I was able to do this today in about ten minutes and with only pulling a single panel off the bike (no fairing removal). I know there is a plug you can buy for this, but this works just as well.

I am getting a dyno tune next week and the shop recommended I do this first.

Info on the bike;
2009 ZX14
Schnitz racing ECU flash
PC5/AutoTune
completely gutted cats with slip-ons
BMC air filter

This will be easier if you don't have big dumb hands like me, but with this panel off you can pull the vacuum hose from the air box and pull it towards you enough to do the job. You DO NOT have to cut or square off the vacuum hose as it is going right back where and how you found it.

I checked my junk drawer and had a bunch of rubber paintballs that were a great fit. I used a small amount of dish soap to ease pushing it down about 6 inches into the hose.

After getting the ball where I wanted it I added a hose clamp to either side. I doubt much pressure goes through that hose but I wanted to make sure I didn't end up with a rubber ball in my air box or somewhere else. Then you just maneuver the vacuum hose back up into the air box.
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Let me tell you this made a WORLD of difference IMMEDIATELY. I would estimate my backfiring was reduced by 90%. After my test ride I only backfired once on the highway (minimal) and absolutely none in town. Over time I have adjusted my clutching and shifting to avoid the popping, I went all over town clutching and downshifting and not once did my exhaust backfire.

Hope this helps someone. Different year bikes may vary, but I highly recommend it and it is easily reversible if you don't experience similar results.

* Last updated by: projo198 on 6/4/2019 @ 8:44 PM *

A heavy zip tie will also work if you don't want to use hose clamps.

Thanks for the write. I am getting a green 2009. Waiting for the cash to clear. Then I have to decide if I am going to go get it or have them ship it. Is this your 1st 14? How do you like it?
I see you have pc5 and a flash, may I ask why both? I am not new to bikes I have only done one or the other. Just curious on doing both. Thanks.

Yes, this is my first 14 though I've been on it for several years now. It's been a good bike!

The reflash changes several things in the ECU including the rev limits, top speed limit, throttle plate engagement and some trims.

The PC allows you to customize your fuel/air ratio across the rpm band for maximum performance and more importantly varying locations (ambient temps, elevation, etc). This happens after the fact and provides feedback to the ECU on how to run. So they work hand in hand. Sometimes they argue though, for example when I first installed it my PC5 and ECU didn't like working together at low rpm (idle). You can choose at what rpm and time after start your PC5 kicks in to allow for this and warm up.

One note on your bike; if you're considering a PC5 you'll need to drill and tap your exhaust for the O2 sensor. Our bikes arent set up for it, but there is a flat spot on the exhaust right below the engine block that other ZX14 versions are already drilled and tapped at. You just need to drill it out and weld in a bung. I believe I did a write up for that here on the forum.

I'm getting my bike dyno'd and tuned Thursday and they will be building me a custom map to enter into my PC. I'm excited to see how she runs afterwards!

* Last updated by: projo198 on 6/11/2019 @ 11:25 AM *

Wondering if anyone knows if this would work for a Gen2 zx14? I know there are some differences setup and motor wise. Just got done doing the spark plugs (NEVER AGAIN! LOL). So figured while i have it apart perhaps I'd block the keeln air crap off to prevent some decel popping.

Check into it. The Gen2 PAIR is different and I thought I heard you can't remove it---maybe? IDK if you can block it.

The PAIR valve breather hose is on the left side on the Gen 2

Pull it, block it and put it back in.

Yes, if you where to physically remove the valve itself it would
throw a code. You don't need to remove it but if you wanted to
you could, just would need to jump the connector that's attached to it.

Projo
Thanks for all the info. I have had mine for a month now and put about 2000 miles on it and I absolutely love it! It is my favorite bike I have ever owned. I am about to this and hopefully it will stop the popping.

Can anyone tell me if there is a way to tell if my ECU has been flashed already?

How did the dyno go? How are you enjoying it with the tuning?

A Kawi shop can tell. If their software doesn't work with it, it was flashed.