Well,
I really wanted to get into another mustang, and one of the bikes just had to go. It came down to getting rid of one of the bikes, either the zx14, or my M109R. I chose to keep the M109, because I rarely ride alone, and 95% of the people I ride with have cruisers. I really like the relaxed riding position, but I do miss the excitement that the 14 gave me. When I had both bikes, I would ride the M109 when riding with others, and the zx14 when I would ride by myself. Now I am really starting to miss the zx14, but don't know what I should give up, if I give up something to get another. I am considering just holding out for another 12 months, and then just adding another 14 to the stable. By waiting a while, maybe I can step up to a 2012. I like my toys and don't want to give up anything. I guess I am sort of selfish.

Too bad you don’t live in SW FL there’s a guy down here with a 2007 ZX-14 with like 4,000 miles on it that wants to trade for a curser or concourse 14 he would probably trade straight up for your M109!

I so seldom just ride "across town" anymore that I don't miss my ZX14 at all. When I was in the twisties in NW Arkansas the Connie handled just as good as my ZX14 did so I got my adrenaline fix too.

Not that the Connie can hold a candle to a ZX14 at 9/10ths, but I rarely ride above 5/10ths anymore. Like Black, I ride in a group quite often, and all the horsepower of a ZX14 is wasted in such a situation. It wants to run free.

So Black, you are in an awful position, friend. Nice Mustang. Nice truck. Really nice touring / cruising bike. I really feel for you!

How much time do you plan to spend riding a new motorcycle?

Well, I rode the M109 about 175 miles in 102 degree weather. Needless to say, it ran a little cooler than the zx14 would have. Even though I still would like to pickup a sportbike for some spirited runs through the twisties, after owning the 14, anything else would be a let down. I came across a good deal on a zzr1200, with corbin bags, seat, the works. It was a really good clean bike, and exactly what I was looking at before I bought the 14. Problem is, now I think it would be hard for it to measure up. Being a big guy, I need a big bike, so that limits my choices to larger, sport touring style bikes. Since I only rode the 14 at about 50%, the zzr may keep me satisfied for a while. The guy is asking less than 4k for the zzr.

Those are nice toys

Not sure what to tell you, you may regret your decision, maybe wait a little longer for a used 14?

Kofla

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 7/9/2012 @ 8:10 PM *

If it were me, I would part with the mustang. They are very popular but the Lightning is relatively rare. And... you can install a better supercharger on the Lightning to counter the loss of the mustang. AND you'll be able to grab a 14!

I was thinking today as I was riding up into Glacier Park....seeing the Harley guys cruising on their big bikes.They really do look comfortable.Hell...I had TWO nice big Harleys.Got to thinkin...'what if I ever decided to change sportbikes....'....the 14 is THE biggest sportbike a guy can get.Then the Connie...but it's a shade tuned different...yet the ergos and size are really 14 ish.I couldn't ever go with something smaller...not with my size.So that's out.Would I want to go with a way heavier bike....even though the ergos will allow quite a bit more options fit wise.Then I came back to reality as I looked down at my speedo....70 mph....and I had forgotten I was actually riding for a minute there.I gave er some throttle....she took off in a split second...no loud brapping,no vibrating...nothing...just acelleration.I banked in to my first set of nice curves...the bike handled perfectly...one hand...other resting on my thigh there.Faster...she got smoother....sitting kinda in mid seat...I realized...this thing here is like being on a set of rails.Effortless turning...immediate smooth acelleration.Nice big seat....comfortable.I decided to enjoy what I have....I don't think really that I'd be happy with something else.I don't ride two up...so taking the girl for a ride isn't likely to happen...besides..I like being able to rock on at will,without having to be concernd about if someone isn't gonna be okay with that.To me..it's a perfect single guy's bike.Performance is way more than I'll ever really need....I'll never reach the limit(s) of this bike...ever.That thought makes me feel good.A cruiser...ya....okay...nice....for what it is.But I couldn't see switching back ever again.These 14's are just TOO extreme.Spoiled...I guess that's what it comes down to....spoiled.

