not sure exactly what everyone is saying bout the 14r here, but who here has ridden it? Doesn't it fall somewhere between the k1300s and busa, price wise? Some like buying used, some like new. For what it has, compared to what is available new, seems reasonable, to me. If ya own for a few years, the price diff compared to used doesn't seem to be unreasonable. I would always prefer new. Mostly for safety reasons. I don't want something blowing up on me because a previous owner did or didn't do this or that. For what you get for new bike, or car for that matter, stock performance available is better than ever. Kawasaki motorcycles isn't exactly profitable the last couple years from what I thought. To improve and offer such a beast is something I applaud. I also haven't ridden it, but I always thought buying my 08 new was a killer value. For a little more, ya get more refinement, more hp, torque and a more modern appearance. Sure, everyone wants more, but seriously, what more can you get or is offered for 14g?

* Last updated by: phatphil on 12/14/2011 @ 12:59 AM *

"not sure exactly what everyone is saying bout the 14r here"...well,here...on the general section....apparently the new bike is a loser.Letdown.Overpriced.Overweight.Overdone.Overhyped.....you name it,this new bike aint got it.

You asked if anyone had ridden one....ummmm...okay....I have.I LOVE this new bike.So far my experience(s) with it are minimal...it's freezing roads here right now.But I did manage to get in 80 miles.I know...not much.Tell ya one thing...She rocks.VERY.WAY.Glad I bought her.VERY.WAY .

Okay...now I'll go back to my friends on the zx14R section

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/14/2011 @ 1:18 AM *

Yeah ya right there

1 PM
Replies: 25
phatphil

Joined: 09/20/11
Posts: 16
RE: Why I'm Not Interested....
12/14/11 12:57 AM
not sure exactly what everyone is saying bout the 14r here, but who here has ridden it? Doesn't it fall somewhere between the k1300s and busa, price wise? Some like buying used, some like new. For what it has, compared to what is available new, seems reasonable, to me. If ya own for a few years, the price diff compared to used doesn't seem to be unreasonable. I would always prefer new. Mostly for safety reasons. I don't want something blowing up on me because a previous owner did or didn't do this or that. For what you get for new bike, or car for that matter, stock performance available is better than ever. Kawasaki motorcycles isn't exactly profitable the last couple years from what I thought. To improve and offer such a beast is something I applaud. I also haven't ridden it, but I always thought buying my 08 new was a killer value. For a little more, ya get more refinement, more hp, torque and a more modern appearance. Sure, everyone wants more, but seriously, what more can you get or is offered for 14g?

* Last updated by: phatphil on 12/14/2011 @ 12:59 AM *

but I don't know how old the others besides Grn14 o6ZX14 was so if like me (especially as mine has 3,000 miles on it)with a 2010 ZX1400 it,s way differant to say again Grn14's 2006 to justify dropping 50% in 1-3 years of use when ya may of also spent $4 k extra + like me in mods IMO mines far to good my ZX1400 to trade ! but me more than most due to 19 months lay off & still off,I have mentioned countless times IMO the massive safety benifits of the Slipper clutch/ABS /& K Trac have for street riding (with all the idiots that sometimes give ya No warning at) thats why the new ZX14R to me would be a very wise decision in 2 or 3 years time.

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Phatphil, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the new 14R and the price is very reasonable for the new technology you are getting. No one here argues with that. According to the dyno reports I have seen the new bike has over 20 HP more than the older bikes, weighs a bit more and stock for stock ekes out a very small performance advantage in the quarter mile. I posted this thread in response to a commentary made on another forum that anyone owning a pre-2012 ZX-14 could forget about mods and needs to get this new 14R. I'm sorry but from my perspective this was a rude and insensitive comment and pure BS! 99% of the members of this site have the older machines and most, myself included, enjoy our bikes and have no desire to trade them in. Most of us own our ZX14s outright having long ago paid them and the mods off and are not willing, in this economy, to go into debt for another $14,000.

I own many motorcycles and belong to several forums. New generations of bikes come out all the time, sometimes their better than what they replace and sometimes not so much but anyone who goes around bragging their machine is superior to anyone elses is quickly booed off the forum. That's my opinion, if you don't happen to agree with me then that's fine too!

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Okay...now I'll go back to my friends on the zx14R section

bye bye........ ...

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but I don't know how old the others besides Grn14 o6ZX14 was

Bean, that thought crossed my mind also, his bike had over 60,000 miles. That would explain a lot, basically clapped out, anything would probably feel like a rocket ship after that!

