Hi guys, I am new to this forum and wanted to introduce myself. I started riding about 20 years ago and have owned a few bikes, my last bike was a GSXR1100 but I have been without a bike for a few years and am keen to get another one. My wife owns a 98 ZZR600 which she loves and my youngest son just got his learners and owns a Ninja 250R, so my ZX14 will fit in very well :)

I am yet to ride one but I plan to test ride a pre-2012 and a post-2012 before I buy, can you guys tell me if the first gen has any advantage at all over the current gen bike (other than price ..)? I plan to use it for commuting, weekend rides and some drag racing, so google brought me here and I am hoping you guys can help me along. I plan to hold on to this bike for a while so i want to make sure my decision is a good one.

Any help would be great.

The post 2012-present has traction control. Seems to be hitting a few mph faster top speed. I never rode one so I'll let those who have tell you the story.

I know the new shape has traction control, ABS and more cc, but do the improved specs add up to that much better a bike? Guys, if you have ridden both please tell me what you think. If you have an earlier 14 modded up then do tell me all about it.

For example, I can get a 2006 with a about 30,000 kms on it for $7000 but the cheapest current gen I can get is a 2012 with 30,000km for $12990. I know the newer bike is quicker and faster but $6000 worth? Its very hard to find a modded up ZX over here so both of the examples about have slip-ons and a tune, thats about it.

Are the owners of the earlier models happy with their bikes? Do they meet your needs or do you have the need to update? I overheard a bike shop employee talking about how much he hates electronic aides on bikes, do you have more control without the traction control and ABS or are they vital safety upgrades?

Any help would be great.

* Last updated by: OZrevhead on 1/14/2015 @ 12:45 AM *

This question is coming up a lot lately. We only got one response on this thread from Grn.

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=CCDA15DF-F65B-F3F5-ED17821FDD03AA90

Colors? ...sounds like maybe he's second guessing himself. I'd love to have the electronics and the extra displacement. I was hearing it handles better, it's faster....yada, yada. I'm sure it is better but how much?

So far, I would stick with my modded Gen1 over a Gen2 but then again, I've never ridden a Gen2. It's gotta be similar. My Gen1 probably is not as fast but darn close. I might put up a heck of a good fight up to 170. Maybe even beat a stock Gen2 but my gearing limits me to about 175-180 mph. Just my thoughts. Like I said, I never rode a Gen2. Plenty of you guys have. What's the verdict? Are you really doing power wheelies in third gear cuz my gen1 won't do that without a little help.

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/11/2015 @ 7:22 PM *

Thanks Rook, thats the problem, I'm sure its faster too but how much....

As you mentioned in the thread you linked I was also thinking about a ZX10 as an alternative but I'm not that worried about leading the pack through the twisties, I just want it to accelerate like nothing else

I don't think you can learn enough about a bike on a quick road test, it's only after owning one and experiencing different situations and conditions on it that you can start to really understand its personality.

Welcome Oz,
I'm in Sydney as well so if you need any help...

I have a gen 1 like Rook but mine is an 2007.
I love my bike and previously had two VFR800's before it.

I have ridden both as my brother has a 2012 but have only had limited time on the gen 2.
There is no doubt I would prefer the traction control and ABS options.
The engine modes I can take or leave.
Both bikes are bloody fast with the gen 2 probably just getting the nod but there is no major difference to me.
I understand the gen 2 also has a slipper clutch and many revisions on the gen 1 design which are very positive improvements.

Is all of this worth the extra cost for the gen 2?
Only you can answer that.
But to me, if cash is no issue definitely go the gen 2.
Just keep in mind that you will probably also need a budget for modifications which you will no doubt want to do, so that could possibly influence your decision as well.

Why do I still have a gen 1?
Because I keep it in pristine condition and I have put quite a bit of effort and money into getting it exactly the way I want it. Plus I love the Candy Plasma Blue color which is only available on the 06-07's in Australia.
I'm very happy with the end result...

There are some boys on this site who have much more experience than me on both gen 1 and 2's so maybe they'll chime in with their opinions.

