Nice vids, I got a full akrapovic system, powercommander V and a quickshifter on my 2017 , Z900. What a bike, love it. 54.000 km with pure fun, so far... Kawasaki 💚 no prob whats so ever. 🇳🇴
One common misconception by the motorcycle public is these things are "power-adders." No. These are "restriction removers." The engine will make the maximum power it can make if given full opportunity to do so. Manufacturers take a perfectly powerful bike and restrict many aspects, to comply with noise and emissions regs. Real power-adders are things like: Custom camshafts Head porting Compression increase Custom rotating assembly weigh-reduction (lighter flywheel, lighter crank, balancing, etc) Superchargers or turbochargers Nitrous oxide injection
True. That said though, changing to lighter flywheels (or going up / down a sprocket tooth on your new lighter sprockets), is also technically a power "adding" mod, since lower weight = more power. But definetly worth doing without risk of damage. Except for rapid unscheduled deceleration disassembly damage that is :P
11:00 sounds like it brings the predictability of the Kawasaki a bit towards the high-rpm roar of a Yamaha. Like the best of two worlds. Predictability at street RPM, but unleashing a beast at high RPM.
I've got the same flash on my 2017 z900. I'm running it with the akrapovic headers, exhaust, sprint air filter, and a quick shifter. The tune really unlocks the power in this bike, especially in the top end where it used to fall flat on its face closer to the redline. Great video!
Would you say the power OEM felt like it built, peaked, and fell off at over-revs before, and after the mods it builds to the rev limiter? Did you have the limit extended a bit?
2WDW does extend the redline a bit more over stock. Stock redline is 10k, and for a very capable engine like this 11,500 should be the goto... Kawi didnt leave much on the table with this bike given its low price tag, except maybe some extra adjustment to the front forks and higher redline.
I don't really care about top end dyno power, but I am interested in reducing the snatchiness of the throttle in on/off transitions. I'm going with stock headers and keeping the cat because I need the bike to be quiet (otherwise I can't ride before 8am or after 9pm).
This is an awesome video you did. I'm gonna possibly be buying a Z900 soon and the one concern I have is the short stroke gearing. Does the short gearing ever bother you?
Great vid. Mine's a 2017 Z900 and I have always thought of doing these mods. You've just cost me lots of money. 🤣🤣🤣👍 Keep up the Great work you're doing. Awesome 👌
Is it better to take a 100km trip physically to the shop instead of mailing it in? I mean, if you mail it in, do they upload a pre-made template to it suitable for your bike model and exhaust? So i was thinking, if you bring it in physically, perhaps it will be a "better" tune with your bike's specific little engine quirks? Or is the manufacturing of each bike so dead-on identical that this is irrelevant?
Any shop that’s physically putting the bike on the dyno is going to be slightly better tune but more expensive. 2wdw develops their maps on the dyno with factory bikes and accessories so it’s almost as good
ex-sandwich lover Yes, if you leave the o2 sensor connected after a retune regardless of other upgrades, that o2 sensor will change the fueling you just had programmed in
ex-sandwich lover Interesting, did you speak with Nels? When they program new fuel mapping (regardless of your type of exhaust) they are departing from the pre-programmed fuel mapping, I mean that’s the whole premise of a tune. If you do not disconnect the o2, it will override your new fuel mapping...
@@DirtGearTv Yes spoke with Nels. "Yes, once that stock cat is removed the O2 sensors need to be disconnected. This is the only way to allow our custom mapping to take over the entire throttle/rpm range." "Correct! If the stock cat is retained, then leave the O2 sensor alone."
as a matter of interest what is your fuel consumption like now my MT10 dropped into the 20's being ridden well but with such a small tank had a range of miles in the 70's got rid for that reason i like the z9 so would do the same as you ,cheers
It did decrease with exhaust changes and the tune. I have yet to track it after I did the full exhaust and "retune" but I feel like it decreased about10% after the first set of changes. I do know that the MT10 is absolutely miserable on MPG. Depending on how I ride, I am still able to get over 100mi per fill, ill update once I have a good ride with the full set of changes!
