Hi, I am interested in outfitting my 2006 14 for some long distance riding across the country with camping. Right now it is stock and I am a 6'2" rider.

1) I decided on going with a Givi v47 top case and not sure what mounts I need and what the difference between all the mounts are. I believe more than one company makes mounts that accept the v47 case, so what is the difference? SW moto-tech makes a rack and both sw-mototech and givi make an adapter plate? Some posts say you cannot use rear cowl with it, but then I see this pic http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p250/RunningFree_album/IMG_0020.jpg. so I am not sure.
I see this type of mount/rack for givi top case as well http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=89C76DAC-9EC4-663E-85BFD67225B6397E#9

2) Bar risers, everyone says either genmar or Helibar, and some people buy both and stack them together. Does stacking only work if you buy one of each, or can you stack 2 of the same brand? stacking definitely requires new brake lines right? Will it be a night and day difference between using 1 bar riser and stacking?

3) Buell pegs perform the same as the more expensive knight design and morphs pegs right? I can get a set for $40 vs $100+ for the brand names.

4) I am mostly settling on the concours 14 seat. They are better than 2nd gen stock seats too right? Will a c14 seat be better than a stock seat + sheepskin?

5) Windscreen, sounds like the laminar lip is the best option for long distance? especially if modified like this http://www.zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=F5CC5060-1372-66AE-3B336EA58C4DDF42&page=2#32

6) Looking for a decent mount setup for smartphone and maybe GPS too.

Will wire a 12v in the front. Would be nice to have a 12v hookup in the top case too. Not sure what else I need.

any and all tips appreciated, thanks

* Last updated by: bigjoe87865 on 8/11/2016 @ 1:26 PM *

1) Re the cowl on that black ZX: Looks like they modified the cowl themselves by cutting off the rear part of it. I thought about doing that exact same thing, too, but decided the bike with both the cowl and the top case on at the same time doesn't look great. So the cowl is sitting safely in my closet instead. There's good, thorough info on the top case mount / adapter plate, and side cases and mounting hardware in this thread: http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=EF1DAEEA-C6FD-8338-435C1FC0E1D2B55E As far as I know there's really only one good, easy way to add a top case to a ZX14: From twisted Throttle get the SW-MOTECH Alu-Rack Toprack mount and install it to the bike itself (pretty much permanent install; takes a while), and also get the ~$42 adapter plate. The adapter plate is held to the mount by 3 spring-secured screws requiring a flathead screwdriver. Pretty easy to put on/off, but the springs make it feel to me like you might do best to not take it on and off more often than you really need to. Anyway, the Givi top case fits directly to the adapter plate. This is a super nice, secure setup. Here's the mount without the adapter plate:

2) I got the Helibars 7/8" or 1" risers (can't remember now), and I "think" they helped a little bit, but not huge. Just my opinion. Others say the same, and then others think they're a very big help. I can't help you with stacking them; never tried it.

3) Sorry, I can't help you about pegs.

4) Some guys try the Concours seat and like it, but let me say my good friend has a '12 Concours and he squirms around after a couple hours just like everybody else, so he's always trying different seats. I think he's found one now he likes ... can't remember which brand now ... but my point is, the grass is always greener I guess. If you read the Concours forums, you'll find that getting an aftermarket seat for the Concours is one of the first things many C14 owners do. So while the C14 seat may be the answer for you, you probably can't really know without trying one. Oh, BTW, I got a Corbin, and while it is firm, just like everybody says, its shape fits my butt better than the OEM seat.

5) I can't help you a ton on the windscreen either. I got the slightly taller Puig, and it works well for me. Here's the difference between the OEM windscreen and the Puig:

6) On your search for a smartphone/GPS mount, yeah you and me both. I made my own that places a smartphone directly over the steering head, but it's not perfect as I have to look down too far to safely fiddle with the GPS while riding. Here's mine:

Post any other questions & I'll try to answer.

Can't help with the rest of the stuff but would recommend a Throttlemeister Friction lock cruise control or something similar. Just installed the Throttlemeister and very satisfied.

