"Without doubt this is the most powerful bike I have ever ridden, and possibly ever likely to ride. The 2012 ZX-14R makes my old 1991 ZZR-1100 feel like it was a 600cc weakling. Now I would not say that under say 3500rpms that it feels much more powerful than my old 1052cc ZZR-1100 motor, but from about 4000rpms onwards the new ZX-14R engine just spins up like a jet turbine and the bike goes into warp speed. Its very deceiving about how it piles on the speed, as there is no roughness or snarling or vibration of any kind... you simply twist the throttle grip and the engine spools up and you think you are going pretty quick with a big smile on your face and then you look down at the speedo and it's like WTF I am going straight to jail if I get caught doing this!!!!! The engine's ability to supply huge yet smooth and controlled torque to the rear wheel is truly impressive. This is not a bike for beginners. This engine has the ability to get you into all sorts of trouble if you don't respect it. Kawasaki Australia say the engine is good for 200HP (slightly more with RAM AIR) but I have a feeling they are being a little conservative to keep government officials happy. At least in Australia we don't get many restricted versions of motorbikes even though we pay a high price for the privilege... my ZX-14R cost AUD$21,000 less some discount due to me paying a deposit months ago (you guys in the USA should be smiling right about now)".
"Loved the write up... Makes me yearn for the day I decide to upgrade from my 07".
"Your writeup captures the passion that defines why so many of us..ride. The photos bring the whole thing to life in combination with your commentary. Reading your words has me looking forward even more to getting my 14R later this year.
Well done bro,
Leo"
"The ZX-14 has always been an easy bike to live with and the 2012 ZX-14R doesn't mess with what already works well. It's a very comfortable bike to ride, with the foot pegs, handle bar grips and seat in logical sport-touring dimensions so that your wrists, neck and backside all enjoy the ride as much as your brain does. The dashboard is easy to read, and I am glad they kept an analogue speedo and tachometer as for me I just find them easier/nice to keep an eye on. The LCD display is also full of useful information but I tend to keep it on Outside Temp as I could care less about the fuel economy I am getting from this monster".
"I took it very carefully on our 1st ride... the brakes needed to bed in and the tyres were waxy. Slowly but surely the brakes seated and went from feeling like wooden anchors to Moto GP stoppers. In fact after I spent some time using the brakes to wash off some speed then throttling it up to make up that lost speed and repeating the process about 20 times the brakes (both front and rear) are without doubt the best feeling brakes I have ever used. The power and feel from these brakes is magnificent and you can brake with a single finger if that’s what you want to do - they are that powerful. This is where the ABS feature might come in handy because I'd say with those two big callipers grabbing at 310mm semi-floating petal discs locking the front end would not be impossible in an emergency. But thankfully KHI have got us covered in this respect and the ABS system will intervene and prevent the brakes from locking up in case that happens for any reason. So far I have not had a single glitch or issue with the ABS and I've done some fairly aggressive stops during testing on some back industrial streets not far from home on the weekend. I've not had the need for ABS so far, so I can't actually say I've experienced ABS in action, but for now I simply trust Kawasaki that ABS will come to the rescuer as and when required. And speaking of braking power, the powerful brakes are just what is needed to pull the ZX-14R up from the speeds this machine is capable of doing, which brings me to that incredible 1441cc engine...
I'll add...no more speedo healer needed.Or adjustment of the idle cable.Or clunking cam chain.Or slamming into first from "N".Or muscling her through curves.Or bottoming on the front.Or having to adjust your suspension stiffness all the way to the stops.Or having to worry about rear wheel hop when braking hard.Or breaking loose in midcorner from downshifting and hitting the gas.Or wheelying over the back when ya full throttle her coming out of yer turn.Or removing secondaries to get a bottom end hit.No more PCIII's or whatever either to try and correct a fueling situation.To name a few.If you enjoy hitting the gas,and lifting the frontend in almost any gear....this is the bike for you.If you want mind bending thrust...this is the bike for you.
* Last updated by: Grn14 on 1/13/2012 @ 11:33 PM *
