Probably nothing you haven't read before, but I'll post it up just in case.. Report

Finally a decent review!

Cool article!

Members of the press corps who specialize in such things were clicking off high-9-second runs at more than 140 mph in short order. Sport Rider's Andrew Trevitt--triggerman for Motorcyclist's dragstrip data--notched a 9.92 at 144.5 mph, and others shaved a 10th or three off of that. The key to that magic 9-second kingdom is covering those first 60 feet in about 1.7 seconds and doing everything perfectly from there to the end of the strip. (Times quoted at an altitude of 2100 feet. Sea-level times will be considerably quicker.)

"This bike makes horsepower in a totally predictable way," Burke said. "And that, along with all that clutch feel, makes it really easy to launch." By the end of the day, Burke had that part mostly figured out, but keeping his 6-foot/175-pound chassis motionless behind the 14's fairing while making those three perfect shifts was easier said than done. Still, 10.24 seconds at 140.3 mph ain't bad for a rookie.

With professional fingers on the trigger--Ryan Schnitz for example--the stock bike reels off a 9.65-second run at 147 mph. Armed with a few bolt-on bits from Muzzy's catalog--a lowering strap on the fork, plus a rear lowering link, exhaust system and VP race gas--Rickey clicked off various 9.3-second passes at 150 mph. At that rate, consider the Hayabusa officially dethroned.

We were given roughly 12 passes and as I experienced in the past, it wasn’t easy to crack the 9-second barrier. Besides Gadson, only four riders managed to pull it off: Our old pal Kevin Duke and Brock Davidson, owner of Brock’s Performance, did it in our group with Duke Danger pulling it off on almost every pass and Brock netting just a single 9-second run while drawing on his wealth of drag racing experience. It’s not easy launching a high-horsepower beast like this, if you’re looking to scrape hundredths of seconds off your time, even with the electronic assistance.

With Traction Control on setting TC2 we were dang near able to drop the clutch and dial on the gas but the resulting wheelies were almost always the cause for a lower than expected ET. It keeps the power in check but the bike still hauls ass. As the temperatures dropped, so did track traction and as a result we had a bunch of riders breaking the rear tire loose through the 60-foot mark, which any drag racer will tell you is an ET-killer. Despite the KTRC and my own internal preservation instincts, during the day my best run was a 10.06 at 145 mph. That gave me hope that I could pull off a good showing in the Editor Showdown later that evening.

Burnout. Staging. Rev it to 4K. Feed the clutch... Pow!We drew starting position from a hat and lucky me, I was set to go last. Everyone expected Duke to rip off a 9 and walk away with the title so we were all surprised when his best pass was a 10.01. The Canucklehead left the door open for someone to sneak in and steal the prize. One by one the editors came up short but there was a surprise pass by Cycle News Editor Paul Carruthers. He ripped off a 10.06 which put him second fastest as I rolled into the box for my final runs. How sweet would it be to dethrone my mentor and rival? The pressure was on me. If I could pull off a 9 then all my hard work would pay off.

After a long burnout I was staged and ready. It was cold. My throttle hand wasn’t holding a steady rpm so it wavered from 3000-4000 rpm. The light went green and a got a decent launch. As I dialed in some throttle the bike burned out a bit so I panicked and shifted a little early. Despite that bobble I crossed the stripe with a 10.33 at 141 mph so I was a ways off.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 12/27/2011 @ 8:14 AM *

I'd put Kruz up against their type of the hype. "I can't throw it in a corner, it's too heavy?" Dogo could hang with me and he was on strange turf for him. He had ground clearance parts. I took my titty feelers off, so I had ground clearance parts is parts too. We went through the snake for being tight and quick up the back of that snake run. How much clearance do you need?

This is one more TT bike that won't show up there. Bunch of POO SEAS wimp wrist tears!

'There is no lag this time around?' 'Smooth euromissions?' Blunder bust bike one more time. If it's not the lag with the first widget, now it's the hump over 2+2 and did they make it? No. Who said Suz lost tradition like comotopmodel and what was Suzuki's tradition on the race track?