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I have seen the new bike has over 20 HP more than the older bikes, weighs a bit more and stock for stock

The RG 2011 vs 2012 back to back dyno runs show the new bike putting out about 30 more peak HP. More importantly, there is much more area under the curve. The weight difference isn't nearly as much as you are making it out to be. There will be more than a few tenths difference between a 2006-2011 vs a 2012. There are obviously ride quality differences as well. Post your comments on bikeland.org.

The way I see it, the new 14r is pretty much what the 14 was, only better. The incements may be not huge, but what do you expect? I read about some wanting 1500cc with supercharger. Uh, now what's that going to cost and still retain everyday ridabilty? And how bad is that going to depreciate? Most bikes depreciate more than owners want. I can see that the 14r actually might actually hold up better, mechanically, than the 14, so in that way it's actually a better value then the 14 was. I would not expect a liter bike to hold up as well with the miles on, either. From what I believe, the exotics are a little more costly and time consuming to maintain. No thanks. To me, the 14r represents the best all round bike for the $. Previously it was the 14, for me. Differences of opinion is totally cool and I appreciate the fun banter. Btw, I'm very happy with my 14, and I hope to put at least 100,000mi before change. Another reason for the shitty depreciation is that many who want such a bike, go new. I always weary of high performance vehicles pasts.

That's like putting dragking on the bike, give us a report? Well, call me a 'whatever' you called Brock for not cherry picking Kawi for a bike.

loool Hub, my groin hurts that's below the belt. I'm a novice but don't confuse being humble with weakness.
goldwing deal gap
This guy is extracting more than we are on a goldwing and since the 14 is a better sport machine who can tell me here that he/she is maximizing their 14... Hub... I think mine and yours are same generation so you buddy whom I called shady says I have at least 10 hp on you which makes me respect the 14 a little more. You're obviously a better rider but if I went out and bought a 14R you'd probably listen to what I have to say.

not sure exactly what everyone is saying bout the 14r here"...well,here...on the general section....apparently the new bike is a loser.Letdown.Overpriced.Overweight.Overdone.Overhyped.....you name it,this new bike aint got it.

Yeah Green. I hear you, I think some (read a lot of) guys are missing the point here. I think I can speak for Kruz and a selected fews when I say this thread and the "2 reasons you shouldn't get a 14 R" were not intented to diss or assume anything about the new bird. In my opinion the 14R is a better motorcycle. What I meant to discuss is whether or why a previous generation owner should upgrade. With my mods , I'm suppose to be seeing 180hp! I think TC is nice but it's still kinda young in R&D and I can't think of 1 instance where TC would have saved me. What I need is ABS! Not locking a wheel in slippery conditions, would allow me to push the bike a little more. One more thing is that I love mods but would have a hard time to justify it on 15k machine! I would have to switch to a full system. Akrap or Brocks:$1800, raise the pegs for more cornering clearance... I like gilles:$500, stainless brake lines, dyno etc... I know the suspensions are better but at 230lbs I may need an upgrade there too. Before you know it I've got a $20k bike. Furthermore, we still don't know how hot she's going to get during the summer etc...
Yeah we may be asking a lot outta the 14R, but they have had 6 years to think about improvements. From 2006 to 2011 all they did is something I did with a set of allen wrenches and a heated screwdriver and I didn't lose hp or gain weight, actually lost some lool. Again since I'm not really concern about tc and the extra 15 to 20hp the new bike has on me I'm going to wait a couple of years. Everybody got different reasons for upgrading or not I was just discussing some. Enjoy your new birds guys, I wish I had 1 in my stable.
Oh! I'm still going to try to make it to montana by end of spring.

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Drag, Amazing riders on both bikes. Could I hang with the GL? I need a maximizer witness. And you need to take out an insurance policy on my life so we can find out either way. You got the money, I've got the confidence. Say, is that GL using front and rear [as in] locked in abs mode?

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There will be more than a few tenths difference between a 2006-2011 vs a 2012.

Not rying to get into a pissing contest here rossb, I was comparing the '06 version, which was anywhere from 5 to 10 rear wheel HP up on the 2nd gens depending upon whose dyno you trust. Also weight wise, the '06s were lighter than the 2nd gens which were again lighter than the 14R.

Did you bother to read the two launch articles I posted links to? I can't get much more objective than the same rider, same race track, on two 14s, 6 years apart and running within .01 second best timed run of each other in the 1/4 mile and a 1.4 mph difference in trap speed. The trap speed, as I mentioned, is where the extra HP is showing itself.