I also had a sweet zzr...my first actual "sport" bike.I loved that thing...but....after having my 14's...I couldn't ever go back.The power and smoothness and response and shifting..the whole deal....IMO umatched in the big bike world.Today cruising in 6th....up higher in the mountains...I glanced down at my MPG....60+.That's the highest I've ever seen any bike.Cruising at 85.This bike is just right for me....just right.

You know...from a distance...it looks almost like any other 'crotch rocket'...not really anything impressive.But the closer you get...there's a presence about it.It looks fast.Strong.BIG.Powerful...ready.Scarey.Beautiful.Built.Solid.Together.Somehow...no other bike I've ever owned gave me that feeling or impression.My 07...yeah...it did...somewhat...but not like this one.The shape is just..well....angled yet designed.Blocked,but purposeful...IDK really how to say it...it just 'feels'.....unique.It doesn't look cheap.It doesn't look cheaply put together.It doesn't look like it's got things in the design that are 'bangles'...or gimmicks.It looks like a majorly serious riding vehicle that performs way and beyond anything on the road.She's a special machine.EVERYONE likes looking at this bike.from youngsters to old coots...they all like checking it out.It's pretty amazing how many older people come up and start asking questions and saying...it's beautiful.Just amazing really.

I could never be satisfied with anything less performance wise.I think this bike would do really well with risers and higher windscreen...I've got Helis on her now...5/8ths inch rise....stock screen(which works great).But I could see this bike as a serious tourer....Hwever...I like the sport config too much.Maybe sometime?This thing could easily be a traveller...easily.

I

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/9/2012 @ 9:07 PM *

A year and a half ago I had the misfortune to watch my beloved zx11 burn up on the side of the freeway. Not having a cool 16 grand laying around, I had to save my ass off for the the next year or so. During that time the Speed Gods decided to reward us mortals with the zx14r. Having had a bike for 42 years, that year without one was a mentally dark period for me. Needless to say, Mighty Blue now sits serenely in the garage awaiting our daily ride. No problem with the shifting. No film on the inside of the lights. No problem with the Metzlers so far at 1400 miles. They still look new. The hottest the bike has reached is 218 and that was today, sitting at a light with the outside temp. at 108. And I was smart enough to buy the faster color!!
I can fully understand missing this marvelous machine, especially when all you left with is something I remember the clowns used to ride at the Shriners Parade downtown. Sorry 'bout that. Don't take it personally. Swallow your pride. Admit you made a mistake. Make things right again.

Maybe Black does truly miss the ZX14.... it seemed like he switched awfully suddenly, but I have no idea what the thought process was outside the forum, inside his head.

My decision to switch to the Connie was long talked about, and evidenced in the changes I made to my ZX14. As it approached 200 hp it also became more C14-esque. As it gained full carbon fiber skin, it also got heated grips and the biggest windscreen I could figure out how to get on it.

I guess I was experimenting. I know the guy that came down from Canada to my dealer to buy it not long after I traded it in and posted the dealer's name here, just loves my old ZX14. He sent me an email and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't sell it back. And why not, when I rode it to the 2011 COG National in Mt. Snow VT I got to bomb through the NY mountains and had a complete blast riding fast as the ZX14 is able to do.

But now that I've done a 3,200 mile trip on the Connie, I realize what a good decision I made. Actually I would have been happier with a bigger touring bike, except the weight would have been too much for my gimpy knees etc. The Connie is light enough for me to enjoy her without worrying I'll get her tipped over a degree too much.

So back to Black's situation, if he made the switch for the wrong reasons, then he needs to get right with it and fix it. Clearly he has the money to buy whatever he wants.

So back to Black's situation, if he made the switch for the wrong reasons, then he needs to get right with it and fix it. Clearly he has the money to buy whatever he wants.

LOL! I wish the money thing was true. The problem that I have is that I search until I find the right toys at a good price, once I make a purchase, I find it hard to let them go. Having a wife, (whom I call my concience), she says that I have too many and need to let something go. I have to agree. As much as I like my toys, I feel better when I get to use them and not just let them sit. Some people dress certain ways on certain day. I have different moods, and like to drive things that reflect my mood. Considering that moneymarket accounts are only paying about 1% interest anyway, I have made more money on the toys that I have purchased and sold.

Give him a year or so, he's just making for the 14R. The idea has already been incepted but he doesn't know yet!