Yeah, I know, Captain Obvious here, but jayzus.... We've had rain since I brought her home, and tonight was the first night the streets were reasonably dry, so I couldnt resist going for a short hop. Found a deserted street to see what hard throttle felt like in first. The bike chumped me by 9 grand, lol.

This'll take some getting used to... but I love it!

Be careful...will ya?LOL!!!

Oh yeah, I'm just feeling her out. I didn't come close to WOT. I know this bike has capability far past my personal limits of self-preservation!

quite a rush, huh?

There is this approach to road craft and safety which encourages you talking to yourself about potential hazards, scanning, the usual stuff as a way of staying sharp. Well, when I was getting used to her I found my self-dialog was more like this "Shit! F*ck! Holy Crap!"

You need to learn a new word, RESPECT!!! Kinda like a tiger on a chain, remove the chain at the wrong time and you WILL get bitten!!!

Take your time and get to know your bike and YOUR limits before you remove the chain. The Big Z is a blast to ride but please be careful! And most of all, ENJOY your ride!

You will also probably find yourself saying O-shit, what the **** on a regular basis!!!

Thanks for the advice, guys. This bike was a 54th birthday present to myself, so you know I'm old enough to be okay with taking it easy for a while.

Before long, know what you'll be saying?
"Jeez, wish I had a bit more..."

* Last updated by: yannih on 12/6/2014 @ 3:26 AM *

She can run wild if you let her, but if you can't control her she will bit you and if you have skills she can be forgiving

OH YEA......

* Last updated by: SlowmoZX14 on 12/6/2014 @ 9:00 AM *

I don't know, yannih. After last night's ride, I remember thinking, "Well, this thing certainly doesn't need any performance mods!" I'm going to work on sorting the suspension and keep fine tuning the fit for now.

But that quick shifter does look interesting... Lol!

When I took possession of my new 14R last October, I had not ridden in quite a few years. I previously had the ZX-12R and ZX-11 going back to the 90's and early 2000's. Gingerly rode it off getting a feel for it. 15 minutes later, it was like I never stopped riding, and in fact the bike was friggen awesome, the balance is to die for. Immediately took it for a 100 mile trip down CA Hwy 1 to Big Sur and back before even going home. (I did play it up to 100 mph on the first day, but kept the RPMs down per instructions - you can still get triple digits and be within the RPM break in rules).

Tried a 2012 when it came out and knew then it was my next bike. Now 4 years later it is!! 2016 ABS SE in Matte Metallic Carbon Grey. On the way home after taking delivery....Yeah!! Crap is this thing fast!!! Now 1300 Km's later it really is after some suspension tuning etc.
This thing is an animal....Smooth as hell.....an utter animal when you open it up.
I am 53 and last bike was a modded Bandit 1200S that will be for sale soon. I had that bike since new...in 1999. Will be keeping the "The Grey Prince" for a LONG time!!!

Fordtech, congrats!

Felt the same way when I bought mine, welcome to the FAST club!