Checked out a ZX14 today at the dealership. Was an '08, "Limited Edition" maroon and black. Didn't like the color and won't be buying that particular one, still want a look at the '11 Black, but..
From just setting on it, it does feel a little more "roomy" in the cockpit than my Hayabusa. Feels like a slight bit more of a stretch to the bars, which is a good thing to my 53 year old, 6'2", long upper body build. The general picking it up off the stand and peg position felt similar to the Busa, which is also a good thing, as the peg/knee angle I like on my bike.
My interest is piqued more than ever now. Hmm..

* Last updated by: HillbillyTom on 10/23/2010 @ 4:30 PM *

---

G'day HillbillyTom Im STEPHEN buddy im only 5'7" (48)and find my09ZX so much easy to move out of the Parking areas + off the Centerstand than my 04CBR1100xx the Wieght is down low Compared with the CBR ! The Improvements of the Linear speed up gears is heaps better than the 04B/B AND CAUSE IM only 5'7" this bike is the best Ive ever rode + Ive spent 3k on personal modifications Any WAY ! Best luck for your decision Mate PS. MY WIFE LUVS THE TRIPS ON MY ZEDX-14 TOO

* Last updated by: bean07 on 10/23/2010 @ 7:34 PM *

---

Interesting perspective from a guy who is used to a busa. I rode the 14 for a couple years and then picked up the G2 busa. Here's my O

From just setting on it, it does feel a little more "roomy" in the cockpit than my Hayabusa.

Definitely the 14 has more room inside the windscreen. My head almost hits the busa windscreen when I get down in a tuck.

Feels like a slight bit more of a stretch to the bars, which is a good thing to my 53 year old, 6'2", long upper body build.

10 years younger but same height and long in the torso like you. My G2 busa feels like there's a little more of a stretch to the grips than the 14.

The general picking it up off the stand and peg position felt similar to the Busa, which is also a good thing, as the peg/knee angle I like on my bike.

Legs seem just a tiny bit farther back on my busa but very similar to the 14 compared to any of the smaller bikes. Picking off the stand, I am sure the G2 busa feels heavier than my 14 ever did. Have to say, I can't notice the extra weight in the way the busa handles. It drops into a corner very smoothly and confidently. The 14, IMO has a bit more of an edgy feel to the handling but I still have leaned it over in corners farther than the busa.

* Last updated by: Rook on 10/23/2010 @ 8:46 PM *

---

That "edgy" feeling may be coming from the almost 1" shorter wheelbase of the 14 from the Gen 2. I'm making all my comparisons from a Gen 1 Busa, but everything I'm feeling from the 14 so far, I like. Also (mind you, this is just an IMO thing), the Gen 2 Busa has just never done anything for me with it's looks.
Besides, motorcycles are a great adventure for me. Had a Hayabusa, now it's time to ride something else.
Have been wanting a liter bike for some time now too. The comfort factor has been the issue there. Juggling between the 14 and a CBR1000. Comfort that will handle pretty good, or a not as comfortable twisties/track straight razor.
Decisions decisions...

---

HillbillyTom -

Have been wanting a liter bike for some time now too. The comfort factor has been the issue there. Juggling between the 14 and a CBR1000. Comfort that will handle pretty good, or a not as comfortable twisties/track straight razor.
Decisions decisions...

Not that I want to talk you out of a ZX-14.. by all means get one. That said, you might look at the new Ninja 1000 (z1000sx). It looks to be a good sport touring upgrade for those coming off a VFR or other bike getting long in the tooth, or for those wanting a smaller package than say a ST1300, Busa, or 14. I know a lot of guys get naked bikes like the Bandits, 919, ZRZ, Fz1, SV's etc just to add wind screens and try to get them more comfortable as a sport tourer. I think the Ninja 1000 will be a great fit for quite a few folks. It is based on the newest generation z1000. 1043cc, liquid cooled, fuel injected inline 4. Makes great torque at 75 lbs or so depending on what ya read. Kawasaki is offering hard luggage as an option.. made by Givi I think? Personally, I will be keeping my ZX-14 at least another year and adding a 2011 z1000, the Ninja 1000's less clothed twin brother, to my garage. Looks like I will be waiting closer to spring as well tho.. otherwise I could at least give you a first hand on the engine, suspension, etc. Sorry.. just have to wait a while longer I guess?

* Last updated by: motoCycho on 10/23/2010 @ 10:32 PM *

---

I had a ZRX1200 before the Busa. And several other standards before that, going back into the 70's. They have their points, but none that I'm interested in anymore.
It's kinda hard to explain. I'm a twisties junkie, starting to do some track days. I want as sharp of a blade as I can get, and still be able to sometimes ride it for 4 (or occasionally more) hours at a time. I can hang with the young bucks on Saturday/Sunday morning "rides", but still want to ride to Indianapolis to watch the MotoGP races. Then haul out to the track and ride 7 sessions on the edge of the tire.
The CBR is a thought, but I'll have to give up the long ride capability to run faster.
Therein lies the decision, pretty fast and really comfortable, or really fast and pretty comfortable.

