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Exhausts
From:
Nick Bain <nick@computize.com
Subject: Muzzy pipe for
GPZ 1100
From: "Doug Meyer" <muzzy@muzzys.com
Nick,
Please pass along the information to your readers that we at MUZZYS have finally
established that our ZX-11 pipe fits and works well on the GPZ 1100. We
have these pipes in stock as well as a Factory jet kit for the GPZ.
The Stainless pipe with the polished aluminum canister sells for $495. The 6
pound titanium pipe with the titanium muffler sells for $795. There is an
optional carbon fiber muffler available at an extra cost on the stainless pipe.
No extra charge on the ti pipe. Sorry we took so long on this but we wanted to
be sure it worked well. Thanks for all of your interest.
Doug Meyer
From: Keen[SMTP:keen@netnitco.net]
Sent: Saturday, March 07, 1998 15:46
Subject: Finally!
I finally got to take the GPz out for a little ride, so I can give some impressions of the Muzzy exhaust I put on it. I only put on about 55-60 miles, and it was the first time out this year, so I really didn't push it, and have no comment on ground clearance.
It ran really well, with the exception on a slightly blubbery idle, and the faintest hint of surging at times, at low rpms. This seemed to get better as I put more miles on it, so some may be because of the old gas in it. I did put fresh gas in, but I'm still going to turn the pilot air jets in 1/4 turn. It also had a slight stutter at about 3500 rpm, but I'm sure that can be taken care without too much problem. It was hardly noticable.
I didn't notice any perceptable flat spots, it seemed to pull from 2000 on up, but was happier above 3000. I used to notice that at 6000 rpm, the stock exhaust used to pick up a little, and seem to "come on the pipe", but now seems to still kick in at 6000, and the afterburners engage at about 7000. From there on, telephone poles start to look like a picket fence! The sound is great, but it's definitely louder at low rpm's. It's louder all around, but not intrusive at all at highway speeds. In fact, there were some times when I could hardly hear it at 65-70 mph. Of course, when you open the throttle, it really makes it's presence known! I love it!
Another thing, when I'd stop at a light, I could smell something. I'm sure it's the rock wool they pack the muffler with, but it stinks! Hopefully, that will subside quickly. Also, when decelerating, I never noticed any popping. A lot of headers do this because of air sucked through the joints, (or a leaking valve), but I didn't notice it at all. It sounded very good on deceleration, also.
To sum it up....I'm very happy with it! It's louder than stock, but not too
bad, especially if I go easy on the throttle, but it does rrrripppp when I open
'er up! The centerstand is still usable, and I didn't notice any sacrifice in
the midrange I love on this bike, but it does seem to enhance the top end. It's
hard to be accurate, because I haven't ridden it for a while, but I didn't
notice any bogging, or flat spots, and when I'd wind it up, and upshift, there
was no hesitation at all, it just went!
Later......Phil Keen
From: Keen[keen@netnitco.net]
Subject: Re: V&H products for 96 GPZ and related queries -Reply
Mike Fair wrote:
Phil,
You said the Muzzy exhaust fits right up? There was some talk that the bodywork
needed to be cut back a little bit, although that may have been for the V &
H. I'm very interested in the Muzzy system. I would really like to know what
installation was like.
Mike
Mike,
You're right. They told me at Muzzy's that a very minor cut would have to be made on the lower left fairing panel (on the bottom). I haven't gotten that far yet, so I can't tell what needs to be done to he fairing. Also, I haven't taken the bike off the centerstand, so I don't know how the centerstand will fit up, in the retracted position. I did note that the sidestand will need a minor modification. All that will involve is heating the post that holds the rubber stop, and bending it down slightly.
As far as the fit to the engine went, initially I was worried when I put it on the bike the first time because it seemed as though it was going to hit the oil sump underneath. When I put it on to stay (the first time I didn't have the exhaust gaskets, they had to be ordered), I used a screwdriver and sort of wedged it between the header and the sump, assembled the whole system, and tightened the muffler first, lightly, and the footpeg bracket snug, then went to the front of the engine, and snugged #4, then #3, #2, and last #1. Then I went back over, tightened the rear, then went to the front, and repeated the sequence until it was tight. I removed the screwdriver, and now there's about 1/4" clearance between the pipe & the sump, which is fine with me. The pipe fit with very little effort as far as having to "persuade" the pipes to go where they are supposed to, and the finish is very nice. Already, it's starting to turn a light gold color from the heat, and I expect it to turn blue quickly. That's a characteristic of stainless steel, especially with the thinwall pipes.
