So I just did an 1800 mile 3 day trip from northern Illinois to Charlotte North Carolina. Of course I took the long way and ran the tail of the dragon both ways on my trip.

But one of the first things I noticed way how bad the low beam is on the ZX14R. What are the best "bolt in" upgrades for the lights? I really don't want to deal with adding ballasts and all that.

Second, after so any miles on flat boring Illinois and Indiana roads " with heavy throttle usage" the tires are shot. The center is down to meatal threads.
I ride mainly flat straight roads so I need a hard rubber in the center. What is the modern recommendation?

Thanks
Charlie

I do only traveling, no racing, on my 14r. The set I have is Dunlop Roadsmart III. I have 10,516 miles on the front and 8980 miles on the back. I just measured 3/32" front and 7/32" back tread depth. Front was 5/32"-new and Back 9/32"-new. At that rate I could see 16,000+ miles. They handle great wet or dry.
Before Dunlop I had Mich Pilot 4. I put 11,465 mi front and 10,795 mi back. I replaced them because I was taking a 3000-mile trip.

For extra night vision I would add LED Pods mounted underneath the Mirrors. That is a solid mounting location. You might have to make your own brackets.

Search to see what the Concours Riders are using.
https://twistedthrottle.com/shop/lighting/light-mounts/denali-auxilary-light-mounting-brackets-for-kawasaki-concours-1400-gtr1400-08-20/
When I lived in Colorado and drove all night I always had my high beams on. Down here in the twistie roads of the Ozark Hills, I need cornering lights to see the edge of the road and Deer.

I really don't want to add more lights, I'd like to just make the low beams brighter.

I rode most of last night with the brights on..... it just makes me feel like I'm being a prick to other people. I guess I'm just getting nicer in my old age.

The bike only has 4700ish miles and the stock tires are shot ...... does that seam normal or am I just hard on the throttle?

Try adjusting your headlights first.
Mine were very low and were useless at night.
After raising them, there was a large improvement.