Hi,
Looking for some techincal input on 08 zx14 which has revving problems above 7K. Bought bike used - flies out, PCIII, muzzy full exhaust, gear indicator always reads 1 gear higher but cant find TRE to disconnect. Odometer reads 5800 miles. Attempted to diconnect PCIII, but get an error and wont start - so I have to live with it connected. I have installed ground of PCIII to battery as well. Checked for kinks in fuel line.
Bike runs great up to 6000 rpm, then sputters and wont rev higher.
If high beam turned on bike runs up to 7200 rpm and then sputters and wont rev higher.
If motorcycle is not moving, I can rev the engine higher (its not good for it, but trying to fix problem)
Seems that when engine is under load and motorcycle is moving when problems occur.
Increased current draw of high beam allows engine to rev higher before it bogges down. Is it possible that my battery is incorrect for my ZX?
Thanks,

The gear displayed is always one higher than what is actually the case (displays 5 when bike is in 4th gear etc.) Can someone make any sense as to why the bike is able to reach higher RPMs when high beam is on. As I stated previously, seems that a higher current draw from the lights, allows the bike to rev higher.
Hub, are you saying to remove the PC out of the equation by disconnecting the ground? The reason I connected the PC to the battery is b/c I've read posts that said a poorly grounded PC can cause issues.

Didn't we do this before?I KNOW we did.This same thing.Revs dying at so and so amount.And the throttle not going any further?Yes...that answer's in these posts somewhere...either the guy found out what it was,or not.About a week ago or so.("won't rev beyond 6K" or something along those lines)

Well...maybe it was...okay...MORE than a week ago.I though it ended up being....the clutch was slipping....IDK...I can't remember what it was.Guy said it stopped accelerating at like 6K or something,but didn't mention the throttle was still climbing...IDK...something like that.

Yes, I had posted before and have tried some suggestions, but it did not fix the problem. Hub, what does the positive connection look like on PC? I tried looking for it on web but could not find anything. You are saying to disconnect the + wire - which color is that?

Hub,
Thanks for the advice. I tried removing the + from PC, but the engine would not start. I removed the wire from the PC next to the box. Obviously, there was no power to the PC, but there were no error codes on the display, engine just turned over.

I'm trying to follow this....I'm a tad confused.Are you guys trying to see if the bike will run w'out the PC?If so...you HAVE to reconnect the main harness to the stock harness plug in the center of the frame just above the engine case on the left side.I don't think it'll do anything(start wise) with the "unplugged red or whatever wire" taking the PC out of the loop.It's still connected through the main harness...isn't it?Natch it won't run with the ground disconnected...but...The PC's working as an effective "switch" in the power line,isn't it?I'm only guessing...never tried to run my baby with any "wires" disconnected on the PC.I think IF you leave that PC in the loop,if you disconnect any wires,it's gonna interrupt the stock starting configuration...yes?The PC becomes the bridge...when it's working right.You can't leave the "open" switch in the harness...the power can't get to the starter...yes? Interesting.HUB

* Last updated by: blue07 on 3/14/2011 @ 3:57 PM *

From Rook's collection...

knovikov, that pic show's the connectors that blue07 is talking about. If you have not disconnected the powercommander at those connectors, then you haven't really disconnected the powercommander. Don't forget to plug the factory connectors back together after unplugging them from the powercommander.

As far as your gear indicator reading a gear off, that sounds like someone installed a different counter (front) sprocket on the bike.

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 3/14/2011 @ 4:33 PM *

DogoZX - thanks for the suggestion. I did the proper disconnect of PCIII and reconnect back to stock. However, that produced an error and bike would not start. Therefore, the PC is back on. The smaller front sprocket sounds like it could be the issue, however, I am more concerned w/revving above 7K. Hate to take it into the shop and have them go thru the wiring which has been altered by previous owners.
The bike occassionly has revved to 8k under load in 1st gear - but my high beams have been turned on. Most often in goes to 7200 rpm and falters. The engine spurts up and down in this manner.
Wondering again if a smaller amp battery might help with rev issues.
Sorry if repeating myself, kinda running out of options.

