On my old zx11 I was always aware of potential throwing a rod(no3 I recall) so always kept the oil topped up and the front wheel down,have you heard of many problems with the zx14? Its been in production since 2006 so there are a few around, I haven't heard of many over here anyway

* Last updated by: dave350v8 on 12/28/2017 @ 10:08 AM *

There is a reason why you dont hear of engine problems on new motorcycles and it is because of brand loyalty. No one wants to admit they bought crap so they just keep the problems to themselves. If you know how to perform a google search, keep in mind the algorithms are all manipulated by the deep state. The forum members are paid by kawasaki to keep silent about problems. Is longivity a new word?

11 years times 1000's of 14's sold = A handful of blown engines were most likely abused, neglected.
11 years of production and pretty much = Zero recalls.

have you heard of many problems with the zx14?

Us old timers on the forum have heard of 10 or twelve. Mostly Gen1s. Mostly without a lot of miles. The concern was lack of adequate oiling to the rod bearings. There is a mod where they add oil holes to the crankshaft. If your bike has over 20 thousand miles on it, I would not worry much. 30k, it's good for life. As Hub mentioned, it was a handful of 14s. Busas did the same thing on occasion. It usually happened under heavy load and high rpm (but not always). If you search here, you'll probably find a couple threads. At leasy one owner detected the problem by an unusual engine noise and fixed it before it let go.

Just about at 128,000 kms and not a hiccup. I purchased the bike at 48k and only just changed the plugs at 125k. They looked new with only slight browning. Even with the PCIII tuned a little rich.

76.000 miles with nothing other than gas, tires. oil and regular maintenance.

When I hear of blown engines in low-mile machines, I always cast skeptical eyes on the story. One missed shift accompanied by stratospheric revs, or a drop on the side with the engine running on will screw one up quickly. The "just cruising down the road at low rpm and it blew a rod through the case" stories really don't make any sense.

* Last updated by: Danno on 1/19/2018 @ 6:33 AM *

Put 46k miles on a 2006 14, never any issues. Toured all over the western US, including some REALLY high temps in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah in the summer months (never ever over-heated either, another myth about these bikes I think). Now have 20k miles on a 2013 14R, zero issues again. Riding style is fast in the canyons and twisty roads, but I don't drag race the thing either. Honestly, outside of a race track, it is REALLY hard to abuse these bikes on the street, you run out of room sooooooooo fast. Insert massive grin here!

* Last updated by: timomasalin on 1/19/2018 @ 11:35 AM *

Engine Longevity:
Every 3k miles - Change the oil/filter and use syn exclusively.
Every 10k miles - Replace the air cleaner with a new element and not cheap out and blow the pleats clean.
Every 7.5k miles - Check throttle sync so you don't hammer the crank bearing inserts.
Every ride - The sky is the limit or if you run out of room... whichever comes first.

superb replies everyone