Been a long time since I been here. I had a 2006 ZX14, and loved it. Crazy fast and a little scary. I now have a 2010 yamaha Vmax and enjoy it, but have a chance to pick up a 2018 ZX14R SE with a lot of add-ons for about what I can sell my Vmax for. The Vmax has nearly 45k miles and is in great shape. But the ZX14R only has 5k miles and is a 2018, so I am thinking it might be a good trade off. My biggest issue would be giving up the comfort of riding the Vmax. My 2006 had handle bar risers which really gave me much better reach. Do they have them for the 2018, and will they work the same way?

That sounds like a spectacular trade to me. I'm sure I saw a recent thread about installing bar risers on the Gen2.

Here is a link to riser mods i performed with some how-to info:

Riser Mod

* Last updated by: tknj99 on 6/30/2020 @ 1:32 PM *

Pretty sure the ZX14 bar risers are the same for all model years, especially 2012-on anyway since the bike hasn't changed over that period. I installed them on mine, and I'd say they "might" have helped some, not really sure. Some guys say they really help them a lot, tho, so prob worth a try anyway. Good luck!

I fitted bar risers to my 2012 Gen 2 a few years back and they they are worth it IMO, the more so the older I get! I found the OEM screen next to useless and initially fitted the optional Kawasaki screen with the two vent holes at the base but found I got buffeting with that and ended up with a tinted Chinese replacement which fits perfect, looks and performs great and was as cheap as chips! For those really long days, 400+ miles I also use an Airhog seat.

* Last updated by: pegscraper on 7/1/2020 @ 4:07 PM *

Thanks for the information guys. As you can tell from my avatar, I had all those items on my 2006, and loved it. Just wasn't sure if those were available or interchangeable for the ZX14R. I am still undecided what to do, as I had wanted a 2nd generation Vmax for 4-5 years before finding the perfect one. Afraid if I get rid of it, I would regret it. I have a spyder and plan on possibly adding a 2018 up gold wing. Can't really justify 2 rocket bikes, and at 54, comfort is a must. Got to do some soul searching and maybe take my friends 14R out for another spin.
Thanks Again. BTW, this is the Vmax that I would be replacing.
I still think it is the ugliest, but best bike that I have even ridden.

* Last updated by: blacklightning on 7/2/2020 @ 7:52 AM *

Nice looking bike! I test road the legacy model and it was quite fast (after coming off a Honda Magna 750).. not sure about the newer model.. also curious how it would feel next to the 14R in terms of accelaration.. im pretty sure it wouldnt handle as well, thats probably a given.

Btw.. im 47 and have found that my throttle hand was getting tingly and numb after 40 min or so of riding and have installed grip covers (grip puppy knock offs) which helped (in addition to the 2' risers) and have a $10 throttle lock mechanism on order which should probably solve the issue.. but it may be something that you may run into as well.

* Last updated by: tknj99 on 7/2/2020 @ 8:10 AM *

Comfy as the 14R is for it's genre and can be improved upon slightly, I doubt you'll get the full comfort of your VMax, they're completely different bikes after all, the Max is an armchair by comparison. I turned 60 last year but still find the 14 a good distance bike with the mods Ive done.

tknj99, to be honest, the acceleration up to around 100 seemed about even. I didn't take the ZX14R above that, and I know that is where it truly shines, but I really wasn't blown away. I must admit, the newer 14R is a lot smoother than my 06 14 was. But 2nd generation Vmax is 197 hp stock, so that is nothing to laugh at. I am sure that stock vs stock, with all riders being the same, the 14R would walk away. But from my experience of riding both, I would compare them like I compare my mustangs. The 14 is like a centrifugal s/c on the new 5.0. It might actually build a little slower off idle, but it produces more power on the top end. The Vmax is like a Roots style s/c. It has more tq. and gives you nearly everything at a lower RPM. But in the end, the centrifugal or a turbo will get you.

A 2010 V-max weighs 683lb stock, shaft drive, 4 gallon tank averages 27 mpg, 1679 cc motor 5 speed. 197HP and 123 TQ.
My 2012 14r weighs 584lb stock, chain, 5.8 gallon tank, averages 40 mpg, 1441cc motor, 6 speed. 197HP and 114 TQ.

I've done everything to make the Bike comfortable for traveling. I'm 69 yrs old, 5'10", 190lb, 32" In-seam, 32" arm length. I've had back, neck injuries and left Knee surgery.
"Search box" is your best friend.
2018 ZX14r has 2-CATS. Install a full Titanium exhaust and lose another 40lb.
It is a NO Brainer choice.
Welcome back.

* Last updated by: doubleD on 7/7/2020 @ 8:49 PM *

Wow, I do like your seating position. I am not up there in the age category yet, but the miles have not been always kind to me. I have some back issues that have plagued me for the past 20 years. I am turning 54 next month. The 2018 already has a full exhaust on it and lowering pegs. I also think it has handlebar risers as well. My biggest issue with giving up the Vmax is that it is an icon in the motorcycle world. Every since they came on the scene in 1985, it has been like the old muscle cars. Yes, they are getting long in the tooth, but they are still potent contenders. Guess I will just have to do some more soul searching.