Hey buddy I’m pretty much decided on a cat delete w mid pipe and Ecu flash. Do I need to dyno it in your opinion? Heard it all but, want honest opinion
4:15 now, how likely is it that you get pulled by a cop that knows to look for removed O2 sensors to judge ECU tune? Wouldnt it be smarter to leave the O2 sensor in the exhaust, but just disconnect it up by the ECU? That way it looks stock, but it is still disconnected. Big brain over here xD
Hey can you let me know where you got ais block offs and anything else needed before I flash ecu. I’m throwing a Kn air filter in and already have an m4 slip on installed for a year. 2019 z900 which I also want to mid pipe. Should I delete cat or leave it? Also is it ok to do the mid pipe n cat delete before flashing or better to wait until it’s flashed? I get both opinions and I’m curious what you think. Thanks
with out the 02 sensor your left with only running on your tune your ecu wont be able to adjust for elevation changes if you go to sea level youll lean if you go up into the hills youll rich out
tronarat Correct, if o2 sensor was left connected it would overwrite the tune you just had programmed. Fortunately I live in florida so no elevation changes for me 😁
@@DirtGearTv that doesn’t make sense if this is a flash. Any inputs by a downstream O2 sensor would still be based on the modded fuel tables. What you’re saying about an O2 messing it up is applicable to a piggyback type deal like a power commander, rapid bike, etc. But an O2 sensor isn’t gonna override fuel tables that are actually flashed onto an ecu. The O2 sensor is still going to try to rich or lean the mixture to whatever they have wrote into the ecu Mapping. The O2 isn’t a standalone ecu with its own tables or anything.
Hey dm me I have a couple of other things. The 5/8 capped hose for example. I’m hoping if I do pay to tune n flash etc they know to cap . Love my stock power but, if I can add a lil and keep it almost stock except for fan kick on temp. Also have a k&n air sitting in box ready to go. I’m on a rant because I honestly don’t wanna screw it up. I’m thinking of going a certain route and would like your opinion. I’m in NYC so, the options are out here but, I don’t need to have them do the pipe work or anything. I want to do my plan and ride to them to get flashed n tuned in person 👍🏼. No need to spend $80-$100 on labor when I own tools and have a dozen metal cut blades for my angle grinder lol. I’m pretty handy but, certain things I leave to my pro shop 👍🏼 flap discs ready as well 😏
Kaiser Sozee Couple things to consider with having a dyno tune. Depending on the bike they may not offer a reflash but will try to sell you a power commander or similar fuel controller. Don’t go that route, they are more expensive and can’t do half of what 2WDW can do. If they are going to sell you a license and tune your actual factory ECU you’re prob looking at $500+ for in person dyno when 2wdw can get you within 5% same fuel results. If you need more specific questions answered follow me on instagram @DirtGearTv and shoot me a dm, good luck!
How did you remove the AIS tube? Did you pull it loose or used something to grab it. I tried using my hand but the tight space I couldn't get a good grip.
This is the one im using, except I found it on ebay for like $45. I really like it but its not high. Instead of the wind hitting me in the chest it now hits my helmet. If I really tuck in I get good coverage www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-Smoked-Wind-Deflector-for-Z900-99994-0834/153597302536?epid=536858745&hash=item23c31cd708:g:YjgAAOSwTF1dTYxa:sc:ShippingMethodStandard!32810!US!-1&vxp=mtr
Hey hi from mervyn here from India...I got questions for u...1) if I install a kat delete exhaust system from like Austin racing and map my ecu like the u did , is it recommend to remove the O2 sensor like u did in this video...2) if yes than why ...just for my knowledge...coz I plan 2 get 2020 z900 and plan 2 do above mentioned mods... thanks....god bless..
Mervyn Noronha It was advised to me from 2WDW (who are more experts with tunes than even myself) that the O2 sensor be removed. If left in the system, that O2 sensor will be changing the mapping that was programmed in by your tuner, even if only slightly. Good luck!