Suzuki lost tradition my ass. 013' is sooner than you think.

Oh shit! Look WATT's coming!

Slow LOW She Sue KEY!

Get some hot coco... I'm waiting for the back 40 report.

As you have probably already surmised, first article was from the 2006 ZX-14 press intro at Las Vegas International Speedway, second was from the 2012 ZX-14R press intro also at Las Vegas International. Same riders, same track, same altitude, same month of the year, pretty much same results. As 1bad is fond of saying, the stop watch doesn't lie. Schnitz busted out a 9.65 ET, 147 mph pass with a stone stock '06. What was Gadsons best on a stone stock '12 at Las Vegas? Just curious

Suzuki will respond...guaranteed. This will get interesting!

Here it is, 9.31 ET on the '12 at Las Vegas but modified.

Gadson, who helped put Coldwells into the lower 10s on a stock ZX-14R, took a lightly-modified machine down the Vegas strip at an impressive 9:31 at 141.86 mph.

The modificiations? A Brock's lowering kit and two-teeth off the rear sprocket.

...and completely stock '12 with Gadson aboard:

Early dyno reports show figures in the 190 HP range at the wheel with an equally stout serving of torque nearing 110 LB-FT. Although there wasn't a dyno at LVMS to confirm the reports, the drag strip was ours and even pro racer Rickey Gadson was on-hand to show the journos what the bike could really do by laying down an impressive 9.6 @ 151 MPH run.

Read more: http://www.superstreetbike.com/features/1112_sbkp_2012_kawasaki_zx_14_r/index.html#ixzz1hlEktoZk

....and back in '06 at Las Vegas:

Armed with a few bolt-on bits from Muzzy's catalog--a lowering strap on the fork, plus a rear lowering link, exhaust system and VP race gas--Rickey clicked off various 9.3-second passes at 150 mph.

Notice no gearing changes on the '06.

.....and complete stock '06 at Las Vegas with Schint at the controls:

With professional fingers on the trigger--Ryan Schnitz for example--the stock bike reels off a 9.65-second run at 147 mph

My take is the new bike has more HP and torque and also 29 lbs more weight than the '06 and that is by Kawasaki's own numbers. The new bike has more potential, agreed but if you are lining up against an older 14, don't automatically assume you will beat him just because you are on a 14R, the numbers don't support it.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 12/27/2011 @ 11:34 AM *

Not trying to start a brawl here, just searching for objective truth among the only truly objective standard and that's the numbers.

Keep listening to Hub...that's the only truth it seems anyone here wants to listen to anyway While he's criticizing and calling people names,I'll(we'll) be rollin on our new babies .Gadsen already busted into the 8's.What's the issue here?

If you guys want all the new owners to leave this forum.....why not just say so.It's obvious(to me anyway)that the guys getting new 14R's are not welcome.Sorry...but that's what's coming across with these snipes at the new bike and all.NOBODY is dissing any new 14r riders on any of the other 14 forums.They're all behind em 100%...I think they understand it's the ride,not who's got a bigger dick.The facts are the facts...regardless of who is trying to skew the performance and build of this new machine.I can say first hand...this new bike is better than the older bike .

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/27/2011 @ 12:06 PM *

Grn, You are the spread sheets, the stats, the joe average here is your new R... It's not as peppy as my scrotum, there I said it! She sue keyfob is going to show you what and no, this is not about your 14, your 1400, your C-14, your nothing to do with your new R.

It has everything to do with, "We have no problem with delivering power." Grn, read my plumber cleavage... "We have no problem pee do sing pow her"... Say, no, it is not your ego, no, it is not the size of you got that? It has everything to do with top shelf is, let me wipe that counter....

Pee Says Here!

Then buy a SHE SUE KEY...leave the 14R write ups to the guys who have the 14R.(or not,I don't care)There...I said it.