---

I have a gen 1 busa and a zx 14. The 14 is worlds ahead of my busa in every way. Feels way lighter, turns quicker, stops like a liter bike compared to the busa, and runs away on the straights. Plus its WAY more comfy on long rides for my 6ft 3 inch frame. But I've known a few guys who've taken them to the track and for serious track cutting they fall short....thats just not their forte'. If you're really wanting to have some serious track fun I'd go for the CBR. Neither the busa (gen1 or 2) or the 14 are meant for the track, get yourself the right tool for the job and have the fun you should be having on the track You can always pick up a 14 later for an awesome long distance sportbike

I shoulda been born Jay Leno. Just buy both and go on.

---

I'm a twisties junkie, starting to do some track days. I want as sharp of a blade as I can get, and still be able to sometimes ride it for 4 (or occasionally more) hours at a time.

HBT, You should talk to Kruz. He is your size and owns a 14, a CBR and a ZX-10. I think he is going to recommend the CBR for comfort and all around track performance. On the street, the undertail exhaust is going to heat up your fanny but the power delivery is smooth and the low and bottom end are real strong. If you go with a CBR, do your research because the latest gen seems to have serious oil burning troubles.

---

I will probably end up getting a 14 anyway. In all reality, 2 or 3 trackdays a year can't justify a bike that leaves me with an aching back every weekend. I would be better off getting a salvage titled, pre wrecked 600 for a dedicated track bike.
Learned a hard lesson late last summer when I crashed the Busa at a track day. Am scrounging plastics from Ebay to rebuild it now, should be in good shape again by spring. Tracking a street bike is financially risky I've found, be it a Busa, ZX14, or a new CBR1000. Duct tape and stickers will fix an old track bike, but doesn't quite cut it on a pristine street ride.
Having one bike for everything is always going to be a compromise. So I'll compromise toward where it'll spend 98% of it's time, the street. Plus there's a certain satisfaction to be had on Saturday morning, when the youngster on the 600 is trying, but just can't quite shake the old guy on the big bike behind him.

---

HillbillyTom wrote: I will probably end up getting a 14 anyway. In all reality, 2 or 3 trackdays a year can't justify a bike that leaves me with an aching back every weekend. I would be better off getting a salvage titled, pre wrecked 600 for a dedicated track bike.
Learned a hard lesson late last summer when I crashed the Busa at a track day. Am scrounging plastics from Ebay to rebuild it now, should be in good shape again by spring. Tracking a street bike is financially risky I've found, be it a Busa, ZX14, or a new CBR1000. Duct tape and stickers will fix an old track bike, but doesn't quite cut it on a pristine street ride.
Having one bike for everything is always going to be a compromise. So I'll compromise toward where it'll spend 98% of it's time, the street. Plus there's a certain satisfaction to be had on Saturday morning, when the youngster on the 600 is trying, but just can't quite shake the old guy on the big bike behind him.
========================================================================================================================

Thats excellent reasoning Tom, and most likely exactly what I'm going to do Both my bikes are flawless, and will never see a track, but I will most likely end up picking up an older track bike of some type that I don't mind laying down, because as you found out eventually it can happen. And I'd like to be able to do some steady track days and be able to have some fun, without worrying about crashing an expensive to fix, pristine street machine

Hillbilly Tom, it sounds like we're close to the same size, 6'3" and 220 lbs here. I think, from what you are telling me that the 14 would be the right bike for the mix of riding you intend to do. The Jay Leno route is obviously the optimal choice if you can afford to have a 14 and a liter, that's perfect.... if not, then I would lean towards the 14. I did 250 miles on my ZX-10R yesterday, all twisties on the farm to market roads and came back pretty beat up. Back and knees were fine but my wrists and neck were starting to hurt from 5 hours of non-stop hammering corners in a fetal crouch position. The 14 makes a huge difference here and can handle all but the tightest sweepers as well as the 10R or CBR, is just as fast but your body will thank you. JMHO

* Last updated by: Kruz on 10/25/2010 @ 7:24 AM *

---

I will probably end up getting a 14 anyway. In all reality, 2 or 3 trackdays a year can't justify a bike that leaves me with an aching back every weekend. I would be better off getting a salvage titled, pre wrecked 600 for a dedicated track bike.
Learned a hard lesson late last summer when I crashed the Busa at a track day. Am scrounging plastics from Ebay to rebuild it now, should be in good shape again by spring. Tracking a street bike is financially risky I've found, be it a Busa, ZX14, or a new CBR1000. Duct tape and stickers will fix an old track bike, but doesn't quite cut it on a pristine street ride.
Having one bike for everything is always going to be a compromise. So I'll compromise toward where it'll spend 98% of it's time, the street. Plus there's a certain satisfaction to be had on Saturday morning, when the youngster on the 600 is trying, but just can't quite shake the old guy on the big bike behind him

