I have been out of the game for a while and my last bike was a 2006 hayabusa. Had over 20k miles on it until it was stolen. I was looking at the 2015 hayabusa and it seems like the zx14 seems to be a better bang for the buck. Any advice or major differences between the two? I see Anti lock brakes are standard on both now. I know its just a brand but the brembo name on the Suzuki seems to look cooler too lol.

I know its a lot to ask for but I hope I can really get some UNBIASED replies here. I get it. Im a Car Salesman for Toyota and I always say how much better the Camry n Corolla are compared to the Civic n Accord but deep down I know they are pretty much the same just like Coke Compared to Pepsi or Lowes to Home Depot. Im just thinking that for 2015 the Busa hasn't changed much since 2008 but the Kawasaki has.

I know its a lot to ask for but I hope I can really get some UNBIASED replies here.

UNBIASED ? Ok if the Busa was a better Bike I would own it. When the New Busa comes out with better than 1441 cc along with better tech and performance #'s I will switch. This is of course if Kawi does not keep up with the times and remain in the dominate role.

Currently in this time and place the big Kawi owns the floor,,,, If those things don't matter to you buy the one you like. As long as you're riding world is good.

I was looking at the 2015 hayabusa and it seems like the zx14 seems to be a better bang for the buck.

It's also faster.

I see Anti lock brakes are standard on both now. I know its just a brand but the brembo name on the Suzuki seems to look cooler too lol.

The 14 has always had such good brakes that it never needed to go with any big name calipers. Brembo is nice bling and high quality but not all Brembos are made equal. Anyways, the caliper is probably not what made the brakes inferior on the busas of the past. The mastercylinder is what makes the dif and AFAIK, that has not changed on the Hayabusa. My 08 Hayabusa brakes are ok. You can pull the lever to the grip before it locks the tire so good enough for me, I guess. I much prefer the powerful, immediate bite of the 14's brakes.

I know its a lot to ask for but I hope I can really get some UNBIASED replies here.

I own both Gen2 Hayabusa and Gen1 ZX-14. I'm probably as unbiased as it gets. The Gen2 Hayabusa is a very nice bike. Maybe a little better than the 06-11 ZX-14 in some ways but if you can have a Gen2 14R, that's a better performing bike than either one. If it's cheaper, that's an added bonus. Lots of busa owners are now riding 14rs.

Any advice or major differences between the two? I see Anti lock brakes are standard on both now.

Mainly the engine displacement and hp/tq #s. The 14R beats the busa. reportedly did 207 mph with basic mods. The Gen2 busa will do maybe 190 with basic mods same as a Gen1 14.

the 14r also has traction control.

wish i owned a 14r so i could tell you more. maybe someone else who has had both a Gen 2 busa and a 14r will chime in.

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post this on hayabusa.org and I'm sure you will get a few honest replies suggesting you go with the 14r if you are buying for performance purposes.

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Both bikes seem to have specific advantages. Mostly what I hear is Busa has better fit n' finish and has a smoother trans. I definitely believe it has better fit 'n finish because quite honestly the 14R's isn't great. But, the 14R is a spectacular mind-blowing fun bike to ride. So I can put up with a hole in the paint, and a run or touch up on the frame or something, and a few fairing rattles. 14R is definitely the looker of the two as well. I'm sure the Busa is fun to ride, I can't believe it surpassing the 14R in fun factor, performance, or looks.

I'm looking for a matching Kawasaki green full face helmet, textile jacket and gloves but can't find anything that actually says Kawasaki on it. Checked cycle gear, sportbiketrackgear, Dennis Kirk and motorcycle superstore.

Sitting in a Busa I feel cramped and feel like I'm hugging a barrel. Sitting a top a zx 14 I feel like, I am cradled. Plus the 14r looks awesome when compared to the Suzi. Never liked, lusted or wanted a Busa. It comes down to fit, finish and esthetics for me. Been wanting a 14 since 06 when they came out. Bought one in 12.

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Mostly what I hear is Busa has better fit n' finish and has a smoother trans.

Again, can't compare to the 14r but I'd say the fit and finish is a bit superior on the gen2 busa compared to the Gen1 14. The busa has some higher quality looking details like a cast shift pedal instead of the bent steel plate pedal on the 14 (get reasets and mute point). There are a few racing amenities that come stock on the busa, namely slipper clutch and electronic steering damper. I think the 14r more than one ups the busa on these types of features where the Gen1 14 was a bit less race equipped right out of the box.

I don not think there is a lot of difference in the shift quality between my 2 bikes but the busa did feel smoother when new. Now they seem about equal. I guess the 14 just needed some wearing in, maybe.