Okay...there ya go."That produced an error"...GOOD!!!That's what ya want to find out.Reconnect your stock harness...like Dogo said.Get your "error" on the dash,then use the toggle buttons on the dash(reset/mode)to display the error NUMBER.If it's displaying,say,an FI error(fuel injection)...there will be a NUMBER associated with that main code(and you will find the NUMBER description in the DFI section of the Service Manual...how to display the NUMBERS is also in that section).But you have to get that main code to display FIRST.Once it does...DO NOT TURN THE KEY OFF!!!!!Get the code with the POWER ON.If you shut the ignition off,you will RESET the ECU....until it codes again...which it may not if the computer resets the fault.

Take it ONE STEP at a time.Get your stock harness back connected.Get the bike to CODE.Look up the code,and take it from there.It could be something VERY SIMPLE...but you'll not find it by doing a bunch of "extra" things to your bike.Start with the CODE.It's directing your troubleshooting.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 3/14/2011 @ 5:19 PM *

I'm with blue. You need to start by figuring out what error code you're getting.

Still, makes no sense that the bike starts with the PC hooked up but won't without.

Sorry to beat a dead horse... but are you 110% positive the the factory connectors were put back together correctly? They can be a PITA to get fully seated. They are very tight to keep crud out.

Regardless, I'd disconnect that PC3, again... figure out the error code... and go from there.

I thought this thread was about someone having problems with their minister at church.

Sorry to beat a dead horse... but are you 110% positive the the factory connectors were put back together correctly? They can be a PITA to get fully seated. They are very tight to keep crud out.

^^^The connectors have a snap. you should hear it click when you connect. The PC connectors that go inline have the snap and the connectors that hook up as/stock config also have the snap. They are all the same kind of connector and they are really tight when fully connected. I almost had an anurism getting the stocks apart.

See photos, steps 11,12,13...I imagine you know how to reconnect the harness if you got the bike to start after you reconnected the PC. If you think you may not have connected the main wiring harness all the way, this might help.

http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=CB3D3987-1372-66AE-3BE3B16BC01CC701

* Last updated by: Rook on 3/14/2011 @ 9:39 PM *

Knovikov....you don't perhaps have BROWN SMOKE coming out of your pipe(s) at that rpm where it begins to sputter do you?

Forget the front sprocket...that isn't affecting anything.The gear display...it can blip occasionally from 5th and 6th.USUALLY...if you have some sort of TRE or speedohealer hooked up.Do You?

Your engine will not run as long as the powercommander is intercepting the main power(hooked to the harness).EVEN IF IT'S NOT "ON".What happens when you remove the ground from the working PC.She stops running.Period.Get the PC out of the equation so you can at least get a cranking engine and error code.The engine however SHOULD code even if the PC is hooked up.The problem with not removing it from the loop is....you may not be able to crank your bike with it in there...then you're stuck trying to chase something else.Maybe something that has NOTHING to do with anything.Just a thought.You need to see how your bike's gonna act STOCK.No PC.If it's doing the same thing rev wise without the PC in there...then you know it's not the Powercommander.

You mentioned..."if bike is NOT moving,I can rev the engine HIGHER"...okay....how MUCH higher?Like...to the throttle stop?You know,wide open just for a split second...she'll open all the way up rev-wise?

Aw heck...WTH do I know?Now if ya want to know how to remove a perfectly good part,i.e.,Cam Position Sensor...ya...I can tell ya exactly how to do that !

* Last updated by: blue07 on 3/15/2011 @ 1:36 AM *

Same cheese... different Kwacker... code 62, Secondary valve actuator fault<----click

Hub, as I've stated before, I got the bike like this, did nothing to it except for the above I have mentioned.
I've disconnected the PC again and the bike does not start. The fuel gauge moves up and down as if in a loop, but the bike wont crank. Also, there is no fuel pump noise that I normally hear.
I have taken a pic of the wiring situation. I placed tape by wires that have been tampered with. The red wire is cut and I cant locate the other end to connect it to. The black plug-in is for who knows what? (speed healer/tre bypass/??) It is obviously disconnected. Please let me know anything that can be useful.
Thanks,
http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/userfiles/knovikov/zx1.JPG

* Last updated by: knovikov on 3/15/2011 @ 8:37 AM *

speed healer/tre bypass/??)

Here's your pic and link to same.

http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/userfiles/knovikov/zx1.JPG

HMMMmmmmmmmm. Intresting. That copper clip fastened (grounded) by the allen bolt in the lower right---I don't recall seeing that on my bike. Looks like you have a lot going on that isn't stock. Perhaps more than you are aware.

