figured like my Honda, I could look around and find some fat. For example, my Honda had some completely extraneous (the only function one side had a helmet lock) steel bars bolted onto the subframe, probably about 4-6 lbs. It came with a centerstand, which probably weighed somewhere around 10-15 lbs. Also I added a single sided exhaust, no doubt knocked off a good 20 lbs.

But with 14s, it's just not the case. The fat's just not there. One change I wanted to make (for looks), that I did when I had her apart was removing the belly pan, mounting bracket, and bolts. I figured as well it would reduce weight (win win for me) thinking it was probably a steel bracket, and may save 5 lbs or something. Nope, that entire assembly weighs a whole 1.5 lbs. I keep looking around for flab, and I just can't find it (except in my bathroom mirror!).

There are a few ideas I have that are lower to no cost. But I'm not finding anything where other's have considered these areas. I dont' think any would have a huge impact, but 2 lbs here and there adds up.

Major weight can be saved on 14's with a big enough wallet, and I wish I had the money since I love the girthy comfort and power combo of these bikes. But to invest in Ti exhaust system, magnesium or carbonfiber wheel set, Li battery, and titanium or carbon fiber bits here and there, its just not as practical as making a lighter bike more powerful to achieve the same result. Years ago I read a build thread on another forum where a guy stripped his first gen 14 down about a hundred pounds - but it was a drag/mile bike for pure straightline function alone, so cornering and street riding wasn't his goal. He weighed out everything as he went, and compared weights on replacement parts. I believe the bike's final wet weight was about 420lbs iirc.

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That is probably Shane's bike and he spent a mint on it.

But to invest in Ti exhaust system, magnesium or carbonfiber wheel set, Li battery, and titanium or carbon fiber bits here and there, its just not as practical as making a lighter bike more powerful to achieve the same result.

1 lb of weight doesn't mean as much as one hp.

I still like to strip away everything I can because I'm just into it. The bike feels good. No, I don't think it feels much faster in a corner than the busa which has very little unnecessary parts removed. It does feel a bit faster in a straight line...but it's got the 45 t rear sprocket on there too.

What really annoys the shit out of me the most, is 95% of these people it wouldn't make a difference if they were on a 14, a 600, or probably a harley. So

Confirmed by Kruz. He reports that he corners about 10 mph slower on his Honda VTX than he does on his ZX-6. It doesn't make all that much difference for the typical rider (ooo--don't tell Kruz I said he was a typical rider!)

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Hellmutt I appreciate your thoughts. But my point wasn't that there weren't ways of lightening the bike through aftermarket. It was really about how trim the 14R is, it's not a fat pig, much more of a body builder. Im guessing the majority of the weight is in the engine/trans.

Rook, you nailed it. I just dont like plugging other forums outside of those other forums, lol. Shane and his wife are definitely living life in the fast lane, and have built some killer missles

I hear ya Vic. And I agree that there isn't much weight that can be freely stripped, and still allow the bike to function as intended, without spending money. For what they are, 14's and 14R's are fairly versatile for their size and weight, making them a great multipurpose ride. Commuting, day long rides, spirited backroading, or peeling back our hairlines on long straight runs.
I track ride mine every year since I dont have space and funds to support a dedicated trackbike, and it's actually not too far off pace with litre sized bikes of the same skill set, just takes a bit more muscle to throw them around all day vs a lighter bike. BUT, it would be tits with a $5k weightloss and suspension upgrade....which sounds better the more I talk about it.

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Rook you removed subframe and left subframe?are not those structural?lets see some pics.Im all for weight loss ,but not at the expense of saftey

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There is no way to tell how important those frame parts are to structural integrity without asking a Kawi engineer. So far, the best opinion I have heard on the left side subframe is that it is there to reinforce the air box/frame because there is a big slot on the left formed by the air filter access. I'm assuming the LH side subframe might come into play if the bike takes a hard bump where the suspension bottoms out but otherwise, probably safe without. The tail subframe is definitely a must if you carry a passenger or heavy gear on the tail. I can feel the tail frame flex under hand pressure now that the subframe is gone. It's something I'll have to keep a close eye on for a while.

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"Rook you removed subframe and left subframe?are not those structural?lets see some pics.Im all for weight loss ,but not at the expense of saftey"...I said the same thing to the Rookmaster;)

Seems a tad dicey to be removing that undertail frame there.You're out riding...everything 'seems' fine...then ya hit some unexpected spot...things flex...I dunno....I wouldn't remove those for me...but Rook seems to know what he's doing....it's his call for sure...Rook..you do mean...the two spars that go under the tail piece,right?

Rook...you did say the rear 'flexed' right?Now add gravity and downward force from hitting a dip or something...now it's not just 'pushing down with yer hand'...be safe man....as you said...keep an eye on things under there;)BTW...got your message...will call soon;)Take care man;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/28/2015 @ 11:41 AM *

Looks nice Rook, nicely done. Its so clean under there! If you saw my bike you would probably have a heart attack (rats nest of wires).

Question - Is your heat shield completely removed? When i reinstalled my engine i tossed out the shield around the TB and crank breather but kept the valve cover (since all the wires rest on top). I would like to do way with the rest though... Does it really even serve a purpose? Or is it dead weight?

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Mostly dead weight. But with cover installed it Does help reduce some engine noise.

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I think I forgot tmention, it DOES add .30 oz of weight. Not sure about the sound deadenning effect until I ride.

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