To me, handling the busa in a corner feels more predictable and neutral. I can't explain this since the busa is heavier and longer than the Gen1 ZX-14. I like the feel of the busa but I can say for sure, I can not corner at any higher speed with it than I do the 14. They're the same.

Routine maintenance is a lot simpler on the 14 but I do hear those 14r fairings are a beech. The Gen 14's are no picnic either but the busa is a lot more complicated.

I'm looking for a matching Kawasaki green full face helmet, textile jacket and gloves but can't find anything that actually says Kawasaki on it. Checked cycle gear, sportbiketrackgear, Dennis Kirk and motorcycle superstore.

If that is the deciding factor, there must be tons of Hayabusa gear out there!

Save money and go with the best. I wouldn't steer ya wrong, bro. If I didn't feel strongly about the 14r being a better bike, I'd just keep my mouth shut.

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The gear isn't the deciding factor but why am I having a hard time finding the kawi green, helmet, jacket and gloves???

I know when I bought my Busa I paid for the extended warranty and never used it. The Kawasaki's are known for being a bit less reliable so should I get the extended warranty. Im not much of the kind of guy who works on his own bikes anyway.

I don't recommend buying extended warranties. Problems cropping up are unusual.

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Rook,

We're comparing '15 14s to '15 Busas, not Gen 1. A few of the issues you mention as downsides to the 14 are less issues with 14R, such as low speed maneuvering. As far a fit and finish, generally when reading other sites that comment is made Suzukis have better fit and finish and smoother trans (maybe most notably no Kawasaki clunk).

People often have a very limited perspective of "fit and finish". If you've owned a Honda, then you know what excellent "fit and finish" means. If you've (figuratively) have only owned Kawasakis, you have a very limited scope of fit and finish. Kawasaki "fans" have no idea what I'm takling about because they're basis for fit and finish are Kaws. I've found a pin head size hole in my tanks paint. A run on the rear passenger foot bracket. Kawasaki has definitely upped their gain as far as fit and finish, but it's still just good not excellent.

As far as warranties, it mainly depends on the miles someone is going to put on the bike. If someone is going to buy it, ride it for 700 miles a year, yeah I'd say a warranty of any sort is a waste. If they're going to ride it, 5-10k+ miles a year it starts to make more sense.

Of course, a lot of people have no clue what they're doing in life, and I'm sure buy the bike thinking they'll ride it a lot (kind of relative...kind of not..let's just say 5-10k a year) apparently ride it somewhere between 200 and 1200 miles and then it sits for 3 years until they decide it's time to sell it. A lot of idiots out there what can I say?

First of all, IMHO the Hayabusa is just plain UGLY! I don't care how fast, it looks strange. The ZX-14 beats in hands-down in styling.

Second of all, and this is as previous owner of Suzuki's, I think Kawasaki is MUCH better designed and manufactured product. Suzuki just doesn't produce the same quality as Kawasaki does. I've just had lots of little nit-picking issues with all the Suzuki's I've owned.

But UNBIASED? This is not where you're going to find unbiased! ;-)

* Last updated by: jwh20 on 2/19/2015 @ 8:24 AM *

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We're comparing '15 14s to '15 Busas, not Gen 1.

Yep. Mentioned I don't own a Gen2 ZX-14 but maybe that was not clear. Other that updated electronics and displacement, I assume both Gens share a lot in common. I do have a Gen2 busa and that is the same as the 2015 busa - updated brakes.

For fit and finish, just go to the showroom and compare the heel guards, brake and shift pedals and fully adjustable mirrors...the instruments fully surrounded by dash panels, less fairing fasteners. That's really about all I think. I'm sure neither one is up to Honda standards but then Honda isn't up to Ducati standards.

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I'm sure neither one is up to Honda standards but then Honda isn't up to Ducati standards.

I think Honda sets the standard for fit & finish in the Motorcycle industry. Ducati? Design and style, yes, but quality? Not so much. They are cool, and I have a 999 which is big fun for sure, but it's more like an advanced prototype than a finished product. Ducati may be getting better as they've really been hammered in the press over their cost-of-ownership issues mainly driven by short service intervals and extraordinarily high labor rates at dealerships. I know they've upped the service intervals on newer models and have put pressure on dealers to be in line with other brands.

I suppose we'll see. I've never been clear why Ducati thinks their service departments are anything special. A Ducati is among the simplest motorcycles I have ever worked on.

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If you end up going for a Suzuki, I hope you don't let me know about it. I'll think you're an idiot.
Kawasaki has always been king in my book. If you don't ride Team Green, We can't be friends. Period.

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Rook: I'm puzzled with the "bent steel gear shift lever". Does your 14 not have a cast aluminum shifter and rear brake pedal?

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I guess that was my old Yammi that had the bent steel strap for the shifter. This is at least cast but not a smooth and finished as the busa.

