I have said I am a stock kinda guy, with few deviations.....( the stock cannons HAD to go, as did the stock fender)........

So now that I've gotten my Brock's full duals and PCV on, as well as a fender eliminator, and that's it as far as changes/mods.

I am sure alot of you are of the same mindset...............but do you guys start to feel complacent after a while and change your mind about keeping it as it is............. and slowly start tweeking and switching various aspects of the bike?

I can see how someone would get a bit stale with the bike being the same way after quite a while, but so far, I think I've yet to want any further changes, but you never know what I'll feel like in the future, next riding season. I may go nuts with it to where its unrecognizable.

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 12/11/2012 @ 6:37 PM *

I don't begin to understand how this bike could ever feel stale. You just gotta find the time and space to let it loose without dying or going broke with tickets. To me, stock rocks. If it ain't broke - why fix it - I'd rather spend the money, time and brain bytes on power wheelying miles, tires and gas.

I think once you've modded this bike with the 'go faster' stuff....and then have one that isn't modded the same way...you tend to realize that this bike in stock form is really an excellent bike.I think it's very hard to get the factory ride quality and engine feel(smoothness)once you start modding.It may 'go faster'(and that's minimal at best)...but it won't ride the same....been my experience...and lots of other guys as well.I was a lot of times thinking as I was riding..."you know...I like the mods,but she's just not the same smoothness wise"...that's hard to let go of once you've gotten used to it.I returned all my settings back to stock...except the mapping and such...it was okay...but it never did get back to the factory feeling.

I'm keeping my new one just as she is....slip-ons...yes....MRA Windscreen...yes.....heli risers...yes.But PCV and mapping...no.Ignition timing advance...no.Gonna leave the ecu alone.Limiters and all.My first ride on my 2012 was exhilarating....not so much because of the power and all...but the ride quality was to me like a very different animal than my 07.It was that obvious and cool.Along with the shifting and loss of 'CLUNK' like my other 14 had.It was still there...but WAY less.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/11/2012 @ 7:22 PM *

I've got the Kaoko throttle lock and it works fine. About the only other thing I'm looking to replace right now is the windscreen. Just too much buffeting, even with my superb geriatric tuck, once through 3rd... What I'd like I think is a screen that lets some high pressure air through underneath like on my ST-1300. Creates some kind of nice wind-tunneled laminar (as opposed to turbulent) airflow. I pinged California Scientific about this because they make these kind of screens, but the marketing dude came back and said they won't make one for the 14r - not their type of mounting system or whatever. I would like some better wind protection. Anyone in love with their better idea?? I don't like to waste time and money.

The Zero Gravity Touring Windscreen is an excellent wind routing mod.It WILL stop any buffeting(sitting upright)...and tucked in....sweet.The next best deal I had was the MRA Touring...not as extreme shaped as the Zero...and worked quite well at buffeting(sitting up)....tucked in...very nice.Tried the MRA Spoilerscreen...very nice...but I was getting some buffeting...and tucked in....kinda okay.My new one is gonna be the MRA DoubleBubble.It's backordered now.It looks like a good in-between screen from the 'spoiler' to the Zero.Has a couple of slots cut into the lower middle area...for mild windflow(in the pocket) I guess.Like the MRA Touring.

Someone else here has that MRA DB...maybe they'll chime in on it's characteristics?

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/11/2012 @ 8:48 PM *

I just always wanted the raciest and the best performance the bike had to offer. The fact that modding happened over time is just the result of my personal cash flow situation. If you can do all mods as soon as you get the bike or at least within the first few months, you are best off. It's an expensive venture and you might as well get as much use out of the mods as you do the bike.

I agree with you, Rook. I modify the hell out everything; personalize my car, guns, bike, electronics, houses...entire environment to my tastes. I got carried away too fast with the bike, but I'm pretty much done now (except for the star shifter thing and maybe the limiter removal down the road). Good thing, because I pick up my .308 VEPR today and about to slap an EOTECH 512 on it and hunt for new stock and handguards. I'm an engineer, so I use that as my excuse to constantly tinker and improve, haha. You just can't beat the thrill of discovering an innovative or cheaper way of solving a problem!

* Last updated by: runr2940 on 12/12/2012 @ 3:44 PM *

I have considered a change here or there, but think it through before doing it. For instance, I was contemplating getting flat black dashboards, but decided I love all that green too much to change it, and I'd reget it if I did.

I am considering a sticker here or there, possibly an advertisement of what I've got on it or some small graphic or two, but nothing too drastic.

Too many stickers make it look like either a teenage kid owns it, or its a professional race bike, which mine is clearly not. (Even though it has the potential to be!)