Hi Bigjoe,
I put a V-strom 650 rack on my bike, modified to fit by a good machinist. Got a spare rear tail cover to use it with. I use a 2007 Connie seat, have done 1500 mile trips with no discomfort. I have a Go Cruise throttle lock, $39 and it works good. Right now I use a Coocase on my rear rack along with soft saddlebags. I may switch to a larger GIVI tail trunk in a while. I got my bar risers off ebay. Pretty much the same as the name brand. Basically a 1" aluminum spacer that sits under the bars. Stock lines with no problems. I plan on strapping a soft tail bag on top of the trunk for longer camping trips but so far the set up works good for 2 people right now.

Mad

I have the sport touring wind shield on my bike and it works great.
Although I don't "tour" with it, I got it to help with the buffeting when I am riding 2-up with my wife.
It also helps immensely during the "Love Bug" season(s) here in FL.
The Valentine Radar detector however, offers other advantages and benefits . . . .

* Last updated by: ApogeeNow on 7/19/2016 @ 6:52 PM *

Thanks guys for the good ideas. I will be going with a go cruise 2, and a cramp buster for my cruise control needs.

---------------
Extrapolator, I went through that thread and another one where you were helping out another member. You mentioned that this is needed.
2013 Kawasaki OEM white replacement tail piece part number 36040-0059-25Y ($49.49). What is it for exactly?

about the seats, you are absolutely right that I need to try them out to decide if it is good. Hard to tell over the internet. Harder to find these to try out in person before buying. Have you sat on your friends stock c14 seat? how does it compare with your Corbin?

need to figure out what size givi I want too. mostly learning towards v46 or 47, a little towards v56. The top case is nice and secure for you right? I saw some posts recently about peoples luggage falling off after a hard bump. Has me a little worried.

I also noticed your ride report and gave me a lot of ideas, especially with Auto Train as I am from south florida. Looked like fun!

* Last updated by: bigjoe87865 on 7/19/2016 @ 8:56 PM *

Extrapolator, I went through that thread and another one where you were helping out another member. You mentioned that this is needed.
2013 Kawasaki OEM white replacement tail piece part number 36040-0059-25Y ($49.49). What is it for exactly?

That's a substitute Kawasaki tail piece that allows the top case mount bracket to fit into the rear tail section of the bike. It replaces the original tail piece that's the triangle or V piece above your brake light. I can't remember now if there's a decent alternative to buying that. I guess you could leave it off altogether, but that would leave a gaping hole from the rear that wouldn't look too good and would let water and dirt in. Or maybe you could cut or drill the original piece. I'm just not sure now and can hardly remember what that part of the assembly was like. Damn 47 year old brain givin' out on me.

about the seats, you are absolutely right that I need to try them out to decide if it is good. Hard to tell over the internet. Harder to find these to try out in person before buying. Have you sat on your friends stock c14 seat? how does it compare with your Corbin?

I did ride his bike once, but only about 20 miles. I only remember that it seemed cushier, but to be honest the bike's positioning was so different compared to my 14 I wouldn't rely on my 20-mile opinion. He also has quite a few mods on his C14, including pretty big pullback risers. Oh, and his tires were really worn and the bike was squirming all over the poorly paved road we were on, so I was really concentrating on not falling! I'm not kidding, either. I'm a competent rider, and that pavement had linear grooves in it that were making his bike track all over the place. Very disconcerting.

need to figure out what size givi I want too. mostly learning towards v46 or 47, a little towards v56. The top case is nice and secure for you right? I saw some posts recently about peoples luggage falling off after a hard bump. Has me a little worried.

Yes, mine seems very secure. Of course I'm not able to watch it while riding, but I've hard my riding buddies watch it, and they say it doesn't move much, so I think it's pretty darn solid. At Daytona Bike Week this year that same C14 buddy was considering the V56, and Twisted Throttle was there with a sample and let him try fitting it for looks on his C14 in place of his V47. It seemed only nominally bigger, both interior and the look from the outside. He didn't buy that one, but he did come home and found a place to buy it for about $100 cheaper. I've got the V47:

But I will say that if I was buying a top case new now, I'd get the 56. I don't think it looked too big on his C14, and my ZX with the Givi side cases seems to actually be wider than his C14 with his OEM side cases.

