Hello all! My name is Michael, but I'm sure by the end of this you all will consider me either the dumb one or the crazy one lol. I'm a 28 year old from Indiana, have 2 kids, the perfect girl, and no I don't have a deathwish! Now, I start off by saying this because I am a brand new rider, literally. I got my permit about a month ago, will be taking the MSF in April, and I am now a proud owner of a brand new 2016 ZX14-R SE. I know I am probably going to get criticized for buying this as my first bike because for one it's brand new, and two because of the power to experience ratio...

So, with that being said and in all do respect, I don't care, it was my choice, not yours. I have the respect for the insane power that this bike produces and the maturity to keep it within my limitations. I've played drums for 23 years which has given me excellent control and precision with both my hands and feet. I also did countless hours of research before I made my decision on this bike. I'm not hear to get reassurance or justification of my choice, and I'm not looking for a bunch of negative feedback on it either. I just want to be part of a great community that understands this bike more than any other, and learn from others experiences with it!

Now with that out of the way, I've already put 90 miles on the bike and I am absolutely in love with it. I'm considering doing my first oil change this weekend at 150 miles if the weather permits. I know the manual says otherwise, but... With next to no flash being produced in modern motors because of today's tighter tolerances, I'm considering making the switch straight to synthetic. I've ready about a few people having excellent results switching to synthetic for their 3rd oil change at about 600 miles. One of them stating that after learning how many modern cars are coming straight from the factory with synthetic, that he wished he had went full synthetic on his first change... Any thoughts? Also I'll post some pics of the bike this weekend if the sun and weather will cooperate!

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Welcome Michael.
Well you certainly picked a good bike for your first one. Just keep in mind that you will have at least 2 things to be aware of at all times. 1. this bike can get you to speeds you aren't ready for in seconds. 2. You have a lot of weight to factor into whatever maneuvering you have to do. Now, as with all bikes, they only go as fast as you twist the throttle and luckily the ZX14 is happy just to burble around, but just keep in mind that YOU are going to be the limiting factor for YEARS. So, stay relaxed, learn all you can and enjoy.

Mad

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Yeah, take it slow for a year and you'll be ok. I had a small dirtbike as a kid and ridden cruisers occasionally a few years before buying the 14 so I knew how to operate a bike but really he 14 was where I really leaned sportbikes. The most likely problem is stopping a little off balance. The bike's heavy and you are sitting up high so it can be precarious when you first start riding. Other than that, pay attention to the speed and learn how to handle it for whatever road your on. The 14 is a lot more stable and predictable than a 600 for going fast and accelerating hard. Just ease your way into it so you know what to expect and of course, do your best to predict the unexpected.

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The nice thing about the ZX-14's is that they are very well behaved as long as you are. Not all bikes are so well-mannered. Treat the throttle gently and you will gain the experience you need to grow into the bike.

Welcome to the group! I'm also in Indiana and loving this recent warm weather we've been having.

I'll just add that there is really not much difference, in my opinion at least, between synthetic and non-synthetic oils. They all do the job. I like the Castrol Actevo 4T 20W-50 in my 2008. It's part synthetic and is reasonably priced. Just be sure to pick oil labelled for motorcycle use. If you use automotive oils with friction modifiers in them, the clutch can be affected and it can start slipping. Look for the JASO-2 specification.

* Last updated by: jwh20 on 3/10/2017 @ 6:02 PM *

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one(i think)BIG reminder...she'll accelerate and fly A LOT quicker than she STOPS.I'd do some practice emergency braking for a while while out riding.She's got ABS...which really works well.So get used to how that feels and how the bike reacts with stopping.with your abs,you can fully apply front and rear brake all the way.so get some time in doing that.i would avoid braking while leaned over.just take your time with her,and be mindful of the power potential.otherwise...great pick!have a blast and welcome!

