I'm an avid rider, having been on two wheels for thirty years now. I've spent the last thirteen on my trusty, rusty SV650. It just won't die, and I love it too much to sell it. I've usually bought and owned "modest" bikes and really have no desire to ever own a SS bike. I'm thinking of buying another bike, and the ZX14R is on my short list of next bike. I'll keep my SV and I'm also building a chopper with '75 Shovelhead.

For those of you that have been riding for years, have many thousands of miles on two wheels, and have ridden more than one or two bikes, would you mind giving me your thoughts? I know there really aren't many *bad* bikes out there these days, so I'm sure I won't hate it, but I'm nervous about buying something like a bike...especially since it's a style I've never owned.

The next bike I'll buy will be big. An FJR looks interesting, too, but recently the big Ninja looks more appealing. I make fun of "das Busa" every time I see one; I have zero desire to own one. At 38, I'm too young for a Goldwing. A big cruiser is just boring.

Any thoughts?

Hey jbs, first welcome to the insanity ! LOL !

I have been riding for many years, have had a range of bikes,from a 350 honda, Many Dirt bikes, 550 suzuki, 1100 suzuki, A Busa, and Now the 14R. The 14R is really the best motorcycle I have thrown a leg over ..

Now one thing, it is heavier and larger than say a 1000 etc .. So you have to keep that in mind, BUT
It handles extremely well for a big bike, it is really pretty agile for a big bike, especially with
A 55 rear profile tire, I had a first gen Busa, and it was and is a good bike, but the 14R just does everything
A bit better, (not to mention I cannot stand the rear section on the 2nd gen busa, I mean WTH were they thinking)

And the power and torque is EVERYWHERE, especially with a flashed ECU.... Also it is extremely stable at
High speeds, something that maybe some smaller bikes might not be ? I don't know haven't ridden any newer
1000's , 600's etc .... If you like gobs of power and torque, this bike is for you, if you like a lot of
Tight Twisties etc .. Maybe a smaller bike would be better ...

It is also very comfortable .... For a stock seat, I think it is very good also ....

Just my 2 cents, I was struggling before I bought this bike between a BMW 1000RR, and a ZX-10, and the 14R,
All things considered, I chose the 14R ....

Hope this helps, have fun, whatever bike you chose !

* Last updated by: carabuser on 6/9/2014 @ 11:49 AM *

I'll toss in a few..I'll be 52 in a month or so, and a cruser is not for me yet. You could say i'm a Kawi guy. There are many bikes out there to choose from, Just depends on your riding style and what you want the bike to do. The ZX14 is a great all around bike.. Have had mine almost 2 years in a couple configurations, Stock, lowered, lowered and streatched. These are the 3 bikes i'ved owned and and ridden in the last 12 years..99 ZX9 (80k miles when i sold it) , 2006 ZX10 (51k on it now) , & 2012 Zx14 (curently 22k and climbing). Zx9 & zx14 many miles and 2up riding with the wife..ZX10 not so much as rear seat just not comfortable for the wife. I commute 100 + miles daily for work,
weekend rides, track days, ect... here's a lil collage of my bikes in diffrent configurations.
Zx14 can be considered tame and boring if keeped under 6k rpms, as compared to my other 2 bikes as they need to be reved higher to make the same go as the zx14 does at any RPM.. Hope this hepls. Feel free to contact me with any specific question you have.

* Last updated by: Blkcasper on 6/9/2014 @ 11:53 AM *

Currently have a big Ninja and a S1000RR

Would love to get something entirely different like a 2015, newly revised Ducati Diavel (love that bike)but that'd mean losing one of my current bikes and I can't do that.

And three would be outta the question as I can barely keep two ridden with a full schedule.

Then there is also the "money thing", as well. Lol

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 6/9/2014 @ 11:52 AM *

Good photos, blk

100 plus miles commute? That one way?

I am 40, almost 41. I have had 4 street bikes in my life and have been riding since I was 8. This doesn't count all the dirt bikes/quads etc.... and I still have 3 of them. I have ridden about everything that's out there but a TREX but its not really a bike either so there's that.

Like you I am too young for a 'Wing and I have my cruiser VTX 1800c. I can ride that thing for 13 hours straight, I've done it. The ZX14 I can ride for a long time but not 13 hours. I need a break after 7 or so. It does handle VERY well, has all the ass in the world stock but as mentioned, get it flashed and you basically have a brand new bike again... it really is that different.

I ride it hard and easy and is something that I will have until I either die on it or maybe one day trade it for a Wing, but ... I will still probably keep it too. I just hate to part with my bikes.

