http://ninja14r.kawasaki.com/#phenomenon I have been a fan of this sight for a long time, everyone here is great and informative. Looking forward to reactions. I personally hate the flames.

* Last updated by: xXBornForWarXx on 10/10/2011 @ 7:39 AM *

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/630/11256/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Kawasaki-Ninja-ZX-14R-First-Look.aspx

Overall length85.4 in.
Overall width 30.3 in.
Overall height46.1 in.
Ground clearance 4.9 in.
Seat Height31.5 in.
Curb Weight 584.3 lbs.

She's a little heavier and a little longer. They say she has traction control and a slipper clutch. Overall, I think I'll pay the $1k+ price tag for her once I get the chance!

* Last updated by: slhawkins on 10/10/2011 @ 7:37 AM *

I think I'll just keep what I mine, I never do year one anyway.

I think I'll just keep mine, I never do year one anyway.

I think it is kind of ugly. Look at those giant mufflers! That is where the 20lb weight gain came from. Have they released the HP specs yet?

Holy SHITT That thing is awesome.......... But, not so awesome as the previous models if u ask me =p

New vid: http://www.youtube.com/user/RickyGadson#p/a/u/0/pWwvsGU9DW0

2nd: http://www.youtube.com/user/RickyGadson#p/a/u/1/3lMlxczv7ac

I haven't seen anything as far as specs.. I'll be curious to see what the hp:weight ratio will be with this beast. I will be waiting for a decent dual exhaust system before I get it though. I'm not much for the one-sided exhaust, and those mufflers are a little overkill.

http://www.bikeland.org/story.php?storyID=63973

http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/10/10/new-for-2012-kawasaki-first-look/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-for-2012-kawasaki-first-look

It actually has 3 riding mods. LOL thats awesome.

She IT! New 'Top Model' guys/gals.

About the only thing interchangeable are the rims and tires. Other than that... Good buy ZX14... Hello R!

I like it! But, I won't be running out and buying one! I find myself riding my 600 more than the 14 anymore, as the 600 is MUCH more fun in the tight twisties.

OK, now that I've actually got a chance to see the new bird, here's my take:

Likes:

* New engine, extra Power - ++
* Electronics (If they are using the 10Rs system - it's the best so far) - ++
* Styling (Always liked the styling and this one is not too far from the original) - +
* Similarities in size, etc (I wouldn't be surprised that a lot of the old parts will still fit) - +
* Dual radiator fans!! - ++
* Larger Vents in bodywork (Should keep engine cooler...) - +
* ALL BLACK MODEL - ++

Now here's what I don't like at first glance:

* BIG ASS UGLY MUFFLERS!!!! - Thumbs Down!
* 20lbs of extra weight - WTF?! Really Kawi, Really? "R" - usually stands for RACE model, i.e. lighter...
* Cheesy Flames on Green Bike...
* Same old "banana seating"
* Larger Vents in bodywork (Should keep engine cooler, but I'll bet the rider is gonna suffer - A LOT)

For me, the 2010's gonna stay an only child for a while longer, gotta get a little more info about performance and just how much of that 584lbs can be gotten rid of before I plink down on the new 14R. Overall, I like it and just as I thought there wouldn't be too much difference between what we have now and this one - can't improve a good thing too much... Very interested to see all of the new vs. Hyabusa articles coming soon. And if they are using he 10R's ECU, then we already know that it can be reflashed, so someone should be offering that service for this bird soon! So, let the hyper bike war begin again! Wonder is Suzi has an answer in the works or are they waiting for
performance testing to see how the Busa stacks up before they release anything.

* Last updated by: bigwilliezx on 10/10/2011 @ 10:12 AM *

I'm in agreeance wth you, Big... But add 10mm longer swingarm into my don't like column.

Exhaust
Swingarm
Weight

If a reflash and full system doesn't get the new 14 R to 200 HP, I won't be buying anytime soon.

Larger Vents in bodywork (Should keep engine cooler, but I'll bet the rider is gonna suffer - A LOT)

And you know that motor going to produce more heat!

Yes, lots more heat on the rider, up around the instruments and out the side vents.

I'm sure the slightly long swingarm is part of an overall suspension decision to handle well. It was a given the pre-2012 ZX14s had a really hard time turning at slow speed. Maybe they fixed that.