So far, I'm happy with it, but I don't like that the muffler is riveted. That's such a pain when it needs to be repacked. Also, the aluminum for the muffler seems like it would scratch easily, but it's available in carbon fiber, and titanium ($$$).
I hope this answers your questions, if not, just let me know.
Later.............Phil Keen
P.S. I don't know the final jetting to use, but I do know I HATE that damn airbox! It's a true pain in the ass! If I go to Hell when I die, I'll be putting stock airboxes on 95/96/97 GPz 1100's!
Date sent: Fri, 29 May 1998
11:53:39 -0700
From:
Keen <keen@netnitco.net
Subject: Re: Muzzy pipe
I don't know the model #. It's for a ZX11, but fit right on. I did have to modify the left fairing lower slightly (grinding a bit off). I saved a few bucks by buying it from Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse.
Sound is a subjective thing. I think it sounds great! Especially when I get on the expressway to work, and rev it up, while going under the expressway overpass! It is louder than stock, but here in the land of Drag Pipe Harleys, it isn't loud to me (until you hit around 7000 rpm, then it rips).
I don't know how much less it weighs, but it's a big difference! The stock exhaust is HEAVY! This system is light.
I did have to rejet, but not much. I've opened up the stock airbox, so my jetting is quite different than stock. The centerstand is retained, and because the exhaust exits on the left, it tucks right in, and looks good, to me.
I hope I answered your questions.
Later.........Phil Keen
Date sent: Sun, 7 Feb 1999 09:59:32
-0800
From:
"William Koehler" <bkoehler@email.msn.com
As I recall, a while back someone was having trouble with their radiator fan assembly melting. This is direct from the current "Motorcycle Consumer News" letters to the editor.
"Re: ZX7 Fans
I read Mr.. Badillo's letter to you in Downtime Files.
He should know that the
overheating problem he is experiencing is not uncommon. As a matter of
fact, his
dealer should have sold him a metal after- market fan kit.
K&L and Muzzy's sell these aluminum fan kits for
approximately $40-$50. The plastic stock fan cannot withstand the
increased heat generated by his after-market pipe; especially a Muzzy pipe.
I install pipes and jet kits all the time and I always
instruct customers to replace plastic fans with metal ones when upgrading to a
race or sport setup.
Dwain O. McAurthur
Speedhaus Motorwerkes"
-- Bill Koehler
bkoehler@email.msn.com
"Everyone Dies, Not Everyone Lives"
1989 FJ1200W
1996 GPz1100
I'm real happy so far with the V&H pipe, but I have not had it long
enough to see any of the problems some of the others on the list have seen.
Sound quality is Great, can't notice the weight difference except when holding
the exhaust in my hands. Power output is good, my bike dyno'd at 111 hp with no
carb changes, so it's running lean right now according to the dyno guy. They
also did an EGA.
hope this helps
----------------------------------
John Fels,
jfels@execpc.com
Milwaukee Wi
1995 GPz1100
----------------------------------
? A question has arisen that you may be able to help me with. I've
found an
? ad for a GPZ with a Vance and Hines exhaust system installed and am
? wondering if this would prohibit the addition of hard bags; whether the
? angle of these replacement pipes is different from those of the stock
? pipes? Is the only benefit of such a modification to increase
horespower?
There's no problem using the V&H system with the Givi bags -- I've had both on mine for about 6 mos. now. There is still about 2-3" clearance between the end of the muffler and the right side bag.
The key is to ensure that the pipe is a "2d generation" GPZ pipe. The early V&H systems had a common problem of the inner wall on the collector breaking loose and rattling. The newer design pipe has an inner wall that is fully welded on both sides, and not spot welded. It's impossible to tell w/o removing the pipe, but V&H seems to have been pretty good about replacing the early systems if the break, thanks to the flexing of the collective list muscle. :-) It'd probably be a good idea to see if you can get the original pipes in the deal.
