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New 1000sx just arrived at dealer March 6

3.9K views 22 replies 8 participants last post by  N1KLife  
#1 ·
Wow am I impressed. New owner and have not ridden in years. Everything is new.

Two questions how do you remove all of those factory warning stickers from the tank without harming the paint?

Also looking for and have not found tank kneepads???
Thank you from a true rookie.
 
#2 ·
Heatgun or hair dryer. A little warmth and they peel right off. If you have luggage you'll have 14 (fourteen!!!) stickers in all to remove.

Oh, and if you end up with any residue, Goof-off takes it right away.
 
#12 ·
Not sure if there's a noticable change in sound if you only install a slip-on. On my 20321 i did remove the overall original exhaust and installed a complete 4-1 de-cat 14" carbon fiber oval muffler and stainless steel headers. Obviously there's an increase in sound level but nothing crazy and the sound is warm and deep. If you open the throttle aggressively in downtown it can get very loud but on the highways/twisties it's just perfect...! Just FYI you don't have to remap the ECU. (see the picture attached of my bike)
 

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#9 ·
Check out Delkevic. I've had their SS-70 and 14" ovals and been happy with both. I do notice they say almost everything is out of stock and they only list to 2021 but I don't think there's any change in '22 and '23 in the muffler. You might give them a call and see if/when they're going to get more and if something is some change in the latest model.
 
#10 ·
#14 ·
I opted for Techspec tank pads, rubber with snakeskin design, and they haven't moved since applying around 2 1/2 years go.
A bit pricey at $75.00 USD but the quality is great.
KAWASAKI NINJA 1000 (SX) (2011 - Current) Snake Skin Tank Grips
I'll agree here. I got the same tank pads, and they're absolutely fantastic. Well worth the cost.

For exhaust, I have a Black Widow full system on my '21 model. They sell a slip-on kit as well that comes with a cat delete pipe, but requires cutting the OEM downpipe. IMO, considering the minimal extra cost, the full system is the better option. With the baffle in it's not bad at all. Haven't tried it without the baffle yet.
 
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#16 ·
If you get the tech spec stuff stuck, it's there forever. My Concours 14 pieces (snakeskin) were installed in 2010 and they still look new.

I have removed old ones before, on purpose, and they don't leave residue behind. They are expensive, but very high quality.
 
#19 ·
Thanks, they go on very easy, and won't be too difficult to reposition if alignment is off.
I opted to mount the lower pad a little below the top edge of the main pad due to me not being very tall so it's located where my legs rest after testing my leg position while seated on the bike.
Techspec have an install video on their site, not for our bike, but the technique is the same.
 
#22 ·
This is true. Each pad is roughly 1/4 inch thick (maybe a bit more), so you're effectively adding 1/2 inch to the tank width right where your legs sit. IMO, it's absolutely worth it. But it may not be to some.
 
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