Just wanted to do an introduction thread... I don't have a ZX-14... not yet anyway. ;) I currently ride an 09' Ninja 250R and I already know what to expect from the majority if this forum is anything like most. The jump from the 250 to a 1400 is quite a large one, but just to clarify... the 250 was not exactly my first bike I owned a ZX-7 a little over a decade ago and I also had a Rebel 450 about 10 years ago. I had a "hiatis" for a while and decided to start small to get my skills honed before stepping up. I've been riding the 250 for about 1 1/2 years now and recently broke 10K miles. I've done quite a few mods on her and do all the work myself.

Anyway, I've done 2 of the Kawasaki Ticket to Ride events where I rode pretty much every bike they make. I was pretty sold on the ZX-10R until I got the chance to ride the 14!!! My biggest complaints about my 250 is the lack of passing power at freeway speeds, the inability to comfortably ride 2-up at freeway speeds and the comfort level for a pillion rider. All of those things will be satisfied with the 14. I'm 6'2"/220 lbs (and also 34 years old so I'm passed some of the riding like an idiot phase) so the ZX-6R felt cramped to me... and the ZX-10R although it would satisfy the passing power problem... long distance comfort and pillion comfort just wouldn't suffice.

I tend to do a lot of research ahead of time before making a purchase and that is why I signed up over here. I'm looking to find out as much information as possible so I can make an informed purchase. I am in the Marine Corps and will be deploying in March. I won't be making my purchase until I return about Oct time frame. Thanks in advance for your advice and help in my decision process!!!

Also, just in case anyone is actually interested... here are a few pics of my 09' SE Ninja 250R:

And a list of mods that I have done to her:

Michelin Pilot One Tires 150/60 Rear 110/70 Front
Puig Dark Smoke Double Bubble
Woodcraft Clipons
Pazzo Adjustable Shorty Levers
Pro Grip Art 725 Evo MX Grips
Sato Racing Long Style Bar Ends
Proton Flushmount Turn Signals
Customized AreaP/Dynojet Kit
K&N R-0990 Universal Rubber Filter
Uni Filter UP-104 5/8" Clamp-On Breather
Billet Emissions Block Off Plate
Shogun 3 Piece Crash Kit
Monster Energy Black Fire Tank Pad
Luimoto Seat Covers
Hotbodies Racing Smoked Undertail
Sportisi Carbon Fiber Hugger and Swingarm Cover
Yoshimura TRC CF Full Exhaust
Bikelitez Integrated LED Taillight
Powerstands License Plate Bracket

Sorry for the long winded introduction... but I kinda like to cover my bases!! ;)

* Last updated by: Cazper on 12/28/2011 @ 7:37 PM *

Welcome to the forums. I picked up my 06 zx14 this past september, and love it! I have owned a few different types of bikes, and the 14 fits my larger statue better than any of the other sport bikes(6'-2" 250 lbs.). My first bike was a 97 yamaha fzr 600. I have also owned an 06, and 07 kawasaki zzr600. I love them both. Great for curve carving, but a little small for someone of my size. As long as you respect the power, you should be fine with a zx14.
And again, welcome.

Hello and welcome

Thanks for the welcomes guys!!! I'm hoping to learn alot about these bikes before buying mine next year. I'm really a team green guy and prefer special editions... so as it stands I'm really liking the 2011. Just not sure that I would want to spend the extra money on a bike that new, especially since as far as I've gathered so far there is really no difference in the model years except of course for the 2012.

Welcome!

Hello and welcome! I own a 04 ZX10 and an 06 ZX14 and I tell ya, since I bought the 14, the ZX10 stays parked a LOT!
I do a lot of 2-up with my wife and we both love the 14's comfort as well as how it handles the twisties even with 2 people on it. It is our primary touring mount as well. So, I say you're on the right track. GO GET ONE!!!

Later
Mad

See that's exactly what I was hoping to hear... and what I figured as well. Alot of my friends that I ride with feel the 14 is too big to really enjoy the twisties. I knew they were wrong! I also knew the 14 would be the best 2up answer and longer ride answer! Thanks for your welcome and your knowledgeable input!

Cazper

I do a lot of 2-up with my wife and we both love the 14's comfort as well as how it handles the twisties even with 2 people on it.

The more research and picture looking I do just makes me want one that much more!!! If I wasn't deploying so soon I would just go and get one... but because I'll be leaving in March for at least 6 months I'm just going to have to hold off until I get back... this baby just looks so hot:

Welcome to the forum Cazper! I really like the contrast of the black with green on my '11 as well instead of all green. Hope you get a good deal and exactly what you want when you get back. And thanks for your service Bro!

Welcome!

Welcome Buddy...
That green black and bigwillie colors are my favorite...
You won't be disappointed!
Unless I could get a new 2011 for well under 10k I would consider the 2012 . More power, better suspension etc
By the time you get bike they will be lots of reviews and you'll be able to make a good decision.

oh and those look really good with akrap exhausts...

zx14akrap

Thanks for all the warm welcomes! I was originally pretty set on getting the Yoshi exhaust because it's what I have on my 250 and I've always loved it. But, that Akropovic exhaust looks and sounds sweet as well! I definetely want a 4-2-1 full exhaust... I think they look way better than the dual exhausts.

I've also had the opportunity to ride both the 11' and the 12'... I wish it would have been on the same day for a better comparison though. I really like both of them I just don't want to pay out the nose for a new bike.

Again thanks for all the advice. I can tell this is a great community and I can't wait to be more a part of it with a 14 of my own!

Updated my first post with pictures of my current bike and a list of mods that I've done to it... just in case anyone is curious