I'm just a "pup" compared to "chrly", he is over 80 yrs old and can still Race the 1/4-mile.
You can find his postings in the 1/4 mile thread.

At Redding for a two day meet and after lowering launch rpms back down two 4k picked up a few more hundredths

..New pb of 9.408.@ 151.76 mph.

* Last updated by: doubleD on 7/8/2020 @ 4:15 PM *

SHHHHHHHH!!!!! Don't talk about Chrly's age! I think part of the reason my dad's business partner has made to 103 .. seriously .. is because he seems to never think about or talk about his age! Just keeps on keepin' on

He is starting to show lately, tho .. his hearing is all but gone, and while he lost an eye from being hit with a baseball around age 10, he's now losing sight in the good one

Be Proud of your age over 80. It takes the right Genes to make to 100.
I went to Bean Blossom, IN to watch Studebakers drag race. One racer is 85. Drove his Studebaker Truck transport to the Track. He has been racing for 60 yrs.
I had a Studebaker in high school. I restored it in the Army. Today, I wish I could have kept it somehow. But too much moving and no garage.

My 1962 Daytona, factory 4-speed, 289, 4 bbl, 3.31 Twin Traction Dana 44, Buckets. I added new fenders and painted it in 1973. I installed a T-5 Isky Cam kit and Hurst shifter, rebuilt the motor and trany. A 1 year body style. If you know of one restored, let me know.
Now back to motorcycles.

* Last updated by: doubleD on 7/31/2020 @ 2:08 PM *

I still say, don't talk about your age, any more than you have to! Tom Petty said he didn't know why he was able to write so many popular songs, and he was afraid to look at the 'why' too closely .. probably thinkin' he might chase it away! Same idea with age, in my opinion

Being in the "over 60" band of angry old men club :-) , I just installed the Kawasaki touring windscreen. I bought it off of eBay thinking it was used but turns out it is brand new. Going to take it out for a spin later today...

ahhlou - The seller may be doing what we did some years back: We were an authorized dealer for one of the major headphone/microphone manufacturers, and they had a stated price we weren't allowed to advertise openly that we sell below. So we ran eBay listing stating things like "Open box, brand new, no flaws" and when shoppers would contact me I'd tell them the situation and that it was actually brand new never opened.

It was no way to run a business, for us anyway. We tried it as a side line for about a year and gave up.

ahhlou - can you post up a link to the touring windscreen, curious which one it is, cost and would to hear your review.. I have the PUIG double screen on mine and would like to explore less wind on the highway as well

I got what I thought was a good touring screen when I got my bike, didnt help much. Then I got this...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5BJT7Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Reduced the wind by half Id say.

Hey that's cool! ... namely the price since I think the MRA, Puig etc are much more.

Hmm the adjustable clip on looks like an interesting option.. Could you post up a pic with it on the bike?
Also how does it hold up at speeds around 80mph or higher.. I read some reviews saying it starts to put too much stress on the attached windscreen but curious what your experience has been..

I read much of the same with issues at speeds. I worried about it at first but after several weeks only thought of the wind savings. Im sure I went over 80 many times with it, not a problem. I took it off for the summer and will put it back on when I need to.
Id post pics but not sure how.
JOe

I went with the Kawasaki Sports Touring Screen (same as the MRA Sports Touring) and
added the MRA X-CREEN TOURING BOLT-ON VARIABLE WINDSCREEN SPOILER BLADE WINDSHIELD EXTENSION

https://twistedthrottle.com/shop/ergonomics/windshields-accessories/windshield-extensions/mra-x-creen-touring-bolt-on-variable-windscreen-spoiler-blade-windshield-extension-3/

Stock wind blast would hit me in the chest

Touring screen moved air flow to chin

windscreen spoiler moved air flow to very top of helmet

Tested well above 160mph+ no difference, no issues, sturdy.

You can clamp on or permanently mount to windshield, I used the clamps.

I'm happy with the set up

* Last updated by: piken on 7/26/2020 @ 6:28 PM *

Hello tknj99, I did buy the Kawasaki touring screen on ebay "Kawasaki zzr 1400 Spoiler Windscreen Smoke 203wsc0006". It is no longer available but they do pop up once in a while.

After a few trips, I can say that the wind deflects to the top of my helmet (I am 5'9"). The result is no wind pressure on my head but I find it a bit noisier than stock. No problem for short day trips, I will use ear plugs but for long trips, I may invest in a clip on wind deflector as piken did. I don't use the bike for long trips (cross country), I have a Harley for that, but for long weekend trips, the wind deflector may help.

Thanks for the info, i will probably also look into the adjustable clip-on as well at some point.. you cant beat the price plus it can be removed fairly easily