Hello one, hello all! FNG here, looking for some input.

Always had a hankering for a Hayabusa. Went in to a dealer the other day to "touch" it and look up close and there was a 2021 ZX14 sitting next to it. I am intrigued.

FWIW, I am not a noob. Long time rider. Several IBA certifications. Current bike is a '15 BMWR1200RT that I will probably never sell because I love it. I am just looking for a second bike for some thrill before I get too old to do it. Turn 58 next month.

What say you all?

get one of each

The busa has a more forward lean than the 14R so if your not tall most riders say they lean to much on their wrists

I never liked the Busa looks but they are popular. All of the gang bangers in HelLA had busa and when I lived there saw very few ZX14 or 14R

Rook has both so he can give you the tech details but he is also a hybrid mutant with a 30 in inseam and 40 in arms I think, maybe thats backwards

So side by side which one looked better to you?

Well, I've always disliked the giant exhaust on BOTH bikes, but in person, they aren't nearly as offensive. And I've always loved the Busa's cockpit. Don't know why, it just speaks to me. The ZX14 cockpit is almost identical to the C14 that I used to have, so it's familiar.

Mostly it's been a color scheme thing. I'm a basic gray/silver kind of guy. My RT is matte gray. The Busa was the new dark gray and the 14 was the '21 gray scheme, which I had never seen. I've never been a fan of the green. But MAN, that new gray scheme with the green highlights looks amazing in person. And the black rims. I usually hate black rims. Almost to the point of factoring their alterations into the cost of the bike. But that 14 just looks so put together and...EVIL!

And based on all my research, it may come down to brakes, which everybody agrees suck on the Busa. Kind of a lot of motorcycle to have the brakes be weak. Reviews praise the 14's brakes.

Sooooo....I walked in to look at the Busa, and it looks like I'll be going back to look more closely at the 14. Which is why I'm here to see what owners have to say.

* Last updated by: captainmarko on 12/29/2020 @ 7:03 PM *

I've always thought people that ride Suzuki's are a little off.

Both are hard to decide from.I always wanted a Busa before I got my first Kawa..a zzr1200.Very good torque on that thing and hit 150 in a heartbeat,smoothly.One thing though,Kawasaki seems to lag a bit behind on the shift action on their bikes(current H2SE+ the exception).Notchy it seems.Compared to the busa,it's very noticeable.I always liked the shifting more on my friend's 08 Busa.The busa's a great bike.I just went for the first 14 in 07 cause it was available close by.Not unhappy to get it mind you.Just ended up sticking with Kawasaki through the years since.NO regrets.But the Busa is very smooth and strong.Either one you'll feel good about I think.Try a test ride on both.For over 20 miles.I do think the 14R edges out the busa on ride quality stock.Ya can't go wrong with either one,but I wouldn't get a bike that didn't draw me as much as a comparable bike.They both handle really well.The latest model year Kawasaki probably handles better than the busa.BUT..the busa has a steering damper...which is very nice.It definitely adds confidence in the bike.
I'm with ya on the color scheme.In the light,the contrast on the upper cowl from Black down to the grey is very good looking.Plus the whole nose area.Just the shape.I do like that over the busa.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/29/2020 @ 10:02 PM *

If you're buying the bike for thrill and hyperbike is your kind of thrill, get the 14R. It has a larger engine ad makes more hp. The busa is nice but for what these bikes are good at doing, Kawasaki has the upper hand at this point.

I have An 08 ZX-14 and an 08 Hayabusa. There's not a huge difference. I think the busa handles a little bit better and is more sporty even in stock form. But check out the dyno figures on the Hayabusa v the 2012+ 14R. There's your answer. Even the busa guys will tell you the Hayabusa needs an update to compete. Some of them went to 14Rs.

