Guys I have a 09 modded Like crazy.... My question is I your honest opinion is the new 14 light years ahead of an 09 with 206 @ the rear tire and tricked out suspension? Or is it just the traction control and ABS that is way ahead? If the new one is that much better what is better? Is it that you are comparing it to a stock older bike with less power? I'm going to replace my girl with a new 14 at some point but really wanted to hear a honest opinion....

Yeesh...yer askin a VERY DANGEROUS question!Hell yeah it's 'better'...I mean...maybe 'different' would be a better word...yes...for what it is...yes.It's NOT supposed to be a earlier model.It's a pretty much new package.Nothing at all wrong with the earlier models....nothing.The new 14R is a hybrid bike...unique...just as the 14 was when it debuted.It's not 'fair' to try and compare the earlier ones with the new one.Your question is valid...yes...I know what you mean.You should go ride a 14R....then decide if it's right for you.It's NOT the same bike just tweaked here and there.The doodads are definitely a plus...naturally...but the overall package is very user friendly....and the infamous Kawasaki powerplant(s) is the smoothest out there.I loved my 07...yes...great top end...gobs of power...but my 14R...to me....way 'nicer' feeling.Easier to work on.Solidly built.Great transmission action.Awesome power delivery.RELIABLE.

I think I could say this with some assurance...you won't need to spend boo koo bucks trying to get that 200mph T-Shirt with this bike.Stock...with the limiter removed..she'll easily do 190+....200 wouldn't be far away...it may even DO 200 if ya have the right road and conditions...I wouldn't doubt it.But I do think the gearing will mechanically limit it at that speed....yes..it's a new bike.

"light years ahead of an 09 with 206 @ the rear tire and tricked out suspension? Or is it just the traction control and ABS that is way ahead?"....I wouldn't say 'light years'....but refined and 'improved'..yes...You don't feel the KTRC...if it's even working on street riding IMO.ABS?You don't need abs either.Those two attributes are a very good add on to a great bike...but totally unnecessary IMO.The slipper...nice...but not necessary.These just make a fine bike 'better'...but not better performing...If I said that right?They're safety features...most times...you won't even know they're there...as it should be.

I loved my 07....bought the 14R sight unseen and unridden...only because I felt that the new 14 was 'better'....not a put down...but...well,you know.We all like new stuff.I wasn't disappointed.Not in any way.EVERYTHING works with this new bike.It feels different...it runs different...it handles different.Look at it...even the body shape and style is different.I thought my 07 was the tops...it was at the time.This bike advanced the great qualities of the former...and refined a bike that already was a legend.No,I'm extremely happy with the 14R....It's VERY hard I imagine how to outdo a previous winner...but IMO...they did...definitely.You have to ride one for more than 10 minutes...even though in that ten minutes you will realize it's NOT the same.

Honestly...If I were you,and in no hurry to change....I'd wait till a couple of seasons go by...there's no telling what Kawasaki has up the road for this latest model.Just as they refined(IMO)this bike...in a couple of seasons of rider input....the 'next' 14R...well...I can't even imagine it...just like I couldn't with my 07!I wouldn't be surprised at a 1500 or something....really.This bike is a testing platform right now...just as the earlier ones were.There's really no getting around it...the 14R is the premiere sportbike of it's time...I don't mean 'trackbike' or 'race' bike...I mean big power,big torque,big rideability.(All opinions expressed are the sole impressions of the site 'clown'...okay..and don't necessarily reflect the views of the others here);)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/6/2012 @ 7:33 PM *

http://youtu.be/FbfasHEwx3E

[link assist. utube video embedding is disabled.. -bg]

* Last updated by: bgordon on 12/11/2012 @ 3:53 PM *

I like what they did to the motor.Stroked,bump in compression,different cams and port work.Like the instruments and the ability to turn the TC OFF.Don't need a speedhealer.And lastly those wheels on the green one.Which is the only one I want.Would like a quiter full system and a reflash.Should be good for 210 HP.
Craig

I think my bone stock '09 is almost the same as your mod'ed '09. For me, the most desirable feature of the 14R is the slipper clutch. I wish my '09 had one.

The slipper really IS noticeable....you can definitely tell it's working.

