NOBODY here cares whether I personally like or dislike anyone's bike.I'm really NOT that important.

ok, i will admit it. I care a little bit if you think my bike is cool, Grn.

BTW ,I got bigger fish to fry right now, learning some Italian, may be a Panigale 1199 in my future, who knows? Peace out!

OMG! I was just kidding, Kruz.

...but I must admit the Taichi leathers and gloves do look like they were made for the Panigale.

Always liked those single sided swingarms, too. hold your horses and wait to see what info comes out.

Sounds slow, but what do I know?

Yeah, personally I would have to wait to see what screaming Jap bike checkmates the Panigale.

---

Take your pick, Kruz...

---

I'll have the second one Dogo yeah both of the second ones I mean

---

second one here....

....does anyone think my bike is cool?

---

You know...you're absolutely right about not using the HP.And I think most here are looking at that as the determining factor about "should I or shouldn't I?"No way will I ever use that amount of HP...not that I can think of anyway.But I want to say here...and this is only my feelings about this new 14.I did not get this bike because of 200 HP.I mean..ya...'bragging rights"...nah....to me that's just guys on the corner bs'n each other and all.Fun...but sill...just bs'n.I bought this bike because I truly believed that the upgrades,or whatever you choose to call em...really appealed to me.I have to say....the fit and finish on this bike is extremely well done.The design and styling are extremely well thought out and well done.It doesn't appear to be..well...cheap.You know...some sportbikes they look 'cheaply made'...gimmicky.And I don't mean the 14 either.The original 14,and it's following model years were the best package I have found,up till now.I'm sure as time goes on,and things get worn in,there'll be some minor deals that I wish were a tad different with this bike.But I have to say...some of my 'peeves' about my 07....and that's all they really were...minor things that probably wouldn't be noticed by anyone else...this new bike has corrected.The fasteners and tabs and fitment are quite different with this bike.Anyone riding one will notice it right off.It does actually FEEL more together,and that's a poor choice of words.It just rides different and feels different.I can't really explain it.They changed a lot of things on this new bird.A lot.It's very evident once I rode it.

I know for myself...that as time went on with my 07...there were issues beginning to arise with how stuff was staying 'together'...seams and such.I really thought many times.."you know...they REALLY could have done this a bit differently,and it would have been a lot easier to work with"...stuff like that.It didn't diminish the bike's performance or anything.But it was a distraction sometimes.When I used to remove the side midfairings...the little points up front never did go into place like when she was sitting on the showroom floor.Little things...but still...I used to look at my friend's Busa...an 08.I checked her out...ya.I have to say,IMO,the fitment on his Busa did over take the fitment on my 07.I used to think...'man,now WHY didn't Kawasaki do something like that".But I still loved my 14.She was(and is) a great motorcycle.And kicked azz on every other bike that I ever came across out there.She was way more comfortable and smooth.Much more than his Busa.

I had 4 great seasons on my baby....FUN seasons.Never a worry that she was not gonna perform just fine.It was just time for me to try something else...if it had been any other bike than a reworked 14,I would have passed.But the character and platform is still 'almost' the same.Which is why I bought my 07 in the first place.I know this one isn't going to be a disappointment either.But it's not for everyone...the styling IS a tad different.I'm cool with it.I think it looks really good...and not too far from the originals.I don't think Kawasaki strayed at all from the evolution of this bike.I think it turned out exactly right...for me anyway.

The engine rework and all..the electrics...the layout of things..switches and such...displays...all are different on this bike....in a good way IMO.The engine does run different.The trans shifts different.The clutch and brakes feel,different.The first gear clunk is virtually gone.The CCT....noise...gone.They did some really nice things with this bike.You can tell they were listening to their customers all this time.The speedo is dead on.The seat is great.The ergos are excellent IMO..at least for me.No more risers.No more Connie seats.No more aftermarket windscreens.I spent a lot of money on my 07....yep...I did.I'm not seein that with this bike.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/15/2011 @ 6:48 PM *

Grn14, I get your bike is a nicer design, I am not here to dispute that.. but more to the point..What makes it more usable on the street? I am a drag racer.. Honestly, I drove my ZX-11 thousands of miles and it was more comfortable than Little Joe's Stallion..

