Okay.
I never thought I'd be asking this because I finally finished my 2007 ZX-14 to exactly how I want it and I really love this bike.
Anyone who has read any of my posts here would probably have noted that.

But...

I have just found a potential option for picking up a green 2012 ZX-14R with top of the line Ohlins suspension front and back plus top of the line Acropovic pipes including matching Acropovic full titanium headers for what I believe is a very fair price. Small changes also include green foremans and ram air covers replacing the black ones (quite expensive I'm told), and original Kawasaki limited edition flame decal set professionally applied.
The bike has 45,000kms on it and I know of the guy who's selling it as we've chatted in the past where I ride sometimes. He is fastidious with his bikes and only buys the best for them.
He has 3 ZX-14R's. The one being described here, a 2013 black with red trim and a 2014 special addition with the Ohlins package.
He wants to sell 1, maybe 2 of these to make room for the new H2 he had ordered!
So...
I have to admit I havent really taken too much notice of the ZX-14R posts because I didn't have one and wasnt really interested in anything other than 06-11 information that related to my bike.
But any feedback on the 2012 model compared to the 2013, 2014, 2015 would be greatly appreciated.
Any changes at all made from the 2012 onwards?
Anything I should lookout for?
Anything more I should know?
Any general feedback on the 2012 as they were the initial upgrade from the original design?
Are there any additions to the 2013, 2014 or 2015 versions that are must haves (except for the 2014 Ohlins package which I know about)?
How about 45,000kms on this bike?
I know the differences from the 2006-2011 to the 2012 but was really after information for 2012 onwards.
I have to admit I always thought a bike with traction control and ABS would be amazing because I've never owned one with these and it's the only reason I would have preferred an R to my 07 (all Australian R's come with ABS).
The power difference between the two wouldn't have been enough to get me to sell my beloved 07!
But on that note, is the power difference that substantial as I didn't really notice it on the rare times I rode my brothers 2012 black ZX-14R?

Anyway, I know if I sift though all the information on this site I'd find answers but I thought I'd go directly to the source with you experienced boys.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated as I need help (and a solid push probably wouldnt hurt) to decide on whether to go with this 2012 R and sacrifice my trusted 2007...

* Last updated by: yannih on 5/11/2015 @ 6:08 AM *

Time to upgrade.
True, not worth swapping out the bike for very little power gain.
The buttons and ABS are another not so quick to upgrade for a paint job and controlled interventions.

45k is not a lot of miles for one of these. Has to be a non-crasher. The upgrades don't impress. It has to be a decent to a sweet deal and it's the safer bike in a way. ABS and keeping the bike from wheeling are a few impressive features.

I see no drastic changes as in same slow improvements during its lifetime for this gen. The handling might be different, but you rode it so you can sense a difference, no? It's just one more bulletproof to think about. You sure are not going backwards with the change.

The 2012 Green sounds very cool.Nice to have that suspension on there.Akra piping...nice.No abs.Not really needed,IMO...but is a good add-on.I had a 2012 Green...very nice ride.Sounds like this one is fully built now.Get a Flash...you'd be happy I know.Fit and finish IMO on the 2012's and up are excellent.

One thing about the abs..it's there when you need it...and on the 14R it really works well.The slipper clutch is also a nice upgrade for the 14R(factory).

Almost 28K miles...Practically new engine-wise;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/1/2015 @ 1:29 AM *

Upgrades don't impress, Hub?

Speak for yourself.

That's a sweet 14R Yannih.Right Price?I'd go for it.Hell yeah.

That's in the UK...yes?I think I can see the front fender sticker there...it says KTRC and underneath,ABS?Looks like it to me.Don't know here if they had a 2012 ABS...mine wasn't(I would have gotten an ABS model if they had one)..but there,maybe.Is that a 'limited edition'?Could have abs.Go for it....you'll love it;)All those goodies on there...yup.That rear Ohlins alone is like 1400 bucks itself.Don't know what the forks cost(factory Ohlins)Dual Akras...Akra Headers..sweet.

"and sacrifice my trusted 2007..."...believe me,you won't be sacrificing anything...your 07 would understand;)Just be sure she goes to a loving home.

Flash that bad girl and hang on!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/1/2015 @ 8:38 AM *

You're in a bit of a dilemma but a nice one to be in, in a way. You're obviously happy with you're well sorted '07 so look at what you'll gain.

ABS and TCS can prove very useful additions despite many saying they are not necessary. The 2012 you're looking at has top notch suspenders so should be well sorted and more than a match for your '07. I was not a 14 owner before buying my '12 model but I did ride a standard '10 model before buying and found the low/midrange was superior on the new bike but if your '07 has been modded the difference may not be so great. Wouldn't worry about the mileage if the maintenance record is good. So, IMO, go for it!

That's nice. I like those ltd editions with the green flames.
I had a similar dilemma, do I trade my 2008 in on a a newer model. I hear Hub, is it worth the money for the power? Only Once I rode her Did I know that I wanted her.
With Ohlins and traction control as well as ABS you'll feel the difference when you ride and stop. Have you taken her for a ride yet? That will make your mind up.

