What in the world are flies? I know this is a dumb/remedial question but I had to ask. I am new to the zx14, and just ordered by brock's alien head full system with PCV (without flies). I have seen a couple of post on here regarding flies. All I can picture in my head are the insects, lol - again sorry for the retarded question.

'flies' are secondary throttle butterflies which are electronically controlled by the ECU. They can be removed for more direct throttle control. The opening curve on later models is ateeper, but some improvement in throttle response is atill possible.

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Sorry, steeper. Fingers too big for phone keys

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Secondaries fully open.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/31/2012 @ 10:22 AM *

Ahh, ok. Thanks for the clarification, lol. Now, having it fully open, does that affect how "twitchy" the throttle is?

As I stated, the opening of the secondaries is electronically controlled to smooth out the power to the rear wheel. When they are removed, throttle control is directly though the twistgip. Even without a PC and remap, there was a noticeable difference in older models. After '09, the opening curve was steepened to make them open quicker, so there's less noticeable difference with them removed, but there's still a difference. There are myriad threads on multiple forums about the difference in throttle response and 99% of owners do this easy modification. Removal is easy if your careful not to drop any screws down the throttle bodies. The trick is to use a magnetic screwdriver and to heat each screw with a soldering iron prior to removal to melt the threadlock. As with any ZX-14, throttle control is important. If you just jerk it open, you might end up with the bike on top of you.

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@gfunko....have you geared your bike to be more 'aggressive?Say....16/43 or more?That IMO will give you a better picture of throttle/engine response when secondaries are removed.....Not that Danno's in any way not clear...but seat of the pants....if you know how that gearing change affects the 14,then you can see what I mean.

IDK...I never had any throttle twichiness, either on my 07 OR my 14R.And I have the Rifleman's 1/5th throttle mod on mine(both).Lots of guys mention the twitchy throttle after removing those flies...I never felt it.Just quicker response,and more power.Perhaps I'm too gentle??????IDK.

Danno says..."heat each screw with a soldering iron prior to removal to melt the threadlock".....IDK IF this made any difference actually...BUT...I bought a set of JIS phillips drivers.Magnetic tipped.On my 2012...I went right in and applied firm downward pressure(one hand holding the driver and turning,my other palm pushing down on the handle)....and turned very steady and slowly.No heating at all...they backed out fine....which surprised me actually.They WERE tight...yes...but the driver didn't slip and gripped the slots very nicely.No drama....except....ummmmmm...no..I'll save that for a later time

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/31/2012 @ 3:54 PM *

After '09, the opening curve was steepened to make them open quicker, so there's less noticeable difference with them removed, but there's still a difference.

Actually it was 2008-2011 and I imagine the 2012 14r followed suit with the quicker flies.

Not a huge dif like it was withe the 06-07 bikes. Those were programmed to open at ~6K, we got it at 3K. IMHO, no bikes are going to be really gnarly under 3K I never ride that low unless I am just gliding along.

. Now, having it fully open, does that affect how "twitchy" the throttle is?

I feel twitchyness comes from throttle play too loose. I adjust mine to 0 or as close to 0 as I can get it. If the bike is mapped properly, the twitch you now feel at about 3.5K will be all but nonexistant. Actually it is LESS twitchy that the stock setup was with my 08. no more scary tire slips at 3.5 K in hard left hand turns.

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gfunko, I have an 09 and just removed the flies. I am a newb at this as I just got the 09 in April this year. Actually this is also my first sport bike ever. So, with that being said I am really a newb. The flies out was very easy (see how to section it has helped me a lot) and did make a slight difference. It has seemed to remove that little lag from a full stop when opening the throttle. Feels more linear in the way it pulls from full stop as if you have more "wrist input" or "control", IMHO as a newb. Not "scary", "twitchy" or "jumpy" as I have seen it described, at least not on my 09. With that out of the way, removing them was also a lot less scary than I read about. Maybe just beginners luck! I did not use a soldering iron or torch. My bike was warm but I did use a new craftsman #2 philips that was 8" long. The new tool and the bike being warmed worked well for me. I used the technique described by Grn14 above. Firm downward pressure using the palm of my left hand while slowly turning with my right hand. All the while feeling for any undo pressure from the screws, I felt none. I loosened all of the screws first since the bike was warm. Then went back and removed the screws and plates. Just a newb opinion.

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"I feel twitchyness comes from throttle play too loose"....yess.....that'll do it every time! .

@grn14 - I have not messed with the gearing at all. My 08 is primarily stock right with the exception of Alien Head and PCV (street map with flies). I actually like the sound of removing the flies, but I will save that project for a later time.

@dericrey - Phew, I am not the only newb, lol. I've been around sport bikes but hearing all of it def sounds scarier than probably actually doing it.

@Rook - My bike definitely isn't twitchy, was just curious because my previous gsxr was all sorts of crazy (almost like a ticking time bomb). I'm glad that this was purchase all stock so I don't have to worry about the previous owner's settings or other mess.