But no matter which one you decide to go with, you won't go wrong as long as you have some experience on the slightly larger and more powerful bikes...

* Last updated by: yannih on 1/12/2015 @ 2:32 AM *

Hey mate, thats exactly the stuff I'm looking for, it's very interesting that you said " no major difference between the two" as this is what I suspected (both are super fast anyway). I can afford a used gen2 but its easier to afford a gen1 and as you said it will make it easier to afford the mods afterwards. I really want to run a 9 and it seems its that bit harder to do on a gen1, so that is a factor for me. Plus my wife wants the safety options of the later bike for me, so thats pretty cool.

By the way yannih, you weren't selling an Annitori quickshifter on ebay a few weeks ago were you?

* Last updated by: OZrevhead on 1/12/2015 @ 2:36 AM *

Yep.
That was me.
Had to choose between the HM and Annitori.
Both good but the HM won...

* Last updated by: yannih on 1/12/2015 @ 2:43 AM *

As you mentioned in the thread you linked I was also thinking about a ZX10 as an alternative but I'm not that worried about leading the pack through the twisties, I just want it to accelerate like nothing else

The Gen4 ZX-10 will go as fast as the Gen1 ZX-14. It doesn't have the bottom end but on top, with the weight dif, the ZX-10 will do over 200. It will probably accellerate quicker than a ZX-14 from 60-70 mph. There is a simple wire mod to do on the ZX-10 that strengthens the low end and midrange a great deal. Get basic mods on a Gen 4 ZX-10 and that is a fast bike. Heard of Garth? Do a search "Garth ZX-10" and watch for yourself. It's been close to 2 years now and I have not heard a peep about what Garth has done on his ZX-14R. I don't know why. I've heard of others doing 208-209 on their 14rs. Too me, any bike that can break 200 is fast enough. If their was one that would do 225 with basic mods, I'd be more interested.

As far as the slipper clutch, I have one on my busa and I can't tell it's there uless I am downshifting very hard. Tell you the truth, I prefer the 14 with no slipper clutch. I don't downshift that hard often but I still know when the back is going to slither around from engine breaking. I'd rather slip the clutch myself. I'll probably disable the slipper on the busa some day.

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/12/2015 @ 5:47 AM *

I have a Gen 1 06 with 66,000 miles on it and I LOVE it. Mine has a 4-1 Yosh exhaust, a PC3 and in the future will be
CBlasted. I have only sat on the newer ones but the only way I can justify to myself to buy the newer version is if I destroy this one first. I'm trying hard but the thing just won't ( permanantly) break...

Mad

Thanks guys, that's three gen1 owners that love their bikes, its good to hear. Any stats on these guys? Such as dyno and qtr mile?

Dyno results and modifications listed below.

Very nice, what did you change between the two runs?

Nothing except a custom dyno tune via a PCIII.

Welcome Oz.
I had the 2008 "special edition" as far as I know it was only the colour that was different.
Had a 4-1, with a PCV. Dyno showed 178hp. Ran like hell.

Then I walked into a dealer as he was unwrapping the 2014 Ohlins edition and she was just super sexy.got a really good price on mine so traded it in. I put a 4-1 and a PCV with an autotune. Running a map from Romans the last run was at 195hp. My next step is to flash the ECU. These were break the bank mods, there is a lot more you can do if you want to go even faster.

My immediate opinion on the 14R, she runs smoother. Seems to run like a rail on tracks and maybe it's in my mind but the traction control gives me a. Bit more confidence and I seem to feel I have more control in the "twisties" we have over here.

As for power I found the gen 1 seemed to launch faster, (this could also be in my mind) however once you kick into second on the 14R its WOW. Also with ABS I can stop on 10c piece and give you change.

The Ohlins shocks also make a big difference.

Is it worth the difference in money, and it's HP vs dollars then you probably not going to find value. It's the whole riding experience vs dollars. I was happy with my gen 1, but happier with my 14R.

