Hello All,

I just joined the forum hoping to get some advice on ZX14. I'm selling my 2006 Vulcan 900 for a sport bike. I'm 5'7" and over 200 pounds. I like big bikes to take for longer rides with enough power when needed. The Vulcan has been very good to me, put almost 9000 miles on it but I'm looking for something sporty with larger engine. I've been looking at the ZX14 for a while. I visited a dealer yesterday to look at a 2006 model. Loved everything about it. However, when he started the engine and revved it, I was very intimidated. I should say I was also intimidated when I got my Vulcan as my first bike but got over it quickly and enjoyed riding it for over 6 years. I would appreciate it if you can advise me if my transition is too quick and if I should consider a smaller sport bike first before I jump directly to the bad boy

You know how to use sugar out of a container for example, for a cup of coffee? Do you use a few spoon fulls of throttle, or do you just spin off the lid and pour the sugar in till the coffee turns to a dark syrup.

This is a bike for poo seas. Moped driven. Someone said to stick it in 6th and ride 35 mph around town. Open the throttle, you may have the fastest bike for miles. Leave it stock so you do not become more intimidate by the results.

That particular year bike should have a hefty lag to the throttle. When they introduced that bike, they were thinking of you. So you're the guy!? The only way to determine if that does have the lag is to pass a car. If it took a week or less, then yes, that's a stock bike. But if it squirts out of your hand like they removed the safety gate, maybe you could negotiate a modded bike you may have to return-wink-wink.

This is a bike that can get away from you if you let it. It's all about how much sugar you use.

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14s are definitely jekyll & hyde. I can putt and cruise around like any other lower hp bike. It's only when opening the throttle things really change. So it's all in the wrist, when you want to go slow you can still go slow, when you want to go fast there's not much faster.

You've got plenty of miles on a mid-sized bike, sure the 14 is different but that's what you're looking for. I've been on this forum for over 6 months, just getting back into motorcycling after 15 years (and I restarted with my 14R). Since then, of all the people that have come here there's been 1 who really didn't seem to like his 14 but basically seemed like a negative nelly anyway complaining in the most nonsensical ways. But that's out of probably 40-50 people. Most people seem to love them.

So if you're ready give it a test ride. You're ready!

Thank you both for taking the time to respond. Happy Thanksgiving!

I'll certainly go back to the dealer and ask for a test ride. Just a couple more questions. Do you thing a throttle tamer would help taking the edge off a bit? Also, is the second generation bikes (2012+) smoother to ride despite the fact they are even more powerful? Just wondering if the traction control helps smooth the ride for someone like me with no experience in sport bikes?

* Last updated by: Mic4 on 11/27/2014 @ 3:12 PM *

Shit man...you don't need to tame this baby down....if yer worried...there's the power mode for one.That oughta break ya in nicely.You're gonna love this baby....there really is no 'edge'...you'll see(at least with the stock ECU).Certainly you know better than to pop the clutch adding full throttle...right?;)Save that for later.BTW... You've chosen wisely young Padwan;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/27/2014 @ 6:18 PM *

I can speak for the Vulcan since I've never ridden one but the ZX-14 is an incredibly well-mannered bike. Indeed it has almost limitless power but it comes on very predictably. In my view the most important thing you need with a bike like this is maturity to know when to turn the throttle and when not to. If you're able to use this power responsibly, then the ZX-14 is the bike for you. I love mine and enjoy riding it immensely.

Having logged 9000 miles on a large bike, I'd say you have more than enough experience to be a potential ZX-14 owner.

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Do you think a throttle tamer would help taking the edge off a bit?

Nothing tames this bike but the right wrist. Brutal torque defines this bike is, a before you know it kind of throttle.

... smoother to ride despite the fact they are even more powerful?

This generation jump is very subtle in the torque dept. Both are well balanced to achieve that smooth ride. It's more a hidden power the faster you go. So the low rpm ride is basically the same for both gens, it's not worth the gen-jump for power, if we were to dissect both bikes in this area.

Just wondering if the traction control helps smooth the ride for someone like me with no experience in sport bikes?

Here is where the gens separates each other. Both are smooth. Both are powerful. Both share everything line for line, until we find the updates of mode selection capabilities. Say if we were to add a wrist tamer to the bike, the mode switching on the second gen may help.

If there is no price ceiling choosing a 14, then of course you'd have more bike, with more safety added to the second gen. ABS alone is worth a panic front brake grab. The power mode would help you ease into the intimidation levels.

Height is a problem, maybe? So a test ride even on the showroom floor would answer how well you handle the weight, and what I mean by this is if both feet are flat on the ground, on your tiptoes, or one foot flat >>> just to stabilize the bike.