'that he wished he had went full synthetic on his first change... Any thoughts?'...yes...i'd leave that factory oil in for the first 600 miles like it states.i think i switched mine to full or semi syn at the 2nd oil change.pretty sure.at the 3rd one,about 3k miles,i switched to full syn.i can't say for anyone else here,but i truly believe my bike(motor)was STILL 'breaking in' at 3k.I could definitely feel it changing still.I've had 3 14's since 07.

i would advise here...right away..get out on a straight road,preferably a downhill.wind her up to below redline in 2nd or 3rd.hold it for a second or so...then let off completely and allow to coast back down without dowshifting.i would do this 4 or 5 times back to back.full power,then coast down.this i believe really worked well with my kawasakis.it's already been run up at least 1 or 2 times at the factory...so you don't have to go crazy with the throttle.when you throttle up,do it a bit aggressively,smoothly,but not simply turn it wide open. that's my 02 cents on that.and ride your own ride.regardless of what others might say.it's a heavy bike compared to a 1k or something.just remember that and you'll do fine;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/10/2017 @ 8:35 PM *

I think it's the safest bet to stick to conventional oil until its broken in. At least 3000 miles. I went all the way to 10000 before switching. If you change conventional really often, it's going to be about as good as synthetic all the time.

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jianbin0311 = Internet Terrorist

Many thanks for all the support and advice guys! I am taking it extremely easy and plan to continue on that path. I haven't even taken it over 45mph yet. I'm also riding in low power mode and trac 3 so that it's more manageable. Mad, I already found out the hard way the speed can get away from you before you're ready for it lol. I was going up and down through the gears to vary the RPM range and when I hit around 5-6k the bike the launched. I knew it put out more power in the higher RPMs, but I wasn't ready for how strong it came on all at once. I guess that's how hard it would pull pretty much the entire time if I removed the flies? So I don't think I'll be doing that for a couple years lol...

Rook, I'm a pretty big guy at 6 foot 4 and 300lbs so the weight of the bike hasn't really be an issue when coming to a stop. At least yet anyways! I can throw the weight around quite easily when it's not moving. The seat height being pretty spot on for me probably helps a lot too. However, the weight did play a big part in the fear of getting my feet up on the pegs during my first few attempts to ride. I had it stuck in my head that if the bike started to fall with my feet on the pegs I wouldn't be able to catch it because of the weight and falling force behind it. Once I got used to it the fear of dropping the bike was gone. Everything has been pretty smooth sailing after that.

One thing I am curious about though is the way I take off. In order to have a smooth launch I've been letting off the clutch to get going without using any throttle. I wait till the bike is up to a stable speed before applying any throttle. I don't know if this is just the way it is on bikes, but I can be completely off the clutch and throttle and the bike will idle up to 15mph. I've been using this every time I take off, but I'm honestly not sure if that's correct or if like in a car you need to apply gas before fully letting off the clutch?

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I guess that's how hard it would pull pretty much the entire time if I removed the flies? So I don't think I'll be doing that for a couple years lol...

IDK if you Gen2 guys are removing flies or tuning them. The flies might need to be in the Gen2 to avoid codes. So then you just tune them. I believe if you put the bike in full power mode, the flies will be 100% open at 3200 rpm like they are on the 08-11 zx-14s. You won't get as big of a surprise at that rpm but even that can be an eye opener if your in a corner in first gear. I don't think the lower power modes are as safe as just leaving it in full. I leave my busa on full power all the time so I always know what to expect. I might use lower power modes for slippery conditions.

However, the weight did play a big part in the fear of getting my feet up on the pegs during my first few attempts to ride. I had it stuck in my head that if the bike started to fall with my feet on the pegs I wouldn't be able to catch it because of the weight and falling force behind it. Once I got used to it the fear of dropping the bike was gone.

Don't worry about looking cool when you take off. Drag racers don't put their feet on the pegs until they're going 70 mph! Just make sure the bike is moving fast enough to hold itself up and keep your pants away from the chain. You can hang your feet a few seconds but once you're going 10~15 mph, you won't be able to hold the bike up if it gets out of control. I think your MC endorsement test will want to see you get your feet up pretty quick.

...and also be able to take off reasonably quick (without doing a wheelie).

In order to have a smooth launch I've been letting off the clutch to get going without using any throttle. I wait till the bike is up to a stable speed before applying any throttle. I don't know if this is just the way it is on bikes, but I can be completely off the clutch and throttle and the bike will idle up to 15mph.