In 2019 I decided to get a 2nd bike to go along with my 2012 BMW R1200RT. The intention was to get something quite different than the BMW. I was a lurker on this forum for a long time after I became aware of the ZX14. Based on members comments the ZX14/ZX14r seemed quite durable and relatively trouble-free, which was important to me. My MC endorsement was obtained in 1970 and I am no longer interested in doing a lot of wrenching and trouble shooting. I tried a lot of different bikes. I sat on a Busa but never rode one. As cruderudy already noted the Busa had a more forward lean. For me, being in my late 60's and 6'-3" the Busa riding position was less comfortable than the ZX14. The Kawi is not as comfortable as my RT but I never expected it to be. I ended up getting an '08 ZX14 and like it more than I expected. The new ZX14r's of course have a lot improvements my '08 does not have- ABS, traction control, power modes- plus even more power. Looks are very subjective but I like the looks of the Busa too but its more cramped riding position was a deal killer for this old guy.

I'll comment a bit on what others have pointed out. I've had a Busa and a 2006 ZX-14, and now have a 14R which I've been riding for 75K miles. The Busa is mostly unchanged since '08. It needs an update. The 14R is a different bike from the pre-'12 14. Better handling, more power and torque, better throttle response, and better handling. The 14R wheels are lighter than the 14's, and it's noticeable.

The brakes are good, and the bike is very comfortable. Noticeably better that the Busa, which has a longer reach to the bars. I only do long rides, as well as the occasional trip. I've had many BMW's and for me, the 14R is more comfortable.

The only transmission negative is the clunk going into first gear. It's no big deal since I keep my bike in gear and I start it that way. Shifting on my bike is like butter, even without the clutch.

I have owned 70+ bikes and have never, EVER, kept a bike for almost 9 years and 75K miles. It's that good. I'm waiting for the '21 to arrive at my dealer. I will most likely replace my '12 with a '21 when the incentives start.

Kawi = Bulletproof right out of the box. 1 recall due to a loose bolt only and most were tight.. QC down to the hardware.
Suz = https://www.bikewale.com/news/suzuki-recalls-68000-motorcycles-in-the-us-hayabusa-on-the-list/

Kawi = Steers like on a rail, no matter the speed... who needs a damping tool... so stable past 200 mph.
Suz = Rook might chime in to correct me, but this has a somewhat quicker reaction if not just slightly more on the sport side.

Kawi = King of speed or go to a drag strip and see the current bike to beat... is one of those join'em.
Suz = 2nd bike if you have to bore the thing out to match what the King has already is more bore size.

Kawi = Now, a 15 year run on this one platform, I have seen subtle refinements owning 4 so far.
Suz = Since 1999, this puppy is too long in the tooth, it should have surpassed the King but no.

Kawi = Not brand loyal, but cash waiting to the fastest/quickest bike a manu will make.
Suz = Pass on this one if you want to match the King of Torque.

Signed,
NOLTT

Note:
Played with a duc thru the canyons. He'd be right on my ass, but when there was a short straight, he'd be way back there when the rpm's windup on this torquer. He'd catch up and when the next straight had a chance to open up, he was a dot in the mirror. And that was on the first year 14, subthrottle plates removed. Subs were corrected 2 years later and again, you can't tell with subs in or out; subs make the bike so much smoother driveability wise.

Good luck with your choice.

The only transmission negative is the clunk going into first gear. It's no big deal since I keep my bike in gear and I start it that way.

Shifting on my bike is like butter, even without the clutch.

2fast4me....

Thanks! Just what I wanted to hear. That's a good looking graduate in your pic!

And thanks to all of you who have replied. I really appreciate the input.

* Last updated by: captainmarko on 12/30/2020 @ 1:07 PM *

Both Busa's and 14's are magnificent.

I am here because I chose the ZX-14 twice for my own reasons and after all these years I know I made the right call.

But whichever one you chose you will win...

* Last updated by: yannih on 12/30/2020 @ 2:19 PM *

Kawi = Steers like on a rail, no matter the speed... who needs a damping tool... so stable past 200 mph.
Suz = Rook might chime in to correct me, but this has a somewhat quicker reaction if not just slightly more on the sport side.