BTW...I predict...SHE ZOO KEY is done.OUT.Kaput.Finis in the big bike wars.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/27/2011 @ 12:33 PM *

Grn, Kruz and I are gauging stock for stock, apples to apples. This is not your R for regular 14. Grn, listen, It beats the Busa and 14 standard issue. We know that. We know the 10R goodies trickle down to other units. The 14R is one example. But this bike was ABS from day one. Do the math, you'd be up to, well, you sure are not squeezing off the front brake on painted lines for kicks. That is not on the stat sheet. That is penalty box check me off, I beat off about apples to oranges is now your talking engine family re-douching.

Stepeeside...

It's 'SeaLowLowSee You Key,' it's coming, I can taste it.

Oh, did I tell you? I bleed

<< Mine is in the bank drawing worms, not interested in she shoe fits wear it. WOT kind of pie do I like?

Actually numbers might make you feel good about your own mindset on any subject. Look at what finance guys do for profits and losses. ZX12 guys say their bike posted the seme numbers a decade ago. Go ahead saddle up some numbers and tell me what you think. Really a big inch big stroke free breathing beast like that is going to be more of a big rush especially on a hot summer day when relative power is down. New bike with better heat management two fans better ducting oil cooled pistons all that extra head breathing it's going to be a fun summer bike. Get a pipe turn T/C off and ride the bucking bronco.

"Actually numbers might make you feel good about your own mindset on any subject. Look at what finance guys do for profits and losses. ZX12 guys say their bike posted the seme numbers a decade ago. Go ahead saddle up some numbers and tell me what you think. Really a big inch big stroke free breathing beast like that is going to be more of a big rush especially on a hot summer day when relative power is down. New bike with better heat management two fans better ducting oil cooled pistons all that extra head breathing it's going to be a fun summer bike. Get a pipe turn T/C off and ride the bucking bronco".

There ya go...who gives shit about whether it'll turn 8's,9's...whatever.You totally DON'T get it here Hub because you haven't ridden it...as some others who are yammering the same old song.The low numbers at the drags are only PART of the picture.And they're gonna get lower as well as guys figure out how to master the 14R package.This aint yer standard sportbike.Not by a long shot.You talk about 'variables' all the time.Let me tell ya right now...this bike has more tricks up it's sleeve than probably any of us will ever find out during ownership.You aint gonna 'figure this baby out' anytime soon.And ESPECIALLY NOT having one....You're hung up with ABS...okay..ya want abs....have a EURO bike shipped to ya.There's yer abs....it's there...waiting for YOU to get it.You don't need to criticize Kawasaki USA for not putting it on the US models....there's a reason they didn't.You're so sharp on this new bike...maybe you could enlighten the rest of us as to exactly WHY the US bikes don't come abs equipped.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/27/2011 @ 1:02 PM *

One more thing to think about go down to the bike store and they have 3 new bikes a ZX12 a ZX14 a ZX14R same price which would would you pick?

They'd pick the zx14....telling others.."she's a better bike" is just too much for em....needing to be liked and all .

I'll say it right here right now.....getting the new 14R was the next logical and BEST step in owning the 14 family of bikes.I wouldn't go back...period.This thing is gonna be a friggin BLAST!

I've now owned all three.I think that qualifies me for determining which bike is 'better'.(no brag...jus fact )

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/27/2011 @ 1:09 PM *

aaaarrrrrrrh, I tried my best no to say anything, I wanted to say something in the zx14, zx14r zx 14 thread but refrained. I can't anymore. Green or any 14R owners I truly hope you don't get this the wrong way so let me say it again... The zx-14R is the best zx-14.