Like Blkcasper, I too commute a lot to work about 60 one way. Odd thing is that its 60 miles to work and about 150 home /shrug... either way my wife doesn't know, I still get home in the same hour and a half :)

JBS:

What kind of riding do you do? Dirt? (the SV650could be your "poor mans dual sport").

Kinda mixed signals from you, there at the end. "A big cruiser is just boring", but you're (re-)building a '75 HD.

SO, OK at face value, I see you like to build something, but mebbe not ride it, it's cool...

But, if you *really* like the HD world, then finish your build and make some friends there.

From what you've written, I get an idea you're on the SV650 alot, but I'm not sure. So, maybe you're heart's really into the DS world, but you're trying on some new ideas here. OK...

I used to ride big inch cruisers, for decades. I got bored, and tried the 14R as my first foray into sport bikes. YIKES! *What* was I thinking?? I survived my first year solely because the 14R is programmable. I rode it in "rain" mode for 6 months, then made one step up from that, and another 6 months. I feel I'm qualified to ride it at *the cycles* ~60%. Having never done track (yet) I'm probably at *my* 70-80%. I have no shame in this.

This cycle is a good fit for a transition to sport cycles **only if** you can live with, and stick with, the training curve needed to survive the encounter. Here's the big warning: If you try to short-cut it because "I know how to ride motorcycles", you're likely to not survive it.

After considering that thought carefully, consider a smaller, programmable, cycle: 650-900cc.

Check-in and tell us what kind of riding you currently enjoy.

These days, I'm doing 450 dirt cycles (a premium cycle, a "race" bike), and I believe it has *tremendously* advanced my abilities on all cycles, including sport and super sport. Slide that rear end around, yeah, baby!

Good Luck.

I'm 48. I started with a YZ-80 in 1975, I've owned 20+ bikes since then. Right now I have 3 that I ride - ZX14R, VFR800, Ducati 748. The ZX has mostly replaced the VFR for me, so the VFR will be going to my son next spring. The ZX does everything it's supposed to do, it's the most competent bike I've ever had. I don't expect it to cut curves like my 748, but it's surprising how good it is... very easy to ride.

My wife and I just returned from a trip to Vermont (We trailered the ZX up there... boo!!!). She rode on the back of the ZX and we did about 500 miles in 3 days of mountain riding. She didn't complain at all about the comfort. She says its the most comfortable bike I've had her on. What is nice is the ZX has so much torque that its very smooth around town. We have had bikes in the past where her helmet would bump mine when I'd shift, but that doesn't happen on the ZX. I barely noticed she was back there, even on some trips up to 150+...

I've come to think of my ZX14 as "Babe, the blue ox" because of the powerful pull when I twist the grip. Aside from a mechanical issue that was fixed under warranty, it's been great.

* Last updated by: aegisranger on 6/9/2014 @ 2:02 PM *

150 with the little woman on back?

I try to sneak it up over 90 and I get a good poke in the ribs.

I can also attest to how easy and "tractable" the 14 is given its underlying power. H

It's like a gentle giant. So smooth, comfortable and with great handling; really holds its own on the interstate with the wind of trucks and such. It's planted in its line.

It's really a dual sport bike of sorts; powerful as hell when you want to blow someone off the road, but also a great touring bike to take on longer trips.

A bike this powerful should not be this comfortable and easy to ride, and by the same token, a bike this easy to ride and comfortable should not be this powerful. Lol

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 6/9/2014 @ 2:33 PM *

ZX14man64 50 miles one way but in the morning 30 miles of that i'm lane splitting because of traffic 20-40 miles an hour depending on speed of traffic..Seems so much longer.. ride back is usually clear...

I think your confused meb, maybe your thinking of the ds. The sv 650 is an awesome street machine, one of the best handling bikes I've ridden. There alot different than a zx14 though. I've owned both and the 14 fits my style of riding better. I guess the only thing the sv was better at was the tight twisty stuff, but spend a little time tweaking the suspension on a 14 and get used to muscling it around a bit and the 14 will amaze you at how well it handles.
A friend of mine has a fjr and those bikes are no slouch either. Not near the power of a zx14, but way more comfortable for the long haul. Suspension upgrades needed if you like the high speed twisty roads.

Thanks for the responses, folks.

Sorry I didn't elaborate more.

The SV650 is one of the best all-around street bikes ever made. Fairly light, very nimble, high torque (off the line), and the highest smile-per-mile bike I've ever ridden. I've flogged the hell out of it over the years, from day-long road trips to bouncing-off-the-rev-limiter trips across the Dragon all day long.