You probably won't notice much (if any) "seat of the pants" performance difference without jetting, but the bike will still run fine.
Bob
Date sent: Tue, 28 Jul 1998
17:38:41 -0700
From:
Robert and Anna Rippy <robnanna@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: V&H $$$
I got my V&H pipe at House of Handlebars for $399.99 and he will ship
anywhere. If interested talk to Brian and tell him that your from the list
and I
referred you. I could not find it any cheaper elsewhere.
House of Handlebars
2801 Cherry ave
Signal Hill CA 90806
(562)997-0029
Ride safe
Robert Rippy
Brea Ca
Subject: Re: Aftermarket Exhausts
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1998 19:06:03 -0800
From: Doug Babcock babcockd@gte.net
John,
I recently had my bike tested on a dyno. Unfortunately, the only thing I could get the machine to give me was a print-out showing HP @ MPH. If you would like that information, I can FAX it to you or scan it in and e-mail it. It's for a '95 49-state model w/ a Micron exhaust w/ DynoJet jet kit (108 main, about to install 140 pilot) and has ~13k miles. I purchased the Micron specifically due to their sending me a dyno print-out that shows no loss of torque relative to stock (actually a gain), anywhere in the curve. This was the most specific information any manufacturer I spoke to was willing to provide. They (Micron) have been friendly and helpful.
The chart for my bike shows ~120 HP, which matches the chart the company sent me. It seems very strong to me. The Micron is a right exit (which I prefer, if only for keeping it free of chain lube). It is a high quality unit; it bolted right on and fit extremely well, albeit closely.
I considered the Muzzy, especially since they have lighter versions and, alternatively, less expensive versions (than the Micron). But they would not provide any performance data. So when Micron did, it really made-up my mind for me.
For performance, there may be a little peak HP difference, but the mid-range was stronger than any of the data I could find for the other pipes.
Let me know if you want the dyno chart.
Doug Babcock Tampa, FL Red '95
For further questions you might visit their web page at http://www.micron-exhaust.com/
As I tried to convey in the following response, their products are top notch. All those who have seen it (i.e., the selling local dealer) have commented on the pipes well made looks. The bends and curves are all very smooth. IMHO, it is a higher quality pipe than those from other manufacturers that I have seen installed on various bikes at the bike shops I visit.
It is loud, as I stated previously; but it doesn't bother me at all while riding, and I tend to try not to be obnoxious when going through neighborhoods, etc., so I haven't noticed any nasty looks.
The Micron website has a picture of a ZRX with a Micron system. In response to my e-mail, here is some of their propaganda:
For the GPz-1100 we offer one of the finest full systems, and having won the inaugural year of the North American Superbike Series (1st, 2nd and 3rd for a complete sweep of the class with a trio of Kawasaki ZX-7's), and having won an AMA Prostar Drag Racing World Championship with another Kawasaki, we think that although some believe there is only one name for Kawasaki, we seem to be proving different!
The Micron full systems are of course where the higher level of performance gains are to be had, since just like an automobile, HP is made in the headpipes, not in mufflers. We offer an all T-304 stainless steel, 4-2-1 header system with your choice of either the polished aluminum canister ($589.95) or carbon fibre canister ($699.95). Oil filter/drain bolt access are retained as well as the centerstand. You pay us to engineer quality, your stock Kawasaki header gives you all of the above features, why should you pay to make your machine less then it already is...? Some companies are simply unwilling to work the systems correctly, and expect you to deal with the problems. Not with Micron. Best of all, not only is the header of the highest quality stainless (yes, there are "cheap" grades of stainless that are not T-304), but both choices of canisters are also constructed of twin polished stainless endcaps and a stainless steel interior tube. In addition there are no rivets on the Micron canister sleeves, beware of these as you can rattle these types loose and cause damage to the canisters very quickly. Microns use a 3 bolt end cap, which also makes the task of rebuild an easy 10 minute job. No coating, seal or wrap is going to last like T-304 stainless, no matter what someone tells you. See if anyone else who has these credentials can say that!
Respectfully submitted, George Donnelly
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