Having been in the hunt recently for a ZX14, I've got to say, if you are looking for a Gen 1 v Gen 2, in Sydney or at least Australia, a low kilometre Gen 1 is almost as much used as a reasonable Gen 2. Throw in a little more refinement and the safety features, the choice was easy for me. 2012+

Another thing I don't think anyone else has mentioned is the ergonomics. I never rode a Gen 1 in the end but from just sitting on them, the ergos on the Gen 2 seem better, especially leg room which was important to me.

"Colors"...yup,I said that...it was really tongue in cheek...I didn't wish to go though the dart throwing again that I first got when I tried to explain my ride report comparing my 2012 to my 07.Using a term like..."better' can easily be interpreted as saying..the other one isn't good enough..you know what I mean.BOTH bikes are GREAT.But I do think the 14R with it's upgraded engine,electronics,abs....performance and potential has the advantage...it also FEELS more solid...hard to explain this thing really.It just(to me) feels more 'compact'...even though it's really the same dimensions as the earlier models except the wheelbase.Well...ALMOST the same dimensions.It is different.Slightly.The steering head has been re-engineered...to give a lighter feel...and I THINK the tank may have actually been slightly shifted...perhaps that's the frame being upgraded to handle the 1441 motor...IDK...it seems different to me anyway.

And of course...the power and delivery...it's very noticeable.Along with the shifting feel...much more compact feeling and solid as well.I think so anyway.IF you flash this bike...you'll REALLY feel the difference in all areas.IF you add a quality aftermarket exhaust system..again...it will be very noticeable.Get some lighter wheels...you will have a very nice strong carving knife...for it's size.

The seat is also quite noticeable...it's very much like a Connie seat in terms of comfort...big,roomy bowl...plush.The earlier models weren't quite as supple as the 2012's and up.They did a good job redesigning the seat.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/13/2015 @ 11:10 PM *

a low kilometre Gen 1 is almost as much used as a reasonable Gen 2.

Hey mate, this is true, there are lots of higher priced gen1 14's out there but no one is buying them. I have been following the fortune of one local guy with a blue 06 that he has been advertising for over a year and it has not sold for only $6800. Another guy with a black 06 dropped his price today to $6500 after not selling for $7000 over the last 6-8 weeks of advertising it. Both of these bikes have a service history and only 30,000km. The black one has a Brocks 4:1 and PCV too.

Grn14 - your comments are all valid and understandable, it helps to convince me to go with the 2012-

Untamed - another vote for "both are great but 2012- is better"

* Last updated by: OZrevhead on 1/14/2015 @ 12:44 AM *

Guys, I read in another thread here that Gen1 ZX14 has a more upright seating position, is this true?

Oz I think your best bet is to ride both and then make a decision. This will then reveal riding heights for your length, riding position, power of the bikes, handling etc.
the thing is you will get various different opinions, but until you "feel it" you will never know for yourself.

OZ, you can get 1" bar risers for under $100 or Helibars, or a Speigler bar kit for both versions. I'm 6'3' and found the bar risers comfy for me even on long trips.

Mad

Thanks guys, my bike plans have hit a hurdle (I spent the money on a family car instead) but I will stick around until I get back on track and get my Zx14.

* Last updated by: OZrevhead on 1/24/2015 @ 11:55 PM *

On a cage?

Shame.

I spent all this time reading this to find out a cage got in the way?
I feel cheated. Your 'Ol lady has a bike and you don't? Your kid has a bike and you don't?
Something is wrong with this picture.

haha its OK mate, the wait will be worth it. We have 5 cars now so I have to sell some first.

Its a VE Calais 6.0 (Pontiac G8), black leather, factory 20" wheels, TV, ready for mods

Besides, there are not that many Gen2 14's for sale over here so it might take a while to find the right bike, hard to find one with any work done too. I have been enquiring about this one:

But its interstate so its a bit harder to register and its got 34000kms on it, its been for sale for a month so Im hoping they will drop the price.

* Last updated by: OZrevhead on 1/25/2015 @ 3:41 PM *