Soooo.........? Drag, did you find the ride entertaining? How did you like it in comparison to the gen1, after all?

Could you get a good idea at the Demo test route and what kind of freedom do they allow for testing?

I wonder why they took the seat cowling off for the test bike as well. Perhaps they anticipate a rider and passenger test for ergos?

I had a great time in Selma today. Unfortunately, I woke up late and only found time to try the ZX-14R and the ZX-10R before I had to head back to work. I heard great things about the Z 1000 and also wanted to try the Concourse (planning for the future) but time went by too fast!

Ok, the ZX-14R...
Although, rain was on the forecast I made the 65 miles trip with my 14 to make sure I had a fresh memory to compare 1st generation against 2nd generation. I also decided to get on the ZX-10 last, since it is the lightest.

Chassis, forks... I don't know how they did it but Kawazaki stepped the handling up big time! The bike turns quicker, easier and feels more planted than my O6 which has Ohlins fork internals. U-turns are way tigher/easier and you can feel exactly what the bike is doing. The Kawazaki employee was really cool and after the rain cleared, he let me find out what the bike could do. Upon hard acceleration, I felt the rear squat a little too much but it wasn't a surprise since I've got an Ohlins shock and raised my seat height a little. It is only at highway/interstate speed that the weight of the 14R became apparent, changing lane wasn't as swift and braking to a stop took a little bit more effort.

The clutch... is really nice. Downshifting is elementary, there seems to be less travel for upshifting/downshifting and all gears engage reliably, the only thing that was disappointing in this area is the big "clunk" I heard when putting it in 1st the first time.

Brakes... The 14/14R have one of the best front brake in the business BUT after getting used to my after market brake lines and versah pads, I found the brake on the 14R way too spongy. I would have discussed the rear brake but I forgot to try that one.

The ergos. I still feel like they raised the pegs. That or the new tank design. I'm not sure but the result is that hugging with your knees while braking etc is an after thought. It takes a lot more effort on the 1st generation. The seat is great. Not as comfy as a sargeant but pretty close and more narrow. It is easier to go from hanging to one side to the next. It is also longer and offer enough room for a 6'5" guy to tuck comfortably under the bubble.

The motor...This one deserves a standing ovation. This thing is smooth, I felt like I was shifting gear in a car and upon accelerating the power curve is SO linear. I read Bean comment in his "ok, me too" thread.Basically he was saying his wife felt secure on the 14R. PaulAB also mentioned something about the smooth power curve. I agree, this thing could do 0-to well above triple digit the same way it does 0-40mph. On the first generation it feels like you are entering different worlds. There 0-60, 70-120 and so on. On the 14R it is quite different. It definitely lures you into thinking that you're not being naughty. It is really deceiving!!!
Ok now to the part that most ZX-14R owners are going to bitch about! From 1250 to 5000 maybe 6000 RPM my 06 felt more violent. However, from the 5000 to about 8000 I could see the R claiming back pole position and from 8000rpm starting to get away.
Those who missed the old wild bikes like the ZX-12, the older ZX-10 etc may not fall in love with the 14R power curve. As for myself, I like both. The unsophisticatedness of the 1st generation and the smoothness of the R. In a couple of years, my track bike project should be done and tires are the only thing I will be replacing. That's when I will probably get the 14R. I will keep the 14 for backroad trashing and the 14R for long, 2up, sport touring. The ugly exhausts are easily forgotten after a ride on the 14R so if there is a bike out there that I could try to leave stock, it is without question the 14R.

@PaulAb: Over all, I am pleased! I was riding with a smile the whole time. We even got rained on for 5 min but I couldn't care less. The front end vague feeling is gone. I've never rode a Busa but I'll be surprise if it handled better. If you're into long distance sport touring, commuting or going stupid fast in a straight line this is the bike for you. I won't have a problem selling this one to the wife. The smooth motor and the slipper. Clutch make 2 up a breeze. On the first gen, I rather ride solo, on the 14R, I feel like a baby elephant wouldn't stop me from enjoying the ride. If you have a quality exhaust and suspension, I would say wait till you ra k the miles up. If you're close to stock go get the R if you can afford it.

On the 14R ride, I was alone with the kaw guy and I had fun. I can't go into details for obvious reason but I would say that he let me ride in whatever power modes I chose. We did everything from sweepers to highway.

Several people showed up with their significant other. Kaw knows that you gotta make the missus happy if you wanna sell a bike. I also think the 14R looks better with the cowl.

Dragking I was not able to ride the ZX-14R with the K-Track off but it’s a whole new bike and I don’t think the peg’s were raised I think the seat was lowered and the tank was stretched! And it’s too bad you did not get to ride the Concourse 14 it was a pleasure to ride and my only complaint was the ABS being a bit touchy and made the bike jerk with every pulse but if you get to go next year I highly recommend it!!!

Dragking I was not able to ride the ZX-14R with the K-Track off but it’s a whole new bike and I don’t think the peg’s were raised I think the seat was lowered and the tank was stretched!

* Last updated by: dragking on 4/17/2012 @ 7:25 PM *

Good write up DK! The nearest test ride to my area showed on the website as 200+ miles away. Hopefully I can find one at a local dealership soon!

Good write up DK! The nearest test ride to my area showed on the website as 200+ miles away.

Yeah, I was pretty shocked to see that there were none in my immediate AO as well - mybe there were just none scheduled???

Here's the last Demo Day in Afghanistan:

This is China's version... Love the baby in a bucket!

Here's the last Demo Day in Afghanistan:

I wasn't aware they had HOV lanes (bike-pool lanes) in Afghanistan? lol

Thanks for the review, it was excellent!

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 4/17/2012 @ 9:50 PM *

Here's the last Demo Day in Afghanistan:

The 14R is everywhere in Austin (dealerships). You should have plenty in the Dallas FT worth area!!!!

Thanks for the review, it was excellent!

* Last updated by: dragking on 4/17/2012 @ 10:04 PM *

Ok now to the part that most ZX-14R owners are going to bitch about! From 1250 to 5000 maybe 6000 RPM my 06 felt more violent. However, from the 5000 to about 8000 I could see the R claiming back pole position and from 8000rpm starting to get away.

The Kawazaki employee was really cool and after the rain cleared, he let me find out what the bike could do.