Just picked up a brand new '12 LE ZX14 yesterday and wow what a machine. I traded in my M109R after the dealer made me a crazy deal to buy the 14. I've always wanted one but have shy'ed away from the big bikes for awhile. I've ridden some pretty big/fast machines in the past (Busa, CBR1100XX, R1, etc) but the 14 is definitely a monster for sure. I've been riding bikes for 25+ years now and have noticed that a lot of ZX owners are, well, a lot like me it seems. A bit older and mostly seem like pretty seasoned riders. Met a several today and I think I was the youngest (I'm 39) which really surprised me.

So far I"m absolutely loving it. I am really surprised at the comfort box stock, though it needs a couple tweaks in that area it's pretty nice. Reminds me a lot of my Blackbird, with a couple tweaks on that 600 mile days were easy and comfortable. I also have a Victory Vision for touring and 2 up riding but I love being able to take either on a trip to the mountains and not worry about comfort. I have a few mods planned for it like a Touring screen, better seat, throttle lock, grip puppies and probably a tail bag (have a tank bag) for longer weekend trips.

Here are a couple shots of the new beastie, have to admit I do love the green but I'm not really digging the decal flames. Considering taking those off but it being an LE I don't want to mess the bike up to much, thoughts?

Here it is on Saturday getting PDI'd and ready for me. I wouldn't even let them take it for the initial break in ride lol.

A few shots at home in the garage next to my Vision

Honestly the bike is just stupid fast so I don't think I'll be doing any performance mods, only consideration would be some slip-ons, it's almost to quiet. Other than some comfort items I think she'll be with me for many smiles... I tend to trade my bikes a lot (had my 109 for 4 months and just couldn't get comfy) but one regret I have is trading my XX and I'm not going to make that mistake with this one!

This seems like a great place and in just an hour of searching around I've found answers to damn near all my questions. Look forward to meeting some folks from the site and doing some rides!

Phantomx2k,

to the fam., yes great choise your going to love it!

Oh yeah I'm lovin' it for sure. I posted this on another forum and figured you'd guys would get a kick out of it. I was trying to convey the rush to the cruiser guys, have any of you had a similar experience lol

First gear - OH MY GOD what i have i done, dear lord please help keep the front tire somewhere near the pavement. At this point you realize what you've done and come to the realization that your paralyzed to do anything about it. At this point fear has the throttle pinned wide ass open and you're brain can't figure out quick enough how to shut it off. Now it's just hold on for the ride.. Speedo somewhere around 60mph in 2.6 seconds

Second gear - the shift light flashes and without any cognitive thought your left foot automatically kicks up for round two. Since your out of prayers at this point your screaming into you're helmet things like "what the Fuck have I just done and why the hell am I still doing it" and "holy shit!!!!" and other similar phrases. Speedo just cleared 100 your brains are starting to turn to jello

Third gear - there is no logical reason why your wrist is still pinned on the throttle besides pure fear coupled with adrenaline. You've started to create a wormhole and your recent life experience is playing out before your eyes. You also realized you can't let go of the throttle for fear of being violently ripped off the bike at well into triple digit speeds. Besides the space/time warpage is kinda cool so you wanna see where this goes when suddenly there is a bright light.

Fourth gear - you realize the shiftnlight has illuminated yet again, and Again left foot knows the drill, no brain needed, which is good because it's now pooled up like jelly in the back of your skull. Speed, no idea, background is a blur and you seem to have traveled far enough back in time that you just meet your dads, dad when he was in high school. Just as your about to say HI Grandpa, the light goes off yet again and without missing a beat the left foot clicks up again.

Fifth gear - you've left this world for some higher plane of existence. The secrets of the universe all laid out before you, yours for the taking. A hand seemingly reaching out for you from the ethereal mist to guide you home. You then realize its not reaching for you but pointing at something, it's circular and hard to make out but it slowly comes into focus. Their are numbers on it, how strange. There is a needle and it's sweeping past, what! 1..8..0 I wonder what that stands fo.... Then reality comes into focus as you wrench the throttle closed and grab the binders to haul your dumbass back down from hyper speed.

All that in about 15 seconds holy **** what a rush!!!

* Last updated by: Phantomx2k on 6/3/2012 @ 10:58 PM *

LOL I see you’re in love!!!Welcome!

G,day Phantomx2k Yeah after having a 03 & 04 CBR1100xx & a 2010 ZX14 last their Fantastic forsure,great bros/forum & information specific ZX1400 bikes

* Last updated by: bean07 on 6/6/2012 @ 5:43 AM *

Welcome to the Forum,

I am also new, having joined in May. I am also starting to put new stuff on my bike. Funny thing, my wife also do not like the flames, but I absolutely love it. Just fitted a new exhaust, and already the bike feels a lot lighter. The next move is to fit my old ZX14's BST rims and that puts this heavy bike in a completely different league.

I hope you enjoy your bike, many kilometers of safe( but not slow) riding!!!

I got some cool stuff coming for sure. Grip puppies, Heli Blocks, Corbin Seat, fresh oil/filter for the 600 mile change (already), throttle lock, tail bag and a new windscreen... Lovin it so far and it's about to get even more comfy...