Well it does matter because no one wants to get stranded with bikes already having limited ranges. It definitely dropped a bit, and I wish I had clocked before and after for a more accurate response but i’d guess it dropped about 10%
Actually is being caused by the o2 sensor being unplugged I think. Error code 3A (purge valve malfunction, wire short or open). Any advise is appreciated. Thanks
Yes normally the o2 sensor causes this code. However, 2wdw disables this in the hardware so it should come on, mine never did. Did 2wheeldw do your flash?
DirtGearTv Yes, it was 2WDW. Turns out the code is for the Fuel Evap. System that’s only on the California version, which mine is not. Not sure why it popped up, gonna see if I can get it to go away
DirtGearTv Yeah, they already told me they’d take a look at it, but shipping is expensive if it might just go away on its own. Haha. Thanks for all the help
Great question that requires a close look at the design of an individual engine system. Generally speaking (as a naked bike) there should be a bit of headroom. The Z900 is a sleeved down version of the Z1000. So one thing we know for sure, is the engine was designed to handle at least Z1000 level of performance, so IMO these engines can handle more than what any one basic tune would unlock. Hope that helps.
@@DirtGearTv ill let you know whats the highest i get up to. I know it takes a lil while to get the ecu back. Well thanks sir for your time and I like the video
I don't know why you disconnected your air flow and pulled your O2 sensor. If you tell 2WDW exactly what mods you have they bypass the O2 sensor, etc...
2wdw disables the error code for disconnecting the 02, if you leave it attached it’s going to overwrite the map 2wdw put in it. The AIS does not have to be plugged but if you don’t, it’s going to pop loudly and let others know it was a hack job 😜 Kidding... not about the popping though
The 2020 and up Z900 have those exact power and torque numbers. Does that mean in the newer ones it would be around 10 more horse power and 10 more torque?
You're the only one going into the z900, appreciate your effort recording this it's awesome.
Thanks for the feedback! More to come!
I'm glad that you provided a thorough wrench through. I appreciate the explanation of each step and reasons why you did them.
Nice vids, I got a full akrapovic system, powercommander V and a quickshifter on my 2017 , Z900. What a bike, love it. 54.000 km with pure fun, so far... Kawasaki 💚 no prob whats so ever. 🇳🇴
One common misconception by the motorcycle public is these things are "power-adders." No. These are "restriction removers." The engine will make the maximum power it can make if given full opportunity to do so. Manufacturers take a perfectly powerful bike and restrict many aspects, to comply with noise and emissions regs.
Real power-adders are things like:
Custom camshafts
Head porting
Compression increase
Custom rotating assembly weigh-reduction (lighter flywheel, lighter crank, balancing, etc)
Superchargers or turbochargers
Nitrous oxide injection
very informative
True. That said though, changing to lighter flywheels (or going up / down a sprocket tooth on your new lighter sprockets), is also technically a power "adding" mod, since lower weight = more power.
But definetly worth doing without risk of damage.
Except for rapid unscheduled deceleration disassembly damage that is :P
@@Baleur Sprocket changes aren't power adders. You're simply trading some RPM for torque. The real power adders occur at combustion.
@@Baleur Lower weight = more acceleration with same amount of power, no?
So if you remove the restriction and allow the engine to make more power, that’s not a power adder? 🤨 🤔
Thanks for the vid, I just picked up a 2017 Z900
11:00 sounds like it brings the predictability of the Kawasaki a bit towards the high-rpm roar of a Yamaha.
Like the best of two worlds. Predictability at street RPM, but unleashing a beast at high RPM.
I've got the same flash on my 2017 z900. I'm running it with the akrapovic headers, exhaust, sprint air filter, and a quick shifter. The tune really unlocks the power in this bike, especially in the top end where it used to fall flat on its face closer to the redline. Great video!
Would you say the power OEM felt like it built, peaked, and fell off at over-revs before, and after the mods it builds to the rev limiter? Did you have the limit extended a bit?
2WDW does extend the redline a bit more over stock. Stock redline is 10k, and for a very capable engine like this 11,500 should be the goto... Kawi didnt leave much on the table with this bike given its low price tag, except maybe some extra adjustment to the front forks and higher redline.
