Don't think it's performing as it should

[Michael Whitney]

I have a K5 model and I can't tell for sure but it doesn't seem to accelerate quite as well as those I've seen vids of on youtube. Maybe just because I'm a heavy guy and it slows it down lol but not sure if anyone knows of anything that could affect performance I should look at? thorttle cables are a bit slack, keep meaning to adjust them but could this cause acceleration not to be so good with it having a TPS etc?

[seth]

I'd adjust cables and check the tee-bag on the fuel pump (tho that tends to cause a miss-fire rather than poor acceleration )
how many miles has it done ?

[V_i_c_i]

Apply quick reaction throttle mod

[Michael Whitney]

only done 11k miles. Was having hesitation issues when accelerating but turned out to be spark plugs, put new ones in and it's fine.

[seth]

I'd be checking the fuel system as its not done loads of miles .might have been sitting for long periods time and might be gummed up a bit and check and clean the fuel filter.

[Tony Nitrous]

If you haven't ridden other 14's and aren't that familiar with the models give it a run on a dyno.  Some places even do open days where you get a printout for a few $/£'s. don't treat the numbers as gospel but it'll show you a healthy one from one that's holding back.

Although the 14 is well down on horsepower compared to a similar size B-King or Hayabusa it still launches and accelerates well, or should do if its healthy.

Stuff like spark plugs / slack throttle cables etc should all be done when you or a mechanic service it. I wouldn't be questioning the performance if the bikes not up to A1 spec anyway.

[Hooli]

I'd start with sticking brakes, the front callipers are well known for it.

[Andre]

As Tony says, everything needs to be up to A1 spec. After taking care of the fuel system I would get some injector cleaner. I think I used the one from LiqiMoly for 12 €. Enough for 60 liter petrol or 3 tank fills. Barmy always uses premium petrol, I think. I just filled her up with Total's Excellium which they guarantee to be ethanol free. Only other guaranteed ethanol free petrol I know of is Aral Ultimate. Don't know what you guys have available. Our (Germany) petrol here has up to 10% ethanol, in US there is up to 15%. Ethanol gums up things, especially when the bike/car sits for longer. "Life expectancy" for petrol/ethanol mix is 3 months.

[Michael Whitney]

Need to look into dyno places round my town only one I know off has shut down. Any other bike garages don't have a dyno. Always been bit worried about putting a bike on the dyno and have someone rev the shit out of the engine though but will probably look into it.

Wouldn't have thought there was a problem with fueling as surely they'd be stuttering going on? I know on my bandit I had a problem where it wouldn't run well at all. If I could actually get the bike moving it would run on 3 cylinders and then go onto 4 cylinders when i got the revs up a bit. Got to the stage though that It wouldn't even pull away without stalling. Tried replacing the plugs, checking I had spark, checking fuel line wasn't kinked or something. Turned out I over looked one of the basic maintenance things, the air filter  I do so many miles in such a short time it didn't cross my mind that the air filter had gotten dirty, cleaned it out and it ran fine. But all fuel/air related issues I've had on bandit lead to stuttering rather than pure performance loss. 

[Mick_J]

As Tony says, everything needs to be up to A1 spec. After taking care of the fuel system I would get some injector cleaner. I think I used the one from LiqiMoly for 12 €. Enough for 60 liter petrol or 3 tank fills. Barmy always uses premium petrol, I think. I just filled her up with Total's Excellium which they guarantee to be ethanol free. Only other guaranteed ethanol free petrol I know of is Aral Ultimate. Don't know what you guys have available. Our (Germany) petrol here has up to 10% ethanol, in US there is up to 15%. Ethanol gums up things, especially when the bike/car sits for longer. "Life expectancy" for petrol/ethanol mix is 3 months.

The only ethanol free petrol here is esso super, everything else has at least 5% ethanol in it.

[Proteous]

Another option would be to request a meet up with another local member and have them ride your bike, that would also be a good way of telling.

[Tony Nitrous]

Always been bit worried about putting a bike on the dyno and have someone rev the shit out of the engine

Doesn't bother me. All mine have been dyno'd a few times, either to get them set up / re-mapped or in comps against my mates. Mine probably get more stress on the ride there and back.

This one is 37 years old...

[Michael Whitney]

My mates GSX650F is able to keep up with my gsx reasonably well. Which is odd considering the 650 is around 20kg heavier and has less HP and torque. Though does have the fairings but shouldn't matter so much at the lower speeds. That being said my bandit 600 did quite well keeping up with my mates shiver 750. Would have thought nothing would come close to touching gsx in acceleration except the crotch rockets at least once they rev up.

[gsxbarmy]

You'd be surprised how many bikes are quicker than the GSX acceleration - my old VTR1000 could out accelerate, my Explorer is quicker - yes the 14 has a lot or torque and is no slouch, but there it's no pocket rocket by any means and is average I'd in the acceleration stakes for 600cc and upwards machines. For instance a Triumph 600 has more HP than the GSX so will easily out accelerate.

It's the torque of the GSX and the versatility and flexibility of its engine that is amongst the top motorcycles. It's not all about having more cc's than other bikes.

[Blubber]

My mates GSX650F is able to keep up with my gsx reasonably well. Which is odd considering the 650 is around 20kg heavier and has less HP and torque. Though does have the fairings but shouldn't matter so much at the lower speeds. That being said my bandit 600 did quite well keeping up with my mates shiver 750. Would have thought nothing would come close to touching gsx in acceleration except the crotch rockets at least once they rev up.

Can it be that the PO messed up the gearing for better fuel / milage 

- How many teeth are there on the front and back sprocket?

Stock is 18 and 41.

Just trying a different angle