It. Won't. Die.

I love it.

My chopper isn't to get into the HD world. My dad built it originally back in 1975. Wrecked it in '81. It's been in pieces ever since. I've spent the past seven years, on and off, rebuilding it. It won't be a daily rider. Heck, if it had been a CB750 or GS1100, I would have wanted to build it the same--because it was my dad's.

I used to put 18k miles per year on my SV, but that was before I had to start taking my daughter to school with me on my way to work. Now I'm lucky to ride once every two months. Winter? Bah! Heated grips and a DIY heated vest got me through 12*F days.

I'm also considering a late gen FJR or Concourse. I've always bought and owned "modest" bikes. I started on cruisers back when I was fifteen, though I was on the dirt since I was eight. I've ridden a few SS bikes, but have no desire to own one. I'm only 5'7", so reach to the ground is a concern, but if I can get a toe down, I'm good.

I've taken the safety course four times in the past twenty+ years, the first to get my license, and the others when I changed duty stations while in the Marines.

The next bike I get will be a Sunday rider (until my daughter is old enough to take the bus to school!), and the passenger seat has to be bigger than my SV's. The missus is so-so about motorcycles, and hates riding the SV. She's only 4'11" and 100#, so that isn't *too* big a deal.

Will I use all the power? No. Will I use all the speed? No. I'm at that stage where I want to finally buy a big, obscene, nasty bike before I get too old to convince myself to...

* Last updated by: jbswear on 6/9/2014 @ 3:33 PM *

jbswear:

"Will I use all the power? No. Will I use all the speed? No. I'm at that stage where I want to finally buy a big, obscene, nasty bike before I get too old to convince myself to..."

HA ha.. if bikes are in your blood you'll never get to the age where the above statement I'm at that stage where I want to finally buy a big, obscene, nasty bike before I get too old to convince myself to..."
will never be an issue..if you on the fence for an all around, comfortable, managable , dual purpose bike then look no further than the 2012 + ZX14R.. you will not be dissapointed...

Get the 14 and don't look back you will never own such a capable and comfortable motorcycle.

I have always had a two bikes, my speed, fun bike zx-14r and my vtx1800 which moves for a big bike its stretched out I ride the cruiser in rain crappy days my zx stays clean and covered

I have been riding for the past 28.5 years. for the past 10 I have only had road trails so I could follow my sons around on their peewee 50s and 80s. Anyway 10 years ago I owned a 2004 Honda CBR1100XX Super blackbird and absolutely loved it. At the time I hated the Busa and still do. I sold my bird due to going travelling with family around Australia.

At end of last year I decided it was time to get a new big road bike. I knew I didn't want the vfr1200 due to small tank size and poor reviews. I thought I would see what was around as was seriously contemplating a Harley V-Rod night rod edition. Then I saw the ZX14R. Sat on it and pretty much knew straight away it was the bike. I sat on other bikes but nothing compared, although the ducati diavel with it's batman style looks got a second thought, but its extreme service costs wiped that thought immediately.

I test rode the demo the bike shop had for a whole 2-3 klm under 2 miles and was hooked. turned around and signed up for a new one straight away.

By far the best bike I have ever ridden. Normally I wouldn't have 2 road bikes (minister of war and finance decision) but I have a road and then a road/trail or moto cross bike at same time.

Best thing would be to test ride a zx14r to get the feel for it.

Will I use all the power? No. Will I use all the speed? No. I'm at that stage where I want to finally buy a big, obscene, nasty bike before I get too old to convince myself to...

Hmmm. Big, Obscene, Nasty bike. Is used to owning "modest" bikes. Has a not too supportive family, and multi-decade cycle skills.

Hmmmmmm. What do I tell him?

The 14R is Big. It's the "obscene, nasty" part that it's Not. The Obscene nasty part is the insurance costs, especially if'n you got a Record.

Really, you'll like this cycle.

It *is* heavier than you're used to, and maybe has a taller seat than the SV (I'm not sure). I would go for more than a "toe's" worth of foothold, tho, especially with a passenger. Think about what you would do about that.

(You're kinda short fo a Marine, huh? I'd lay big money bet you've bruised knuckles about that, tho).

Dont kid yourself about the power. You *will* **absolutely** suck from that fountain over and over. Its that addictive.

Last is: Riding skills are perishable. If this is a Sunday driver, for a once-a-month around the block, at latitudes that put you on wet / icy roads (I know your body will brave the cold temps, but think about the skills to navigate wet / ice), look elsewhere.

