Hi guys, just introducing myself. My name is Brian and I'm from Sydney Australia. I don't have a ZX14 yet but after a lot of research and considering the Honda VFR1200 and Kawasaki Ninja 1000, I've come to the Kawasaki ZX14R. In reality, it was always going to be the ZX14 but had to consider other options first!ZX14s aren't very abundant in Australia, and looking for a second handed, I'm just waiting for a good deal to come along.

So very soon, I'll be posting photos of my new big Ninja!

G'day Brian,

You have come to the right place as this site has some of the most experienced and helpfull ZX-14 guys going around.

I originally came from a VFR800 and I've been on a 14 for a while and you won't go wrong with one of these as long as you have a little experience behind you.

I'm in Sydney also so let me know if I can help you at all.

P.S.
Not really sure what you mean by "ZX-14's aren't very abundant in Australia" as there are plenty around...

* Last updated by: yannih on 10/12/2014 @ 3:19 AM *

SOONNNNNNN AND

Best of luck on your search, and welcome to the Forum!!

Hey guys, thanks so much. I was riding a Honda CB500X and at the moment on a borrowed Ducati Multistrada. Very nice bike.

yannih, by not very abundant, I was meaning for sale. Especially in NSW. I don't mind buying interstate but just worried about rego transfer costs.

Great to meet someone from Australia. There seem to be a few!

Welcome to the 14 club. This bike is so much fun, obviously fast as hell but also handles really good too.

Bit of an update. I gave an offer on a bike, one that I thought the owner would object to. But he didn't. He accepted!! So going to see it tomorrow and maybe pick it up early next week! It's a black 2013 ZX14R with 2000kms. A real bargain here. Although what im paying, guys in America could get a brand new one!

* Last updated by: AussieZX on 10/17/2014 @ 9:58 PM *

Congratulation, just broke in and ready for you.

Congrats on the new bike. Just as an aside, before I bought my ZX14 I test rode the Ninja 1000. It is a nice bike but to me it had absolutly no personality. It was kind of boring, a little like a few Hondas I have owned. It did everyting well but just didn't have any sizzle. Then I test rode a 14. And that was that. The ZX14 is the best bike I have owned, hands down.

Mad

Thanks guys!!! Maddevil, I had long considered the Ninja 1000, has more than enough power and is actually more comfortable. I am 6'5". Has more leg room. But one of my big issues is I want a bike I can ride two up regualarly, and the 1000 didn't seem to be that bike. And it still felt I sat a little tall in the saddle.

I test rode it this morning, now for a confession, I hadn't ever ridden one before, relying on reviews to sort the chaff from the wheat in my choice. I don't have years of experience so was a little nervous riding the big powerful beast. But, rolling it out onto a busy road, having to make an immediate tight u turn, I found it to be a big puppy. Comfortable to ride at slow speeds and feels safe when you rip the throttle. I didn't strangle it, and probably never will to it's limit, but it just felt nice under me. A lot better than I expected. Oh and the rear view mirror placement is awesome, easily see behind.

So deposit paid, pick up Monday (2 days). One surprise was the beautiful paint. It absolutely glistened in the sun with blue metalic. I have read about it but haven't seen it before now.

* Last updated by: AussieZX on 10/17/2014 @ 10:00 PM *

Congrats....it doesn't 'feel' that big does it?I didn't think so.Especially the 2012's and up.Surprisingly easy to maneuver at low speeds.Glad for ya;)

I'd ridden an FJR1300 before so was prepared for more weight but it just wasn't there to sit on it. On the rode, i did a bit of swaying to and fro to feel it and it was fine. Clearly heavier than previous bikes I'd ridden regularly but not in a bad way. It feel more planted and sure footed.

I'm really gushing arn't I over what was a fairly gentle 6 or 7 minute ride.......Can't wait to get it for something more substantial!

IME sportbikes have heavier feeling steering due to ergos (bar position/height). It's a matter of leverage, the posture of your 14R gives you less leverage on pushing the bars, where as your CB500 gives you more. At the same time, your 14R gives you more leverage on turning the bike.

My VF1000F had lighter feeling steering than my 14R. It was easier to push the bars to go whichever way. My friend had a VF1000R, which was the supersport version of the VF1000s and had the lower bars. It's steering felt much more like my 14Rs, much heavier. At the time I also rode a couple other bikes, a friends tiny FZR600 had the same heavy feeling and it's weight was comparable to today's lightweight supersports. My 1000F was faster than both though so nana-nanana on them! But I digress...

But it's just a difference in ergos and how the bike is meant to go around a corner. Give yourself a little time, you'll be maneuvering low speeds no problem on the big 14R and as you get acustomed to the ergos the steering will come more natural compared to your FJ or CB.

ust as an aside, before I bought my ZX14 I test rode the Ninja 1000. It is a nice bike but to me it had absolutly no personality. It was kind of boring, a little like a few Hondas I have owned. It did everyting well but just didn't have any sizzle. Then I test rode a 14. And that was that. The ZX14 is the best bike I have owned, hands down.

I sat on a couple other bikes, but only test rode the 14R. I knew instantaneously this was the right choice, it was the most of what I wanted (big power, sporty handling, great looks, fast, etc.). In a lot of ways, I was looking for the modern equivalent to the VF1000F I had.

This bike is 11/10 fun factor, and it's also a pretty serious performer too even cornering. On other forums fun comes up once in a while, and people tell me their bikes are as fun (or more) than the 14R. I loved my old VF, it was a lot of fun. Compared to my 14R, the VF falls so far short on going out and having a blast. I just know these people who tell me they have as much fun as on the 14R they just have no concept of it.

