I can pick up a 2012 ZX-10R in green with 400 miles on it tomorrow for a great price. As some of you know ive been seriously lusting after one of these for some time. It would mean trading the 14R. Thing is, I honestly haven't been getting much out of the big Ninja since picking up my BMW S1000RR. I rode it one day last week for a good bit and just didn't enjoy it as much as my other two bikes. My bike has 7k on the clock with full Brock's duals and PC5, Pazzo levers, 2 Zero Gravities and one Puig windscreen. The 10R as I said has 400 miles and I would trade even up. I dunno guys, I move bikes around fairly often and put the 7k on it in a year while sharing time with other two so I've enjoyed it. I just don't want to regret moving it along, and don't think I will, and I love the idea of having a ZX10 and a S1000RR but thought I'd get ya'lls take on it. Kruz, what say you? Also staying married and adding a 4th bike rather than a trade is not compatible

* Last updated by: Jagman on 1/3/2013 @ 10:01 PM *

I say go for it! You've still got you "big" beemer for longer rides! jm2c...

You know what fits your style of riding the best. As for me, I am a big guy, and would see the zx10 being a little too much like the BMW. I would have to stick with the bigger zx14r. But, since you have put so many miles on the 14, you obviously know what type of bike that it is, and it may not be for you in the long haul.
On a side note, I wish I had your list of bikes that you have now.
Good luck with your decision.

Wow...last time we talked Jagmeister you had your eye on a certain Repsol Honda...what happened?

There is a certain amount of overlap in the rides you have right now, The K1600GT and the 14R have fairly similiar mission profiles, 14R being slightly more skewed towards the sport end of the sport-touring spectrum.

On the other hand, your 14R and S1000RR have a lot in common also with similiar performance envelopes, at least in a straight line but different ways of achieving that performance.

We already know the ZX-10R is going to be very similiar to your S1000RR, especially if you reflash the ECU. Are we gaining anything here? Yes, there are subtle differences in the character or nature of each machine but at the end of the day they are going to be so close as to be hard to distinguish.

The Repsol CBR1000RR brings something different to the table in the way of character IMHO. The boy racer looks are kind of cool and the bike is midrange oriented in typical Honda fashion so it's going to be way different from the S1000RR and the ZX-10R.

Bad ride on the 14R perhaps? I rode my 14 yesterday and it was miserable. Had nothing to do with the bike though, I was just cold and uncomfortable, the suspension felt like it was trying to shove congealed grease through the damping orifices and the tires have no grip this time of the year. No matter what bike I was on, cold weather riding is not my cup of tea. Could this have skewed your opinion of the big girl?

There are days when I am so glad I kept my 14. After owning her almost 7 years, I still look back over my shoulder when I park her at the local Starbucks and on the right road she is still a wonderfully smooth and powerful ride with torque available literally everywhere, something neither liter bike I own can match.

OK, bottomline.... I think you need to take a really deep breath and sleep on this one over the weekend. That 10R will be there on Monday morning, nobodies selling bikes right now with the weather turned to crap so you have time.

What is it about the 10R that you like so much you are willing to give up your 14R for? You need to do some real soul searching on this one. I just hate to see you make a mistake you may regret later.

I would personally love to see you on a 10R but at the same time I hate to see you unload your 14R as that is a great machine also. I was hoping you could talk the missus into letting you have a fourth bike but that is a lot of dough to be spending right now.

OK now, take that deep breath, relax and really think this one through before making your decision.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 1/4/2013 @ 8:21 AM *

Jagster, this thought just popped up in my head, what made you consider trading off only the 14R and not the K1600GT? Of those two, which do you prefer and why? I'm assuming you prefer the K1600GT as you're not considering getting rid of it but what is the reasoning ...or emotion... as may be the case behind that decision?

I was thinking back to how I acquired my current fleet...and financed it... and the big difference is it was done over a 7 year period. My bikes wouild get paid off, wait a year or two and then pick up another with no desire to ever sell off or trade anything. You have bought 3 state of the art machines in one year, big difference!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 1/4/2013 @ 8:28 AM *

I'd say if you're feeling this way about your 14R...and the 10R...you just won't be 'happy' ridin the big ninja as much...and that's the key.IMO...that 'possibly' could make for some 'risky' riding on that 14R.I'd say..trade...get the one you really want.There'll always be lots of 14R's....for good prices and all along the way if ya change yer mind.Maybe keep the goodies...and set up as stock again...and trade.You know how she rides...so it's not like you'd be goin in blind if ya wanted another one.She IS a big bike...sometimes that's not so great depending.Myself...I like the bigness...but it's not for everyone.for sure.

Grn, I ride both but I consciously back it down on the 14, she handles sweet and you can throw her into a corner but only to a point. If you try to ride a 14 like a liter...or a 600... you will end up as road kill. Jag would be able to jump from the 10R to the S1000RR with virtually no adjustment period, just hop on and ride, the 14R requires some mental recalibration of the throttle hand and paying close attention to ground clearance and lean angles to prevent nasty surprises.

RE: May be saying adios to the 14R
01/04/13 7:58 AM

Wow...last time we talked Jagmeister you had your eye on a certain Repsol Honda...what happened?

-Not sure but think mostly that is an 11 and there were upgrades to the 12 model. That is still an option though or even a 12 Blade. I'm gonna talk to the guy over at DFW Honda today at least and ask straight up his best offer for a flat trade on a 12 as well as the 11 Repsol.

There is a certain amount of overlap in the rides you have right now, The K1600GT and the 14R have fairly similiar mission profiles, 14R being slightly more skewed towards the sport end of the sport-touring spectrum.

-True regarding the mission profiles but still a pretty big differences.

On the other hand, your 14R and S1000RR have a lot in common also with similiar performance envelopes, at least in a straight line but different ways of achieving that performance.

We already know the ZX-10R is going to be very similiar to your S1000RR, especially if you reflash the ECU. Are we gaining anything here? Yes, there are subtle differences in the character or nature of each machine but at the end of the day they are going to be so close as to be hard to distinguish.

-This part is very true and a reason why I really wanted your weigh in on this. They really are VERY similar bikes in their setup, gearing etc.

The Repsol CBR1000RR brings something different to the table in the way of character IMHO. The boy racer looks are kind of cool and the bike is midrange oriented in typical Honda fashion so it's going to be way different from the S1000RR and the ZX-10R.

-True again and for some reason I really love that bike. One of the issues is the price. I think I could get the Honday close to the ZX10 but it's kind of hard to consider an 11 new Honda for $1k more (as it stands now) vs a 12 ZX10, (albeit with 400 miles). Either way I think I could negotiate the same deal for an even swap or close to it. If I can't get the same kind of deal I have standing on the ZX10 for the Resol or a 12 CBR I won't be doing anything.

Bad ride on the 14R perhaps? I rode my 14 yesterday and it was miserable. Had nothing to do with the bike though, I was just cold and uncomfortable, the suspension felt like it was trying to shove congealed grease through the damping orifices and the tires have no grip this time of the year. No matter what bike I was on, cold weather riding is not my cup of tea. Could this have skewed your opinion of the big girl?

-Wow...think you kind of nailed it, except thats been the case the last several rides on the 14R. Lot's of times I will start feeling that way about a bike then I'll take a ride and vow to myself not to get rid of the bike due to the enjoyment I just got, but I haven't got that in a while. I still love a lot about the bike, but the handling on it REALLY pales to the other bikes. Don't get me wrong, it can be great fun feeling that massive torque and grunt and we know its a supremely comfortable motorcycle. But man this thing feels like it needs a steering damper so bad!! I don't think it's my tires as they're pretty new. It just feels kind of squirrely, but usually only after a ride on the S1000. That said NOTHING is more fun to push well past triple digits on.

There are days when I am so glad I kept my 14. After owning her almost 7 years, I still look back over my shoulder when I park her at the local Starbucks and on the right road she is still a wonderfully smooth and powerful ride with torque available literally everywhere, something neither liter bike I own can match.

-Thats the main thing I'm worried about. I honestly haven't experienced much remorse over bikes I've sold or traded, mostly because I always replaced it with something I really wanted, but this is a pretty special bike, just seems to not be doing it for me "lately". It also hasn't been passing the "look over the shoulder" test since I bought the BMW S1000.

OK, bottomline.... I think you need to take a really deep breath and sleep on this one over the weekend. That 10R will be there on Monday morning, nobodies selling bikes right now with the weather turned to crap so you have time.
-Bottomline I think you're probably right but think I'll ride over to Irving Kawi today either way and poke around. Last day of vacation after a nice long stretch.

What is it about the 10R that you like so much you are willing to give up your 14R for? You need to do some real soul searching on this one. I just hate to see you make a mistake you may regret later.

-Another great question, and one I'm not sure I have an answer to other than I may just have new-bikeitis again:)

I would personally love to see you on a 10R but at the same time I hate to see you unload your 14R as that is a great machine also. I was hoping you could talk the missus into letting you have a fourth bike but that is a lot of dough to be spending right now.

-Yeah...I could swing it but wouldn't feel right about it, especially since I'm helping one daughter with a new car and the other to get repositioned at College.

OK now, take that deep breath, relax and really think this one through before making your decision.

-Best advice yet:)

I may end up giving you a call to talk me either up or down from the ledge:)

Thanks Grn....more and more to thank about this morning before it warms to a relatively acceptable temperature and I make the ride over to the Kawi, (and maybe Honda dealer) this morning.

I say go for it! You've still got you "big" beemer for longer rides! jm2c...

Another nudge toward the 10R:) Thanks Willie. You here or still in Afghan land?

Jagster, this thought just popped up in my head, what made you consider trading off only the 14R and not the K1600GT? Of those two, which do you prefer and why? I'm assuming you prefer the K1600GT as you're not considering getting rid of it but what is the reasoning ...or emotion... as may be the case behind that decision?

The K1600GT, IMO, is truly one of those landmark motorcycles that I'm pretty sure I will have for quite some time. Jennifer and I do quite a lot of two up riding when the weather is nice, (day trips and some overnights), and I can't think of a bike I'd rather have for that the Big White Owl. Fact is that it is equally fun to ride solo with handling characterstics that will shock you for a 750lb bike. It isn't perfect but offers that dose of character that you almost have to own and ride to appreciate. You will have to ride that thing here some time for something pretty special. It does something for me, (not unlike the other BMW) that is almost hard to quantify and as GREAT as the ZX14R is, it sometimes feels almost too easy. I think a bit of the Japanese vs Euro car/bike comparo again. All that said, they really aren't bikes I'd even consider as equals for the purpose. My 2011 Concours14 was a GREAT bike that I traded for the K1600. As good as the Connie is, (and I do miss it from time to time), I would pick the BMW everyday if I had to choose which one to roll out of the garage. I had them both for a while.

I agree with Kruz. Get the CBR the ZX-10 and the S'tho are too close.
I think Jag is feeding the 14 to the wolves because it is a compromise bike. He has an uber tourer and a track weapon, the 14 is neither and both so I understand.
Also like Kruz mentioned, getting 3 bikes within a year doesn't allow one to develop an emotional bond. There are days when I tell myself I should go and trade my 14 for the S'tho but I when I think about our history, I change my mind. Also, at my size the 14 fits me and she makes a perfect long distance and commuter motorcycle.

Grn, I ride both but I consciously back it down on the 14, she handles sweet and you can throw her into a corner but only to a point. If you try to ride a 14 like a liter...or a 600... you will end up as road kill. Jag would be able to jump from the 10R to the S1000RR with virtually no adjustment period, just hop on and ride, the 14R requires some mental recalibration of the throttle hand and paying close attention to ground clearance and lean angles to prevent nasty surprises.

Very well said and spot on. I guess that kind of speaks to the lack of enthusiasm on the 14R. Maybe I'd rather have the pure Sport Touring experience while on my BMW K1600 and two other full Sport, albeit different personality, Sport bikes, and I've run my course with the 14R.

Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and a high of 50, might be nice day for a ride. Let me know and maybe I can ride over to Kawasaki City Irving or Midcities Honda and kick tires with you.

Yes, you are going through new-bike-ite-is, very common affliction this time of the year when you can't do too much riding. I've been there and bought two new bikes in the dead of winter, never regretted either one though but there were no trade-ins involved.

I am leaning towards the Repsol for you, the '11. Don't be thrown off by the year, the '12 actually lost top end steam from the earlier models and the new suspension is not a clear winner over the older setup. A lot of testers said the BPF Fork and Balaace free shock did not live up to all the pre-release hype. So a new '11, especially in the Repsol collector addition paint might be the ticket.

This is just me but if I were in your position right now, I'd be looking at the Repsol. I'm crazy about my '11 ZX-10R but the BMW would be too close for me, I'd want something different parked in the garage.

OK, both the new 10R and CBR1000RR are going to be future classics which means they'll both wear well if you decide to hang onto them. They both have "balance" but I think future resale will tip in the favor of the Repsol.

I agree with Kruz. Get the CBR the ZX-10 and the S'tho are too close.
I think Jag is feeding the 14 to the wolves because it is a compromise bike. He has an uber tourer and a track weapon, the 14 is neither and both so I understand.
Also like Kruz mentioned, getting 3 bikes within a year doesn't allow one to develop an emotional bond. There are days when I tell myself I should go and trade my 14 for the S'tho but I when I think about our history, I change my mind. Also, at my size the 14 fits me and she makes a perfect long distance and commuter motorcycle.