You are obviously sold on the new machine and I agree, if that's what's going to make you happy then get it. Far be it from me or anyone else around here to stand in your way. If I was in your shoes, did not own a 14 already and was wanting one (and could afford it) I would definitely go for the 14R over a used 14. You'll get no argument from me on this point. This thread is for existing owners who have more than likely owned their 14 since new, pampered and fettled their babies to what they consider near perfection and are happy. Not in a thousand years would I persoanlly go into debt over the new machine for small incremental performance gains that I probably couldn't utilize anway.

Look again at the video of the Goldwing on Deals Gap and tell me how many current 14 owners are extracting 100% of what they already have? I know I'm not and from what I see out on the road, I'm far from the worst rider out there.

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Kruz,

I think you bring up some good points. Alot, if not most 14 riders will not benefit from the advantages of the 35 additional ponies from the new 14r. I have had 2 and they all come in around 160 or 163hp. However, if it's going to the track every weekend, it will be painful and expensive.. I pray Kawasaki has finally fixed the weak #3 rods, the lack of oil flow to the lower crank bearings, etc. All of these things are supposedly fixed and they cost me a ton of money.. So, I believe it is a question everyone should ask themself.. If you are riding your bike to it's fullest potential, then it's not but a matter of time..until you spend as much on your old 14 as a new 14r.. I have the receipts from APE, and JEG, and everyother place to prove it.

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Someone keeps saying that someone said they should ditch their 14's for the new bike.NO ONE ever said that at all.The statement was..."save your money and put it into a new 14R"...THAT is what was said.That's ONLY an opinion.NOT a 'you better do this or else...you're riding a junk bike".It only makes sense to the money minded(apparently a few here).Someone's totally upset that they spent a bunch of cash and got minimal returns.You get what you get.Trying to turn a supersport bike as big as the 14 is into a track bike,then realizing...'hey...I could've saved that for something else"...what's that?Does that somehow equate to....'that bike is history'....and it wasn't 60K miles....it was 51,000.And my bike kicked azz everywhere it went.EVERYWHERE.What's amazing to me is how statements get misquoted on here all the time by guys who really ought to know better.If someone's so 'knowledgeable' about what they're saying..yet can't get a black and white statement correct...well...whatever.

That aint why it felt like a "spaceship"...the new ride that is.The new ride felt like that because...it's a different bike...period.

If ya have to ask...you wouldn't understand.....you know who you are.

20 hp difference?....someone's COMPLETELY off base here.It's on Ricky's video...41 hp difference....sheesh.Between the new bike(only 200 miles on it) and the 2011(I think it is...may be a earlier bike).Geez...I guess if ya tell someone a story long enough,they'll begin to believe it....I'd say that's what's happening here...Facts are facts....stats don't lie.But it really doesn't matter(to me).If someone is gonna slander someone...that's not a reflection of who I am.That's a reflection of who THEY are.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/14/2011 @ 3:07 PM *

Yes Kruz IMO A bike with heaps of miles 50,000-60,000!

Would feel tired & sloppy to my 2010 Zx1400 with only 3,000 miles ! they should be like chalk N cheese

commentary made on another forum that anyone owning a pre-2012 ZX-14 could forget about mods and needs to get this new 14R. I'm sorry but from my perspective this was a "rude and insensitive comment" and pure BS! 99% of the members of this site have the older machines and most, myself included, enjoy our bikes and have no desire to trade them in. Most of us "own our ZX14s outright" having long ago paid them and the mods off

* Last updated by: bean07 on 12/14/2011 @ 3:05 PM *

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this is ALLLL hype! all these numbers. Now I know why they called them hyper bikes. Most of the members here have owned one 14. Dogo has owned both 06-07 and the "updated" 08. several owners at bikeland have gone through an 06-07 then bought an 08-11. Nobody reports looking for a deal to trade in there weaker and heavier 08-11 ZX-14. They race the newer bike instead of going back to the old. the dif is not significant enough to those guys and they measure their gains in hundreths of a second.

The only thing that matters is what bikes consistently go the fastest in their element. Not on a dyno or in some race venue they were never intended to compete in or what performance claims the manufacturer makes. Compare apples to apples in the real world.

I actually want to see one of those old, outdated Suzuki Bandits you were talking about come and clean us all off the road.