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Many thanks to you all. This is great information and lots of excellent tips for me to consider. I will keep you posted with my progress. BTW, I sold my Vulacn today...so I'm certainly on the way to a new bike

Hi Mic4. Very interesting, I owned a Vulcan 900 before I got the 14. I sold the Vulcan about 6 years before I got the 14 so I hadn't been on a bike for some time. The main things that I had to get used to were low speed maneuvering and stopping. The 14 is quite a bit taller in the saddle so you really need to be careful of tipping it over when you're not moving fast. Be careful of gravel or a hole on the pavement when you put your feet down. The legs will be a lot straighter and that's a lot less forgiving of poor footing. Also, the forward position took some getting used to. I can remember at least one time I felt I couldn't turn the bike hard enough to stay in my lane on the expressway. It was like I forgot how to ride a bike for a few seconds. I rode the bike like a granny most of the first year I owned it and I was okay. The power is very easy to control. The bike doesn't wheelie unless you really try to make it do that. Releasing the clutch and applying throttle will sensibly will let you take off just as smoothly as you did on your Vulcan. I think steering will be the thing that you might need to get used to for ordinary riding. Once you get that down, start doing some not so ordinary riding and you'll see the sport bike come out. ...tough I remember the Vulcan felt pretty quick nailing it first through third. LOL that was 6 years before I ever rode the 14 though. No doubt you'll gain a new understanding of "quick!"

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I'll certainly go back to the dealer and ask for a test ride. Just a couple more questions. Do you thing a throttle tamer would help taking the edge off a bit? Also, is the second generation bikes (2012+) smoother to ride despite the fact they are even more powerful? Just wondering if the traction control helps smooth the ride for someone like me with no experience in sport bikes?

Question of Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 is a good one. I've only ridden my Gen 2. If it's within budget, there's really no reason to not get a Gen 2. In stock forms Gen 2 is much more refined in handling and engine power delivery, and also more powerful. If there's one drawback it does way a few pounds more. Gen 2 stock wheels are also lighter though on Gen 2 (according to Kaw), which of course reduces unsprung weight.

The biggest difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 has to be throttle response and power delivery. As a Gen 2 owner, it took me a while to understand that people here were mainly talking about Gen 1s abrupt throttle response. I was like, I don't get it mine's response is very smooth exiting corners, and whatever. But then I realized it was really a Gen 1 vs. Gen 2. These issues are addressable through upgrades for Gen 1, and as better as Gen 2 apparently is people like CBlast (through ECU flashing) have even further refined Gen 2's throttle response and power delivery.

As far as low speed maneuvering, I don't really have any issues in parking lots or parking. I'm not sure if this could be attributes of Gen 2. I'm about Rook's height I think (5 7), and not flat footed sitting on the bike. But I've always had good physical balance, if that might count for something.

My suggestion is give Gen 1 and 2 a test ride. See for yourself a bit. Just be careful on the throttle, these bikes are pretty insane but I'm telling you "the most fun bike I've ever owned" comes out of a lot of 14 owner's mouths!

Happy Holidays (and what a Christmas present!)

Its not some rattlesnake that's going to bite you man, although it can if mistreated. The key here is throttle control, meaning it will only go as fast as you tell it to. I can see your concern coming off of a Vulcan 900 though because I've ridden a Vulcan 1500 that felt so underpowered it was sad really. My advice is to keep the rpms low at first by shifting very early (2500 rpms or so), and just squeezing the throttle off idle. I can almost guarantee that you will be grabbing a handful in a weeks time though. good luck!

* Last updated by: Nastynotch on 11/28/2014 @ 10:04 AM *

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Mic4,
Just do it.
You will never look back.

I owned a couple of VFR800's in the past and swore they were the bikes for me.
And great bikes they were.
Till my brother bought a ZX-14 and I rode it!
I had never ridden a bike with such beautifully smooth power delivery.
It was amazingly usable in city conditions and then when the opportunity came to opening it up, well, wow...
The next day the VFR was advertised for sale and I was in the market for a 14.

Respect it early to understand what it can deliver for you and you'll be right.

Quite simply the best motorbike I have ever owned or ridden.
By far.

* Last updated by: yannih on 11/28/2014 @ 11:50 AM *

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You guys are awesome. Hands down this forum is great. I'm glad I joined. All the comments are right on. I’m more than ready to go shopping now!

Cheers and happy holidays everyone

Yep. I agree. Just do it. This bike is as easy and docile as an oversized moped, so long as you mind the wrist. And when you're ready for it she's the meanest, wickedest, fastest bike you'll ever ride!

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Yep,very easy and smooth to ride slow. But you can glance down and be doing 150MPH in a heartbeat if you twist it.

That's what I have found in over 60,000 miles of ZX14 fun. If you twist it to the stop, shit happens quick!
That's why I'm on my third one so far.