Sincere thanks Drag. Perfect use of this forum. My fellow enthusuiasts input for this admittedly very "first world delimna" is invaluable. These comments have all but convinced me that I have no need for a ZX-10R along side the S1000RR right now if ever. Like I really NEED any of these toys:) Too similar in profile.
That said there is one hell of a deal in DFW on a 2012 ZX-10R with 400 miles on it, little less than $10,500 OTD.
Now, I'm still going to head to the Honda dealer and have a chat about about the 11 Repsol or a 12 CBR1000 and see if they're eager to assist me in parting ways with the 14R. If they aren't WAY cooperative I'm not giving the 14R away and I will cool off and see what Honda brings to the party for 2014.
Kruz--I may call you from there if I feel like I'm getting ready to jump off the wagon:) Or if I need you to tell me to go ahead and jump off the damn thing:) Will all depend on what I'm wanting to hear, you understand:)

Very much appreicate your input also Black Lightning!

Kruz I'm gonna head over to DFW Honda today since I'm off one more day before back to the treadmill, but unless something radical happens today, I'd love to meet you either place or both to just poke around, maybe grab lunch.
I'll call you later if I'm getting in trouble:)

Give me a shout later, I'm at work today, will be meeting my daughter for breakfast early AM tomorrow but am free after that. I can ride over to Irving or Midcities and meet up for lunch and tire kicking. I got the pics of that Repsol you sent...gorgeous! My concern, Honda is not going to let that bike go cheap, you may not get the same deal you did on the ZX-10R.

I am stunned and shocked by the price on the 10R. These bikes did not move like KHI had hoped for, I paid waaay more than that back in 2011 for mine and thought I was getting a pretty good deal at the time.

One of the problems is the economy, Jap bikes in general are not moving because no one in that financial range has any money or credit or are uncertain about spending what they do have with the coming tax increases in 2013. Financing is tough unless you have an 800+ FICA score. The guys that can afford premium Euro bikes like the Ducati aren't as affected (cash buyers) and those are still moving and commanding high prices.

It is a great time to be in the market for a Jap bike but if you trade in, that blade can cut both ways. I see now why they were going to go even up on your 14R for the 10R.

Talk to Honda, see what kind of a deal they'll cut. If they won't give you what you want, be prepared to walk.

I don't know if you noticed but I was all hot and bothered to pick up an F3 but a ticket, winter blues and job uncertainty in 2013 have killed my buzz...not to mention that bike has turned out to be a genuine dud in it's current form. It sounds like a big headache and I don't need that.

Guess I'm fortunate in one way...I've never ridden a literbike...and don't intend to(no offense).1200 ZZR was the 'smallest' of my bikes.The 1200,ZX12 and 14's have really been the only bikes from Kawasaki that I actually felt like they fit me.The 14R is a great bike for me....if for no other reason than....it HAS it's limitations!For me,that's a plus.Another reason I won't be going Koo Koo with the modding on my new one.I certainly don't need a 'track weapon' in my life;)I don't know about anyone else...but adding power mods to MY bike(my last one)didn't do anything but make me want to ride it like...well...'over my limits'...don't want to go there again.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/4/2013 @ 11:57 AM *

The 1200,ZX12 and 14's have really been the only bikes from Kawasaki that I actually felt like they fit me.

Grn, how the heck big are you? I'm 6'3" and 220 lbs and I fit fine on even the ZX-6R. Now by fine, I mean I can go out and do 250 miles of twisties and come back hammered but have a great time. No, the liters and Supersports are not going to be LazyBoy recliner comfy like a 14.

Another nudge toward the 10R:) Thanks Willie. You here or still in Afghan land?

Still in A'stan - hopefully passing thru the house in March or April...

I wish you luck in your decision making! Both bikes (CBR1k and the ZX10R) are great! Happy hunting either way it goes!

I've got a fusion in my l-5/s-1....I need the stretchout room the big bird gives me.And the lack of 'firmness' that ya have with a liter(you know what I mean...suspension settings and weight).

But you are right in your questions...the wheelbases are almost the same.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/4/2013 @ 12:31 PM *

Here's what Jag is looking at right now, trying to make a deal. I am going to be very surprised if Honda will offer anything close to the 10R deal. This is a new, left over '11 unit, the Repsols are limited edition and known to bring top dollar when the right buyer comes along and for that reason they almost never discount them. The dealer can afford to be patient but Jag won't know until he tries. If they lowball his trade in, I'd have to walk away and forget about it.

Great looking machine, desirability right up there with a BMW or Panigale IMHO. I'd love to have one but never could get the right price on one.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 1/4/2013 @ 12:39 PM *

It is quite badass looking...probably runs like a racehorse;)I hate to say it...but I think the turn signals would have to go...somewhere besides there=0....definitely lose the rear fender.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/4/2013 @ 12:50 PM *

Take it from a guy with two hyperbikes, If you have two liter bikes you will be doing the same thing and doubling the cost of mods and insurance. Nothing wrong with that if you like both.

If you really aren't using the 14, trade it for the ZX-10 and then go trade the S1000 for a new Kaw 636. That justifies the double cost of double ownership.

^^^^^ or make one a track weapon!