I guess I should have been a bit more clear...compared to all the bikes I've owned over the past 30 years, the engine on the ZX *is* nasty...or at least, quite capable of being very nasty if you aren't careful.

;)

My record is clean, and I was quoted about $750/year with heavy coverage by my insurer, so the insurance won't be a deal killer. It's a lot steeper than the $205 I pay for the same coverage on my SV, though!

My family isn't unsupportive...the missus just doesn't have a hard on for bikes like I do. She enjoys riding when the weather is *just* perfect and when it's on a bike better designed for a passenger, like her dad's FXLR. Otherwise, she's not too fond of the gear that one must wear. "It messes up my make up and hair!"

I'm lucky to get to ride once a month, much to my regret. During the summer it happens more often, but I would like to sign up for another safety course; it's been about ten years since the last class I took. Once my daughter starts public school (she's in preschool now), I'll get to ride daily again. Yay!

This bike purchase won't be for several months, at best. I'm also looking at other big bikes, too, like the C14 and the FJR.

Thanks for the advice!

I'm thankful I'm not taking poo for the opinions I've expressed here. It speaks volumes about the folks who inhabit this corner of webspace.

I'd like to know what you find out about the 2014 C14, specifically about the maintenance costs for it. I've eyeballed that machine, too, but I was swayed to "no" because of something I read that I did not / could not confirm.
I read that C14 valve clearance check is routinely not performed because they can't be got at, they can't be easily reached.

I also read that most mechanics won't touch that job because of that fact. They can't make money at doing that task, and are loath to take it on. The article read that there is waaaaay too much stuff to remove to get at them. Much worse than the 14R.

So, I read that and thought "uh oh, sounds expensive if'n even if I can find someone to do it (do it right, ya sure)."

I can't tell you where I read that, I dont remember. It might be BS... That was months ago that I read it. I looked again recently, based on this thread, and of course I could not find it again.

If you look into it, let me know what you find out, thanks.

Bob

Bob,

You made me curious because I have considered getting a C-14 for 2 up touring and I have ridden with them enough to know that they are very good bikes in all respects.

So I did a bit of research just now over on the Connie Owner's Group site, and didn't like what I found.

It appears that you are correct in your remembering. Average shop time is 10-12 hours. "2/3 's the effort is to get the plastic off and on. Best to get radiator out of the way first to make room to get to the job of valve checking.
Next point of any real difficulty is the actual re-shimming process; which is reported to be challenging (even scary?).

DIY and you should be prepared to runaround looking for the right shims from different sources as they are not commonly stocked. Dealers often don't like to or want to mess with it cause they cannot make money on it at book rate; it simply takes too long. Dealer quotes seem to be between 800 and 1700 dollars for the service!

Speculation has it that dealers may rush the job and not worry about getting optimum clearance or even bother to adjust if it "isn't too badly off".

USA specs call for valve check/adjust at 15,000 miles but same bike in Canada calls for check/adjust at 26,000 miles.
So many US owners choose to go 26K before doing a valve check/adjust. Although I found some reports of one or two tightened valves at 15,000 miles or less; most said that was not the usual case.

Fred Harmon, tech editor at COG, has produced a video of how to do it right and do it yourself. He also wrenches others bikes for a proper fee. I got the idea that he takes his time and gets it "spot on" also doing other services that are needed while the plastic and radiator are out of the way. Service could take a couple of days to a week of down time? But the work is done right and the price is good.

Those doing it themselves may find they need to purchase a few specific tools that they don't find in their tool shed and they are advised to view the videos a few times prior to initiating the process. Clear a bay in your garage and take pictures/ label everything as you go, etc etc. One experienced power and aviation mechanic opined that the C-14 valve job was close to being the most troublesome that he has done.

Makes me wonder if most dealers even "do it right" when they do it? Of course you could make your own special arrangements on time and cost coverage for extra care and time/effort.

I would be tempted to wait til 26,000 miles and arrange to be in Texas with an appointment with Mr. Harmon to get mine done. Texas is a nice place to visit I'm told. LOL

Now, we return you to your originally scheduled thread topic.

Thanks for the validation, Paul. I wonder why my wife complains about my memory being so poor? I seem to remember fine!

JBSwear, I dont know about you, but that kinda takes the wind out of my sails for the newer C14. That same maintenance at my dealer was ~$400 for essentially the same job on my 14R, just a couple months ago.

The FJR is a competent cycle, easy on the eyes, but last in the motor dept. for the fully clad sport tourers.

Momma Bear wont be happy on the back of the 14R, probably ever. Maybe that's the point, for you?