That would be perfect if you were driving a diesel semi tractor! lol That bike's got some torque! You will need to learn to take off with more power than that though. You will find yourself at a stoplight on an incline someday or in traffic not to mention, you may need to get out of there quick to avoid an accident. Also you will miss out on the best part of the 14's performance if you don't learn to take off FAST! For now, I would just practice letting the clutch out until you feel it start to grab and then just touching the throttle. The trick is to keep the rpm stable and high enough to not lug the engine and low enough that you have the power under control. That is about 2000 rpm for me. As the clutch grabs tighter, more stress is put on the motor. You increase the throttle ever so slightly to meet the increasing demands on the engine. Of course, if you do it real slow like you are doing, the demand on the engine comes on very gradually and it can actually idle itself up to speed where the clutch is fully engaged. g-DAM that bike has some nice torque, doesn't it? Lugging the engine softly in first gear is not going to hurt anything but you want to learn to take off quicker than that just for normal street riding.

Watch the first few seconds of this video.

practise that in a parking lot or quiet road a 4 or 5 times when ever you go out...just the first few seconds! Does your bike idle at 1100 rpm after it is warmed up? If you're idling fast, you don't need to apply much throttle. I don't know if the gen2 has the idle speed adjuster nob like the gen1 has.

Also. regarding practice, I think it is very wise to limit the amount of time you are intensely focussed in learning. If you feel mentally overwhelmed just a little after a few minutes of practice, just put the stand down and get off the bike for 10-20 minutes minutes, at least. I started riding the 14 for 15 minutes at a time because I couldn't keep my head 100% in reality after being on the bike for that long. It is enormously taxing to learn a motorcycle compared to any other vehicle i have operated (and I've driven everything from a semi to a front end loader). I think one of the biggest factors is that if you screw up even a little and at very low speed, the bike is going down. That's a lot of pressure.

* Last updated by: Rook on 3/11/2017 @ 10:48 AM *

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One thing not mentioned yet.

Complete newies to riding will generally find out the hard way that while learning U turns/tight turns on angled or uneven surfaces, bikes can be dropped at low speeds.
MykH89, of course I do not wish this on you, but if your new 14 goes down your wallet will know big time due to the full fairing setup...

There is a myriad of amazing information here for any 14 owner, but I also don't mind stating the facts even though all have tried to keep positive on this subject...

There are not many worse choices to learn to ride on than a ZR-14R.
The reasons are obvious so I wont bore all with details.
However I will say this to MykH89 and hold my tongue ongoing.
The 14's potential is actually dangerous to you in these early days, especially when the newbie over confidence period kicks in, so put it away for a bit and get something like an old Honda CB400 to truly learn on.
You will be amazed at how much more, and how much quicker you will learn.
The 14 will be there for you to enjoy when you are ready.
This comes directly from experience and you might even thank me later.

I don't expect you to listen but there it is.

Regardless, really good luck with your learning and stay safe.

* Last updated by: yannih on 3/11/2017 @ 12:37 PM *

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especially when the newbie over confidence period kicks in

This is true. I think the average time period was determined to be at about two years. You think you got it and that's when it gets you.

Yes I think you would learn quicker and better on a lighter bike but the same is true for people who choose to own just about any cruiser for their first bike. Any cruiser will accelerate quicker than most cars, too. The Japanese cruisers are set to do some pretty good top speeds. I can't see you on anything smaller than a 1000. You could pick up a used 600 pretty cheap just for practice. Doesn't need to be anything special as long as it runs. You will want that for your MC endorsement test. I took mine after 2 years of riding the 14 and it went fine but the U turn was precarious. I forgot to do some other rule too but not because of the bike I was riding. I passed but not a perfect score by any means. Don't get busted on this bike without a MC endorsement.

* Last updated by: Rook on 3/11/2017 @ 2:19 PM *

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Okay, maybe the way I stated that made it seem like I take off much slower then I actually do. I take off from a stop about the same as I would if I were driving, no where near as slow as a semi lol, but also I'm not trying to launch it like I'm trying to win a race. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. I didn't mean that I let it get up to 15mph before applying throttle, I'm applying the throttle the second that I release the clutch and the bike is stable, then bring my feet up while the bike is picking up speed. All well before I would have hit 15mph coasting! I just thought it was crazy that it coasts at that speed with no throttle. I've driven a stick shift since I got my permit and even my friends foxbody Saleen couldn't do that without killing it, and it was a monster lol. Still, I am working on applying more throttle while disengaging the clutch. I'm just taking my time and in no way want to push myself...