Besides...Green's the fastest as you know;)

UK???
Come on Grn. You know I'm Australian.

All Gen 2's in Australia have ABS. No "non ABS" option available here.

Thanks to all for the responses so far.
So I'm picking up from everyone that there has been no major factory updates made to the 2012 Gen 2 moving forward?
Therefore apart from the bike being newer, there would be little if any advantage to the 2013, 2014 and 2015 models OEM upgrade wise (except the 2014 Ohlins model)?

Far out. Thinking about selling my 07 is like thinking about selling a kid...

* Last updated by: yannih on 3/1/2015 @ 1:49 PM *

No brainer to me, HELL YES!!! Besides being a beautiful machine the Ohlins and titanium exhaust would be a seller for me. 45K is nothing IMHO for a ZX!!!

Go for it yannih. I had an 06 that I bought new. Traded it in on the 2012 (green se) when it came out. I loved the 06, but I love the 2012R even more. I love acceleration. My nephew has an 06 exactly like my old one (red, Brock full exhaust, etc.) After getting bored with slip-ons on the new bike, I put on a Brock Alien Head 2 full exhaust and had the ECU CBlasted. I smoke my nephew pretty easy and it really bothers him. I let him take it for a ride one day. When he got back, he was shaking his head and all he said was "unbelievable". The KTRC is probably nice to have for some people. I tried the different settings and they were not for me. I always leave mine on Full/Off. I just love the 2012. I probably didn't answer any of your questions. But like I said, I love acceleration (I have since I had my 1971 Kawasaki Mach III 500, yeah, I'm old) and my 2012 ZX-14R has it all.

"UK???
Come on Grn. You know I'm Australian". I know Yanman.Just that I figgered that Ohlins set up with Akras was the EURO model.Didn't know they came with ABS...nice.

Been very happy with my 14r

Suggestions to look out for:
1) rear rotar is kaka, need aftermarket if you use back brake if not leave it alone.
2) wheel base is ultra stubby. Functions well but having had it off, not impressed with quality. Rear shock is meeeh - ok - but as I read you've got some olhins happening!!!
3) bike livens up with an ecu flash

Beyond that....
Pipe, windshield, tail elim and levers is all she really needs.

^^ good looking bike. If you can have two girls in the stable get it. If not keep your gen 1

If your brothers 14r felt as good as your 07 in cornering, I'd go for it. The only possible drawback I can see is that the 14r is a little heavier and longer.

I would not buy a used bike with 45,000 miles let alone a car. Sounds like you put alot into your 07 and you are undecided anyway. If he is pushing the 2012 with high miles I would steer away from it.

45,000 km = ~28,000 miles. Not low miles but not too high. I guess I'd want a compression/leakdown test and if that's good, a test ride. Otherwise, stick with the 07 and wait for another 14r.

Since when is 28,000 miles on a ZX14 high? Mine must be over the hill and gone down the other side then.

Mad

Nah, I have 44,000 miles and mine is running great. I still wouldn't expect it to sell for a high price. There's lots of bikes for sale with half the miles that run just as good. I'd call under 10,000 miles low mileage and that I would be willing to pay something extra for. But even that would have to be substantially less than I'd pay a dealership for a new bike. Otherwise, why not just buy a new bike?

Yannih I have a 2007 as well, I wouldn't sell mine for a gen2. I like my bike a lot, sure it's getting a little old but so is my wife, my kids, my dogs, my house and on and on and I'm not going to get rid of them either. If I were a 1/4 mile guy I would have a gen2, but for the twisty stuff I enjoy I can't see any reason to spend the coin. So I say keep your bike, it's a great looking bike with all the right mods. Good luck with your decision.

Thanks Rook. Sorry, miss read on my part. 28000 is still high for me to purchase. I would steer away. There is alot of other bikes out there to buy.

i think there is possibly 3 variations of ohlins available, if those forks and shock are top shelf, thats a nice few thousand dollars, and will transform the handling ,well set up,
the milage is fine imo, 1 owner vehicles are usually well looked after, i bought a van with 95,000 miles on it, its now got 265,000 miles, it will easily go past 300,000 and im determinded to keep it until i or it dies just to see how many miles it can get through, and it gets driven hard, but well looked after
BUT, after a few years with you then the zx14 will have what most others will consider high milage, so, it will effecct its value, but, you might just like it enough to keep it forever...

28K on a 14R is no big deal provided is has an excellent service history and you are certain the bike has been used sympathetically. By that I mean not thrashed from cold, lugging the engine low down in high gears, sweet use of the gearbox etc. JMO

* Last updated by: pegscraper on 3/4/2015 @ 4:19 AM *

Hi Guy's,
A quick update.
The green 14R with Ohlin's and Akrapovic's shown above is unfortunately no longer an option.
Shame but life...
However I will be the owner of a black 2012 ZX-14R with carbon Yoshimura R-77's and 29,000km on the clock very soon.
Pics will follow very soon.

However this means my beautiful Candy Plazma Blue 07 is now up for sale.
Anyone in Australia looking for one of these take note as this is one beautiful bike...

Conrats, yannih and good luck on the sale.