I am being told that the new 2012 zx14r will be riding on a new set of Bridgestones. The size of the rims will stay the same but the standard BT-014 Bridgestones are going to be replaced with a new updated BT-###? I would think with Kawasaki bringing out the new traction control system for the zx14 that a new tire is going to happen. Everyone out there talk to us about what you are hearing. PS: Kawasaki says they will not have any information (paper version) until December. Maybe we should send them our backup printers to speed up the process.

The pics show Metzlers.IDK.

Also, to add to this, there are no OEM fiche lists or parts diagrams at kawasaki.com yet for the 2012.

So no way to see if the wheels are new or what tires are on it.

And KHI won't ship a 2012 to the USA until they have OEM parts availability. To ship before that would be asking for bad press, not to mention stupid. Which Kawasaki is not.

My dealer still can't get any ship dates for the 2012 ZX14 or the 2012 C14. They are going to get quite a few new Ninja 1000 bikes first though, those sell like hotcakes....

"So no way to see if the wheels are new or what tires are on it".Dear Privateer....the new Kawasaki ZX14R comes with the new Metzler M5's.Look it up....there's pics of the tires AND NEW WHEELS all over the net....BMW 1000R....SAME TIRE as the new ZX.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 12:39 PM *

Its just fact, grn, I'm reflecting the fact that no 2012 parts diagrams are available, so no way to compare part numbers to see if they changed.

Which was referred to in a previous post.

And it wasn't saying anything about "impossible" about anyone's post, just reflecting the current state of affairs. Let me recap, since you obviously cannot read.

1) No parts diagrams exist, as of yesterday when I posted, for the 2012 kawasaki road bikes.
2) So no way to compare part numbers.
3) KHI won't ship until dealers can order OEM repair parts. Well, duh, just common sense.
4) My dealer can't get ship dates.... which was yesterday. Today they ordered their first batch for January.

Look UP my man...see those pics?How much more proof you need?

Just cause YOUR dealer can't come through for ya doesn't mean us other guys won't be getting ours.That smaller pic....that's a Metzler...but something IS different on the mid tread design.The Chevrons are arced the opposite direction.They do have a few M5 models.Comparing to the shipped tires on the shipped bikes.But that pic of the BMW is the SAME tire that's on the frontal pic of the new zx.And that's an M5 Metzler.

Look up Metzler...Motorcycle superstore...pics on there.Same tire.Sheesh.That's the Green bike Ricky Gadsen was riding in the vids....that tire is the same one...HERE...in the US of A.WoooHooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(day 3).You see my avatar...that's Ricky's bike.You can't get a zoom in on that tire in that picture size...but... you CAN check out the photos online...and there is several that show the tire sidewall.....Metzler M5.Don't know where some of you guys are getting your 'facts'.And posting as "FACT".Believe me......Ricky Gadsen's people HAVE a manual.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 12:53 PM *

I'm not saying the photo is false, I'm not even disputing it.

Just saying there is no parts diagram to back the photo up yet. Its coming, its just not here yet. They could change it by the time it gets to the USA.

You need to get a rabies shot?

I swear...between You and Hub...I don't know which one is more delusional."They could change it by the time it gets to the USA".I say..."there's your tire right there"...USA PICTURE...Gadsen's bike.In the United States..You say...."no parts diagrams so we don't know"...

And I'm in need of a Rabies shot?Guy asks about cam chain noise.I mention try an oil viscosity change...he says.."I changed the oil to a different viscosity..it got better"...Hub says..."No way...can't happen...."

I say again...not that I give a rats azz about your opinion of me, but... Glad I don't have YOUR bike.Sheesh.Or Hub's.My God...the two of you ought to get together and rewrite a new service manual...you're doing so well at tearing us other guys a new one .Me anyway.I don't GIVE A SHIT!You got that?I DON"T GIVE A SHIT! I'll be riding my new 14 sometime this month...while you're still postin up yer cockamaymee "facts".