Sliders are a must, though. Gotta get on that pretty quick before doing much more riding or else I'll be buying yet another fairing!

Whatever modifications I may do from this point on will be minor. The exhaust and PCV were all the drastic mods I want........or can afford!

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 12/12/2012 @ 5:48 PM *

I've always been a tinker'er. I did some comfort mods to mine but nothing performance related so far. I do want to get some slip-ons but as has been mentioned it's so good stock that I afraid to mess it up by changing it. I think the slip-on's will be a nice change and won't change the feel of the bike for the worse. I tend to always over do it with the mod bug and then end up disliking what all the changes because most items in stock form are usually better. I have modded my Victory a bit and so far it's been totally worth it but I really haven't deviated much from stock. I'm now trying to resist going nuts with F150 but that's another story all together...

You start off with the Model T with the stock bike, then you begin to upgrade this wonderful machine, and make it into the Space Shuttle on steroids! Faster, more power, more comfortable, safer, more capable, more reliable, easier to handle, more capabilities than stock....and pride in ownership!

The upgrades costs lots of money, but you make this bike to suit your tastes.

So far in 7 months since taking it out of the box.....I have added the following..and I never race the bike, just for street driving.....

Brock CT Duals titanium exhaust
Jet Hot Coating/Black matte finish on all exhaust pipes
PC 5, 3 maps
4-65 Watt PIAA Platinum White headlight bulbs, all hi beam configurations
PIAA 1100 X 55 Watt Platinum White lights on front fenders
Stainless steel braided brake lines
Muzzy Lowering links
PAZZO Levers, with green adjusters
Rear fender extender and built in chain guard
Lowered front end 3/4 inch
BMC Race Filter
ISO Grips
Custom made bar ends to match cockpit and green paint
Apex Risers
Brake light modulator
Self cancelling signal light module
Whelen police brake lights on custom made license plate tag
Custom license plate
Fuse Box inside tool box container which you will never need
Twin Powerlet female connectors on bottom rear of left and right fairings
Radar Detector
Zumo 550 GPS
Techmount center pivot mount for Zumo
Techmount handlebar mount for radar detector
Banshee air horn 139 cb, flashed high beams when blowing horn, stock horn pulses!
Whelen 139 db electric horn
Radar Screamer with LED mounted at 12 0'clock on speedo
Zero Gravity Touring and lower black street screens, plus stock in storage
Hi intensity larger LED bulbs in front running lights
Radiator Guard Black Steel with Ninja logo on bottom
Modified gas cap locking dogs so you don't need a key to close the lid
Side tank pads for your legs for firmer grip
Smaller brake fluid reservoir to match small unit for clutch reservoir
Green rear custom spindles
Extra rear reflectors/amber for more rear visibility
Mix-It Amplifier to tie in radar, zumo, with music to custom ear plugs
Lithium small battery, removed 10 pounds from the Ninja!
IPOD phone mount on rear of fuel tank, wired direct with Powerlet plug to keep it fully charged while driving
All wiring dressed, and wire tied to prevent shorts, or damage
2- 1 inch cobalt magnets, one on oil drain plug, one on oil filter
Magnetic Drain Bolt
GSG Frame sliders, with custom extensions for better fall-over protection
Carbon Fiber Gas cap cover

Next year hope to get:

ECU rework
Better seat, trying to decide which one is most comfortable
Michelin PR-3 will be added in another 6 months
GSG rear side protectors, to be developed, to protect rear fairings in case of slide or fall-over

So, have about 215 HP at the wheel with stock gearing as it is........so am very happy with the bike and it is a real nice upgrade from out of the box configuration.

So yes, this is an on-going work project, but 99% completed as of now.....the future holds the question...what next??

* Last updated by: ninjawarrior1244 on 12/13/2012 @ 9:05 AM *

.308 VEPR today and about to slap an EOTECH 512

Nice, Congrats! 308 black rifles are my Favorite.

As for the thoughts on customizing, I used to just buy whatever I thought would look cool & give me a clean overall install. It absolutely has to look as clean as factory...or why bother doing it? After owning a 2006 zx14 with every mod I can imagine, I wanted to do this bike a little different. No drags or LSR anymore, it's pretty much looks and small details. Bottom line, do whatever you like.

The stock cans were huge and quiet-- titanium single full exhaust with carbon can fixed that.
shifter, brake pedal, pegs & heel guards are powdercoated black.
Replaced stock screen with tinted double bubble.
Heli Risers
Adjustable footpegs
Tail Rack for my tool bag(only mode of transportation, gotta pay the bills.)
Upgraded headlight bulbs, LED corner markers....can't tell a lot of difference.
Added LED's inside all four blinkers as running lights.
Painted the chrome inside all 4 turn signals black...just for looks.
Spools for rear stand
GPR steering damper.