---

Max HP north of 9,000rpms (zx14) and 12,000rpm+ for liters, usable on street? Iffy and rarely. ZX14 torque exceeding liters' peak (10,000rpms on s1000rr) at a mere 4,000rpms? Heck ya. Pretty darn simple to roll at 4,000 anywhere, anytime, and get more torque than ANY sportbike at ANY rpm. Uh, why do gw and bmw have 1800,1600cc? Those beasts got close to 100 lb/ft at around 2000rpm! Totally usable. What's really cool about the 14 and similar, is being able to just open up between corner to corner and to be able to dial exact velocity of choosing. How effortless is that? Don't even have to try and go faster. No downshift, no upshift. Just be over 5000-6000rpm and it'll do. I don't think there is a bike that does this better. Is there? Imo, the 14 is king at this kind of riding. It ain't no peaky screamer. Just depth. With TC, you can now do in wet or damp with less caution. With better suspension, you can stay on it more thru the bumps and broken pavement. The 14r arguably has the most street user performance of ANY bike. Riding the 14 ain't so much about that it is being the fastest (although, it does that in a straight line pretty good), but about getting the most fast in the most conditions. On the street, banging off redline for too long and it gets a little dicey (on a liter). On a 14 (or similar), there is no need. The speed is more controllable, smoother, more consistent, and ultimately more satisfying over longer distances.

* Last updated by: phatphil on 12/15/2011 @ 7:14 PM *

phatphil.. I thought like you for 20 years... till someone put a clock to me.... and compared myself to greatness.

---

Ya...that's kinda what I mean.Probably PRECISELY what I'm saying.This motor is different.It is.I don't know anything about dragracing.Nada.I'm pretty sure this bike is gonna make a lot of dragracers very happy.I didn't get it for that...nor to do any top speed runs.I did on my last baby.But this one....I think I learned some things to do a tad differently this time around.I just feel better on my new bike.I do.I can't explain it.And I haven't even really started to get er out there.But the rides I took on her so far just made me feel really pleased about getting her.I don't want a touring bike...but this one will definitely do that all day long.I didn't want a smaller bike....I don't fit those at all.But I do want a bike that'll make me feel excited about riding...everytime.Like my 07 did.

Yes Rook...I totally think your baby is cool....very.I will always think that about any taken care of 14.Everyone here has way bitchen rides...everyone here takes good care of their bikes.There aint no junk on this forum.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/15/2011 @ 7:11 PM *

.It does actually FEEL more together,and that's a poor choice of words.It just rides different and feels different.I can't really explain it.They changed a lot of things on this new bird.A lot.It's very evident once I rode it.

Grn14 mate here ses what the fairly new VFR1200 is about yes i know it,s fugly but like my & other ZX1400 before to the point im saying the CBR1100xx before the Viffer, it Exudes Quality Of build proberly to the later date release of the ZX14R !on seamless & fantastic fitment not to mention I would like the Idea also of no chain (Viffer)!I fer one without seeing your new bike in the flesh can get where ya coming from knowing what Honda achived with their no.1 Class Quality fairing fit up the Extra power for me would be a Hypothetical once in a blue moon bonus (Jones Effect) it's the ABS & Slipper clutch & Ktrac that I do wish for, & of cause as ya mentioned the extra care of fit up but not till I get some value out of my 2010 ZX1400

---

Hell,you SHOULD get what ya want and need from yer baby.Nothing wrong at all about wanting to keep 'a keeper'.I just couldn't afford to keep my other baby,and have this one as well.If I could have,I would have.I had great fun and experiences with my 07.Amazing experiences.Every ride was a real kicker.That's pretty hard to achieve IMO.And this place here is excellent for the 14...whatever year.Hell...I don't ride twisties....I don't.Probably crash straight away doin that.But this area is 14 heaven.Big sweeps,deep curves with lots of open corners and such.Perfect for me.Honestly,I'd get killed on something smaller.I would.These 14's are 'the' perfect bike for someone like me.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/15/2011 @ 7:20 PM *

Hey Grn14 besides my leg stopping me riding, just use Google maps & see where I live Hewett/Gawler 5118 South OZZ great mix of roads ! tell me your area so i can see what ya got their. cheers Stephen

* Last updated by: bean07 on 12/15/2011 @ 7:38 PM *

---

I'm kinda there with ya killa, that's why I left my new 10R stock, still got the factory exhaust on there. Never done that before, kinda enjoying the quiet. Lays down 165 to the rear tire, lots more to be had with a simple ECU reflash but I opted out, really can't use more on the streets and backroads. My 14 is hotrodded a bit with a Yoshi exhaust, PC3, flies out and mapped, about 175 to the tire with strong low and midrange. I can't use anymore, love the bike just like it is.

