I'm thinking of buying the ZX14r, but my question is there a big difference in the new bike versus the previous additions? Which is a better bike?

WOW The Polititian about to start a debate on his first post!!!LOL

1st Off Welcome to the forum!

2nd Off the 1st generation bike is a great bike I dont have anything bad to say about it because it was a great bike to learn on and once you removed the secondary butterfies from the 07 model....L00KOuT!!!....and right now you can probably get a sick deal on one because of the launch of the 2012 the market seems to be flooded with good deals.

3rd Off I Love My 2012 cause it pulls like a fighter jet...and its smooth as silk....but thats just Me!

Happy Holidays!!!

Snuffy

Thanks for d welcome. I really like the new zx14. I love everything about the bike. I'm 30 yrs. Old and I've ridden bikes before, so I want my first bike to be a good one. I really don't want to upgrade no time soon, so that's why i can't make up my mind.

No Problem Politician!

Well I totally understand the whole upgrade thing cause thats why I started and learned on a ZX14 in the first place.
I watched all my boys go through more bikes than you can imagine and then when they felt they mastered the bike trade up and spend a ton of cash on a new bike. This was the reason I started with Kawasaki's flagship bike...I didnt want to waste money upgrading after I learned to ride. So after freaking everyone out by getting the biggest badass bike on the planet at the time and managing not to get killed while learning, all is good now!

Snuffy

* Last updated by: SnuffyZX on 12/26/2011 @ 7:52 AM *

Lol, good to know I'm not d only one who feels d same way. Is there a major difference in d new bike versus d old bike?

You're young, pay yourself first. That says buy used or buy a leftover on the cheap. The years will fly by, you'll have all the low grade experience of the first gen. In a few years, switch up to the next one.

Warning: It takes awhile to recondition yourself you trade down to less of a bike. This is the heep of the top of the model. I ride anything else I want to open the trash lid and stick it in. So with the money you save, pay yourself first, buy an index, cash it in with the new money you needed to shell out for a leftover/new. Get it? You kind of break even or if the THEPOLI in office lets the economy rip... Slow will your index, you pay him for that risk, the poli is less obamastyle with the hand out you owe me out of the blue you owe me, poli speaking that is.

You took the risk, and pan handle didn't; now pay up? I'll pay up... Here is year deposit

* Last updated by: Hub on 12/26/2011 @ 8:20 AM *

Good point, I might just buy an used one first, keep it for a few yrs, then upgrade to a brand new one. Thanks for d advice.

1st off you can buy a 2011 leftover for $10,300 where i live.... that"s about 3 grand less then the new one.

2nd post all the bikes you have owned and i will tell you.... in my opinion if you should even consider this bike it has close to 200 hp.

not to scare you off... but they could be picking you up with a broom and a pail.. your body that is if you don 't know what your doing.

* Last updated by: mark43 on 12/26/2011 @ 11:38 AM *

Never owned a bike before. The first bike I learned how to ride was a busa.

You are going to hurt yourself. Seriously consider buying something a little more user friendly until you get a little seat time. I don't mean to offend you, but you are playing with fire. A bike like a ZX14 or Busa can get away from you very quickly. You are old enough to have a little common sense. Take a look at an FZ1. Still plenty of bike, but much more forgiving.

Ok, will do. Thanks

WELL your the man then !

Plastic or metal.... pail that is.

Think he was fishing !

IMO, Poli wants a crack her and he qualifies already. This bike runs like a moped or a Busa wannabe. If he took a ride and came back on one... Hello? The 14 will do 35/55/70 as well as 186.

Thanks Hub, I don't plan on racing the bike or acting a fool on it. I plan on turning into a show bike that i can still ride.

This is the heep of the top of the model. I ride anything else I want to open the trash lid and stick it in.

Yep. Tried to love other bikes but just don't. The light weight models are lots of fun but when I'm heading out for a few hours I take the big girl.

Learning to ride any bike will be all about You and your wrist control. 2006-07 zx-14 Model with flies in, behaves like Gentle Ben.

I just read in SSB a few months back that they are now using BMW 1000RR as trainer bikes. Accidents are down 70% due to electronics so they claim. How's that for starting off on your first bike 4 the first day ?????

I don't plan on racing the bike or acting a fool on it.

Buy what you like and grow into it has my vote. If your nuts,,, No Bike Will Be Safe Enough To Save You From Yourself.

Never owned a bike before. The first bike I learned how to ride was a busa.

Rofl that first ride,,,,, tell me how was it ???? Busa owner your friend lol. Sorry but that's one big pile of trust he placed in you. I let one friend take my CR500 for his first ride. Short one lol, Straight across the street into a house. I Thought he could do it. Whoops. Wish I had that on video lol. We both learned something that day. Funny Now.

If you do get a 14 you will have lots of support from the guys here. Cheers

Riding the busa was a thrill rush and a nightmare all at the same time. My butt hole was tight like somebody squeeze lemon juice on it. lol The busa was ok, but i hated how i had to lean over to ride the bike. I got on the hwy and hit it and i realize how quick the bike can get away from me.