Yannih, I 100% have great respect for the way you approached your opinion! I also appreciate your honesty, and if I'm being quite honest myself, I don't disagree with you. I believe I would learn everything much quicker and easier on a smaller bike, and I took that into consideration for a long time before I decided which bike to go with. I didn't make the decision to go with this bike lightly, which some might assume. It took years, literally! I've wanted to ride ever since high school, but didn't get serious about it until just after the birth of my first child which was 4 years ago. From that day on I started reading and learning everything I could about riding, including reading "A Twist of the Wrist" by Keith Code. I even watched his videos multiple times. I understand none of this adds up to any experience at all, but I wanted to learn everything I could before ever seeing any seat time in order to better my outcome as much as possible. I was actually only a couple weeks away from buying this exact bike last year when we found out we were going to have a second child, so I put it off. I'm confident in my choice with this bike, and have no intention of turning my back on it. With that being said, at the end of the day I have 2 kids and my girl to come home to. So reguardleas of my confidence level, this bike is mainly for commuting to work, and just getting out and enjoying relaxing rides on my days off. I dont have any want to go out and be a "Street Rossi" lol... Also, reguarding the bike going down and cost of fairings. I actually order a crash cage and subcage for the bike a couple weeks ago from Xtreem Bikeworks. Even if I don't ever lay it down, I know with my luck something will end up knocking it over or it'll get hit in a parking space! They're made to order though so it'll probably be another 4-6 weeks before I receive it.

Rook, I'll get my MC endorsement when I complete the MSF course in April. They provide a random 500cc bike for each person in the class, so I won't even be on 14 while earning my full license. I've got my permit, helmet, and I'm insured on the 14 now, so I'm riding legally. So no get busted for me lol!

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this bike is mainly for commuting to work, and just getting out and enjoying relaxing rides on my days off. I dont have any want to go out and be a "Street Rossi" lol...

yeah, I remember when I said that. I also said I couldn't believe how much money people spend on mods.

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Congrats on the new bike!

Hell, just pin it and try your best to hold on!

I've always said it's possible, for the right rider, to start on a supersport. I started on a liter bike back in the 90s and have never had an accident in 38k miles now (7 seasons). Most of my friends didn't fair so well. I'll estimate about 20% of riders are eligible based on my criteria to start on a supersport, if they chose to. As far as starting on a supersport, just what I've read, actually you seem to have the right personality traits/combinations. You have to have balls, but you also have to have a brain that can over turn those balls bad judgements. You seem to have this.

I'm with Grn14 and others, leave the break in oil in until 600 miles. At tha point you can change it to whatever, conventional, semi-synth, or full synthetic. It won't hurt it to run conventional for your first oil cycle, but it won't hurt it to run synthetic at tha tpoint either. Being a new rider, you have no reason not to follow the break-in guidelines to a tee. Which leads to...

Beware over confidence. Practice safety techniques taught in MSF. Do not rush into performance, the last thing to be concerned with at the moment are upgrades. You need to get a few thousand miles under belt before worrying about power upgrades, exhuast, etc. Practice, practice, practice, master the current stage, then move on. 10% in a turn is a HUGE change, like a curve you've taken at 30 mph. Once you've mastered the curve at 30 mph, (I mean mastered, not run through it 5 times), try increasing no more than 10%. Get in there ar 40 from used to 30, and you'll need to change your underwear. Wait until the first time you run off the pavement. It'll happen. And your personal traits, and training, will be the deciding factor of the cutcome whether you ride through it needing to head home to change underwear or end up in a EMS having your undewear cut off.

My concerns with a new rider starting on a new bike are different though. For one thing, it's very likely you'll hve a minor spill in your first 90s days. This will leave your new bike marred and scarred. But not all used bikes are scarrable either, but still there's a little difference between your brand new bike with 100 miles on it vs a 5 yo used bike that's got some mileage on it. But those things can be fixed.