I also noticed your ride report and gave me a lot of ideas, especially with Auto Train as I am from south florida. Looked like fun!

Glad it helped! It was a lot of fun. Something different. We'll do it again, although not sure when yet. You can do a nice ride from your home to the Auto Train station in Sanford and away you go.

Keep us updated and what you do. Always new stuff to learn, as I'm sure everybody's choices and installs are at least slightly different from others'. Oh and of course we love pics :)

thanks, ordered alu-rack and givi adapter, waiting for a decent deal on the actual top case now. Not sure if the v56 is worth the extra $100 over the v47. Givi and sw-moto sure is pricey.

I know you said top rack is sturdy. I think I just need to feel it in person. It just looks like the top case is hanging on barely by the edge of the bike.
I am also going to see what it takes to modify the seat cowl to fit with the rack in place. I don't plan on having the top case installed all the time, and those times I want the cowl while still not having to remove the alu-rack back and forth.

While looking at side racks, I think sw redesigned their rack. from this older tubular

to this flat bracket design

is the new significantly better? what is the difference? Old ones can be found used for cheaper.
Did you notice any issues without not having rear fender to bolt the side racks to?

thanks, ordered alu-rack and givi adapter, waiting for a decent deal on the actual top case now. Not sure if the v56 is worth the extra $100 over the v47.

Hmm I didn't realize the 56 was that much more. I probably wouldn't pay that then. The 47 fits 2 helmets, tho snuggly, but that's enough space for me as I don't use it for 2 helmets anyway.

Givi and sw-moto sure is pricey.

Yeah you ain't kiddin', but to be honest it is quality stuff. Well thought out, fits very securely, and nice to be able to just un-bolt OEM stuff and bolt on these brackets with no fabrication needed. I spent around a grand I think for top case, mounting hardware, side cases and their mounting hardware, and looking back I feel like it's reasonable. Of course $500 woulda been better, but it is what it is. It made for a really fun week-long trip, and now of course I still have it all for future trips, and I actually keep the top case on full-time. Very nice to always have a secure, waterproof storage with you. Not as great looking as a bike with no luggage, but I'm fine with it.

I know you said top rack is sturdy. I think I just need to feel it in person. It just looks like the top case is hanging on barely by the edge of the bike.

Since you're in FL, if you're ever passing thru Gainesville contact me (d1r1p1e1e1b@1y1a1h1o1o.1c1o1m remove all the numbers) and you're welcome to check out mine. I'm a pretty picky person, and definitely mechanically inclined ... I've been designing and building stuff since I was a kid ... and I really have no concern that the top case is going to come off. And that includes over bumpy roads and at, ahem, very high speeds. Yes it is cantilevered out there off the back of the bike, but when you feel the sheer weight of the mounting bracket, the thickness of its metal, see the size of the bolts, and feel it once mounted, I think you'd agree that the bracket is very stout. After all, it's made to not only hold a top case with weight in it but also have a passenger leaning back against it. I'm not sure which is weaker between the mount and the bike's sub-frame ... i.e. if you slowly lowered 2,000 pounds onto the top case mount, I dunno if the mount would break first, or the sub-frame. Would not surprise me if the sub-frame failed first.

I am also going to see what it takes to modify the seat cowl to fit with the rack in place. I don't plan on having the top case installed all the time, and those times I want the cowl while still not having to remove the alu-rack back and forth.

By the way, I seem to remember that what keeps the seat cowl from fitting isn't really the top case itself but the mounting bracket. Anyway, I think you'll have to chop the rear inch or 2 off the rear the cowl with a straight vertical cut ... yeah, just like in your pic on your original post above. And I think it'll look fine when the top case is mounted, but from some angles may look like a hole from the rear when your top case isn't on. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

While looking at side racks, I think sw redesigned their rack. from this older tubular

to this flat bracket design

is the new significantly better? what is the difference? Old ones can be found used for cheaper.