Had the 2010 ZX14 with only 6,000kms on her spent a bit $$$ too! I test ROAD the 14R (not to buy ) & Bought it Their & THEN ! $6k changeover with NO regrets

* Last updated by: bean07 on 12/7/2012 @ 2:21 AM *

Grn14 I here you for sure and appreciate where you guys are coming from. There is no questions I’m buying one at some point. I’m still real happy with my currant lady. She rips unbelievable handles great is does everything from track days, top speed events and 800 plus mile days in the saddle. I like everything they changed and think they made all the right moves BUT I really can’t see how there is a huge difference. That is unless we are comparing the 14R to a stock 14. With the mods I have I’m lighter same or more power and modded suspension the only advantage I see is the traction control and slipper clutch. I’m not trying to stir shit up just thinking…..How ever take that same 14R and put my BST wheels on it and a Brocks full system and flash the ECU and look the hell out! lol

With the mods I have I’m lighter same or more power and modded suspension the only advantage I see is the traction control and slipper clutch. I’m not trying to stir shit up just thinking…

Sounds like you already have this all figured out. Dual Fans big plus. Oiling system upgrade. suspension feels way better but nothing compared to what you have already. Soooo ????

Just think what all those little goodies will feel like on your new 14R that Santa's going to bring lol.

Hahaha Yeah man!!! I know it’s inevitable and I’m all over it and I also know I’ll be modding the crap out of the new girl! I just can’t help hot rodding stuff. I’m going to run this season with my currant girl. Do a few more track days and the top speed run in July and with the 40 shot of NOS I bought (just for insurance purposes) break my goal of 200 mph. I’m going to retire her and actually put her in my office at work. I can’t bear to part with her with the history we have. It would be like selling old yeller…..lol I’ll take the BST’s and put them on the new girl.

Put er in your office....with a glass case I assume?That would be way cool.Some nice leds set in strategic positions...yup....big sign on the case.."this is the world's fastest and most powerful production motorcycle on the planet...this particular bike went over 200 mph...."

Hey Somefun
You won't appreciate the 2013 if you don't move most of your mods to the new bike. Slipper clutch is nice, TC is a big debate and ABS is nice. Your power to weigh ratio is awesome right now and unless you get in the motor, or use 0 weight oil, an o-ring less chain 210 hp is a pipe dream (pun intended) in my opinion. The suspension upgrade is nice, the front end is way more planted and more confidence inspiring but I didn't like the shock.
Bottom line is if I wanna push it, I would have to upgrade front and rear (I walk around 215-235 lbs depending of the season). The nice thing: just with bolt ons you can match your current hp output, the bad news is you'd be heavier even if you transfer all the goodies. It comes back down to how much you value TC, the slipper clutch and ABS. I really like ABS but not at that price so down the line maybe a mildly used one or leftover at a killer price. I can't pay full price for a bike I'm going to upgrade as soon as it leaves the dealership especially considering what I have in the garage. With your BST's and the power you bike makes you'll be probably less impress than me so unless you're the kinda of guy who upgrade his cell phone just because the newer version is out, I'd say wait a little. Yes, upgrade but first put more miles on the 09. Beside from the looks of things and the history of the 14, 2015 is probably the year you wanna wait for. Getting a new 14 every 6 years sounds good to me. If I had gotten my 06 in 06, I would have been all over the 12/13.

I'm hoping I will also be able to park mine in my office when I retire her.

* Last updated by: dragking on 12/7/2012 @ 1:41 PM *

Thanks Drag that’s the same thing I was thinking. I love my bike and I don't change just to change or have newer stuff. The TC would be great on the track days but sadly I only get to do 3 or 4 a season. But I have to say I can totaly see my sexy girl sitting up on stands in my office sitting there all nice shiny, smiling at me as I peek over my PC monitor to sneak a peek at her....LOL How would I ever have a day seeing her sit there!

* Last updated by: Somefun on 12/7/2012 @ 5:54 PM *

And I can see you standing up and pulling a rag to polish a little spot here and there lol Priceless.

F-16 Single Engine Fighters were the HOT fighter when they came out......we sent most to Israel a few escort AirForce 1 when they think bad guys are around.