Which brings up my next point about starting with a new bike. Motorcycles are very maintenance intensive. It's better for someone to "maintenanece abuse" a used bike (imo) than a new bike. Learning how to maintain a bike, especially a zx-14, is going to be a tasks. Gen 2 14s are very difficult to work on. The bodywork is very intricate and delicate. Being all aluminum, the entire bike is pretty delicate. Even something as basic as changing spark plugs is difficult. You'll find out why. Be careful and be patient, otherwise you're going to bust your bodywork up, break and strip screws and fasteners.

Wait until the first time you run off the pavement. It'll happen.

happened to me in my second year on a corner I took almost every day. Too fast. Fortunately there was no curb or I would have gone right over it. I did pick up a nail in my tire though.

it's very likely you'll hve a minor spill in your first 90s days.

yup. driveway in front of my garage. Try to not lose focus of the bike until it is shut down and resting on its side stand safely. IMO, the most likely accident any of us will have is to let the bike fall after getting off of it. It's easy to think the bike is safe when it's not moving but it really isn't. I'm totally compulsive about being absolutely certain the bike can't fall after getting off of it because I've had it happen 3 times now in 9 years. Last two were about 2 weeks apart. same bike, same driveway--at home. You think everything is safe at home but its no different than anywhere else.

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'Learning how to maintain a bike, especially a zx-14, is going to be a tasks. Gen 2 14s are very difficult to work on. The bodywork is very intricate and delicate'.

idk if i'd agree with this.but...the body panels do have a sequence of installment and vice versa.if you have any questions...here's the place to confirm...sometimes the manual can be somewhat vague on a procedure.it's really written for a shop tech who understands how these bikes go together.but you can learn all this stuff no prob.just ask here if you need clarifications.and don't force anything.i think you chose well.may as well learn on a bike you won't be dissappointed with in 3 months.it won't take long to get the feel for it...you'll be fine.

i would just reiterate...slow parking lot speeds...do not grab the front brake while turning.seriously.the bike will stop suddenly at low speeds.so be aware of that.and do any braking before entering corners...then accelerate out.slow in,fast out(fast meaning accelerating).no tailgating...period.leave room to see and manuver if need be.cages kick up some dangerous stuff on the road often.so stay back or pass.with a headcheck everytime you go to pass.

you should strive to remain fluid and relaxed on your bike.always.just take it easy...you don't have to lay your bike down or anything else like that...it's not written in stone.just pay attention to what's going on around you and what you're telling yourself while riding.look where you want to be...not right in front of you.the bike will follow.push right,go right.push left,go left.smooth.relaxed.confident.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/12/2017 @ 9:52 AM *

use the rear brake at low speeds and parking lots - leave the front for the street and setup into turns

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lol...thought this might be appropriate for our new rider?

Not even going to lie, I felt exactly like that the entire time riding on my first 4 or 5 trips. That's why I kept them short, like 10-15 mins each. Then I'd come back home and let the adrenaline wear off before even thinking about getting back on it. For the most part I'm completely calm getting on it and taking it out now. Don't get me wrong, the thought of ripping on the throttle and launching on it still scares the hell out of me lol... but I am calm enough to keep my head clear and focus on what's happening around me rather than just constantly thinking about what I'm doing.

Maintenance on the 14 from what I've already read and watched seems pretty simple for the most part. Possibly due to the fact I've always done all the needed work on my cars myself. I've spent a good amount of time under the hood, especially with all my friends and I being very into our cars. Getting out in the garage and working with your hands is half the fun of owning anything with a motor! However, if I have any complications or questions I'm sure I can do a quick search on here and find the direction I need to go. Worst case scenario, I'll ask and hopefully someone can help. That's part of the reason I joined the forum! Who would know better than the guys that have spent years riding this bike...

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ya...you'll do fine.great bike.may as well start out on the best if possible...that what i say anyhow.a bike's a bike...kinda.

I just want to thank everyone again for the kind welcome and support! As stated, here are a few pics of my bike. It's way to cold out to ride today, but figured I'd at least pull it out of the garage and get a few pics...

* Last updated by: MykH89 on 3/12/2017 @ 2:39 PM *

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brembos....nice

Really nice bike.

I'd take that metal carabiner you are using as a key fob off right away!

It will scratch the hell out of the top of your triple tree. Replace with something
made of rubber, fabric or something that wont scratch it up. Nothing at all is good too.