Those heal guards, too....bent plates of aluminum. The 14 has very light footrest assy, however. Rearsets are a tad heavier.

* Last updated by: Rook on 2/21/2015 @ 2:45 PM *

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[RE: 2015 hayabusa vs 2015 zx14]
[02/18/15 6:14 PM]
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[I'm looking for a matching Kawasaki green full face helmet, textile jacket and gloves but can't find anything that [actually says Kawasaki on it. Checked cycle gear, sportbiketrackgear, Dennis Kirk and motorcycle superstore.]

Jacket: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/New-arrival-men-motorcycle-motocross-jacket-textile-oxford-jacket-kawasaki-Autumn-Winter-jackets-lining-removable/1463200608.html

Helmet: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/66487/i/joe-rocket-r1000x-lithium-helmet&colorid=51&sizeid=110?siteID=CSE_GBase_569602&WT.mc_ID=80003&P_ID=569602&P_ID=1342302650&adpos=1o1&creative=53697087413&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CPnsp6_69sMCFQ4BaQod1YIACw

I have the old Rocket green Kawi jacket..... in closet because I switched to blue gear, so keep it as a backup. Green gloves are gonna be tough...... I went with black and white. Currently have a black helmet.

First of all, IMHO the Hayabusa is just plain UGLY! I don't care how fast, it looks strange. The ZX-14 beats in hands-down in styling.

x2

no, x200000000

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Two totally different styling ques.I like the looks and paint of the Hayabusa.I think they did a good job with that bike.Hasn't changed much over the years.The 14/14R though,it has a much different styling look.They both look really good I think.I'm more attracted to the 14R...naturally.But the Busa has a certain cool look as well.My first big bike like these was gonna be the Busa...but it wasn't in the Suzuki showroom at the time I went to upgrade.Went with my 07 Diablo Black.Never looked back.Changed to the CPB after my getoff on my 07.I never liked however the fitment at the nose where that tab on the midfairing slips into the cowl.No matter what I tried to correct that gap,it just wouldn't close up like I thought it should.The 14R,now everything fit snug and seamlessly.Pretty much.With a bit of manipulating the bodywork parts on assembly,all the seams are close and tight.

But I do like both bike styles.I tried to not like that Busa style...but it didn't work.Both bikes have a particular coolness.

The shifting on the Busa is IMO better than the 14/14R.Why Kawasaki can't seem to get this deal sorted,I just don't know.But after breaking the transmission in on the 14...it's quite smooth,with or without clutching.Whereas the Busa shift feel is more 'clicky' as opposed to 'notchy'.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/25/2015 @ 10:44 AM *

I think if you look at just about anything long enough you start to see some beauty in it ... and the Busa did come along before the ZX14, so guys had quite a few years to stare at it and get their eyes tricked into liking it

That said, it looks like somebody added wheels to a blob. No, a retarded blob.

I hope my post doesn't offend anybody, as this is just an opinion. (based on fact! HAHA!)

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I think if you look at just about anything long enough you start to see some beauty in it ... and the Busa did come along before the ZX14, so guys had quite a few years to stare at it and get their eyes tricked into liking it

That's why they didn't change the styling a whole lot on the Gen2 busa. It was so popular, they didn't want to break with tradition too far. they even kept the same engine and lengthened the stroke a bit. I think they must be feeling the pinch in sales from the 14r by now so i expect a Gen3 busa in a couple years. If it's really good (like 240 stock hp) I'd prolly want one. I'll bet money they won't change the styling much again.

* Last updated by: Rook on 2/25/2015 @ 11:55 AM *

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I will be no help ;) but if you want power/performance and higher tech electronics the 14R is your choice.

Now with that out of they way, I love all motorcycles, except Suzuki. From the ones I have ridden and sat on, they all felt like cheap plastic and tin. I even rank Harleys over them, at least they look and sound better... pretty much stops there though.

I never cared "what" the bike was as long as I liked it/them... and I just haven't come across a Suzuki that I liked sorry to say. If I was given some sort of a blind bike "taste test" I not sure I can tell what was what, but I bet I could tell what was a Suzuki.

Right now I even have a Yamaha, Honda, and the Mighty Kawi in my garage, so I don't just love one brand over another, It's just what I love that matters.

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When I bought my 14, my buddy had a Busa (he has since sold it and picked up a ZX10, and more recently he purchased a 2012 14r). Both bikes had power, more power than I will probably ever use. I liked his Busa, it was a good looking bike and I did look for Busa's on the market, but what it came down to for me was they way the 14 looked. I just think the 14 is a better looking bike. And yes...the 14 has a lot more power, but you have to ask yourself if you are going to use all the power that either bike has to offer (perhaps you may?)? If not, then which bike do you prefer? What does your gut tell you?