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If you have your choice between Gen1 and Gen2 and money is no object, go with the Gen2. I've never ridden one but BIG power is the reason to own this bike and the Gen2 has about 22 hp more and some more torque too, I'm sure. I find the throttle of my Gen1 to be very easy to control. Tighten your throttle cables so you have as close to 0 throttle play as p[ossible and you will have no problem finding just the right throttle position, even very fine oppennings are under control.

The only thing unpredictable is the power hit when the secondary flies open. A lot of people take them out because they restrict power up to 6k rpm on the 06-07 bike. The 08-11 bikes have flies that open at about 3.5k rpm. The flies opening is a little abrupt and it can surprise you and it might cause an unexpected tire spin if you're a little aggressive on the throttle. You can remove the flies and tune for them and that should make the power delivery very smooth and linear. I rode my bike for a year with flies in and I didn't have a problem. I could feel the surge when they openned and that was a little annoying. Glad to have them out and have no plans to put them back in.

I would appreciate it if you can advise me if my transition is too quick and if I should consider a smaller sport bike first before I jump directly to the bad boy

A lot of us who love the 14 still feel the need for something smaller. If you are really into cornering, I think a 600 will be better suited for that than the 14.

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Yep, I say test ride whatever bikes you think you might be interested in. Since you've got 1000s of miles of experience, it's the only way you'll really be able to tell what's right for you.

I can say, don't underestimate the 14R's ability to handle. Yes it certainly is no lightweight, but she'll boogie woogie through some turns and transitions very well. I'd say a good rider on a 14R could keep up with a not so good rider on a lightweight. I don't ride with others very often, but I did pull away from a guy on a lightweight through a 100-120 mph sweeper on my 14R. I'm probably not even a very good rider technically, but I can swing her around pretty good and have no problems leaning her over in quick transitions. I'm also a bit of a lardass, around 220-230 lbs but have been losing weight. My goal is to be around 180lbs for next season, I can't wait to see what my 50 lbs means, and the 20 on the bike from replacing the exhaust.

Mick I'm definitely interested in your opinions as a new person that might test out a few bikes. I'd like to know what you think about throttle response, handling, etc.

"It will only go as fast as you tell it to"

More like "It will go exactly as fast as you tell it to"

Go for it.

once you test ride it you will know if you want it or not

Ok guys here is my update. I GOT IT :)

This is interesting. I live in CA and had a trip planned to Chicago last week. I was searching through the web trying to find the bike I wanted in a near by location but there was nothing there. I expanded my search to all states and here it was....2012 ZX14R at a dealer in Chicago, IL...I Couldn't believe myself at first but I thought to myself this was meant to be. Best Xmas gift ever :)

I looked at the video the dealer had, then called to let them know I'll stop by to see it. I was working that day so I got there an hour before they closed. Sat on the bike and everything felt right. The bike was lowered so my feet were flat on the ground. Certainly higher than my Vulacn but I was able to walk it around the dealers's show room floor with no problem. Of course it was 20 degrees outside, and dark so I didn't ask for test ride. I liked the bike so much that I closed the deal without even asking the sales person to start it up lol. I did however listen to the bike on the video which I watched many times before I went lol

Interesting enough, the dealer offered free shipping...the bike arrived yesterday but it was raining here so I could't take for a spin. Today it was 60 degrees sunny and dry so I took my bike for a spin for the first time. All I can say is WOW....What a blast this bike is. Man oh man...this is sooooo much fun....I had the power of low and the traction on 3 (just to start because as you know I was very intimated). Took a 25 miles ride, stopped for coffee and on my way back turned the power to full and traction to 1. OMG.....this baby is insane....loving every minute on it.

Thank you all again for giving me the confidence to make the decision to buy this beautiful bike. Much appreciated.

Sorry for the long posting but I wanted to share my experience with you. Here are some pics of my bike :)

* Last updated by: Mic4 on 12/13/2014 @ 8:21 PM *

Great story! That is a sweet ride right there..that black is HOT! Riders of other bikes truly do not understand what 14 riders say about this bike being fun. On other forums I've talked about how fun this bike is, and I know other riders saying their x bike is fun too...they just have no idea.

I've only owned one other bike (have rode a few others), and I enjoyed it but nothing compared to this 14R. When I put my old bike up for winter, it was up. This bike, I'm getting out even today cloudy, 43F, but dry enough to ride! And I had a complete blast just riding around! My legs felt cold for about 3-4 hours after the ride was over and it was still worth it!!!

Hard to beat free shipping! That's an awesome deal and a sweet looking ride. Congrats!

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awesome!

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Welcome brother!

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That was great that they did the free shipping for you. You have now entered the zone where all other bikes seem lacking somehow. Enjoy!!!

Mad

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