I always thought the busa handled better a shifted smoother than the 14 when both bikes were new. I'm sure the 14 is just as smooth as the busa now at 50k miles and I'm sure it has been so for at least the last 10-15k miles. The 14 got smoother. At high rpm I'll sometimes feel a little zing in my shift toe from 2 to 3 but it goes in without any weird noise. As for handling, they're equal now. I don't know if it's the light weight wheels or the Ohlins suspension I put on the 14 but I feel as confident on it as I ever did on the busa even at very low speed. I've also removed a lot of weight from the 14.

I'm starting to work on the busa now so maybe it will end up coming out ahead in handling. It's often said, "it's not what you buy, it's what you build." Big power is what these bikes were made for and I don't believe it's possible to transform them into great road racing machines. If you get a kick out of huge torque no matter what speed your going, go with the strongest. The 14R's got it now. I don't think it's a question between the busa and the 14 anymore. It's a question of 14 or H2 if you like power from a dead stop. If you like to have crap scared out of you in first and second gear, that H2 might be right up your alley. It looks like there's more power there than anyone can handle.

Rook, I’m looking for additional ways to lighten the bike. I have a full dual exhaust and BST’s. The next 14R will have a Ti exhaust with a single muffler. What else have you done to remove weight?

I'm at -75 lbs. Most of it is right here:

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=4CC8D526-037F-5BE0-2867F1021EDC8385

I haven't been able to update that thread in a few years because I have so many pics on the forum, it eats a ton of data to open my photo briefcase. I may look into doing pdfs in the future.

The oil cooler will go and the control pods on the handlebars. I don't think there will be a problem deleting the coolant bottle. The level never seems to change in that thing.

* Last updated by: Rook on 12/31/2020 @ 4:23 PM *

Probably heat shrink hose clamps when I change water pipes. The stock clamps probably weigh about 5 oz.

I admire your dedication Rook.

well the busas are sic, ive never owned one or rode one,Im sure its a mighty fine bike that is super fast, and reliable.

To me i have always loved the ninja. known as a kawasaki, zx14r, but the fact that its a ninja is a no brainer for me, The zx14r kawasaki ninja has always been a special bike. The fact that your not sure tells me your high up in that bullshit tree, shame on you for asking about a busa on the ninja forum.

and if you have always had a hankering, then that means that deep in your soul f--l, you love the busa.

what ever bike you choose, have fun, be safe, and let the good times roll.

zx14r=busakilla

oh ya i really dig my zx14r right next to my kx500 when parked in the garage always have them parked right next to each other. go
team green.
more less where you located on the map captainmarco?

happy new year

* Last updated by: streetsweeper on 1/2/2021 @ 11:14 PM *

Buy the 14R. If you think you might be missing out on anything after riding it, buy a busa too! That's what I did. It's worked out well for me.

The reason I picked up a ZX14R was because of my experience on a ZX14. I picked up the ZX14 because of the my experience on the ZX12R. I could have easy gone for a Busa after the 12R but the 14 was a better riding position for me (for a sport bike). Performance is not as important as comfort and fit. There is performance in the 14R I will never access.

There are a lot of bikes out there I would like to own one day but life is short...

* Last updated by: ahhlou on 1/4/2021 @ 2:13 PM *

Slutzuki the only bike to strand me on a trip in decades. The bike in question was the 99 original busa.

Guess why they gave up on using an external fuel pump wrapped in a foam sock behind a 1300 cc engine and below a hot tank of gas gravity fed by collapsing rubber fuel lines...

Sailing mechanic buddy figured out how to fix the problem in 2 hours and Suzuki engineers abandoned the design after 2 seasons of trying. ( check out Hayabusa.org, the solution and story are published under my name).

Next the rectifier/regulator went on the way home after fueling solved , thankfully I had my first Lifo battery and with dash failing I made it back home. Buddy on GSXr 600 had his rectifier/regulator fail on another trip...
Since then I will never buy another of their bikes; Pure bottom feeder.

I have the 14R, I know it will not strand me for any of the previous shitzuki problems due to proper design/engineering.

BB

Previous Busa

Nuff said

* Last updated by: busabim on 1/12/2021 @ 1:48 PM *