* Last updated by: Rook on 3/15/2011 @ 9:53 AM *

Have you picked up or downloaded the service manual yet? 'Cuz I think you're gonna need it. That's ugly! I've chased my fair share of wiring gremlins. It's frustrating and time consuming but can be done.

What's the story with your bike anyway? Stolen recovery? Hope you got a deal.

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 3/15/2011 @ 12:48 PM *

The bike has a clear title. There are two previous owners. My guess is the first one did work to it, problems arose and he sold it to the second guy. Then I bought it. Guess I have the #1 code - fuel guage going wacko. I've tried to wiggle and push the two plugs with several attempts while trying to start motor. Same problem though. On a side note, had the bike out for a spin after re-installing PC, pulled it to 8000rpm in 1st, it could have revved higher..pulled back then hit throttle again and same old..sputtered out at 7200, then grabbed the clutch and it revved fine. In the mean time, I have also touched up some PC numbers in rpm range where I have problems. Basically decreased fuel numbers.
Wondering if fuel pump may have issues or the internal filter has clogged up since my rev issues come and go?

I dunno, knovikov. I might try getting ahold of the original owner, if it was my bike. Really don't get why the bike runs with the PC but not w/o... The PC isn't meant to "fix" anything. I'd be trouble shooting w/o the PC installed. If you can't get it fixed w/o the PC, then it's not gonna really be fixed... band-aid at best.

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 3/15/2011 @ 3:06 PM *

I'm with the Rookster on this.That setup is modded somehow.That goldish ground deal....that don't belong.That red wire...not right.Did anyone ever install a "quickshifter" on that bike...for drags or something?That code..."fuel" something.Okay...there's your start place.Sometimes those codes don't actually MEAN that the description is exactly WHAT the deal is.So now you know that there's some sort of prob with the fuel delivery or something along those lines.Makes sense since she sputters at a certain RPM range,under load.Okay...go from there.I would recommend this...............Take the bike now to your dealer...have them hook up their diagnostic tool...and have them see for themselves EVERY CODE the bike has thrown since NEW.They can do that.Whatever this is...it's gonna most likely be a tad spendy to get it sorted right...but you don't want to keep messing with things...wires and such...without getting somewhere..maybe making things worse.The owner can only access a certain amount of "user-friendly" codes/modes on the 14.The dealer/shop has a tool to plug into the ECU to retrieve EVERY code.THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED(IMO).Good luck!It's too bad you can't get in there and go through your complete harness.See exactly what's been messed with,and what is okay.Sounds like like someone got things goofy,couldn't repair it,sold it off
"as is",then that guy had the same deal...and sold er to you.I'm bettin it's in that harness somewhere...something's hooked up wrong,or something is loose or not connected at all.

Just to get this clear(for me...please)you say "guess it's a code 1"......okay......DO YOU MEAN...FI on the dash?If so...that's NOT code 1.That's F,I= FUEL INJECTION.(not a number).If you didn't know...you could think it was showing "F"..."ONE".If it displayed FI....then there's a number associated with that main code...but you have to use the reset/mode buttons to get it to display.Did you do that?FI is one of the main "code" menus.NOT the particular "problem" fault.
Let me ask you this....when the bike begins to behave badly,does the dash start throwing a code(as you're riding along)?Or is it ONLY when the PC is disconnected and the harness is back into it's stock plug?WHERE are those goldish "ground" wires going to?The ones in the pic there,attached to the silver crossmember.That deal there is DEFINITELY NOT supposed to be there.I say...track that thing down right there,see where it's connected,and take it from there.Could be all that's really wrong....something "attached" to the main harness that's just not supposed to be in there.Who knows WHAT that is...Now I'm REALLY curious!And that red wire...that should NOT be cut like that.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 3/15/2011 @ 4:28 PM *

WEEEEE!!!

Ninja ZX14 Electrical Diagram
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Halfway down the page you can download the pdf. Just did it. Link works.^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

* Last updated by: DogoZX on 3/15/2011 @ 4:53 PM *

PerFecto!That be the one alright.I've got a spare just like it...yep....the whole shebang(just in case).Let's see...Kawasaki harness...$150.00(mine).Harley harness....$1000.00.HHHHmmmmmmm.I surely don't see any clipped red wires on that one...OR...those gold ground leads either!

You know...to me...IF I was having a deal like Kov's having...it just might be worth getting a replacement harness...and gettin to know my bike inside out by replacin that jacked one.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 3/15/2011 @ 5:11 PM *