I'm thinking, if you *really* want to put the sport in sport touring, you've come to the right place here with the 14R. It can be nicely equipped to handle touring duties with a small outlay.

For the sake of your young daughter tho, please carefully consider the training commitment it demands. This is really not a "sunday driver" cycle. I believe this because I have stood in your shoes and made the choice for the 14R. I also believe this because of the mountain of evidence (take a casual stroll through the threads just this week) that we *like* this engine, we *crave* this kind of power deliver. We gulp that drink continually... You will, too. Taking an MSR course and deeming yourself "good to go" will likely eventually cause you and them grief.

I just reminded myself that most folks buy a cycle for recreation. So, get the cycle of your dreams, outfit it in the manner befitting your style, and you go have fun. Really, have fun with this good idea of yours.

I request that you remember, tho, Marine: This is a loaded gun. It makes for nice recreation, but it *is* deadly serious. It requires training and commitment, and has a series of rules written in blood. Those rules are written to attempt to keep it from being *your* blood. Be willing to make the commitment, or walk away.

Jbswear. I also come from the sv world. I've had my sv for 10 years. Would never sell it. Like you said they don't die. I got my a zx14r and very happy. Still ride my sv. Get the zx14r and you will be glad you did. Very easy bike to ride.

PaulAB--

I've actually gone over to the Connie forum and asked about the valve adjustment. It's a shim-under-bucket, which is easy to do. It's just a pain to get to them. Not a problem for me. I'm mechanically inclined and will do it myself, having done the same adjustments on my SV a few times since I've owned it.

I'm from Texas, around Houston (though I now live in Maryland). Might not be a bad idea to schedule time to visit family when the valves are due!

Meb--

Getting the valves done on the SV is often quoted at ~$400. But again, I do it myself, so it doesn't matter.

If the missus won't like the 14R, then it's likely out of the running. She's only 4'11" and 100#, but even the SV is too small to be fun for her. I don't hear the same complaints about the Connie. When a ZX14R comes up available at a shop to test ride, I'll get her onto it, too.

I get the impression that you think I'm a fairly new rider and inexperienced. I'm just the opposite. I've ridden for three decades on dozens of bikes. I just don't get to ride as much now as I used to. In another two years, that'll change though, when my little one enters school.

I'm looking for a bike that will best fit what I'm looking for. Sadly, though, I don't know *exactly* what I'm looking for just yet...

I have an appointment to test a newer Connie this week and have contacted the local shops to call me when they get an FJR and ZX14R in so I can try those out, too.

Thanks for all the help, folks!

With your wife's height of 4'11", the Ninja's high pegs would be ideal. I have a Corbin seat with backrest.
The passenger seat slops forward quite a bit and the leather surface is slippery. I use foam shelf liner sheet
and you stay put. Sargent Saddles make a 2-piece seat that is flatter and wider for the passenger.
You will be leaning much further over and she will be catching more wind. Depends how often you will have a passenger.
I have a 2003 FZ1 with a Corbin Saddle and it has a backrest. It is modified and a hoot to ride. I touched 140 MPH coming home one night. I have an Ivan Jet kit that really bought the motor to life. There is a woman in OKC that has 203,000 miles on a 2001 FZ1 and rides all over the country. It would be great with a passenger.

The sitting position for the driver is the best Corbin I have ever owned, better than the ZX14r.
The ZX14r seat was made to accommodate the plastic passenger cover so the driver's position is too far back and the passenger seat is narrow and sloped.

I don't know how tall you are, but a nice Bike that I just picked up is the 2007+ Bandit. The previous owner spent about $3700 turning it into a touring Bike. When he put the passenger pad on the top trunk, his wife was pushed too far forward. He traded for a 2014 FJR. I got a great deal on it. It had 9600 miles and looked new. An old guy, 60, owned it. The Sargent seat is great for a passenger. I'm just releasing the extra 30 HP that Suzuki built into the motor. I road to 14,130 feet (Mt Evans) and it did great. A torque-motor.


So you say, why have so many motorcycles?
Well, I have 2 Brothers in Arkansas and Texas. I can provide them with Bikes to ride through the Rockies for a week. Your tires last longer, one person riding 3 Bikes. The valve adjustment check is put off longer-Yamaha 26,000 miles, ZX14r 24,000 miles, Bandit 16,000 miles. I hear that many shops don't even replace shims on the ZX, and even the Bandit has tight clearances. The Bandit's frame is dimpled to get out the plugs.
Keep your memories Bike and get another and start modifying it for new memories.

* Last updated by: doubleD on 6/20/2014 @ 1:24 PM *