Thanks for that Vic. Having never ridden a sport bike yet, I was a little concerned I wouldn't like it. You hear people talk about the easy of handling of bikes with high wide bars like street fighters. But my analytical mind kicks in and figure, if high and wide was better, why are sport bikes low and narrow.

But Vic, you've cleared it up a little. Different techniques for different machines. I am sure I'll get used to it. As with everything like cars for example. I've always favoured sporty over comfort. I am sure a dedicated tourer or cruiser would offer more comfort, but I prefer what a sporty bike will offer me.

Tomorrow!

"I am sure a dedicated tourer or cruiser would offer more comfort"...I'M not so sure about THATLOL!!!!Not so damn comfortable trying to back a HUGE Harley outta a parking spot.Or try making a U-Turn on a two lane highway;)Lose yer balance or something...bye bye bike.Hello strained back.EVERYONE I ever talk with about my bike....they ask.."isn't that uncomfortable?"....my reply..."here,have a sit".Invariably they smile.It just LOOKS that way from years of people seeing the monkey "f-n" the football so to speak.Have you ever seen a Cruiser guy riding so comfortably he/she can kick back and cruise without any hands?I haven't.Do it quite frequently on my 14;)When it's safe that is.

Tried out a Harley Road King several months back...2014 model.Just for the reasons mentioned here...comfort.That 'thing' was possibly the WORST bike I've ever had the pleasure of getting off of.NOTHING like the smooth feel of the 14.Ergos?PFFFT!Totally a scam with that bike.Ungainly....Non-personal. Had to ride it like 500 miles.It just didn't do it for me.No Way.

That whole bike shook like it was ready to break or somethin.Gear changing...fugettabout it.Some think the Ninja N to 1st shift is 'clunky'...wooHoo....try a Harley!LOL!!!

Oh and BTW...yesterday I did some 'experimenting' with that very thing...shifting from N to 1st in several scenarios.The BEST scenario that produced the best unclucky results was....riding...then stopping for a break...starting her back up...idling for a minute....then shifting into 1st.For whatever reason...that worked really well.Virtually no slamming into 1st.Very nice.But really...the clunk comes and goes...so it's all good.Also tried that 'holding the clutch in at a stop light'(bike in N)...that didn't do very much at all to reduce any clunking.

I suspect there is ONE good technique for reducing any clunkiness...just haven't found it yet apparently.The times when it clicks into first from a stop in N happen when I'm NOT trying to do anything(different).IDK why that is....

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 10/19/2014 @ 8:02 AM *

Well I picked it up this morning and I have to say, it was amazing. Comfortable, athletic and fast. Arm pulling, neck snapping speed. After 10kms, it felt like I'd always been on one. I only did about 30 kms today but I know I made the right choice in bike. I am simply amazed at every aspect.

Congrats and no surprises there.

So when are we riding???
Come out and meet the guys at the Old Pacific Hwy if you haven't already.

* Last updated by: yannih on 10/19/2014 @ 10:10 PM *

Hey yannih, that would be great. Unfortunately, I can't see being able to organise a ride until mid January at this stage. Do you know of or meet with other 14 owners? It would be great to catch up for rides and swap advice.

One question though. Going from neutral into first seems very thuddy/clunky. Is that normal? I didn't notice when I picked it up but just showing off now, it seemed to clunk solidly. Something to be expected when cold maybe?

Standard clunk mate.
Lots of opinions on this but mine does it as well.
Some start their engines in 1st to avoid the clunk.
Some have a theory that if you pump the clutch lever a few times first it doesn't clunk as bad.
Up to you but certainly not an issue with your bike.

Although we get away a bit for 2, 3, 4 day rides, when I say come up to the old Pacific Hwy its just on a Saturday or Sunday day for half a day only.
There are several 14's up there but it depends who arrives on the day.
On the longer trips away there is always my brother and myself who both have 14's.
Let me know if you are interested in any of these.

* Last updated by: yannih on 10/19/2014 @ 11:19 PM *

Good to know. I really didn't notice it when I picked it up. Maybe because it was warm. As long as it ain't broke! Running through the gears was silky. Barely noticed snicking from gear to gear.

Actually, I was out a couple of months ago up the pacific highway after coming back down from Broke, via the Putty Road ( I live near Windsor so the Putty is handy to me). I saw a 14R at Pie in the Sky and passed another while squealing like a little kid. When we do that loop, we normally have lunch in the Hunter Valley or Wollombi, so have only stopped at Pie in the Sky once. Normally cut back towards Wiseman's Ferry so have really only done the Pacific Highway once. Loved the smooth flowing road and turns but concerned about the reputed high law enforcement reputation.

Now I have the 14 though, I will be willing to compromise on the fast rides for the smooth curves.

* Last updated by: AussieZX on 10/20/2014 @ 12:16 AM *

BTW, I'd be happy to do multiple day rides. Just have to convince my wife. While she was happy for me to get into bikes, she didn't realise it would be come all consuming!

Grats man!

Yeah done Putty Rd many times and always try and include Broke/Old Pacific Hwy.
More than happy to do Wisemans or Wollombi for lunch and a ride anytime.
And mate you are not alone with the "convincing the wife" thing.
I find if I want to go on a 2 day ride with the boys, I tell her it's for 4, she says I can't go, I tell her I'll just go for the 2 days then and everyone's happy!

Just got back from a 2 day run though the Oxley Highway.
If you haven't done that one you should...

* Last updated by: yannih on 10/20/2014 @ 2:21 AM *