Hello. New guy here looking for advice – big surprise, right? I’m not an owner yet but was looking for some opinions. I’m considering the new 14R but know most dealers (Big 4) will not allow test rides. So I’ve come here looking to get your “unbiased” comments. I’m riding a 09 R1 and a 10 Ducati Streetfighter. Both are relatively light and quick handling bikes – about 450 lbs and 150 rwhp. I don’t think I can keep three bikes so the R1 is most likely going to go. I’m interested in the Kawasaki as I started with ¼ grudge racing (at the strip, of course) and want to get back to that some. The 14R makes about 50 more hp but does weigh almost 600 lbs wet. So, is it a beast in the tight stuff or will I just need to dial it back some? The bike will also be used for some touring (250 miles/day – I’m an old man after all) and commuting. What’s this bike like in stop and go traffic? All opinions welcome – even if you want to bash my current rides some.

No need for bashing -- you already have some nice rides.

The 14 or 14R will do well for you in the 1/4 mile. Although it is a bit heavier than what you have, it handles very well. The only place you'll probably lose ground to a 600 or 1K is in tight corners.

I started doing track days on my 14 at Miller Motorsports Park, and soon realized that a 600 is much better for that purpose, so I got a CBR600RR for track day riding. I wouldn't take the 14 back there -- the 600 is too much fun!

For what you're doing, though, the 14 sounds perfect.

Where are you located? Maybe if another forum member is near, you could snag a test ride from them. -bg

I too am coming from an R1. So i am tagging my question along your thread. Can someone with a moment of free time measure the widest part of the ZX14R probably at the mirrors. My curiosity stems from how easy it is to split lanes with the skinny R1.

About 36" wide at the mirrors. -bg

bg nailed it with the track thing!

G'day ChopTop & SunOfAbyss hey my mate Chris owns a 08 R1 so pm him as he borowed my ZX14 for a week while on leave, his listed under "Methonal"

* Last updated by: bean07 on 2/3/2012 @ 2:31 PM *

Going tomorrow for my first look at the zx-14 in the flesh. Will report back after..............

chop, check the kawasaki.com website in March, see if they have scheduled Ticket-2-Ride events yet. Once they do, if they have one near you, go.

They will let you ride a demo ZX14R assuming they think you know how to ride.

I have been splitting lanes with mine since new. No more difficult than my ZX10 was. Bit more than doing same on girlfriend's EX500. LOL Most of the time I am completely happy with the '14. Does take more effort in the really tight stuff, but the rest of the time I hardly notice the weight.