Yeah that's familiar. I have the 2nd one, and although I've seen that 1st one before I know nothing about it. SW-MOTOTECH may have learned that they can make these cheaper by stamping & bending a steel plate vs bending and welding a tube - Who knows. While they look about the same as far as side case mounting points, I'd wanna get assurance (preferably from Twisted Throttle) that whichever side cases you get will indeed fit the older brackets.

Did you notice any issues without not having rear fender to bolt the side racks to?

Edit: Just saw your last question: I actually reinstalled my rear fender just for the racks. I'm not 100% convinced the lightweight plastic fender is really needed, but for now anyway I've kept it on.

Good luck!

* Last updated by: extrapolator on 7/20/2016 @ 4:27 PM *

My setup isn't too different from Extrapolator's... SW-Motech/Givi all around. 2nd gen plates/adapters as shown above with the V35 sidecases, and the alu-rack up top, but I have the v56. saw the v47 on a Connie at an IMS show, didn't like how the cutout for the handle took away usable space inside. Externally the size isn't much different, primarily just aesthetics there. While the v47 can carry two helmets, can it do that without having both helmets lying on their sides? That was another reason for me to go v56. Another thing I noticed was the lower gasket had a tendency to get caught when closing the lid, which would pull it off of the plastic lip, and would make latching the lid difficult very annoying. This was Kawi's version of the v47, but I'm pretty sure the only difference is the factory keyed lock. Also:

Pretty sure I've got the fastest pizza retrieval system in this part of Iowa lol. More pictures to show what the setup could look like:

I've done a thing or two since these pics, but what matters is there...

EDIT: As seen above, I run these racks without the rear fender. They link to each other securely, and do not need the fender in my opinion. Just leave the middle piece on one side when you dismount the racks.

* Last updated by: TigerFire13 on 7/21/2016 @ 6:04 PM *

I did not like the way the top box is designed to hang off the back of the bike with the available racks, and since I never have a passenger, I put mine on the passenger seat with a custom mount.

I agree with you Need.. Looks a lot better...Limits passenger area but LOOKS a lot better :)

Alu-Rack arrived, waiting for top case. that darn plastic triangle is hard to find. apparently the color for my bike is only available overseas for over $120 shipped. I see american triangles on eBay for $20 that are black, ill just dremel it, maybe paint it one day. It is hidden for the most part.

Still on the fence about a concours seat. Not sure what is better between concours seat or stock seat + sheepskin pad or any other nice gel pad (there are a few out there)

I just found these, I think I will order them. 1.25" bar riser for $50. Cheaper, more rise than helibar and genmar, made in the US.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SR-06-16-Kawasaki-ZX14R-ZX14-1-25-Handle-Bar-Riser-Lift-Adapter-Kit-BLACK-/301986991676?hash=item464fd3ce3c:g:G4gAAOSwGIRXYlDe&vxp=mtr

NeedForSpeed: having the top box on the seat sure does look a lot stronger. Did you have to drill into the seat cushion? I wouldn't know how to make a custom setup like yours so, I went ahead with the mototech rack. It does feel a lot stronger and heavier in my hands than I thought it would be. How are you liking the e41 side cases? I see they are about $100 cheaper than v35.

NeedForSpeed - Does your right foot kick the top case when getting on/off the bike? I'm 6'-0" and still reasonably flexible at age 47, but with riding pants, belt, boots, jacket and crap it takes some concentration not to kick the side cases and top case.

that darn plastic triangle is hard to find.

Could choose another color. I can't remember if you said what color 14 you've got, but certainly a black triangle would go fine on a white or red bike, and a red triangle might look OK on a white or black bike. Post your model year and color and I'll see what I can find.

Re seats: I rode that whole Auto Train / Blue Ridge Parkway trip with the OEM seat, and while there were some squirmy times, I don't look back on it as bad at all. I think the worst day was the last one when we rode home from NC mostly via interstate, and it was the most hours in any one day, too. That had me squirming and moving around on the seat quite a bit ... enough so that after our dinner stop I folded up a shirt and sat on that for the rest of the way home. That helped a little ... tho certainly not a great solution. With my new Corbin I've done only hour-long trips on it, so too soon for me to tell whether or not it will be better than the OEM. But if those short trips are an indication, it should at least be somewhat better. I have a feeling there really isn't going to be any seat that makes it super comfortable for me to sit on it in the same position hour after hour. After all, on my own family room comfy chair I don't just sit there in one position for hours on end.