ok now that it is outta way. I have a well modded 06 and I won't be buying a 14R unless kaw bring their balls to the factory. Meaning that the zx-14R is still a compromise. Yes they added about 30 hp but they also matched that in lbs. None of us hang at the top end for more than a few seconds and I'm pretty sure that what makes the new bike feel way more powerful is the increase in tq. Yes, I have seen how the older 14 can't sustain its power on the redline and how the 14R succeeds but go tell that to a drag racer. RG is full of hype and he performs the same clown act every year. I thought kaw was going to produce something that would kill an 06 with bolt ons but in his funky comparo Gadson had to change gear and lower the bike to make it interesting and that tells me Kruz is right. Plus somebody mentionned how the 14R jumped from 186hp to 195hp after he answered a call on his cell. I woulda love to see an 06 with flies out in that comparo. Kaw is a follower not a leader. The 06 14 is what it is because of the busa, the new zx-10R is what it is because of the S thou'. The busa is coming back and that's going to be nasty. loool I'm buying the 14R they'll make after the busa come out lool.

BMW overhauled their bike and it was top of the food chain!!!! Better feel up front, more grunt on the bottom with same crazy top end. Plus they are selling an akrapovic package which is supposed to send you "way pass" 200hp. Again I'm not comparing bikes just the way kaw and bmw go about their business. There is too much hype and confusing information about the 14R. I know hype sells but kaw should drop RG. Look at the way he wheelied that busa during the shoutout and in the zx14-zx14R-zx14 comparo he tells us his best stock time was on an 08 busa. I will laugh if I find out that busa had less (if any) mods than the 14R. The fact that he said (on camera) that his best time was on busa implies that the 14R is a really good bike but let's put that in perspective.

The 2012 14R is better than 2008 Busa. That's at least 4 years of R&D so it better be. Sorry Kaw I'll pass for now. I'll keep my 06, I read the 99 busa value is going to double, hopefully someday the 06 14 value will also rise.

* Last updated by: dragking on 12/27/2011 @ 1:23 PM *

Nah...it's all cool and good.It's your take on what you think about it.Personally,I didn't intend to wait for an answer to a 'new' Busa.I wanted the 14R now...so I could experience all the good stuff they did to it.I'll never dragrace.Probably will only top out one time...just to see.It's th3e ride...that's what's in it for me.The ride.I can't explain how this bird feels.I don't think anyone really can.Smooth is not a clear enough word to describe it.Along with the power delivery,and chassis feel.You just have to take one out and see for yourself.Open er up.Run through the gears.Feel the bike.That's all I can say.Downshift and lean in,power through and shift out....IDK....I love mine.

I'm having a hard time understanding why guys are sayin"Bring their balls to the table"...meaning Kawasaki.This motorcycle is NOT supposed to be a 200 mph go fast killer crotch rocket and do nothing but blast everywhere you go.It's a finesse bike.It's exactly what they want it to be.If a guy wants to mod this bike,he's gonna have a tiger by the tail.That's a fact there.The KTRC is LIVING PROOF that this bike is not gonna be for the faint of heart.It's not there to have guys go "oooh,wow...neato"....that's not what they put it on there for.You start railin this machine in the upper atmosphere...that KTRC is gonna be mighty handy for increasing you enjoyment of what this bike is REALLY about.Guys here think triple digits is something that 'is somehow not okay'...well...then they shouldn't get a bike...any bike...that'll take em there and then some.This bike,and all 14's...are designed for maximum performance ON THE STREET.You don't get maximum performance by doing 70 everywhere you go.You gotta get 'up there'.Not everyone WANTS to get up there.That's cool.Fine.Don't.But some here want that.I do.And I'll tell ya..I'm not givin myself props by tellin others here my riding experiences or speeds.I'm a regular guy.Just sharing what I do....and it doesn't mean a thing...and isn't supposed to.Just like Rook going to the track.I think it's awesome...or BG...same deal.They aren't bragging about their riding deal...they're just sharing their time with us here.ANYONE can learn to ride better.That's what part of this whole deal is...the sharing.It's not about who got what and I'm better than you.Maybe for some guys....but not most of us here.

