I love my Diablo Black '07, but I'm in the mood for a change. I checked out the Kaw' site wondering what the 2020 looked like. I knew what to expect overall but my first impression of the paint wasn't that good. I was hoping it came in all black or all Kawasaki green, or something different like the black and orange model years ago.
The 2020's black and green are two colors I've always liked, but the green "designs" that are forward of the 4 fins don't look right to me. Just too much. Gotta get rid of the "Ninja" too.
I haven't seen one in person yet. Are these decals? I know the "Ninja" is. I'm good with the upper fairing and the small green "lines", also the 4 green fins look good and the green on the tank should be coated over, but those other 4 things gotta go.
What are your opinions on the colors? If you've seen a 2020 in person, does all the green look good or like a decal?Anyone here know how to show a pic with those removed?

* Last updated by: KAK on 10/13/2019 @ 10:47 PM *

I'm with you on the look of the green "lines" and other shapes at the front of the fairing. They detract from the look of the bike, in my opinion. My assumption is that they are decals, but I could sure be wrong. Frankly, to me anyway, I like the appearance of the mostly solid colors, like below. just my opinion...

Hard to say about decals.I do know the flames on my bodywork did come off.On the tank and all.You can go to a parts website and see in the fairings section if it shows 'decal' highlighted in the small squares there.With parts numbers for em.That'll tell ya straight out.If so,those can be removed.CAREFULLY with a hair dryer.
It is a unique look.I think it would be cooler in the light once ya have her home.Not bad IMO.I like it.
I especially like the front cowl,how the diablo black contrasts the GBG.Very cool.

As I look at it...I like it more and more.Very visual,without being gaudy.You'll turn some heads with that one for sure.Guess if ya didn't like the Green Ninja on there,but like the ninja logo as it is,you could buy a different color one and just place it over it?From a different model year.They changed the stock screen to a spoilerscreen.Nice.(at least on those action shots)..maybe an option?

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 10/14/2019 @ 12:12 PM *

Thanks for the replies. The pic's of the bike outside make the green look richer and not as flat.
I definitely like the solid colors better. I'm also wondering about the lower cowl. It looks different than the rest of the black. If it's that "matte" finish, then I'd have to see if any past gen 2 models came in Diablo black. Matte belongs on a BBQ, not a bike like the 14. I've heard the matte finish scratches and scuffs easily. Why the hell not use Diablo Black on the lowers?
Thanks Grn, for the idea of looking up the parts list. I think they're decals.

My assumption is that they are decals, but I could sure be wrong.

Those have got to be decals. The tank is probably all painted or at least heavily clear coated over decals but they never do fancy designs like that on fairings in real paint.

Cleenfourteen said "I must admit I do like that dull gray that came out a uear or two ago."

I agree.

I agree with 2fast4me.

IMO maybe Kawasaki tried a little too hard here and have not quite got this colour scheme right.
Just too much going on.
With a brilliant bike like the 14 sometimes the subtle look rules.

I actually think they would have had far more success with going back to their roots and making the 2020 model the full stealth black model with some subtle red on it.

Just like my bike!

* Last updated by: yannih on 10/17/2019 @ 1:21 PM *

I wonder how many they'll sell. It's not that bad but I'm disappointed. I started to get pretty wound up on buying one, assuming a good paint job and then...
I have to really like the look before I'll buy anything. My next thought was maybe the 2019 model, but then I saw all that grey paint. Grey isn't even a friggin' color. Does nothing for a bike. The all black, green, red, etc, all look good. Black with green or red highlighted fins too.
So I'll wait 'til next October and hope Kawasaki comes up with something nice.
I think the people behind the paint decisions are out of touch. I remember the last year of the ZRX1200. I wanted to buy one. I decided the classic green ZRX would be the bike to semi-retire my '79 GS1000E. I couldn't believe it when I opened the brochure and I saw the asterisk, the ONLY asterisk in the entire lineup, next to the ZRX saying "Only available in Canada". Not only that, Kawasaki didn't paint it green. I believe the two colors available were "Passion Red" and either a blue or silver. The green probably outsold the red, blue and silver units combined, but they did it anyway.

Looks good, yannih. My Diablo black '07 also has the gloss lower fairings. Now they paint 'em matte. Why would they paint the lowers in matte? No flash, it scratches easier and it breaks up an otherwise perfect look.

How about a 30th anniversary edition?I think that one looks really good.Could probably find one somewhere,or have your dealer find one and ship it to ya.I like that new color scheme also.Very eye catching.No doubt looks better in person...they always do.People will notice that bike.That's a good thing.The more I look at it,the better I like it.Very nice.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 10/17/2019 @ 11:58 PM *

Grn, tell ya what. Lets go in 50/50. You get the bike from November to April, and I get it May to October.

So I'll wait 'til next October and hope Kawasaki comes up with something nice.

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Rumor has it that the 2020 version is the "Final Edition"....

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Might have been okay it they left the 3 black sections in front of the red grills off and trashed the Ninja decal.

Still too much going on in my opinion...

That's too bad if the 14 goes away. Anyone have an idea why?
Either not selling well or the 14 is making way for a ZX15 or ?

I think I know why. Tooling. There are so many engine designs on the shelf. Found HP and not all at once but trickles down production wise. New found metallurgy and techniques are always the study. The draftsman cranking out what the engineers come up with. Young engineers coming up in years and tackle updating what is in production for oh say, a nine year run with the CB750 honda. Say the goldwing steps in... that's refinement as you can see the future engineers updating a honda staple.

Kawi 900, 11, 12, 14, and the next evolution of said two wheeled segment bike. Bye-bye, you had your production run. New engineers hot for the next top of the heap. Pull the engine off the shelf, add electronics, blip shifts, abs, mode selects, and a chunk of torque that elevates the arm sockets needing surgery to be put back in place.

Though I know that 2020 is a touch faster than my '017 I'm waiting for the 14 beater. And mother tea can only beat herself.