Howdy,
I'm currently riding a cruiser (Vulcan 2000...go big or go home, right?...) but i've been seriously considering changing to something more "sporty". My wife just sold her cruiser and bought a VFR800, which has really motivated me to look at something different.....and the ZX-14 keeps coming up.
I've been riding since I was 18 (I'll be 40 in August), and have ridden many miles on both sportbikes and cruisers.

I guess what I'm trying to find out is how adept and comfortable is the ZX-14 at longer trips, like weekend jaunts and 1 to 2 week journeys? I'm 6'2" and my only real concern is in regards to the seating position. I've been lurking around and have read up on some solutions, like risers, seats, different pegs, shields, etc......but wanted to get your guys (and gals) .02 on your beloved 14's. I've have a very good friend who swapped from my model of cruiser to a ZX-14, and by all accounts he is 110% satisied.

I like Kawasaki bikes, love the look of the ZX-14, and while I'm no speed demon (anymore) I want a bike that can get out of it's own way.

Any thoughts or opinions in regard to comfort and long haul riding would be greatly appreciated and may just help push me off the fence.

Cheers,
Carlo.

PS. I need to do something, because I now cannot shake my wife will off my arse.

* Last updated by: trikebubble on 3/27/2009 @ 8:58 AM *

Welcome trikebubble! I'm 6'3", 225 lbs and the 14 is all day comfortable. The riding position is just aggressive enough to get you out of the wind. At 80 mph, (minimum cruisng speed on a 14 or you'll get bored) the air blast acts on chest to create a floating sensation. Your weight will be split equally between saddle, handlebars and footpegs. Another factor in comfort is engine vibration. The 14 is glassy smooth when left in stock condition, makes a Busa look like a paint shaker! After removing flies and adding after market pipes, there is just the slightest hint of vibration around 4000 rpm, very unobtrusive. Suspension is tuned to keep things under control but compliant enough to be comfortable...a good compromise! This is the most comfortable hypersports tourer on the road today and it doesn't hurt that it will blow almost any other wheeled vehicle into the weeds with just a twist of the wrist.

Kruz

* Last updated by: Kruz on 3/27/2009 @ 10:07 AM *

ive had my 14 for 2 years and have ridden over 28000miles. last year did an iron butt challenge and rode 1000miles in 19hrs with ease!
ive tweaked the the suspension to put more emphasis on the 'sport' in 'sport touring', its the best mile muncher ive ever had!!
the torque is more addictive than...eh...other highly addictive substances!!

whatever you choose, good luck but you cant go far wrong with the mighty 14!!

I am also 6'3", and find it very comfortable. I did add the Helibar risers to get the handlebars a bit higher and have gone to a slightly higher windscreen (Puig). With a ZX-14, you will certainly be able to get out of your own way! -bg

Gotta agree its an open road machine. Have ridden for 7 plus hours straight only stopping for gas and no discomfort other than being tired not fatigued. Most of my rides I take in the afternoon until twilight so probably why I get tired but I like ride when everyone else has gone home for supper. The roads are more empty and not so many cops etc. For me the seating position balance is fine as is. Would probably like a little set back bars but haven't done it. Also it can really shorten the straightaways. Another nice feature of the motor is not having to pay close attention to the tach as it has torque over a broad band. I have as have all I imagine rolled on from about 60 in top gear and it climbs to over 140 with accel rate increasing the whole time.

Although I have only logged about 200+ kms on mine, it is a fairly comfortable bike similar to the VFR (which I have also logged some hours on) but more room and bars are lower.... not to mention the power and torque are ridiculous, but very managable (unless the tires are cold, wet and still new!!!). I bought the bike for the size, looks and comfort and yes the power but that was second to the comfort and looks, I am 6'1, 210lbs, I considered the VFR but it was still a bit cramped.... Like you said Trike, and everybody else, there are mod's to make the bike even more comfortable, peg relocaters, heli bars, seats (like its been mentioned around here there is a mod to replace the zx14 seat with the Concourse seat.... All in all you won't be disapointed with the 14!!!! There are a lot of good guys around here with a lot of knowledge, if somethin goes wrong or need help!!!

4200 miles,7 days......AWSOME!!!!But that's with Gen-mar risers,C14 seat,gel grips,throttle lock and DB windscreen.If your gonna put some miles on get some accessories and your good to go!!!!!I'm planning another trip like this that I did last year.But heading down the coast from Wa.31,000+ happy miles!!!!