I have a deposit down on a 2022 se. Can't wait. Great information thanks.
I don't really care about top end dyno power, but I am interested in reducing the snatchiness of the throttle in on/off transitions. I'm going with stock headers and keeping the cat because I need the bike to be quiet (otherwise I can't ride before 8am or after 9pm).
SinuousGrace That was one of the things I noticed right away is smoother throttle transitions. I think you’ll dig this mod 👍
Amazing and informative 👍🏾💯🇬🇧👍🏾
Glad you enjoyed it!
5:20 can't you clamp that hose instead? To just reduce the air intake?
How come you dont want ANY air flow what so ever?
This is an awesome video you did. I'm gonna possibly be buying a Z900 soon and the one concern I have is the short stroke gearing. Does the short gearing ever bother you?
Great vid. Mine's a 2017 Z900 and I have always thought of doing these mods.
You've just cost me lots of money. 🤣🤣🤣👍
Keep up the Great work you're doing. Awesome 👌
I know this video is old, but what windscreen is that??
x1000 better then Power commander cant wait to do Stage 3 Tune, running Stage 1 at the moment
Can you please provide the link for the O2 sensor and AIS plugs?
Is it better to take a 100km trip physically to the shop instead of mailing it in?
I mean, if you mail it in, do they upload a pre-made template to it suitable for your bike model and exhaust?
So i was thinking, if you bring it in physically, perhaps it will be a "better" tune with your bike's specific little engine quirks? Or is the manufacturing of each bike so dead-on identical that this is irrelevant?
Any shop that’s physically putting the bike on the dyno is going to be slightly better tune but more expensive. 2wdw develops their maps on the dyno with factory bikes and accessories so it’s almost as good
I dislike piggybacks.. dependent on weather etc. Right on ECU flash is solid. Did you flash it because there was a problem after cutting out the cat?
It ran perfect without the CAT, the tune just takes it to the next level by correcting twitchy throttle and adding a bit of power
How is the initial on throttle. My only complaint about my Z9. Does it eliminate a lot of the jerkiness?
From your last video...where you cut the Cat..i think you said the ECU reflash was not needed? Im kind a lost here. Tnx
ECU flash is a nice upgrade, but it’s not absolutely necessary
Do you have to remove the O2 sensor with stock headers?
ex-sandwich lover Yes, if you leave the o2 sensor connected after a retune regardless of other upgrades, that o2 sensor will change the fueling you just had programmed in
@@DirtGearTv I spoke with 2WDW and they said if you leave the Cat in place (stock headers) you leave the O2 sensor alone.
ex-sandwich lover Interesting, did you speak with Nels? When they program new fuel mapping (regardless of your type of exhaust) they are departing from the pre-programmed fuel mapping, I mean that’s the whole premise of a tune. If you do not disconnect the o2, it will override your new fuel mapping...
@@DirtGearTv Yes spoke with Nels.
"Yes, once that stock cat is removed the O2 sensors need to be disconnected. This is the only way to allow our custom mapping to take over the entire throttle/rpm range."
"Correct! If the stock cat is retained, then leave the O2 sensor alone."
G'day mate do you have a link to your windscreen by any chance, that one looks the best and I'll get one for my Z 👍cheers man
I've been wondering the difference.I gotta get mine done.Love my Z in the twisties.!
You'll love it, its quicker and smoother. Id do all the exhaust and intake you want first, then send the ECU so they can dial it in for your setup!
hi can you send me the map to flash my ecu. im from india. we have no source to send to USA
as a matter of interest what is your fuel consumption like now my MT10 dropped into the 20's being ridden well but with such a small tank had a range of miles in the 70's got rid for that reason i like the z9 so would do the same as you ,cheers
It did decrease with exhaust changes and the tune. I have yet to track it after I did the full exhaust and "retune" but I feel like it decreased about10% after the first set of changes. I do know that the MT10 is absolutely miserable on MPG. Depending on how I ride, I am still able to get over 100mi per fill, ill update once I have a good ride with the full set of changes!
@@DirtGearTv cheers mate please do will be interesting
stevei4995 name - It's called the EMPTY10 and it's one of the reasons I didn't buy one.