You guys come on here and dispute other people's posts about what works,what's going on ,bunch a fuckin LOSERS.Better think twice about gettin a bike like the 14R...methinks it's gonna be WAY too much for ya.

All you and a few others here are interested in is slammin somebody else.You're not here to be a help.Or be a real member...or anything else that even appears to be caring about anyone else.You're a distraction.A leech.You don't know shit...but ya try to make everybody else that does out to be some kind of lame.Grow up....the sandbox is>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>That way

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 2:32 PM *

Hey Privvy, Quit picking on bobble head! Hey Blue? Whats you go slamming on me for? I'm trying to have a nice conversation of how many ways to skin a cat, Privvy is skinning you on one side. You got me fur balling you on the other. Why you kennel cough! My buddy stabs me in the back! Whyou, You viscosity!

You know....I need to realize...it's JUST a forum.EVERYONE can speak their mind...even if I don't agree.Personal slams..stuff like that...it's really not important(to me).I don't want to be doing the same thing that I'm upset about.Sorry about the words.I have a lot of respect for you Hub...I've read most of your posts.I know you know what the fuck you're talking about.You do.Privateer...I've honestly got no REAL hard feelings toward you.You have a right to see things and post things your way.I'm gonna stop trying to give my 'advice' or stuff anymore.If I see somebody goin down the wrong way...I'm not gonna say shit.I won't be posting on here. .

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 3:02 PM *

That is BS, blue and you know it. YOu better post because you have fans here that take your advice. Me, for one. And that is for your tire experience is one example. Me again, being schooled by you about the cam sensor. Me yapping about a wire, and what was it? So, where do you think you are going? Take the net for what it is. Bunch of opinions is all. A bunch of sarcastic old fuddyduddys barking at the moon. No diagnosis is wrong. It's more not in this situation which boils down to hindsight in the end. The 20/20 that bits us all, it was too, what a sap am I, too simple.

So no blue, you don't have it wrong. It's a hard game this diagnosis. Work with me, guy!

Not only that blue... Hold on... Hey scootn, it is more the tire and manufacture work together. YOu can't just slap on a shelf type tire. This has a little more torque. When you think about how light the OEM were on the day you bought it and now you buy an off the shelf... Big difference! Did they contract with whatever tire manufacture this time? Time will tell... Say, we jack you later... say blue, like I was saying, I get a phone call from the guy that let me in the race place. He said to back it down. They are getting... And guess what? I'm jerking them off like for sport! No different than any other website. No different that a bunch of guys/gals here.

You either suck it up blue, or they got you. They are telling me about taking trophy and there is no trophy to take we are all buddies here. I'm saying to myself, if we are buddies, then let me be me and blue be grn. Blue, I'm playing the crowd. Think like a racer. Come in here you don't give a shit who shows up, you do your thing, blue.

No one is stopping you. That is all I have to say abouthatrick!

Hey guys and GALS and i am waiting for the Gals to come forward. Come on LADY,S. This Forum is for ALL of us to get smarter about our ZX14 RIDE. I posted this tire question because i am going to be BUYING a new Rear tire. When KAWASAKI selects a new tire for any of their products they have spent a LOT of MONEY and RESEARCH on what they will put on their new product. Think about this. YOU spend a LOT of money on what sits on top of your head (HELMET) but you should also think about what sits on your ride (TIRES). That is why i have started this Question. Please let us all come together and figure out what is BEST for ALL ZX14 RIDERS. We know something that all other motorcycle riders do not know or experience unless you ride the ZX14. It is a differant way of life, it is something you do not GET unless you are at controls of the MONSTER.

Fuck it....BTW...nice "revision post"..brought me back to part of my reality...meaning...you guys here ARE important to me.This is the only place I ever come to to talk openly about bikes...ideas....problems..bike or personal.You ought to know me somewhat by now....everyone here ought to.I post up my successes with something,AND...my failures.I aint skeered to say I FUCKED UP.I'm saying this to say this....my dealer talked to me just a bit ago...they revised the ship dates to early December.Ya...I'm friggin bummed.I'll get over it.Shit...what's a couple more weeks anyway...I won't be able to go ride.Snow's just ahead.Soon.VERY SOON.