Re those risers: Their eBay listing states "StreetRays handlebar riser kit guarantees that you won't have any more wrist pain and/or back pain after any of your favorite day long ride."

WOW, what a claim! No more wrist pain! No more back pain! Magic Cure! HAHA! Hopefully nobody challenges them in court

Again ... Good luck!

I think you right, that any seat will be a pain after some time. Im just going to get a nice pad, it would cheaper than a new seat and I can swap it between bikes. I didn't know you did that trip on the stock seat, now Im feeling better about it lol. Also am hearing lots of good things about spencer seat mod. about $70 for regular foam, $100 for gel.

I just noticed the guarantee streetrays had up there. sure is a bold claim.

my bike is 2006 candy thunder blue (not plasma blue). part number 36040-0059-235 The US OEM suppliers have 2nd gen zx14r colors in stock, but not my 2006 blue. even the 2nd gen colors are about $70+shipping and it would be the wrong color for me so not really worth it.

just ordered this. $15 if I mess it up with a dremel, no big deal.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/06-11-KAWASAKI-NINJA-ZX14-ZX14R-REAR-TAIL-FAIRING-COVER-36040-0058-/291645570528?hash=item43e76e3de0:g:tDcAAOSwUdlWezWl&vxp=mtr

* Last updated by: bigjoe87865 on 7/29/2016 @ 1:28 PM *

Getting on the seat takes a little planning, but it is not too difficult to do without kicking the cases.

I have a thread on this forum documenting what I did to create this set up. I did not drill into the seat, and it has remained intact.

I love the E41 cases, because you can gain entry via a combination lock controlled door, without having to open the whole side of the case.

Hi Joe
Haven't read all of this thread so maybe some body has already covered this,

A Concours seat is at least 1 inch higher than stock. That being said, it will essentially lower your foot rests by 1 inch.

* Last updated by: redboot on 7/29/2016 @ 10:41 PM *

I did a 1,200+ mile round trip to Wisconsin on my VFR800 last week. On the way out I was just on the Corbin seat (it's quite hard), and that 600+ miles hurt my butt cheeks :) Even days later, I was still feeling it.

While out there I went to cyclegear and bought an Airhawk seat pad. My 600+ mile return trip was not painful at all. I can't wait to try it on a long ZX14 trip.

bigjoe87865 - Let's see some pics of whatever setup you end up with.

As for seat comfort, I was pretty much surprised at how well the BeadRiders , http//www.beadriders.com , work..I will never do another 400+ day without mine.

* Last updated by: chrly on 8/3/2016 @ 7:26 PM *

I want the passenger seat available for a duffle bag. If I tent my duffle fits there. Drawing the Trunk closer only means it going to be kicked. Hell, I kick my side bags even though I step on the foot peg and swing my leg over. I used the 650 V-Strom luggage rack and it mounts in 4 places-much stronger.
Don't forget to drink lots of water. I just got back from 10 days of traveling and now have Gallstones from the lack of water.

bigjoe87865 - Let's see some pics of whatever setup you end up with.

The top rack is very solid and sturdy, but not sure about the plastic adapter plate and the thin quick disconnect bolts. So far so good, the case held on no issues at high way speeds.
I really like having a trunk now, it is a game changer for me.

Im a noob with a dremel

OK, yeah that's prob fine. Can't see the dremmelled edge anyway, can ya?

That cut pretty much copies the available factory piece that's used with the optional grabrail. Twisted Throttle sells them in factory colors.

I got a skinned piece off Fleabay and cut it in two, using both halves. The only issue was, the rear half was now sort of floppy, so I added another peg, drilled a hole in the undertail and added a grommet to stabilize it.

The result covers the area forward of the rack as well as over the taillight.

I still have the pattern piece I cut as an experiment if anyone would like to use it to copy. Adding the extra peg at the back would be advisable, though.