@@blipco5 That's a good one.
Hey buddy I’m pretty much decided on a cat delete w mid pipe and Ecu flash. Do I need to dyno it in your opinion? Heard it all but, want honest opinion
4:15 now, how likely is it that you get pulled by a cop that knows to look for removed O2 sensors to judge ECU tune?
Wouldnt it be smarter to leave the O2 sensor in the exhaust, but just disconnect it up by the ECU?
That way it looks stock, but it is still disconnected.
Big brain over here xD
It depends on where you live. Maybe if your in cali or euro but in florida bike emissions is not a thing.
Hey can you let me know where you got ais block offs and anything else needed before I flash ecu. I’m throwing a Kn air filter in and already have an m4 slip on installed for a year. 2019 z900 which I also want to mid pipe. Should I delete cat or leave it? Also is it ok to do the mid pipe n cat delete before flashing or better to wait until it’s flashed?
I get both opinions and I’m curious what you think. Thanks
with out the 02 sensor your left with only running on your tune your ecu wont be able to adjust for elevation changes if you go to sea level youll lean if you go up into the hills youll rich out
tronarat Correct, if o2 sensor was left connected it would overwrite the tune you just had programmed. Fortunately I live in florida so no elevation changes for me 😁
@@DirtGearTv that doesn’t make sense if this is a flash. Any inputs by a downstream O2 sensor would still be based on the modded fuel tables. What you’re saying about an O2 messing it up is applicable to a piggyback type deal like a power commander, rapid bike, etc. But an O2 sensor isn’t gonna override fuel tables that are actually flashed onto an ecu. The O2 sensor is still going to try to rich or lean the mixture to whatever they have wrote into the ecu Mapping. The O2 isn’t a standalone ecu with its own tables or anything.
Hey dm me I have a couple of other things. The 5/8 capped hose for example. I’m hoping if I do pay to tune n flash etc they know to cap . Love my stock power but, if I can add a lil and keep it almost stock except for fan kick on temp. Also have a k&n air sitting in box ready to go. I’m on a rant because I honestly don’t wanna screw it up. I’m thinking of going a certain route and would like your opinion. I’m in NYC so, the options are out here but, I don’t need to have them do the pipe work or anything. I want to do my plan and ride to them to get flashed n tuned in person 👍🏼. No need to spend $80-$100 on labor when I own tools and have a dozen metal cut blades for my angle grinder lol. I’m pretty handy but, certain things I leave to my pro shop 👍🏼 flap discs ready as well 😏
Kaiser Sozee Couple things to consider with having a dyno tune. Depending on the bike they may not offer a reflash but will try to sell you a power commander or similar fuel controller. Don’t go that route, they are more expensive and can’t do half of what 2WDW can do. If they are going to sell you a license and tune your actual factory ECU you’re prob looking at $500+ for in person dyno when 2wdw can get you within 5% same fuel results. If you need more specific questions answered follow me on instagram @DirtGearTv and shoot me a dm, good luck!
How did you remove the AIS tube? Did you pull it loose or used something to grab it. I tried using my hand but the tight space I couldn't get a good grip.
I think it has a pinch clamp on it, if not you should be able to yank it loose. I used some long curved pliers to get mine off
2WDW states that it disables the O2 sensor so why remove it if it's not "functional".
It’s not hardware disabled, so if you leave it plugged in it will overwrite the map. Best to just get it out of the way imo
What kind of windscreen do you have for the Z900 and does it make a big difference compared to the stock one?
This is the one im using, except I found it on ebay for like $45. I really like it but its not high. Instead of the wind hitting me in the chest it now hits my helmet. If I really tuck in I get good coverage
www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-Smoked-Wind-Deflector-for-Z900-99994-0834/153597302536?epid=536858745&hash=item23c31cd708:g:YjgAAOSwTF1dTYxa:sc:ShippingMethodStandard!32810!US!-1&vxp=mtr
Hey hi from mervyn here from India...I got questions for u...1) if I install a kat delete exhaust system from like Austin racing and map my ecu like the u did , is it recommend to remove the O2 sensor like u did in this video...2) if yes than why ...just for my knowledge...coz I plan 2 get 2020 z900 and plan 2 do above mentioned mods... thanks....god bless..