I put 902 miles on a two day trip and two weeks later went from IL to NC over two days that was 1070 miles total. The CBR works on the street too and is far more entertaining to ride than a zx14. I guess it depends on the individual when it comes to what you can tolerate.I totaly agree with you about getting a dedicated track bike like a sv650 or 600.I could never totally relax on my 08 CBR1000 liter bikes will kill you quickly if you make a mistake. Not to mention the expense of fixing that bike is huge. This my touring/trackday bike

Depends on the type of riding your doing wiili, 200 miles on a track at race pace would wear anyone down, a 400-500 mile day cruising down the Interstate is a whole different ballgame. When I talk 250 miles of twisties, I'm talking down in a racing crouch the entire time hittin the turns as fast as I can on narrow two lane backroads not Interstate 35. In a lot of ways more stressful than hitting a track with traffic, gravel, farmtrucks and deer to contend with. I also look forward to riding the 14 as much as any of them, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. JMHO

---

[/quote]

Depends on the type of riding your doing wiili, 200 miles on a track at race pace would wear anyone down, a 400-500 mile day cruising down the Interstate is a whole different ballgame.

Kruz the guys I ride with do 500 mile day trips that are mostly "twisties". The 902 mile trip covred every "twisty" in IL,WI,Iowa worth ridding maybe 10% were highway miles.

In a lot of ways more stressful than hitting a track with traffic

Kruz have you ever done a track day do some trackdays you will change your mind. Good luck finishing a 20 minute session when its 90 plus outside your first time out.

I'm talking down in a racing crouch the entire time hittin the turns as fast as I can on narrow two lane backroads not Interstate 35.

Kruz you might be right I have never been able to ride 100% on the road and have never found a need to stay tucked all day long.

Depends on the type of riding your doing wiili, 200 miles on a track at race pace would wear anyone down,

take your 14 and your cbr to a trackday if you are doing it right you will see the zx14 takes on hell of a lot more effort to ride fast.

With 60 lbs of travel gear strapped on top of the pillion? You're a lot braver than I am.

---

I test rode a 2011 Goldwing when I stopped at a Honda dealership the other day on my zx14 ride. There was no and i mean no wind behind that monster fairing. Handled fairly well for all its weight once doing 20 mph but there was zero feed back from the road and the front brake was very weak compared to our ninja. Almost $27k asking price !!

---

Branson West dealership has a 08 midnight sapphire blue(looks black) new with 1100 miles on it(full warranty) they want $9000. It's got 1100 miles from the dealerships owner's wife rode it a little, looks perfect! Just sayin!

---

I'm pretty much S.O.L. until I can get the Busa fixed for a trade in. Gonna be spring before I can buy anything it looks.
I do need to go check out that dealership though, totally forgot it was even there. Hmm, maybe something to do this weekend.

---

I'm glad to hear Bad's comparo with his Busa.I thought the GenII Busa fell short on the street as well.Somewhere "in between" the comfort of the 14,and not quite "enough" for REALLY HARD street duty.(handling wise,feeling planted and secure(like the 14).Really happy with my 14.

Learned a hard lesson late last summer when I crashed the Busa at a track day. Am scrounging plastics from Ebay to rebuild it now, should be in good shape again by spring.

Bad in Black, this is the first I've heard of this, what happened?

---

Hillbilly Tom, I think you're making the right decision by going to the 14, best all around ride out there IMHO.. kinda the Swiss army knife of sport bikes.

---

Bad in Black, this is the first I've heard of this, what happened?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Not BiB.. me.
I balled the Busa up out in Oklahoma at Hallett speedway over Labor Day weekend. Didn't hurt the bike itself, but broke every piece of plastic on it. Fortunatly, didn't touch the tank.

* Last updated by: HillbillyTom on 10/29/2010 @ 5:35 PM *

---

Beautiful busa too Tom. I love the solid colors/black frame on the busa body style. I have a 04LE red. And no Big K I didn't wreck mine, like Tom said you had me confused with him. I'm going to take his advice and get a dedicated track bike if I decide to have any track fun

Why ride a 14 instead of a liter bike? Sounds like a new topic but I get asked all the time on twisty rides. It's way big and heavy compared to the rest. It does seem like the truth for that kind of riding but in the back of my mind I always think of raging down the straights and not having to wait for the power band to kick in. The liter crowd says my bike can keep up in a roll on so what is the diff? Well some comfort super stability at high speeds maybe and low end grunt. Sound valid?