Ok im a harley guy, I've owned 2 raced dirt bikes my hole life, the zx14 is really getting my attention. I had the chance to ride one for a little while and loved it. I am thinking about buying one for christmas, it will be used but I am very funny about my bikes and it must be flawless!!!!! So im just wondering if anyone can help me out let me know if there are alot of issues with these bikes, or maybe give me some pros and cons. Thanks, bird

Welcome Big.She's a fast one,that's for sure.Strong.Smooth.If ya want it...get it.It isn't a Harley as you know.But she'll cruise all day long with any bike out there in comfort.It is probably gonna be a "laughingstock" for your Harley friends however.If ya don't mind that....cool!Personally,I LOVE the styling and fit of my bike.Just love it.It DOES separate you from "the crowd"....yup.I think "most" of the critics secretly would really like to ride one,but they'll never admit it openly.It's all good.

I've never ridden two-up on mine...probably never will.I would imagine if you're gonna be doing a lot of that,MAYBE...IDK,you "might" want to stay with a big cruiser?Some guys here ride two-up all the time...maybe they'll chime in.Personally,I don't want to risk another person with my bike.They are quite vulnerable...and sad to say....people are still making left turns and stuff in front of bikes.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 7/9/2011 @ 1:48 PM *

Im looking at a 2008 only 3000 miles, mint, ,MINT condition does anyone here own a 08 and have you ever had any problems out of it.? Internally?

With the big guy comment most here bar me LOL are over 6' (Drop foot pegs 1" $76 USA)solves the leg room, if two up is a concern it's the best Hyposonic Sports Tourer IMO to replace my 04 CBR1100xx as my wife is mostly on it as well theirs heaps of settings for the front & rear too ! Unless ya like the bussa it's about the only other "Sports Tourer" in it's "Class" as + what he has'nt mentioned

Im 6ft6 so I will be dropping the pegs. The wife thing doesn't bother me she loves to ride also. We have children so im a very well responsible rider.

You guys are missing the point here I asked for pros and cons not about my wife riding with me. Besides she a 115 pounds and fine as wine.

Why not get a Connie then?That's a sweet ride...plenty of power,sport oriented,comfy.Ride two up with no problem.Plus ya get to manually tune yer suspension...nice if ya want a different ride feel along the way without having to do acrobatics to adjust stuff.New screen shape on there as well...plenty nice for clean air.They solved the heating issue by redesigning the fairing.Might wanna check that bad girl out?She'll definitely hang with most sportbikes.

You really can spend A LOT of dough "remaking" the 14 into a cruiser/rocket.Not sure it would be worth it though...it's really a SPORT machine.You start changin things that're designed for..well...fast azz rollin and cornering,it isn't gonna perform the same.If that's not very important to your wants....she makes a fine tourer.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 7/10/2011 @ 11:49 AM *

keep the hd and add the 14 and youll have the best of both worlds...comfort for touring/2 up and the 14 for when youre feeling a bit more...oh who am i kidding a LOT more! haha

Nice to see that you understand my question and I get a straight answer. Thanks bird. Btw she 115 WETTTTTTT

Just incase!

09 ZX14 Limited in Chicago
07/10/11 8:00 PM

4K or so miles. MINT shape. Slip ons and PC5. Runs perfect, title in hand. Just not bike for me.
9k or best offer.

does anyone here own a 08 and have you ever had any problems out of it.?

yes, 28,000 miles and the only trouble is a leak from the top engine. Very slow. Never enough to deposit a single drop on the floor, even after sitting 4 months in winter. The leak is almost definitely a valve cover gasket leak which is a common problem. We throw a washer under the hed of each valve cover bolt and retorque. The threads are designed to be exactly as deep as the threads on the screws but over time----I guess the gasket flattens or something. No way to tighten down more so the washer trick seems a common fix. I plan to just replace the gasket.

Cons
1. valve cover leak -not too big a deal
2. rod bearing spins serious sh!t byre-bye motor, happens to a few, I have heard of ~6 owners on this forum since 08 and seems like one rod bearing fail was on an 08.
3. cam chain rattle--no problem just a PITA to listen to.
4. Gas mileage is no better than a small 4 cyl toyota. lot faster though.
5. Suspension could be a lot stiffer for the bigger guys. Might be something you wil want to upgrade if you are 250+ or carry passenger.
6. Loud clunk into 1st from N. No harm, just another PITA to listen to.
7. Top engine is not the easiest to get your hands on. Plugs are hard to get to.
8. Seat cowl rattles. IDK, I seem tio be the only person wha has complained of this since 2008.
9. Side stand is kind of iffy. Be very careful and be certain it is down all the way dont park on an ANY incline without bike in gear resting on trans.

PROs
1. Looks great. Best looking bike made to this day, IMO. Still love to look at the bike.
2. gobs of power. Super smooth 100mph is like nothing.
3. Superb brakes
4. Handles very well for a large bike.
5. Best bike for just about all kinds of riding the average guy is going to do. Twisties, commuting, touring, speed runs Drag race, LSR even road course track, it will hold it's own.
6. about the only sport bike you will want to carry a passenger on.

I to have a 2008 and the only problem I had was oil leak from valve gasket fixed with 4 m10 washers never leaked again and yes there is a clunk in 1st and the cam chain thing but all other gears are smooth as butter by far the best bike I have ever owned and the engine is not that hard to work on and others have forgotten one of my favorite things about this bike its easer to change the oil on a ZX14 than any car ever made!!!!!!!!!!! If you crave raw power and great control this is the bike for you P.S. if you do decide to get the 14 don’t forget to set up a savings account for tires!

"seat cowl rattles"...geez Rook.Why'd ya wait so long to mention THIS??Not good.Not good at all.WHY is yer cowl rattling?And I'm also saying here...I was(and can)pull dowm 40mpg(maybe more if I REALLY try)..

* Last updated by: blue07 on 7/12/2011 @ 12:53 AM *

"seat cowl rattles"...geez Rook.Why'd ya wait so long to mention THIS??Not good.Not good at all.WHY is yer cowl rattling?