Hmmm....

Hmmm....

2ND, Bike course First,,, before you buy ??? Give it some thought. May Help Make Decision.

Yes, take the damn MSF Beginners course. Then take the damn MSF Intermediate course.

If you pass both of those, consider owning a motorcycle.

Otherwise, let me know where you are riding so I can stay away. J/K but you know what I mean.

The 14 is a gentle giant plus it got TC. This is my first bike and two other guys on this for did the same we are all alive! The new zx 14 s got 200 hp and also 3 power modes so if hp kills it could be safer than prev gen.

I want my first bike to be a good one. I really don't want to upgrade no time soon, so that's why i can't make up my mind.

That's what I thought. So I lived through 2 years and brought home a baby brother, the 08 busa. Matching years best colors of both.

I think the 14 was a good bike to learn on as long as you use a lot of common sense. I went slow my first year. I don't think I did over 120. Be realistic, though. You will go fast eventually. Learn the ropes. If you are reasonable, you should avoid a wreck. The popo--Now that is the thing most likely to gitcha.

Riding the busa was a thrill rush and a nightmare all at the same time. My butt hole was tight like somebody squeeze lemon juice on it.

good anal-ogy!

If I was buying new I'm sure I would want the 012. Too early to say if it actually is faster. I don't think I've heard that yet except from kawi spokesperson, Ricky Gadson.

Heard the 012 is smoother
Sure seems to have a lot stronger bottom end.
better suspension (the old one is not the greatest0
has traction control (but if you wantt o pull flies, that will disable it)
has ABS
lighter wheels
more comfortable and sporty looking seat
Looks better (IMHO).

only drawback is that it is heavier. forgot how much heavier.

I think after the modsters figure this bike out, it is going to be a much better platform for drag racing and LSR than the old 14.

The best thing you can do is wait 9-10 more months and keep following the forums.

One thing is for sure. There will always be a bike to top what ever comes on the market..... all in good time.

Thanks for the info guys. I plan on waiting to see what reviews this bike gets.

I couldn't help myself.I went from a Harley Heritage softail to a zzr1200.Then to a zx12R.NEVER did I think I wouldn't be able to ride it.A bike's a bike.They all drive the same.Same physics,same mechanics.Clutch,brakes..throttle.If you've ridden a sportbike for any period of time..and you already know how to 'respect' the performance package of a quick sportbike....there's no reason to fear getting a 'bigger' one.IF you're actually 'afraid' of the 14 or whatever,you either get on and ride and see how ya feel...or.....stay off and ride something you DO feel okay with.My opinion here...IF you are afraid of it....yer likely gonna wind up thrashed very soon.Respect...yes...fear...no.Won't work.Forget the "hype" about "oooh...a missile"...ride one...keep your mind open and focused on the ride...the bike.YOU control the machine...not the other way around.You've ridden the Busa...the 14 is very much the same.I think you would better enjoy the ergos of the 14...most guys do.You CAN get some minor bars lift mods and such if you're not totally good with the leaning over deal.Just because it can haul doesn't mean you have to ride it like yer going to a fire all the time.The 14 is extremely well suited for cruising,slow speeds,and naturally,ramping up when you want it to.You don't sound to me like you're gonna get a brand new big sportbike...and play Rossi on it.These bikes are in a class by themselves.They do not handle like a liter bike.OR a 600.Or anything like those.You learn what to do,and how far you can go IF you take it seriously and pay attention to your riding habits and such.It isn't going to 'take you out and get you killed'.

Do what I did....get on my brand new 07 zx14...after the break-in...and follow one of your buddies...into the 15 mph curves...only instead of paying attention to MY ride,I tried to keep up with him on his Busa.He made the first curve at around 50 mph.I was still acellerating at 70...not good for a 50 degree hairpin posted for 15.Ya...that will teach you REAL QUICK just what NOT to do with these bikes.Been fine ever since.And no more 'following' anyone trying to ride THEIR ride.You get that down...you'll be fine.Long as you pay attention to the posted curve speed signs,and stay around that till ya get used to the feel of the big Ninja...piece of cake.You never stop learning how to ride.Every ride should get you closer to knowing your limits and your bike's.You take it easy....maybe take that MSF course...you'll be fine.Keep your head in the game...for YOUR own ride...and you'll have a blast everytime you go out on YOUR spaceship.

"3rd Off I Love My 2012 cause it pulls like a fighter jet...and its smooth as silk....but thats just Me!"....me TWO!!!!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/5/2012 @ 12:14 PM *

Sorry for the late response Grn14, thanks for the advice. I plan on getting the new zx14r after i finish grad school this spring. My uncle suggested getting the bike in the winter, when i can get a good deal. I see alot of dealers who are selling the bike on ebay at 12k or 13k. Some people tell me that its a trap to get you in there because they dont tell you about the fees that come with setting up the bike.