Your bike is a what year Hub?Help me out here,I need the diameter of the collector pipe...the one the Slip-on goes over.Can't get a straight answer from anyone.Other forums...whatever...everybody changes their pipes...but NOBODY knows that collector pipe diameter.If I'm guessing right,the diameter is the same as the 20 something Connie 14(late model).If so...the parts house part number will fit,and my CS ONES will be fine.(2 and a quarter OD diameter on those).I may have to fabricate a new thinner gasket at that connection.By maybe a 1/4 inch thickness.I hope not,but if I do...any ideas on where and what kind of material I could use to seal it right?

Ya...we're still bud's...always have been ever since I came on this forum...when..like 4 years ago or something?BTW...I NEVER thought you were full of shit...honestly...I didn't.A tad overboard maybe on your explanations...but you aint no dummy...I know that.

As far as that tire goes...like you mentioned..(and HUB)...they're using that tire for a specific reason.It IS the latest from Metzler....supposed to be VERY GOOD...performance AND mileage.Just may end up being my future tire sets.We'll see.I think the slipper clutch is gonna be aGodsend for this new bike.I did a LOT of power downshifting...clutchless,on my 07.THAT takes a tire down pretty quick.Almost as much as accelerating hard.Least it did on my bike.That FactoryPro shift star really made a big difference in the ability to downshift at any rpm and go right in.Very nice on the 14.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 5:17 PM *

I've got to chime in. I don't blame ya Blue. Priv started it by saying ' since you can't read ' ! I'd be offended too! And if you ask me he always comes off as being self- righteous!!! JMO

Hmmm..well...thanks for the pat on the back.I don't dislike Privateer.He doesn't know me.Or anything about me really.Makin a statement like "You can't read"....straight A's in school and four years of A grades in college...I don't really care.He's criticized my writing ways before...paragraphs and such.If I was writin a professional paper for the world to admire...he'd see punctuation.I'm just talkin with my buds here.Not some publishing board of supervisors!Thanks again Mad. (and YOU TOO HUBSTER )(and all you peeps on the zx14 forum)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 5:24 PM *

Exactly Blue, er Grn :) you're excited about getting your new, bad to the bone 14 and I don't blame you. I have nothing against a blogger I don't even know, but when they continually brag about having the best of everything, stock portfolio, accessories, bikes.....blah, blah, blah, I lose respect and wonder why he seems to think it's his job to bust everyones bubble! Just saying I'd much rather read your posts and the 'helpful' others than his rants any time!! Can't wait to hear about your new Z!!

Gonna be early December now(that means...SNOW here...lots of it)....he talked to the Kawi people...IDK...the shipping group or something.S'all good.She IS gonna be BAAAAAAAD They'll deliver her right to my door.I'll just do like I did my blue baby(got her in December 06)...go out there in the geeerage and 'pre rail' to my heart's content.Think of every turn,every sweep.Every twistie I go on.Almost as fun as ridin!!! (I know....I'm not well) Sometimes being 58 aint SO bad

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 5:46 PM *

I'm seriously considering trading my '11 in on it! Just wandering how big a hit I'd take with it having over 5k already? idk. But man, I'm loving the upgrades! Not only performance, but I'm looking at the added robustness and longevity they've engineered into this new BEAST!!

I'd throw in with that info Grn14 - about the diameter of the pipes, but I am separated from my ride by several thousand miles for a couple more weeks! I'm whicha - on the new 14R, soon enough all of the "Facts" will be realities we will hear from you guys ridin' the new bird, not just readin' about it! I'd just ignore the "school yard bullies" when they get too far to the left! I stay on this forum because you guys have a collective wealth of info! As I said in another post, I like to hear all of your view points and take what I need from you all... My 14 is still a baby with only 3500 miles on it, as I only get to ride it for about two to three weeks at a time, every three months so I can use all of the info I can get and from people that I know share the passion of riding the Big Ninja like I do! I am still all in for the new bird - the more we talk about it here, the more I am convinced that there will be one in my garage sometime early next year!!!! SOOOOO...Can't we all just get along???!!!

