Hello new to the site not new to riding. I am 37 years old been riding since I was 19 Ive had many bikes of all types. I love sport bikes but I travel several times a year. I am about to come into some money and want to buy me a new bike I am having trouble deciding between the zx 14 (probably go with a 2011 as I dnt want the longer wheelbase of a 2012) and the concours 14. But I have loved the concept of the Concours ever since I first saw one. The Majority of my riding will not be long distance but once every month or two I may take LONG trips as in 8+ hours one way many will be spent doubling. I prefer sporty type riding and love the smaller bikes but I double often so they are out of the question. I am also a big guy my lightest is usually 230 but normally weigh in at 250, I am right at 6'-6'1". I guess I am just asking for those that have ridden both what would be my best investment. How is the ZX on longer trips? How is the concours when you take the saddlebags off and decide to go have some fun? I have taken sportbikes on longer trips upwards of 9+ hours before but I was much, much younger.

From what you just stated you want a ZX-14 with a couple of comfort mod’s!

---

thanks that is actually what I wanted to hear LMAO explain comfort mods Lower pegs, taller windscreen, hi rise bars ? BTW can I have the digits to those pandas they are kind of sexy,. J/S Maybe Ill get a zx and go visit..... riding safe hmmm? safe is usually boring.....

[img]http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/userfiles/audioboyz/0061.JPG[/img]

I have the higher bars 4 1/2 " over stock Zero Gravity smoked shield an Concours seat but no lower pegs.I have big feet so I didn't think the pegs were needed.I'm 6ft 2" 270.It's comfortable up to a point.I'm 57 and my back is in pain alot around town but on the open road when the wind holds me up it feels great.And that shield just makes it.
Whatever you decide on it can't be wrong with Kawasaki on it.
Craig

---

Craig

---

I like the look of the exhaust. how much did the sprockets effect RPM's at highway speed?

"zx 14 (probably go with a 2011 as I dnt want the longer wheelbase of a 2012)"...install a 43 rear sprocket...yer back to 2011 specs!(it's only 10mm anyway...makes for a very nice carving machine...you'll be needing it for the launches anyway;)

Well Johnny not to bad.I took the rear off for awhile and I missed the midrange.I only hit 150 on occasion so It's not that big a deal.It does wind up pretty quick.6th gear is fun on the highway.And that pipe sounds so sweet 6-10 grand.But all in all I love it.
Craig

---

I have both the zx14 and a 2012 connie,I am 200lbs, 6'2 and 56 years old.Up until I got the connie I loved my zx14, but after riding the connie for the past few months I have been spoilt and now find the zx14 very crammed and kills my back.The connie will do almost everything my zx does but with way more comfort.Ok it might not have the topend of the zx but it is very torquey in lower and mid range,which is what I use the majority of the time.A good rider will also keep up with most sport bikes in the twistys.

yall killing me hard ass decisions... but thanks I am waiting till dead of winter to purchase so I am gonna keep doing my research... what is the C14's topspeed?

Well it's 100LBs heavier that the ZX-14r.Has a bit less hp so it has to be slower.Salesman tried to sell me one when I bought my ZX-14.No thanks want faster not slower.Probably would of broke the driveshaft by now.
Craig

---

Top speed about 150mph,but you dont buy this type of bike for that,great touring bike,if you want top speed go for the zx14r.

I ride my bikes hard so I'll probably go with the big ninja thanks guys......

I just did a 1100 mile trip on my 06 ZX14. Concourse seat, bar risers and some soft bags, rode 2-up and the bike was comfy and brilliant. Going to do it again next year.

Mad

---

It doesn't have to be either/or. The Connie is great for touring - I have 65,000 miles on one in two years. The ZX is an amazing street machine for different reasons. Both go well, handle great and do a good job at what they are designed for.

I recent;y replaced my C14 with the ZX. The Connie is a great machine but is lacking powerwise if you enjoy hitting it occasionaly. I find the ZX14 to be comfortable for my 6'1 170 frame and it has the top end hit that I was missing. Bear in mind that I had a full AreaP, PCV, and flies out on the Concours.

---

Bumping this out of interest. Anybody have more thoughts on the Connie vs. ZX-14R. I ride primarily in the summer...would like the Connie for the ability to do East Coast road trips (and maybe some 2-3 day trips also). Mostly though, I like the idea of the versatility of the Connie with the windscreen and the bags. Although I am sure I could get the same just strapping a bag to the back of the ZX-14R. I am very close to buying one...but the dealer has a new Connie and ZX-14R both same year only $400 difference in price. Am I gonna miss out on all the "fun" you can get with straight line speed on the 14 if I buy the Connie instead. Would like to hear everyones advice. By the way, I'm 37, single, 6'1 and about 170 lbs...if that all matters :).

Am I gonna miss out on all the "fun" you can get with straight line speed on the 14 if I buy the Connie instead.

Same engine as Gen1 14. shaft drive. Heavier. IDK what else is different but what I've heard is the Gen1 14 will leave a Connie in the dust anywhere, any time. The gap between a Gen2 14r and a Connie has to be all the wider. I hear the Connie is quick but if you're main interest is ultimate speed, I would not give it a second thought. Just get the 14r. The Connie and the 14 are not the same bike dressed up differently.

You might try to PM privateer to ask his opinion. He has owned both. I imagine a couple other active members have also.

---

I currently have both, a 2008 ZX-14 and a 2012 C14. The C14 is no slouch. It has massive power and acceleration in spite of its weight. That being said, we're comparing it to what is one of the fastest most powerful production motorcycles made. It's a very different experience. Comfort-wise the C14 win hands down. The riding position is more upright and the fairing/windscreen (I have a Cee-Bailey extended one) makes for very little wind buffeting.

If I had to choose one I think it would be the C14. The good news is that I don't have to choose! ;-)

---

Not sure of the trivia, but connie might still be first gen engine? Even then when both came out, the 14 had more torque. So you lose more torque on the connie, no "fun" in my book.

---

When I bought my 2014 ZX14R, I also considered Connie and FJ1300. FJ1300 was dropped from the list due to its 5 speed tranny (BTW, now it has 6 speed), but Connie was in my list for some time. It was dropped from my list after the dealer let me handle both ZX and Connie in their parking lot. Connie was SO MUCH heavier than ZX when I pushed it around and using the center stand (ZX didn't have the center stand). Connie's gen 1 engine also discouraged me. I am happy that I chose ZX14R.

---

Check the specs. The shaft looses some hp. 10.1:1 compression v 12.3:1 with the Gen1 zx-14. The proof to me is that there was a Concourse 1400 back in the days of the ZX-11 but there were no Connies competing in racing against ZX-11s even though they had a significant displacement advantage. An updated Connie came out right after the first year of the ZX-14 but the 14 was the one to go to the drag strip. The Connie is a fast touring bike.

---