Then the F-15 Eagle twin engine fight came out, and the Tomcat, and the YF12A, F-16's were great, but no one wants to fly one any more when the better, faster, safer fighters are the tip of the spear...

Technology is advancing so quickly, that is why Kawasaki keeps making better bikes...and that is what keeps them in business....

Everyone wants better, faster, stronger, more reliable equipment..

In about another 5 years the ZX14r will be replaced with a ZX15r or the 16r...to sell more bikes, more power..because there will always be a market for it! I can't wait...I will be first in line to buy one....!!

I wear a Rolex...not a Timex...both keep perfect time......but it only costs 10% more to go first class!

Ninja

* Last updated by: ninjawarrior1244 on 12/8/2012 @ 7:53 AM *

F-16 Single Engine Fighters were the HOT fighter when they came out......we sent most to Israel a few escort AirForce 1 when they think bad guys are around.
Then the F-15 Eagle twin engine fight came out, and the Tomcat, and the YF12A, F-16's were great, but no one wants to fly one any more when the better, faster, safer fighters are the tip of the spear...
Technology is advancing so quickly, that is why Kawasaki keeps making better bikes...and that is what keeps them in business....
Everyone wants better, faster, stronger, more reliable equipment..
In about another 5 years the ZX14r will be replaced with a ZX15r or the 16r...to sell more bikes, more power..because there will always be a market for it! I can't wait...I will be first in line to buy one....!!
I wear a Rolex...not a Timex...both keep perfect time......but it only costs 10% more to go first class!
Ninja

* Last updated by: bean07 on 12/11/2012 @ 12:57 AM *

"F-16 Single Engine Fighters were the HOT fighter when they came out......we sent most to Israel a few escort AirForce 1 when they think bad guys are around.
Then the F-15 Eagle twin engine fight came out, and the Tomcat, and the YF12A, F-16's were great, but no one wants to fly one any more when the better, faster, safer fighters are the tip of the spear..."

Actually, the 14s and 15s were designed and bought slightly before the 16. That's the reason for the numbering scheme. You can argue all day which jet is better - depends on what you are trying to do. The F-16 (we call it "the Viper" has the best power-weight ratio and a smart wing with leading edge slats and fly-by-wire automatically optimizing all the flight controls. For pure turning and burning (fighting inside a phone booth - visual dogfighting), the 16 (along with the F-18 Hornet) is the king of these 4th generation fighters. Hardly anyone who has actually flown these things will contest this. Some of my fondest memories are the moments I had outturning and gunning the shit out of these two great oversized fighters. The F-14 (no longer in service) was especially easy to kill once you get close. We casually referred to it as "a grape" - something easily crushed. To their credit, 14s (now retired) and 15s have bigger radars and more range than the 16 - no fighter jet rules at everything.

The F-22 and F-35 are the new 5th generation fighters on the block. They are both stealth in addition to their awesome dogfight capabilities. The F-22 is operational and features vectored thrust in addition to just about everything you could wish for. Unfortunately, the awesome design kind of priced us out of the market and we quit the buy at less than 200 fighters. Hopefully, the F-35 (with one engine rather than two) can be bought in greater numbers to replace the 4th generation fleet which is aging out. It looks to be a truly kick-ass machine once it matures and gets sorted-out.

Cheers

Suede (retired F-16 jock)

All true for sure guys but not completely. If you have ever seen pro Turing cars you would know having the latest and greatest is not always best, nice but not necessary. A pro Turing car can be most any older car but I’m partial to a 1969 Camaro. I guy like Mike Steelow (GM Engineer)and his 69 called Red Devil will take a 69 and go through mod the hell out of it with the right combination of parts and whoop the shit out of GM latest super car the ZL1 Camaro. Thus proving the point. Check this vid out it’s pretty cool. It doesn’t make me want a 14R less by any means. Just saying the right mods can easily allow a good rider to the front of the pack for sure. And the new TC and Abs is awesome for sure for most riders but a great rider would only shut that stuff off anyways when really hitting the track. That is the first thing I do when I get to the track with my CTS-V is shut off the electronic Nanny’s…..lol

http://youtu.be/64-Y2Hvnfrg