I'm sure that somewhere this has been covered, but I don't recall where. So here is my question.

I have a 2008, and love it. I have the opportunity to buy a 2012 that is almost brand new (1500 miles). My question is. Should I? Is the newer ZX-14 enough better that its worth it? Am I going to ride it and say WOW, or am I going to ride it and say that I wasted my money and should have kept the 2008? Any and all input will be a major help.

I've had an '08 and now an '013. Performance wise, it's ever so slight. ABS wise, she may not have it back then, where it's standard equipment today for western and euro; euro having it since day one. The performance mode switch added for the wheel slip control and that's about it.

The later seats are narrower, the chassis has been updated. Other than that, I'd save for a new one and play out the '08 for a few years. Not really worth the jump., IMO, especially what I know now between them I wouldn't change. Even now, a 2017 or '018 has to produce a significant amount of torque to sell me next time around, or I sit with this puppy for years to come.

Zone, check out the below links.

2007 to 2012?

2012 Upgrades

* Last updated by: yannih on 9/2/2015 @ 3:00 PM *

Thanks guys!!!! for the input and the links. I really appreciate it!

Great feedback Hub!! Had the same question only I have the '09.
You covered all my questions....

I went the other route and "built up" my 2007 ZX-14.
I had it bored and stroked (2 mm bore X 2 mm stroke), plus head work, valves and cams, etc.
Stage 3 kit from ACE Performance (Sal) http://aceperformance.com/
It is now 1464 cc's. I am very happy with its performance.

* Last updated by: ApogeeNow on 7/28/2016 @ 7:33 AM *

Really its going to boil down to your own personal opinion and what's important to you.

For example, if you feel that really good value for your money is the most important, you'll never see better value then running your current bike until it dies, you save the cost of buying the other bike and typically lower insurance costs.

If you want as much horsepower and money is no object, but the biggest newest bike possible, throw on dual turbos, meth injection, nitros, etc.

Depending on the cost of the new bike, if you want as much horsepower as possible you might be able to get a turbo for your 08 for less money than buying the newer bike.

Like electronics? if the new bike comes with traction control and ABS then that'll work best for you.

For me personally, I'm planning on keeping my 08 for several years more as she still runs great, I'd love to have ABS and traction control but I don't think the cost of a new bike is worth it.

Skip a gen and wait for something that will REALLY open your eyes.

The R handles much better than the Gen 1 and you dont have to spend any $$ just to get the correct spring rate for your big ass. Even when you do that the R will turn better than the Gen 1. If you dont turn much and straight line fast is your game .... once you build the Gen 1 it will be as quick as the R, unless you mod the R!

The 2012 has been refined in many ways but think evolutionary, not revolutionary.
If you're looking for huge improvements, you will be disappointed.
For me, the switch from an 07 to a 12 was worthwhile.
To each their own...

A few years ago I also wanted the new zx for extra power as well as styling changes to front fairing. Decided to change 08 myself. Added a turbo with methanol last year and could not be happier. IMHO turbo the bike and you will understand.

Rode a kz1100 carb'd bike? Pipe and a jet kit. Took off faster than the 14 seemed like. No brakes, no suspension, power up the ass. Would I get back on a carb'd bike? The fuck no! Do I have ape money waiting in the bank I cut a check for a used sitter, sell the 14 and wait for the next round? Is there rumor they are coming out with a 1500? You know how time flies and life is ticking away for more power, more power!