I think the new 14 is pretty wicked but I doubt I'll do another hyperbike. One was enough. The literbikes are what I'm into now and to be honest, my ZX6R is probably my favorite ride. I feel like I'm really ringing it's neck everytime I ride it.

Bottom line is everyone is different and looks for different things in a bike. No one bike will ever be able to do it all, everytime it's been tried it's been a compromise at best.

To be honest, I bought my 14 back in '06 after reading that Cycle World article where they said it was the ultimate speedster of all time. Back then it was what I wanted and no regrets, been a great machine. I just want to try something different now like the Ducati.

---

Killa210
Location: Austin, TX
Joined: 12/14/11
Posts: 7
RE: Why I'm Not Interested....
12/15/11 7:02 PM
phatphil.. I thought like you for 20 years... till someone put a clock to me.... and compared myself to greatness.

A clock or a glock? Like I said, I dunno what you guys are saying most of time... Would'nt change my mind either, whatever it means...

Rook, do not give up on that 1199 just yet. Yes, I admit the stock exhaust is not very awe inspiring but give it a chance. A Termignoni or Leo Vince may be all that it needs to create an Italian symphony.
I'm getting excited about this bike and that's dangerous!

---

.It does actually FEEL more together,and that's a poor choice of words.It just rides different and feels different.I can't really explain it.They changed a lot of things on this new bird.A lot.It's very evident once I rode it.

See that, Grn? Like Kruz did not send in the hindsight? Now, after the run on the bike, it's sort of settled in. The bike is all fine and dandy, but it's not so hyped up as you thought, right? Am I about to squeeze out a yes or no again? It's one or the other.

---

Yes Rook...I totally think your baby is cool....very.

SCHWEW! just had to hear somebody say that. lol Your new bike is very hot as well Grn. and bean i love your bike. Phatphil, killa, I'm sportin a chubby right now lookin' at your bikes. See, this is a veritable Sportbike LOVEFEST!

WHOboy, Kruz----I wasn't sure how serious you were but now I'm getting a little edgy thinking you might be going after #6 for real. It could be the last great hurrah of the internal combustion era. BUT You just know Yammi or SUZ is gonna come out with something that is very competitive if not down right one step beyond.

---

To be honest Hub...I really can't say right now.I didn't want to drop her first ride out.And I definitely didn't want to damage anything by pushing hard.I hit 8k a couple of times...then decelled back down...I ran er through the gears nicely...deliberately..nothing crazy.I used clutch and no clutch upshifting and downshifting.I cruised at 4k,15oo,2500,4500,3500...like that.Up to around 7k a few times...throwing in the harder pulls(which were nothing really)to 8k.I really don't know what's best for this motor.I guess I'm kinda doing it Brock's way...and the book way...and 'my way'.Just basically trying to push er,but not too fast.Open er up some,let er breath,then back down.

I've heard so many different ways it 'should' be done.It's very hard to believe that it would take 1000 miles to actually get her broken in.I suspect this mileage thing is more Kawasakis way of "hopefully' getting the rider acquainted with the bike...like the other 14's.I can't ride now...ice everywhere.I think it's all done for this year.Bummer...but I think so.

I watched the dyno pulls...Ricky's,Seno's,and a few others.There naturally is a common way they're running these motors for their pulls.And that makes me wonder...'is she ready at this point to just 'easily' get busy and open er up and such'...I have NO idea how long the parts really take to smooth out or whatever and get into their 'groove'.I'm really tempted to just get busy and go for it.(course,I can't now)...but you know what I mean.Any thoughts on this?Someone said the rings and that seat in around 25 miles.If that's so...then I would guess my engine is now at the point of reaching it's optimum performance level...somewhat.I'm at 80 miles right now.I know...piddly.You can do a lot of different engine running situations though in 80 miles.So far...I have.

