Well, I delivered my '07 ZX-14 to its new home this afternoon, after a nice 450 mile final ride down to Corpus Christi, TX. I have a few leftover goodies I'll be rehoming, but otherwise I probably won't be lurking around here too much. Thanks to one and all for all the good tips and conversation.

I haven't decided for sure what the next bike will be, but I'm leaning towards the new Yamaha R1 with that newfangled cross-plane ignition. I've often wondered over the years why someone hadn't tried firing an inline 4 every 90 degrees. Just always seemed like a good idea. It's between that and a ZX-10R, I guess.

Keep the faith, guys!

-Matt

ZX-10R

Kawa annouced the other day that they are postponing bringing out a their new ZX10R (or whatever it may be called) until next year because basically they are doing some radical stuff on it and it's not going to be ready this year. Sounds interesting! If I was going to get a litre kawa, I'd probably wait and ride something else this year.

The new R1 sounds like a lot of fun from the many mag articles I've read. Other great rides I like atm are the new Aprilia RSV4 (drool - would if I could! Best sounding standard exhaust note I've ever heard too), KTM Super Duke R (too much fun!) and Triumph Speed Triple.

Enjoy your new bike mate, whatever it may be!

Edit: typos...

* Last updated by: AussieNinja on 7/28/2009 @ 10:32 PM *

Have fun, Mat. I wonder about some out there. To me, it's like saying, "Well, I'm going to trade in my cigarette boat for a 25 horse is power 'Tracker' wanna be a bass boat is not a yacht I just sold.' 'Where can I place the ash is?"

Nothing moves like the 14. Whoop your cross clank ear, those do have a unique note. I doubt it grunts like the 14. I doubt it jumps like my 14. I'm not about to jump off the worlds fast test. I'm not done testing is still tuning her.

Yeah Matt....

I'd wait until Kawa replicates MIchael Czysz's 990 engine, and Hondas ABS. Yamaha has already come closer than anyone else so far with their new engine.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_0507_radical_c1_990/index.html

unless I could afford the $100K C1 990!

best wishes to you and your search for a new bike.... safe riding!

* Last updated by: JDC on 7/28/2009 @ 9:05 PM *

Funny you should mention it, hub. On the flight home I was wondering what my chances are of ending up with another ZX-14. :) I like the idea of a more nimble bike, but I gotta say, the 14 handled pretty darned well.

Yeah, Aussie. I guess the '09 ZX10R was unchanged from the '08. Sounds like they've got something up their sleeve for '10 model. Trouble is, I doubt I can even wait a month.

The new BMW looks sweet too. Nice and light, and darned near as much power as the 14.

-Matt

Take care Matt-yer always welcome here!!!

I have been eyeing the BMW K1300R, but my wifey wud kick the crap out of me!!! Damned budgeting!!!! Good luck with your new bike search!!!

* Last updated by: Fuzz4141 on 7/29/2009 @ 1:04 AM *

Sorry to hear you're leaving. Would have been nice to keep the 14 and get a literbike. Be pretty tough to keep current forumming on two bikes. Hey, if you're not too swept away with the crossplane, you might want to check around your area for an 08 zx-10. I heard as low as 9,000 OTD last month and the rebate is still going this month.

The new BMW looks sweet too. Nice and light, and darned near as much power as the 14.

I assume you're talking about the new BMW superbike? I should have had that on my list...very nice! The K1300S is apparently a great bike too, but too expensive for what it is when there's the likes of our awesome '14 on the market. Powershifter would be fun though! I wouldn't say no to a free K1300R...or even just a ride on one! That's no BMW!!

MY FAVORITE Event memory .. was at the Texas mile a few years ago .. 2 dudes purchased the then new to market k1200s Japanese cooking machine .. well they entered the mile and the very best that the cooking machines could muster was 167mph ... the bone stock R1 was running 175mph and busa's 181mph ..well after the dudes got pack-up and stopped at the event booth to get a drink .. i heard them say .. we gotta get us some busa's ..

No surprises there for the K1200 series. The 1300 series bikes are a completely different breed. Not that I'm saying they would touch a '14 or 'Busa.

Look Mat,

You are already signed on. Take your new bike adventure over to, "Other Bikes I bought when I sold my 14."

That way, we can see what NOT to buy. I'm kidding! Lets see that crossplane. I can't fit on one or I'd have a second bike. The 14 does it all swiss knife with cooker being the only option.

That BMW beats the 14... I don't think so. But then again, that crossplain is up with that Duc's. Gonna be an interesting next few years.

Either way, your crossplane/beemear buddies cannot come up with some glitch going on with the bike, it's a way of staying up wit the Jones IS. You know... The one in your arm.

Yeah Rook,

I'm seeing 2008 ZX-10Rs going for as little as $8249! I understand the '08 and '09 models are identical.

Hub, if the fit is all that's holding you back, you really oughtta go try one on. I went for a test fit and I was really surprised at how comfortable it was. I'm 6' and go 250 pounds, so I ain't small. I understand there are two mounting points for the pegs, but I'm not sure if the one I tried was set higher or lower.

You are absolutely correct. The next few years are going to be really interesting for the litre bikes.

Interesting story about the Texas Mile, Bad. That would have made me grin. :)

I will indeed check in on you gents from time to time. And if I end up with a newer 14, I'll be sure to let you know. I'm partial to that Might Metallic Pee color. :)

-Matt

You are going to love it after you get use to the ridding position the insane aceleration.

Sorry to see you go. I hope the ergos work better for you than they did for me. I could probably do 100 miles and then walk around like I had a carrot up my arse for 30 mins. I didnt like that feeling.