Removing the flies

[Kwikasfuki]

Well, I finally did it. Went and purchased at 10" #2 Philips screwdriver. Unable to find a JIS labelled one, so prayed that the one from B&Q would work.

Getting to the flies is easy. Took about 10 mins to undo the tank. Didn't totally remove it, and got nephew to hold it whilst I performed the operation.

Some people heat the screws using a soldering iron but I decided not to initially. All I ensured was that the tank was near empty and that the bike engine was nicely warm.

So onto the first screw. Said my prayers, inserted screwdriver, pressed down and turned. Disaster. Could feel the screwdriver move up and out i.e. the screw was being destroyed without it turning.

A few swear words, then thought about waiting until I could get a JIS #2 screwdriver. Then I thought: well, that one has been sheared slightly, might as well try technique on second screw. This time I ensured I put all thirteen stone of bodyweight behind the screwdriver and veeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyy slowly  turned. Success! The screw was loose and some brown liquid was oozing out.

I repeated the technique on the rest and they all came out fine. Now back to the first. Grabbed a screwdriver, heated it till it was red hot, and placed it over the stubborn screw. Then waited about 5 mins, and using the same technique coaxed the screw out.

All I can say is: get as much force behind the screwdriver and turn slowly.

As for the difference it makes to the bike. WOW. WTF. OMG. Feels like I've just purchased a brand new bike.  I already have the PC V and now all that is left is a K&N filter and a custom map.

[Kwikasfuki]

And whilst you have the tank off, check for any rust signs and treat. I had very minor rust and put white grease on. Will be keeping me eye on it

[frenchbiker]

I already have the PC V and now all that is left is a K&N filter and a custom map.

I 'd suggest BMC air filter, more expensive than K&N but more air intake.
Now that the flies are out, be careful with the Air Fuel Ratio as the bike could run very lean.
You have 2 solutions either you install the accessories Auto Tune AT-200 to the PCV or you have a very good Dyno tech guy that will be customizing you a map ( it takes all day and a lot of  $$$) that will keep the bike in the 12.8 AFR area at all time.
I first installed the AT-200 but did not like the way it was changing the map, maybe I did not restrict it enough on the percentage of what it could change.
So I took it off and opted for the second solutions, and now my AFR is at best at all time and i have a great fuel comsumption.

[Mr Blek]

What year model bike do you possess Mr Bates? Am I correct in assuming that on a 2010 model removing the flies would affect the traction control?

With autumn/winter around the corner be careful on the initial power. The back end could be all over the place.

You have 2 solutions either you install the accessories Auto Tune AT-200 to the PCV or you have a very good Dyno tech guy that will be customizing you a map ( it takes all day and a lot of  $$$) that will keep the bike in the 12.8 AFR area at all time.
I first installed the AT-200 but did not like the way it was changing the map, maybe I did not restrict it enough on the percentage of what it could change.
So I took it off and opted for the second solutions, and now my AFR is at best at all time and i have a great fuel comsumption.

What percentage did you have the AT-200 at and what is your current fuel consumption. Its all subjective as it depends on how heavy your right hand is!

[Kwikasfuki]

It's an 08 model. The reason for removing the flies was a safety issue. On a bike, when I make a decision I want the bike to respond, not lag. But you're right, traction, especially in the wet, will be an issue

[Lonewolf]

I'm gonna regret asking this I know....when you mention the flies, WTF are you talking about  ???

[frenchbiker]

I'm gonna regret asking this I know....when you mention the flies, WTF are you talking about  ???

Secondary throttle.

[Lonewolf]

I'm gonna regret asking this I know....when you mention the flies, WTF are you talking about  ???

Secondary throttle.

Imagine I'm really thick ;D I'm not a technically minded person I was unsure before, now I'm really confused.  :)

[Kwikasfuki]

In a nutshell, the ECU prevents a surge of power by having a secondary throttle in place which it manages (the silver thing in the pics above). By removing them the you end up controlling how the power is delivered.

That's is in layman terms I think

[Lonewolf]

Yeah, thanks for that, clear as mud. My bikes fast enough and scares the life out of me now, I'd probably kill myself if it could go any quicker. :-)

[frenchbiker]

Flies on our bike will only fully open when in 5th gear, and starts to open in lower gear after 4000 rpm. When you take them out, you get the full power right away after you pass 1500 rpm in any gear. I now can reach easily 60 mph, just in first gear...

[Kwikasfuki]

How do you find riding in the wet without the flies?

[frenchbiker]

Never really has been an issue for me, it was just a matter on how to tame the bike after the flies removal. Coz, yes, you do have far more torque at low speed.
I rode a friend's GTR with the flies still in recently and I forgot how different the handling was.
Just give it some time and it will no longer be a problem, I installed also the Pezzo clutch lever so it gives me a far better control at low speed.

[Kwikasfuki]

The GTR went in for a service and they gave a CBR 1300 as a courtesy bike. After thrashing that for a day, it was bit of a let down getting back on my GTR. :( Even with no flies it didn't have the get up and go of the CBR.

[Lonewolf]

Out of interest who does the servicing for you and what does it cost?