I have a 2009 K1300GT beemer that I ride most of the time and the 3 ZRX's plus the 14 just sit in the gayrage. I decided to ride the 14 last weekend and I swear going down the hiway it is smuuther than the beemer.
I was really surprised with the 14 having Buell pegs, Connie seat and LSL bar kit. It is not only smuuth but comfy.

Well that is nuff coplimenting Jap Junk so back to the beemer I must go.

you forgot faster, cheaper and more reliable

Now, who says "back to the beemer" you must go

* Last updated by: Steven14 on 9/2/2010 @ 8:46 AM *

I gave the Bimmer a lot of thought and the main reason I've shied away from them is echoed at other popular sites time and time again - maintenance costs. Just do a search on sport-tourting.net or advriders. Astronomical service costs. Yeah, I could probably figure out how to do most of the maintenance myself, but frankly I don't have that kind of extra time.

Yeah, I could probably figure out how to do most of the maintenance myself, but frankly I don't have that kind of extra time.

What irritates me about my 14 is checking the oil level. That's really about all. I fixed the seat cowl rattle. I can live with the cam chain rattle for a few seconds. There was a weak spot below 3500 rpm with stock exhaust and aftermarket. I always felt that on a harder take off but now that has been fixed with one map adjustment from auto tune. So I'm pretty happy.

The reason I ride jap is simple.......power. I ride for the rush of acceleration, and whatever brand gives me that gets my money. Since I've been old enough to ride its always been a japanese brand that thrilled the britches off me in the power department, so thats what I ride

To check the oil in the beemer the seats have to come off. It thinks it is a Harley with the oil tank under the seat. The mechanical part to me is just parts but yes the new tools will kill me if I go to buy them. There is so much electical with the bike that even Mr. Hub would wonder what to look at 1st but I do love the beemer. Runs and handles good plus works 4 me.

The 14 has become an old mans cruiser. Put bags and cruise on it then it could almost replace the beemer

If you look at my signature, you know I've owned almost every fast flagship Kawasaki have ever produced.

I did not buy them for comfort, or to impress my friends. I purchased them to respond to my right hand.

It is a testament to continuous improvement on Kawk's part that over the years, these motorcycles have also developed excellant brakes and clutches. In the beginning, the H1 and H2 didn't have much going for them beside the throttle and looks.

Why never a BMW ? For the same reason I never purchased a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I'm not paying more for a motorcycle than I am willing to pay for a car. And I'm not willing to pay much for a car, because its a waste of money. All it has to do is get me to work and back every day in bad weather.

So imagine my surprise when I recently found out how comfortable, and capable, the ZX14 can be as a long-distance sport touring bike. Despite my bad back, and neck, and knees (come on VA, replacement them will ya?) I was in no worse condition after 3 days of riding than anyone else in the group. Someone in good health would have been even better.

Plus I was carrying as much "stuff" (tm) as the Goldwing and BMW and other touring bike guys and girls, yet when we came to 25 mph switchbacks I was going through them at 45 mph and they were going through them at 20 mph. I can also stop in almost half the distance as most of them.

I am really surprised at how comfy the 14 has turned out to be. The Connie seat still has a bit to be desired but it can be redone fo $75. Out on the road the 14 will get an easy 40 mpg if you have an educated right hand. Throw soft bags over it and be gone.
Cannot complain about the 14 unless you think trying to stay at 70 or below is a problem.