My 07 was virtually stock...except for minor response mods.Guys here have way more power and suspension mods than I even thought of.I'm positive their bikes could easily outrun my 07....in every area.I felt my 07 hauled azz,and handled great.But what do I know...I never rode Dogo's,or Heathuns,or anyone elses to compare.I'm sure I would have had my eyes opened riding some of there machines.So I'm not even insinuating that anyone else's bike is somehow 'less'.I'm not here for that.I'm here to share with the fellas and have a good time with this whole thing.I don't care if anyone's 14 can kick my 14R's butt in any given situation.Honestly.I don't.I bought her for me...not to impress anyone.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/27/2011 @ 1:37 PM *

I hear you Green... Good points. You know I wouldn't be feeling this way if kaw marketing was different. They wanna go after that most powerful bike but wanna compromise at the same time. I still heard the clunk in the gadson video but I am sure that bike is way smoother, every new 14R owner stress that a lot. If they manage to fix the decel pop and heat issue then it's three more reasons you should get a 14R. That being said They ought to revise their marketing strategy. I think Hub said it but I could be wrong... They should make 2 models. A 14R which would be like an extreme version mainly for drag racers and a 14 which should be what the 14R is right now. Or be like BMW and offer an optional "race" package.

Well...this new bike is a virtual mod machine.It's just beginning to get out there.This thing is gonna be pretty crazy once guys get er dialed in for whatever they intend.

As far as marketing goes...I gotta give Kawi big props...I do.I e-mailed the main office and told em(nicely) that the bike was awesome,but unfortunately,she was damaged upon arrival.Both lower belly fairings damaged significantly.I didn't do it to get any kind of response...only to tell em that 'whoever' wasn't being careful while moving these new bikes around.I got a response back about a week later.The guy said he was extremely upset and wanted to somehow make it right...a Thank You and an apology .He informed me(how he knew ME IDK)that the new fairings were on their way to me...and also could he get my shirtsize?Ya...okay...I told him.He sent a brand new AWESOME EXPENSIVE hoody to me with the NInja logo in big azz lettering across the front.Friggin very cool sweater/jacket/hoody.He didn't have to do that.

Same thing a couple of years ago...I wrote the main office and told em I loved my 07...that it was a way nice bike and I was extremely happy I got it.Dude sent me a Kawasaki cap....very nice one.From the main office.I didn't write them to get anything...they just appreciated my input.

So the marketing deal for me isn't really important..as long as they're not lying about things pertaining to an expensive machine.I don't feel they've been dishonest in any way.And I trust Ricky...I do...even though he's on the 'payroll'...I still think his reactions were genuine in all the vids I saw.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/27/2011 @ 1:52 PM *

I'm not at all singling anyone out....but some here say"aw...Kawasaki dropped the ball with this new bike...WHY didn't they 'this and that' in the power areas and braking deal and such"....and MOST of those guys sayin that are arguing"you can't use the power of the earlier 14's on the street as it is...you'll never use all that"....okay...If they 'can't already use the power of their present bike....then why complain that the new one "just doesn't get it'....not enough grunt,or whatever.And it's not only about power.The whole braking system and clutching deal is more refined.The shifting is way nicer.The clunk is virtually gone.They just don't know what they're talking about...not having ridden one.And that's too bad they have to knock the new bike.Some of us here wanted MORE from the 14...and the new bike is delivering nicely.No one can compare the two machines without having 'compared' the two machines.You can't sit on the sidelines and bench race two bikes.You gotta DRIVE the two.Then ya can honestly say.....this is this or whatever.These critics have not done that.This forum is becoming a battleground concerning what people mean when they talk,and what is really being said.It's being turned into a mudslinging deal that's ruining the friendship of members here.That's my opinion.I've been here a little while...and I've seen things here with individuals over time.This forum is very unique...but it's starting to become just like the others with the misquotes and assumptions about what guys are trying to say.I don't know why I'm saying all this...but personally,I'd hate to see things turn into personal jabs and dart throwing.That's not what this place is about...is it?

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/27/2011 @ 2:12 PM *

What happened to the peace pipe...you're supposed to puff, puff & pass .

* Last updated by: Shogun1 on 12/27/2011 @ 2:55 PM *