But, it sure is gorgeous !

I saw on bikeland that Gadson said the claimed HP was 210 at the crank. I hope thats not the case since Kawi clames the 08+ bikes make 201 at the crank.

Some of you guys are making statements that are just not real.Did you guys read the specs on the Kawasaki website.Lots of 'issues' have been addressed and changed.They don't seem like much,but they were serious complaints from consumers.This bike is badazz.Ya...the mufflers would need to go...that's a given anyway.And the secondaries...out.But the rest...new seat,new airflow across the rider's legs.All that stuff..it's been addressed and resolved.If you could imagine a smoother running bike than the factory zx14....this one's even BETTER.You guys can't see that?And on tap power...gonna be VERY NICE.Piped,no flies.PC'd.Yup.Mild gearing change(maybe).He He....can you say....hold on for dear life?Just think,now you'll be able to downshift without much drama while leaned over and getting ready for the next 's' curve!Powering out without wheel spin.Gotta love it!

I'd just about bet this bike is gonna handle like a 10...seriously.It wouldn't surprise me at all.You watch.....but even if it doesn't handle 'quite' like a 10,she's still gonna handle better than the now 14's.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 10/10/2011 @ 12:01 PM *

I just purchased a new to me 06, and am personally glad to see that they did not change enough to make me regret my purchase 2 weeks ago. I like the new one, but I love the fact that by purchasing my used one, I can still keep my other bike, and have money in my pocket for mods. If I was thinking about buying new, I would strongly consider it. Now, let's see who post the first pictures of one in their garage, or on their driveway.

Blue,
you're right - A lot of issues that people had were addressed and it's like I said, I like the new bike so far. It still has nice looks and power it was definitely intended to KILL at the drag strip, the slipper is a great addition, addition of KTRC is awesome and the ride modes, larger ram air opening and freer flowing larger air filter, the engine is Grreeat, and the mods to the headers is are nice, as are the twin fans and larger openings for heat disappation (I'm just hoping that the larger openings don't allow even more heat on my legs than before). But there are somethings that I think that they could have also changed, like the suspension and worked a little harder at not bringing that much extra weight to the table (but I think that just as before most of that weight, if not all of it can be gotten rid of with an exhaust swap - they kind of remind me of the B-King exhausts) but overall, I think that Kawi did a great job in making major mods to the bike without radically altering what makes the 14 appeal to most owners. And who knows once somebody gets to ride one, it might actually handle better than the previous bike... Once the aftermarket comes on line, and a few more questions are answered, I start saving, but again - until then, I'm keeping an open space in my garage and riding on with my trusty 2010 SE!

the slipper is a great addition

If you are really good, you can use the clutch lever to do the same thing.

Yup your right there Rook - Not that useful on the street, but I'm not that good... I'm glad it's there to help save my butt when I do something stupid!

AND REAL TEMP GAUGE NOW!!!!!! I see alot of 10r and Connie cues there.The traction control on my 11 Connie is cool.The front wheel will come off the ground but the TC shuts it down.

I THOUGHT I saw some led's in the mirrors....guess not...must have been a reflection from the camera or something...MY BAD.Calling my dealer as soon as he gets back from his two week vacation.Gonna have him order me a blue one.Wish me luck guys!I really like what they did with the info part of the Display.The way you can toggle between modes at the bar.Nice touch.Very.The outer front design to me gives it a very freighttrain look.I LIKE!

That center pic...the frontend there...very unique...almost reptilian.NICE.That top one...reminds me of something out of Transformers!SHWEET!

IDK..that Green is pretty inticing.Black's lookin Sweet as well!Sheesh.

* Last updated by: blue07 on 10/10/2011 @ 4:02 PM *

Just Checked Brocks Performance and my CT's will fit the ZX14R....Thats a Relief!!!

One other glaring over look that I notice on the spec sheet.. Wheel base.
Overall length means nothing other than how far it is from one end of the plastic to the other. With the "10mm longer swingarm", and the added weight (granted, a lot of the extra lbs could be in those mufflers), it has went in the opposite direction of what I'd hoped for. In this part of the country, corners are a lot more common than straights. So a bike needs to handle, or you might as well get a cruiser. Even with a little suspension work, the Busa is barely getting it done, so a longer, heavier bike still, is going the wrong direction for me.
It's looking more and more like liter bike time.