2011 Kawasaki Z1000 | Doin' Time

WRIST: Brian Catterson
MSRP (2011): $10,599
MILES: 7273
MPG: 36
MODS: Dynojet Power Commander V, Ivan's Fuel Cut Eliminator, K&N; air filter

Man, these long-term testbikes are a lot of work! Not putting miles on them—that’s easy. It’s trying out all the aftermarket accessories that’s difficult and time-consuming.

When last we checked in on my long-term Kawasaki Z1000, we'd replaced the stock mufflers with a set of Yoshimura R-77 slip-ons and promised to put the space left under the seat by removing the exhaust-valve servo-motor to good use. We did just that by installing a Dynojet Power Commander V ($379.95; www.powercommander.com). Our Test Fleet Manager Michael Candreia has seen so many of these over the years that he can almost hook them up in his sleep, so to make things interesting, I also had him install a Fuel Cut Eliminator from Ivan's Performance Products ($130; www.ivansperformanceproducts.com). This made for a much more complicated installation, as it required removing both seats, the gas tank, airbox and rear fender, disconnecting the battery and ECU, and then splicing into the wiring harness.

While we had the airbox off, we threw in a K&N; filter ($59; www.knfilters.com). Only "threw in" isn't exactly accurate—the filter element is held within a sheet of plastic that's supposed to snap into the airbox, and ours required some filing to fit.

Firing up the bike after the install, we were dismayed to see the “FI” warning light flickering. So we contacted our Dynojet rep, Ivan himself and Jeremy at SkurtNet, whose Servo Buddy we’d installed to prevent said light from illuminating after we’d removed the exhaust valve servo-motor.

Jeremy gave us a sneak preview of his forthcoming iPhone App, which lets end-users diagnose their bikes’ error codes. Following his instructions, we turned on the Z’s ignition key, toggled the Mode button until the odometer was displayed, then held down the button again for 2 seconds until a two-digit number was displayed. Lucky #13 corresponded to an “inlet air temperature sensor malfunction, wiring open or short.” Sure enough, the connection to said sensor was loose, and after snapping it into place, the light went out.

We then headed to the dyno, where ace tuner Gene Thomason loaded the map that Dynojet recommends for the Yosh pipe. Initially, the numbers were disheartening, as the Z lost 2.6 horsepower up top, going from 121.4 to 118.8. But a pronounced dip around 3000 rpm was filled in, and the bike proved much more responsive when ridden.

Part of the credit for that goes to Ivan’s FCE. To meet current emissions regulations, the Z’s EFI cuts fuel whenever the throttle is closed above 3600 rpm. Re-opening it, there’s a delay that feels like jerky response—a bad thing while cornering or maneuvering at slow speed. The FCE eliminates that hesitation, making for much crisper response from closed throttle.

Word is the full Ivan’s treatment boosts output to over 140 bhp at the rear wheel, making for a truly wild ride. But we’re trying to set a good example here, remember? MC