I think I will let my helmet be the guinea pig for any appearance mods I may feel the need to express. LOL

Hopefully I can fight off any drive to alter the bike, aside from a sticker or two....at least for a while.

As I am sure most of you do, I am going to keep any stock items I may take off in so as to return the bike back to pure stock when it comes time to trade it in on whatever year they update the model in the future.

Some of you guys are really into the mods, though. Wow. Its all about whatever makes you enjoy the bike to the fullest.

Ninjawarrior has got all bases covered with his machine. You have any posted photos?

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 12/16/2012 @ 10:36 AM *

I'm pretty happy where my bike is at,performance wise.Only thing I can possibly do is headwork and throttle bodys.Might make 215 hp.But would cost a bunch.More reliable than a turbo or nitrous inmho.
Craig

I guess this another one of these 'personal choice' threads and , personally, I'm that pleased with the stock bike that I've done relatively few mods that either improve rideability/comfort or add protection. Noisy pipes, phone mounts, add on carbon bits & pieces etc I just consider as unnecessary or even downgrades and I'm not that bothered about appearance mods but the one thing I REALLY don't understand are the lowering suspension mods. WTF is all that about? The 14R is credited with some of the best handling in it's class and was a pretty important factor in my choice of the 14R but surely lowering the suspension will f**k things up big time through the twisties? JMO

pegscraper, those stock cans don't bother you at all ? I really could not stand to look at them, and I could not stand the sound, not that it has to be really loud, but stock is just too quiet for me, but you are right, the bike rides great stock ... maybe I should have gave myself more time with the stock pipes, but there was something about them, that bugged the hell out of me ... just my opinion though

Mine had a lot of mods done when I bought it-bar adapter, aftermarket seat, mirror extenders, front rotors, Double Bubble, PCIII, Speedohealer, ATRE, braided-stainless lines (well, most of them, anyway), but I couldn't leave it at that. 3 different screens and two different seats later, had to lighten it up with some slip-ons, add the detachable hard bags, power outlet, heated gear wiring, then the c-f disease set in. Stock ram air covers were cracked-up crap, Then, in anticipation of getting an aftermarket rear shock, hadda have a hugger, then front fender to match, sliders, bar ends, now battery cover (painted-fin foreman's are next). And the minor stuff, grips, throttle lock, windscreen extension, tank bra, Euro badges, plate holder and lights. Looking into some adjustable pegs once I get the Christmas bills paid. I'm resisting the colored turn signals and taillight at this point, but how long can I hold out? Can't leave it alone. Guess I need to update my sig line.

* Last updated by: Danno on 12/16/2012 @ 8:54 PM *

Danno:
What are your thoughts on the screens you have tried?

"pegscraper, those stock cans don't bother you at all ? I really could not stand to look at them, and I could not stand the sound, not that it has to be really loud, but stock is just too quiet for me, but you are right, the bike rides great stock ... maybe I should have gave myself more time with the stock pipes, but there was something about them, that bugged the hell out of me ... just my opinion though"

They did when I first saw the bike for real. Sounds weird but they've sort of grown on me. I certainly wouldn't call them one of the bikes best features but I'm at ease with them now. Funny thing is I've seen a couple of '12 models with much smaller aftermarket cans and they looked lost on the bike. The bike looked unbalanced front to rear.
I've had loud cans on bikes in the past, mostly litre superbikes, but now I just want quiet, especially on long runs of several hundred miles at which this bike excels.

What are your thoughts on the screens you have tried?-suedez

Started out with a Puig Double Bubble

Switched to MRA touring and then added adjustable spoiler

Sold that and mounted Zero Gravity ST. Added MRA X-Screen adjustable spoiler.

In all honesty, the Puig DB was the quietest. The MRA screen had almost exactly the same profile as the stock screen with a slight upturn at the back edge. Even with the spoiler, it wasn't as good as the Puig. Plus, I was always paranoid that the pressure-relief slots would leak in wet weather. Got rid of it before I put it to a rain test. The ZGST has more coverage, and with the X-screen, it's possible to get behind it by laying on the tank bag. I'm still experimenting with angles and heights on the spoiler. Probably a waste of time and money and should have stuck with the Puig. The ZGST does, however, provide the best weather protection for my radar detector. I no longer have to dismount it and put it in the tank bag when i encounter a bit of rain on the road.

* Last updated by: Danno on 12/17/2012 @ 2:37 PM *