After some soul searching, I have decided to get back into a kawasaki. I will be letting the M109 go in a few weeks in exchange for my next ride. The big decision for me now is if I want to go zx14r, or concours 14. I have a great deal on both, for the same price. I know the coni has a sticker price of about 1k more, and you are getting a lot more extras, but the 14r, is a "14R". I do not do a lot of distance riding (less than 150 miles), and only do 1, or 2 major trips a year. That would be about a 350 mile trip to the mountains to the dragon and such. My question is would I really use the bags and such on the coni? As far as the zx14 goes, I would probably only use 10% of the power 90% of the time. In fact, my 2006 rarely saw 7,000 rpm's. I will be taking both for a ride in about 2 weeks, but I definately plan to end up with one of them.

I would also like to add that I am turning 46 in about 2 weeks, and am 6'-2", 250 lbs. No problems with wrist, elbows, or knees. The size is the reason that I am considering these bikes. A big guy really needs to be comfortable.

* Last updated by: blacklightning on 7/30/2012 @ 12:17 PM *

Why change bikes?Those 109's are very popular....I'm just curious why you'd want to change up?

I love the M109, and I believe it gets more attention than any, stock bike. The issue that I am having is that there has been a lot of 2nd gear issues with these bikes since they came out in 2006. It is now 2012, and they have not changed, or upgraded a thing. To add to the troubles, suzuki does nothing to help, or cover the problem. I personally know, and am friend with at least 1/2 dozen guys that I ride with who have had problems. Even the techs that I know talk about how good the bikes are, but if you ride it hard, or plan on keeping it for long, get ready to spend nearly $3000 for the transmission problem. My bike showed some minor signs of a transmission issue this June at the M109 premeet. It has been fine every since, and I was told that it would be fine. I also know guys that have said that, and are now shifting without a 2nd. gear. I ride about 10k miles a year on a bike, and don't want to have that issue always on my mind. The 2 bikes I am looking at are here.
The dealer also has a black concours, but I think this burgandy looks real nice.

Same reason I sold mine my M109! Clutch shudder was terrible 2nd gear clunk. My buddy had to replace a broken swingarm, 2nd gear and driveshaft. Mine started showing symptoms and I unloaded it quick!!!

My opinion i think your gonna like the Coni.... And if your just cruising around most of the time no need for the "R" & the bags i dont think will be an issue, they will come in handy i Guarantee!

Sounds like the old ZX-11 C model.2nd was going out.They fixed it by the 1993 D model I believe.
Craig

I went from an FJR1300 to the ZX14 and glad I did. I liked the sport/TOURING bike but kept thinking that if it were 100lbs lighter it would be perfect. I did not do week long rides or any two-up riding so I really did not miss anything from the fjr. I am actually more comfortable on the zx14 (don't have your size, 6' 180). And I don't feel guilty not using all the power. I love the smoothness and torque at low rpms on the zx14. And if you want luggage, there are options. About the only thing I miss from the fjr is the protection you get when it rains. Just my 2cnts.

SS

The 14 has my vote, I'm your size and this is my third one.

Wow are you ever old,get the 14R,granted it isn't a dedicated touring bike,but I have no problems doing 800km days and I'm 59

Thanks guys. I am leaning more towards the zx14r. I thought that if I had the coni, I might run it without the bags. After seeing the bike without the rear bags, and seeing the luggage rack and seat (which is never used since I have no passengers), I didn't think it looked right. I just wish the zx14 had a seat that you can buy a rear smuggler for, like on the coni. I hate paying for the high price corbin stuff, but I would bite the bullet and buy that.

I have both. The 14R gets most of my riding time now. The C-14 is great in cold and rain (better wind protection) and is used only during those times. The new 14r, in my view, is really more satisfying and fun to ride than the C-14. The new motor in the 14r, with its increase in torque, would be a good addition to the heavy C-14.

When I bought my ZX-14 new in 09 the owner was trying to talk me into a C-14.Said it was only down 20 something Hp and really not that heavy.I said I want More hp not less and more weight.Thats ok but no.If wanted a dog I'd buy a Honda or a Yahmaha.Since I'm at a Kawasaki shop I want a Ninja.Pissed him off cause he let me sit there for 2 hours and I had $11000 in my hand.Let all my buddies in on that story cause if I buy another Kaw it won't be at Extreme Motorsports in Claysville,Pa.
Craig

ZX-14R!!!

I just sold my Connie 14 to get a 2012 ZX-14. I'm also 6'3" and 230 and just turned 47, so we're pretty similar, and the ZX fits me just fine.

I switched because like you, I wasn't taking long trips very often (1-2 times a year for a weekend trip), and 95% of my riding is around the city. I found myself more and more just leaving the Connie's bags behind gathering dust in the garage, and not even using the adjustable windshield. That's what prompted me to think about just taking that to the next level and getting the Ninja.

Obviously the Ninja is smoother, with considerably more power, better handling and feels considerably lighter (even though both bikes are weighted around the same). My wife even says the back seat on the Ninja has MORE room than on the Connie. You do sacrifice the "sit bolt upright" capability of the Connie, but risers can get you most the way back to that. Legs are a little more bent as well, I'll probably be looking into adjustable rearsets at some point. But for the type of bike it is, the ZX is amazingly comfortable.

Cons would be having to maintain a chain again, no tire pressure monitoring, and lack of storage space (though I got my helmet lock back, yay). More than made up for (for me) by amazing additional power and agility.

It's also pretty cool that you can find racks that will mount on these, and I think loading up a weekend bag (no passenger) is certainly in the realm of possiblities.

* Last updated by: LimeyHooligan on 8/9/2012 @ 8:20 AM *

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Congrats!

Kofla

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog