Checking back in to report that my "old friend" Kawi dealer made me an offer that I couldn't refuse.
Comparing to the other two I've seen discussed here earlier, I'd say my deal is at least as good.
He gave me more for my '07 than I dared expect and took almost a thousand off the top of the list, then surprised me with a 500$ rebate from Kawi for delivery prior to Dec 31! Wasn't expecting to get out the door on the street,taxed, licensed and etc. for less than 10K difference, but was pleasantly (understatement) pleased to do so!
Plus, I can continue to ride Old Blue till delivery of New Blue or turn in my trade when I feel like it (instead of putting it in storage Dec first as I usually do).

From all I have been able to discern here and from other sources, this R version is so improved in so many ways and really has no comps at this time. I figure the new and changed features should make this a 16k bike (20k if it carried an Italian name plate). I think there is a good chance that Kawi is understating the virtues.

In any case, sometime in Dec it will be home!

To "Blue O7": I can't believe that you ordered a green one!! Did you forget that the blue ones are inherently faster??

Hope the url below comes thru. Gizmag has one of the best summary articles I have seen on the new 14. Enjoy!

Your text to link here...

Well, I intended to tack this on to the old thread but F'd up. Sorry. and I see that the link didn't come through. If you'd like to read the Gizmag article, go to Gizmag.com/ and find their motorcycle section. Obviously it is a recent article and should be easy to spot.

Cheers!

* Last updated by: PaulAB on 10/17/2011 @ 7:11 PM *

http://www.gizmag.com/kawasakis-2012-zx14-r-will-be-the-most-powerful-production-motorcycle-ever/20158/
Nice article and glad you will get one to hope you and blue07 make some grate write-ups!

Way to go Paul.Green?Ya...ONLY because of the polished wheels,and brake calipers....well...okay,removable Ninja lettering on her flanks(ready for my soon to be here American Flags)...And...those kinda cool green flames on there.I'm used to having Black Ram covers.You know...200 more...what the heck.I DO like those wheels.Think it's gonna look VERY NICE in the sunlight.Ya.Almost went with Blue...but for some reason,the side panels just wasn't appealing enough for me...in black like that...but still....The blue is Gorgeous.Black...ya...very nice....but didn't want to have to continuously buff out swirl marks.But still beautiful anyway.IF they'd have had the Blue with full on Blue side panels...it would have been REALLY hard to decide.Anyway...yours is gonna be WAY NICE.Glad you're getting one as well.REALLY HARD waiting for it.Feels like when I was waiting for my then 14,my 12 was sitting in their shop.I told my dealer(this time)..DON'T let that 14 get ripped off this time around!He looked at me kinda embarrassed and said "oh shit,I forgot about that!"...I said...Well,yah....keep this one in the showroom will ya?

Thanks for posting the link, Cooter.

I follow your reasoning Blue; I do like that sparkle in the SE green paint. Pick that thing up as soon as it gets in the garage at the dealer's or at least go over there and throw a chain on it! Otherwise it will be gone for sure.

I don't have many extras on my bike: just Ivan's RTE to lock the map in sixth gear and tuned engine for KR Tuned slip ons. Love those pipes with the baffle left in! Sounds great and did increase the drive off lower rpm. After some mile on the new one, I may want to make some changes but most likely number one the exhaust. I don't like the look of those space warp cannons on there but I guess they carry the cat converter (or is that only in CA?).

Oh well, waiting is already beginning to get to me although I just had a great ride on Old Blue on some backroads here. I really love this bike and could get by without a new one, but then the deal and the improvements were too good to look the other way. If they sell as fast as they might, we may be really glad we bought at this time! I was not the first order at my dealer! LOL

pb

Not a problem PaulAB thanks for the article and I hope that Kawasaki will supercharge her in 2013 that’s what I want 230-300hp to the rear wheel on pump gas vroom vroom.

Yea i called my local dealer they played stupid when i asked about a $500 rebate they said they would check on it and get back to me

COOTER wrote:

Not a problem PaulAB thanks for the article and I hope that Kawasaki will supercharge her in 2013 that’s what I want 230-300hp to the rear wheel on pump gas vroom vroom

You are funny, COOTER.

2013? Naw, maybe 2014/15. KHI has to milk what they just released at least 2 years, preferably 3, before they bring the supercharger version out.

Won't be 300 rwhp though, no room to fit a big enough supercharger in to do that. A&A says they could get 245 now and still keep it underneath the cowling. Of course, the KHI supercharger would probably ride under the throttle bodies because they could change the frame and engine to accomodate it. They aren't constrained like A&A is.

I think the 14R (cough) will come back in 2013, and 2014. And the 15RS (cough) will be just a bored 14R with supercharger, for $2,000 more base. KHI could make money doing that, and have two options for buyers.

If they did that, the 14R (cough) would probably get some love too, but nothing radical.

You are right about one thing for sure, the next few years are going to interesting.

* Last updated by: privateer on 10/19/2011 @ 1:03 PM *

I’m a dreamer I know they won’t do anything for a few years and that’s fine I have the rest of my life to ride these overpowered monsters so whatever they come out with I’m game!

I want one of your teddy bears...

Sweet, keep us in the know.

Hey All,

I just got back from the stealership and put some money down to hold my 14R. I was told that they just arrived in the US and would reach the shop hopefully by next week. Can't wait! I went for the green as well, but Grn14 said - if they would have made the side panels on the blue one complete, I probably would have chosen the blue one. Honestly I am happy either way...

There's some good news sickZX! I haven't seen any here yet. Will have to run by the dealer's shop next week and see what he knows.

Then decide if I want to take delivery home or store it til March.

Decisions, decisions..................good sense says store it til spring now that its getting so late in the season.
I usually put the bikes away at Thanksgiving. But will I have the will power to do so?

Naw, probably not.........probably take it out for a few cold blasts and store it in the garage later.

The blue ones are still faster.....simply cause the cops don't see them as well as the bright pea green flamed versions.

The cops here just leave me alone They know giving me a ticket is just a waste.I'll pay it and keep rollin!Honestly...I think they know I'm 58...ya...a senior citizen(almost).Lettin me have some kicks...I think they've given me a bunch of breaks.

Sorry..your Blue bird aint gonna be faster than my green goblin.Sorry...aint gonna happen

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/22/2011 @ 2:11 AM *

Great Link Cooter, most info to date

Man, I was Glad to read this. Thank You Kawi For Listening. On my Forth Set, GRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Those massive disc brakes may have the same dimensions, but they're made of a more rigid material and the brake pads have also been improved.

* Last updated by: Romans on 11/22/2011 @ 6:21 PM *