"but it's not so hyped up as you thought, right?" ...no..it's better than any hype I heard.If anything,it's been downplayed severely.And I mean that.This thing is gonna be a mean azz ride.I've no idea how bad this baby is right now...but if the way I've been riding it is any indication so far of it's 'potential'...it's gonna be scarey fast and wickedly deceptive(smooth).It will EASILY loft in 1st gear.And 2d,and 3rd.You know,you can feel the torque just wantin to unleash.The frontend gettin light...and that's at like 4k rolling.

I wish I could tell ya.."yeah...she's all that"..I can say...at this point..."she's all that and a bag of chips"....very nice so far.I'd be tempted to think that the Ktrc and slipper were actually put on there to help protect the rider from himself.Seriously.This thing is gonna be a handful when it's all said and done.It will be IMO substantially 'safer' without wheel slip and stuff like wheelying at the 'wrong' times and all.I know that sounds silly or whatever...but this motor and all really IS different.

I'm a bit surprised that nobody here anyway is really talking about this new bike...the guys that have been able now to get some miles under their belts.Dyno pulls...ya...that's been posted.But I haven't seen any 'riding' posts.Unless I'm just missing em.I haven't heard anyone talk about the suspension,handling...stuff like that.I know on my rides,it felt very very stable,planted,secure,and manageable.It felt really good.They did alter the steering head somewhat.Settin up for the curves was very easy...the chassis responded extremely well.Point and shoot...that's how it felt.It stayed where I pointed it...and had a nice neutral feel to it.No weird chassis movement at all.Just flat geometry and solid feeling.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/15/2011 @ 9:48 PM *

Well Hubster, bottom line here is that everyone's crazy about their ride, everybody's a happy camper....everyone goes home a winner! How cool is them apples?

Rooksteer, it may turn out the 1199 topples the s1000rr, then maybe Honda or Yamaha or whoever strikes back. I don't think you'll be on top of the literworld for more than a year or two tops. But we live I'n the here and now, if you wait for the ultimate machine....well it's an illusion, it will never come.
So you just gotta grab the brass ring and go for it. Do you regret buying your Busa?

---

I'm late for the party. Seems, "The Hand" says that this bike is going to be flooded on ebay in parts. It's a handful if you are not in some mode. Maybe they are finally making a faster bike. I haven't had a chance to catch up with today's R-news. That means, I watched a tach [in my ear], run up along with the speedo I could see.

Shedamn, that is a nice cam! When TH mentioned the front end was still up in the air at the end of the run... Sounds like my kind of bike. More like how it felt going over that day I crashed the first 14. Also, I might get to jump higher with this one. Believe it when I told you I felt the old 14 jump under me.

---

Do you regret buying your Busa?

No, it's a col bike. Just a little boring in stock form. I'll put the Cannon on there and ride it like the dickens next spring. I can't see wearing either of the out. The 14 just got better after a hard track day.

actually owning both the 14 and the busa represents a lot of things to me. I bought both because I could do that for one time in my life. Maybe i will never be able to do that sort of thing again. when I see both of the bikes together, I am reminded of that freedom and I guess passion too. That isn't wearing off. As much as would LOVE to own another newest and fastest 14 or Panigale or whatever, I'm still savoring the ownership of my two old bikes. It's a journey. Like Grn said, it would be nice to hold onto the old. I would feel exactly the same. There is more to the bikes now. They both grew into something bigger than the reasons I wanted them in the first place. la de da

---

That friggin thing DID jump!Too funny!

"The 14 just got better after a hard track day".....Do tell

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/15/2011 @ 10:49 PM *

mmmmmm..nice Dogo, real nice!

Just a little boring in stock form.

Rook, if you ever decide to sell that thng, let me have first shot at it. I like that Busa, just needs an R77 and a little TLC!

OMG! I was just kidding, Kruz.

...but I must admit the Taichi leathers and gloves do look like they were made for the Panigale.

Yep, I agree!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 12/16/2011 @ 7:14 AM *

---

That picture .....

---

.....disturbs you? ....gives you nightmares? ...wants to make you rush out and buy a Taichi one piece? none of the above? ....all of the above?

---