[bevo1981]

plug your O2 sensor back in. you don't necessarily need a fuel processor if just doing a slip on tailpipe and air kit, though it will certainly help. but without the O2 sensor, you're taking out calculations the ECU needs to figure out its fuel settings. since it's already on a lean mixture from the factory, not getting those O2 readings will mean it can't factor in the extra air you're now introducing into your fuel as well. plug it back in.

and that popping is because you're now running more air through your engine and it throws the fuel/air mixture off so not all of your fuel is getting detonated in the engine. the unburnt fuel is then forced into the pipes until the heat of the pipes causes it to detonate which is the popping sound you hear.

 

[bevo1981]

Disconnected the battery but didn't have any impact. Switched from 86 to 93 octane, also no change. Backfire is still present on decel and occasionaly on switching gears. Seems to get more noticeable as the bike warms up. Does not seem to be running any hotter than normal. I should note that I took it in two weeks ago for its yearly service and to have them check on why the bike had begun backfiring (still had stock exhaust at the time). Mechanic said not to worry about it, everything checked out fine. Became more noticeable after switching to the slip on. Sorry if I am beating a dead horse here, but is it damaging anything? Doesnt sound like gun shots, more like small fire crackers

i've heard of that battery trick before but have yet to find someone say conclusively that it works.

i recommend going back to 87 octane, or whatever lower level you're on. the 950 was engineered to run on the lower octane and you're not giving it any benefit with the higher octane.

have you already installed your new filter? you're not doing any damage to anything on your bike with the setup you have now. but it looks like the only thing that is going to alleviate your popping is a fuel management system like what was suggested earlier.