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yeah.. I hear ya GRn14... I heard the only thing that is interchangeable with the 06-11 is the rear taillight.. I'm sure it is a completely different beast. After blowing mine up twice, it is now a completely different beast as well.. heehheheheeheh.. Congrats and nice ride!!

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"If you are riding your bike to it's fullest potential, then it's not but a matter of time..until you spend as much on your old 14 as a new 14r.. I have the receipts from APE, and JEG, and everyother place to prove it."... I didn't say this BTW....someone else here did...so is he saying YOU GUYS(including ME) aren't riding your 14's to their potential like HE is?Gee...I'm SO hurt.Now who's being rude and insensitive?(and I'm NOT saying you are my man(KILLA)...not at all...I GET it )

"rude and insensitive comment" ...only to someone who feels shitty about their bike already.I wouldn't give a shit WHO said my bike(s) were whatever....to me they aren't...and I wouldn't be offended either if someone suggested I try a different bike and then see how I feel.Sheesh....You guys...lighten up a bit will ya?(or not).No one said yer 14's are trash.And if they did...so what?Is it gonna change how ya feel about yer rocketships?Someone says...60K...'no wonder it felt like a spaceship'..ya..well...think about what ya just said.YOU have the same bike...you gonna sit here and say...in 60K YOUR bike is gonna feel like junk?Hmmmmm?I'd never say that myself...UNLESS...my bike DID feel like junk....which it didn't.I remind you whoever you are criticizing me...how may times YOU run your bike up to 190?Big deal...I know....but how many times?Does that make me an expert on engine wear or make me the 'best rider' out there...or here?.Someone's gonna say..."Ya..there ya go...tryin to tell us all you're better"...I can hear it now.I don't care.190 was fun.More than once.

Guy buys a diavel....does that make him some kind of hooligan?He compares it to his 1199....makes positive comments about the new bike.Does that mean he's sayin...the 'other one' is junk?

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/14/2011 @ 3:30 PM *

Well, I realize my comments were perhaps a bit pointed, but I think they were in fact necessary because the 14 was mainly designed to be raced WOT... If it is not being ran at WOT, then most people have no need for a new one, or will not realize any benefit from one. However, the design improvements are extreme, and could be an overwhelming cost saving if a rider where to run it at WOT all the time.. at least based on my experience. However, time can only tell.. I think this debate is always worth having.. I have owned big bore ZX's for twenty years.. and it is silly to ever say they haven't been light years better with every new generation.. If you haven't had em' I encourage you to review how we arrived at the 14 and dream of where we can go from the 14r.

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Hey, this thread has sure been entertaining if nothing else and a little debate is always good. I have to admit I'm not skilled enough to ride my bike at WOT all the time and possibly why I probably couldn't use the extra beans if I had 'em, your mileage may vary. This is why I left my new ZX10R bone stock when everybody was going for the ECU reflash and the extra 20 ponies. It was all above 12000 rpm and I rarely go there. Most of my riding is more technical stuff and the midrange is most important. Buy what you like and enjoy what you have....peace out!

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Rook, talk to 1Bad, he lives at the dragstrip and says there's a lot of very fast 1200 Bandits and GSXR 1000s at the track.

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Green it s 20 hp diff from my bike to they new 14...I was comparing a modded 14 to the new 1

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^^That's what I mean, As we discussed it's nice to have new and fast but there is such thing as old and "LOOOK OUT" faster! Speed comes at a price no matter which way you get there

I heard the only thing that is interchangeable with the 06-11 is the rear taillight..

Actually, most of my mods would transfer from one bike to the other. Only thing that would not swap off of my 08 would be the PC and maybe the air filter. IDK if the exhaust would swap. Wheels would swap, I'm pretty sure. SpeedoHealer might not swap as there seems to be no speed sensor wire on the new 14.

* Last updated by: Rook on 12/14/2011 @ 9:00 PM *

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I know it's not fair but I was arguing about whether I should upgrade.

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From reading your mod list Dragking, I'd say you've got plenty of power right now! Get your suspenders dialed in and go hunt down some of them liter bikes in the twisties!

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I can't get much more objective than the same rider, same race track, on two 14s, 6 years apart and running within .01 second best timed run of each other in the 1/4 mile and a 1.4 mph difference in trap speed. The trap speed, as I mentioned, is where the extra HP is showing itself.

You cannot compare passes done 6 years apart in what could be totally different weather conditions. Run both bikes on the same day, same track, same rider, and see what happens.