Mervyn Noronha It was advised to me from 2WDW (who are more experts with tunes than even myself) that the O2 sensor be removed. If left in the system, that O2 sensor will be changing the mapping that was programmed in by your tuner, even if only slightly. Good luck!
Did you have to remove the gas from the tank ?
I normally don’t, I lean the gas tank back and secure with a block of wood
How was your fuel economy after do this? I know it shouldn't matter for a performance machine, just curious
Well it does matter because no one wants to get stranded with bikes already having limited ranges. It definitely dropped a bit, and I wish I had clocked before and after for a more accurate response but i’d guess it dropped about 10%
hey buddy where did u get the vacuum plug
Amazon 👍
@@DirtGearTv would you be able to share that link please bro
@@DirtGearTv also i was going go with Moore mafia ecu flash/ but 2WD is a bit cheaper but i dont want to compromise on quality.
Just got mine done. Did yours have the check engine light come on because of the AIS being plugged? Did you just leave it or reset it?
Actually is being caused by the o2 sensor being unplugged I think. Error code 3A (purge valve malfunction, wire short or open). Any advise is appreciated. Thanks
Yes normally the o2 sensor causes this code. However, 2wdw disables this in the hardware so it should come on, mine never did. Did 2wheeldw do your flash?
DirtGearTv Yes, it was 2WDW. Turns out the code is for the Fuel Evap. System that’s only on the California version, which mine is not. Not sure why it popped up, gonna see if I can get it to go away
Devon Kelliher Good feedback thx. Maybe get some miles on it see if it disappears, otherwise i’m sure 2wdw would be glad to help you!
DirtGearTv Yeah, they already told me they’d take a look at it, but shipping is expensive if it might just go away on its own. Haha. Thanks for all the help
13:00 Next time make sure.
Does this decrease the life expectancy of the motor?
Great question that requires a close look at the design of an individual engine system. Generally speaking (as a naked bike) there should be a bit of headroom. The Z900 is a sleeved down version of the Z1000. So one thing we know for sure, is the engine was designed to handle at least Z1000 level of performance, so IMO these engines can handle more than what any one basic tune would unlock. Hope that helps.
So what's top speed after the flash. Im about to get mine done and change yo a DNA air filter.
If you’re running your liter bikes up to redline in top gear you’ve either got bigger balls than me or much straighter roads 😜
@@DirtGearTv as of now I got it to 156 all stock. I really don't believe she has any more without doing a flash or other work.
@@merlingrc Nice, ya anything over 140 for me i’m going to need some more fairings 😂 I’m pretty sure i’ve seen some 900s with mods reach into the 160s
@@DirtGearTv ill let you know whats the highest i get up to. I know it takes a lil while to get the ecu back. Well thanks sir for your time and I like the video
You’re annoying for blocking out the speedo
At least this wasn’t filmed in Mexico 😏
I don't know why you disconnected your air flow and pulled your O2 sensor. If you tell 2WDW exactly what mods you have they bypass the O2 sensor, etc...
2wdw disables the error code for disconnecting the 02, if you leave it attached it’s going to overwrite the map 2wdw put in it. The AIS does not have to be plugged but if you don’t, it’s going to pop loudly and let others know it was a hack job 😜 Kidding... not about the popping though
So how does that translate into real world number? That's a lot of work and cost for just a millisecond improvement and bragging rights.
It’s not much work, it does makes it more rideable smooth and adds some power up top
Dude, your speedo blacks out when going over the speed lim...oh, wait
I think its parts of the flash 😂
use a sock om your mic
The 2020 and up Z900 have those exact power and torque numbers. Does that mean in the newer ones it would be around 10 more horse power and 10 more torque?
That sounds about right. Ive been happy with my tune ever since
Thats pure bull, the O2 sensor can't alter the values stored in the ECU.
:::who’s gonna tell him:::: 🙄😂