Come on Grn, privvy knows you can read. Priv's a smarty 10K reader. Take it with a grain of salt. He gets on my case but puts up with me. I'm just naturally obnoxious and the skin is not so deep and all that. I have to learn to back off and just concentrate on the subject. Now, here is were we parts ways.

Scootn, just for the record, I do remember my bike rolled out the door with both tires moving in an equal pattern is one way you can say two patterns wear equally. That record keeps rolling as I say, we are more upright riding. We are more stop and go riding. We hardly gumball our tires on the street. We do not keep up with the tire pressure like we should.

I am guilty of that tire checking. Then again, I use a lot of drive. I brake hard on the stop. This is your bike, my list, and for the record, are you a one tire changer on a jet fighter? Tell me we land on one used, one new tire. Tell me you are a one hit wonder why you let go of the bars kind of don't go there. But you get the gist of what is a set to be changed, as opposed to one tire being changed.

We are looking for new blood to desquidiefy around here. Take a lap with. You know the drill.

WOT say ye one hit wonder?

Grn,

Till now, any slip made, fits the full 14 generation engine family. The first two years take a fat gasket. There was no cat in the header. That hosed down the gasket size. My '08 and up to the '011, we use the thinner I/D gasket because of the cat insert. But if we are after a '06 to '011 slip on the R? We might have to wait? The new exhaust has less cat. This says big pipe for blowing out that stroke of air. That may say, less cat, we are back to the '06 I/D. That says, any slip keeps on slippin'!

But how do you get a lot of torque? Big guns. How fast do you let it out? Kind of slow. What are the odds that header has the same '08 to '011 mid gasket? I think we are mid-out of luck. That mini cat may be a couple of pancake sizes stacked? Not that plug we have in the 14. I'm just guessing. Gotta go to the show with a vernier and a paper notepad. Too much on this bike.

Thanks Hub...I researched a bit for that,yesterday.There definitely is a gasket difference between those early ones and the later models.I ordered two 2010 Connie gaskets(I think they were Connie gaskets).The exhaust on that bike...the four into one cat collector...that one will accept a CS ONE slip.All good.Of course,the late models 14's also accept the CS ONE's...so..really doesn't matter I guess which bike you order for.Same gasket number.They did say from CS ONE....the OD of the midpipe(the end that slips over the collector pipe)is 2.125.The standard stock zx14 diameter there is 2.25....a bit of difference,so that's why I was askin about the header connector pipe.I know they said they had designed a bigger exhaust header connection at the ports,and then mentioned it "tapers down" to whatever.I'm hoping the 'tapering down' means fitment okay for our present aftermarket pipes.That may be their way of kinda tellin us don't worry.Without actually saying...'get those pipes guys!". Anyway.I hope so.Probably.I know the aftermarket crowd would love to be able to mix and match current exhaust systems without needing to retool all their new pipe fitment connections.Some of those pipe sites ARE claiming 'will fit 2012 zx14R'.Probably be fine.

When I get that stock pipe off there,I'm gonna look in and see how difficult it is or isn't to POSSIBLY remove that cat.It is shaped different this time around.No more just drilling out that round thing(cat),and yer done methinks.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 11/3/2011 @ 11:49 PM *

The 2012 C14 comes with Bridgestones. This should give you an idea of what the US production ZX14Rs will be wearing as delivered. Though of course it doesn't mean it won't have different tires, anything is possible.

Mine will be here on January 10th, 2012. Bad in black. Super black. I'll put up with the Bridgestones for one riding season, then slap PR3s on it.

I was seriously considering a BMW K-1600 GTL which is a SWEET ride, and feels lighter in the front end than the C14, but for the extra 9,000 bucks it would cost, I can put a Muzzy dual, piggy, reflashed ECU, top-case, a better - and heated - seat, and a whole bunch of farkles on it.

* Last updated by: privateer on 11/5/2011 @ 9:30 AM *