* Last updated by: ninjamaster on 3/27/2009 @ 12:13 PM *

6'2" 250 suited, and the 14 is not as comfortable as say my old BMW and sit upright, where the peg position was much better than the 14. Would I now return to the Beamear after I felt over 100 foot pounds of pleasure? Not in your life! Year 40 years old and you are going to think this speed is nothing in about 15 minutes is who are you kidding! Tell me in 10 years how slow the 14 is/was/gonna be a slow limp model for it's day. Like I'll mention it again... You are stepping down in performance if you thin there is anything else out there to compare to the smoothness that is on par with that opposed twin [once that prop is spinning that is].

You can mod the 14 to make it an nice sport tourer or you can get the Concours and be done with it. They may fit the bill more for you if you like the look of it. Either would be a great bike depending on your preferences of sacrifice.

Thanks a bunch everyone. I sure appreciate the positive vibes. We'll see how things go.
Cheers.

I'm 6'4" and over 300 lbs. The only problem I've ever had on my 14 is that the back if my neck gets a little stiff after hours of riding. But the 14 is a lot less painful on the neck then any other sportbike I've ever riden.

I forgot to tell you. I did add a Corbin seat (about 2 inches lower), Buell foot pegs and Corbin foot peg lowering kit (about 3 inches lower), Heli Bar Risers (about 1 1/2 inches taller) and a taller windscreen to help with the wind. The 14 rode good before all that, it rode great after all that.

Welcome to the Forum.

I totaled my ZX14 last November is a pretty bad accident. Thank God I'm recovering well and will ride again. The first 2 months after my accident I had no intention of ever riding again. I would see bikes out on sunny days and people would ask me, "does seeing all these bikes make you miss it?" I said no, because they didn't. Then one day We decided to go out ot eat after church and guess what I saw in the parking lot. A mid-night blue ZX14. When I saw the ZX14 again, that awoke all the old feeling of wanting to ride again.

I've only had a few bikes since I started riding, GSXR600, R1, Busa and a ZX14. Seeing those bikes around town did nothing for me as far as me wanting to ride again. Seeing the ZX14 made me want to ride again. Just the shear pleasure of the ride experience of the ZX14 is more than memorable.

I don't want to sound like I'm idolizing the ZX14, however for me, when you find the Bike that fits, it takes riding to a whole new level.

There was a couple from the old forum that owned a ZX14 and a VFR 800!!!
The two bikes looked great side by side and the
ZX14 will surely put you back into the man seat,

* Last updated by: doug on 3/27/2009 @ 1:06 PM *

Trike you know where I stand, but I have a very biased opinion of the 14.
Hell I own the ZX14 and the Connie C14.

I just think its a great all around bike.
It can be a sporty if needed.
It can be a comfortable sport tourer.
Its even doable for around town bike.

I have nothing but great things to say about my 14.

Oh, apparantly they let anyone in here I guess?
Howdy Gene.

Yea, Carlo, they let anyone in here.
Plenty of good info to be had here.

Wear out has to be the Rotty is if they let anyone inn, it's that Rot Tin Sheezzzzzz is that incredible shrink king man bee? Let me go check another post. brb

Used to ride Vulcan 850, 1500. I doubt the 14 is going to be quite as comfortable for you. It took a few weeks for me to get used to it. First long trip, I had some sore butt and hamstring muscles. Not a problem now. If you are hankering for a sport bike, I think you'll find the thrills a good trade for some comfort.

Bigger issue for me was getting used to cornering in the head down riding position. Once you get it, you'll corner like you never dreamed on your Vulcan.

Rook

The 14 is IT!!
There is no other bike I could be tempted with.
Not one.

I'm 5'7" and about 175. Haya's are very uncomfortable for me with the sitting - leaning forward position and leg position.

I put on a convertibar on the Kawi and rode coast to coast and some averaging 5-600 miles a day and one day just under 900. A fantastic bike.

Just got my 14 and coming off a gixxer 1k its amazing the comfort difference, and I am 6'6

Carlo,

So stop sitting on the fence, already!

I'm working on it, i'm working on it.

The 14 is in my opinion the best bike on the market!

It is an all day ride like no other Sport Bike!
It is fast, and fun to ride like no Sport Touring Bike!
It is a multi role street bike like no other!

Don’t think about it buy it, you will not be displeased (unless you scare the shit out of yourself the first time you role back on the twisty thing, you may want to take it easy for a little while).