Finally, at last I own a 14R. I've wanted one since they announced it. Here are some of my thoughts:

- How can you possibly keep this engine below 4K for the break-in? 6K maybe but if you want to seat the rings at all forget it.
- The throttle reponse and smoothness is impossibly good, really does feel like a turbine.
- The suspension is remarkable for a stock Japanese bike
- The power is quite decieving becuase the bike disguises it's speed so well. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing
- It's not quite as comfortable as I thought it would be, I already have convertibars ready to install though.
- Even though you can feel more engine heat that I thought I would, it runs cool and pretty amazing how good the heat management is considering how much power it makes
- The fairing is outstanding and very quiet. Not even sure if I need a another screen but the convertibars might change that. If anything, something only 1-2 inches higher and my shoulders are the only thing that need more protection
- The dash layout is lovely and controlling the dash from the handlebar feels like a luxury.
- No idea how it handles yet but I can already tell it will be excellent
- Has anyone noticed how lightly it rolls around the garage? How did they pull that off?
- Adore the looks, especially in white
- Already have murphs pegs and a must-do IMO
- Overall it seems like a technological marvel and makes my blackbird feel downright ancient.
- Overall it seems like a technological marvel and makes the VFR1200 feel quite pathetic

* Last updated by: Auron on 9/27/2014 @ 8:03 AM *

Yes she's a fine machine indeed! Congrats man, I wanted white so bad I could taste it,but I couldn't pass up the deal I got on my SE.

Congrats Auron...yup...you made a most excellent choice...WELCOME!!!;)Just follow those Kawasaki guidelines...can't go wrong.The White is a knockout color...happy for ya!(that was my first choice...but they didn't have ABS at the time).ABS on yours?...no matter...she's still awesome;)

"Has anyone noticed how lightly it rolls around the garage? How did they pull that off?"...virtually the first thing I noticed as well...at the dealership when I picked her up;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/27/2014 @ 9:00 AM *

Yup, it is an amazing machine for sure.

I did decide to keep my Blackbird for off season riding, love that machine. It does feel dated compared to the 14R, but that is to be expected - 14 years apart in technology.

Congrats, wait until you flash it ! (if you do). about the break in, don't worry too much if you
go over the 4 grand mark, the more important thing is to vary your speeds, don't keep it at a
constant speed on the freeway or open roads etc .... and don't be afraid to open it up a little
after the first 100 miles or so, just my opinion ..... have fun !

I forgot about the flash. If those butterflies are halting low rpm power I'd like to do it.

The only reason I wouldn't is if it messes with reliability in any way. Can anyone comment on that? I've messed with my bikes before and screwed them up, I want this one to stay as stock as possible.

* Last updated by: Auron on 9/27/2014 @ 9:56 AM *

Get CBlasted PLEASE!!! you will love the bike even more when its uncorked, and the reliability doesn't go away at all!

I've messed with my bikes before and screwed them up

Signed,

I still do not listen to myself

Agree on the opening her up several times very soon after running her a bit...maybe right away...nothing crazy...but get some compression(load) going...up and down.

Had it delivered from South Carolina to Denver, last new white one I could find anywhere. These guys, keyboard shipping are first class. Sportcycle of Rockingham were also great guys.

* Last updated by: Auron on 9/27/2014 @ 10:37 AM *

Just follow the break-in guidelines. All the bs you read about power is just that. I followed the break-in procedure, and my bike has literally several times simultaneously broke the rear tire loose and power wheelied at the same time in first.

Wheeling it around the garage - if you're a good "wheeler around the garage" of motorcycles you won't have a problem (have good sense of balance/hand-eye coordination etc.) I find it super simple to move around. If you're not, I'm sure it won't be any easier than any other bike.

and my bike has literally several times simultaneously broke the rear tire loose and power wheelied at the same time in first.

I find it super simple to move around. If you're not, I'm sure it won't be any easier than any other bike.

Welcome! You're in good company with that Pearl Flat Stardust beauty.

The 14R is easily one of the best street machines you'll find out there. The power, the ergos, the fit/finish, the handling... Everything. I've ridden a lot of machines, and the 14R blew my mind.

If you search around, there are a lot of good pointers and information to find here. The forum members, while polarized on topics at times, are all good folks and very willing to help you get your bike dialed in.

Very nice, how much did it cost to ship? maybe I don't want to know since I passed an absolutely smoking great deal in WV to get a very good deal at honda east today so I didn't spend 13 hours or so driving and sitting in the dealership.

I didn't have a choice since I'm working pretty much every day. It was $750 for everything, there was a green 2014 in my area for only a couple of hundred more when adding the shipping to what I paid for mine, but I had to have white, there was no getting around it :)

That white is BEAUTIFUL!!! ZX is the ONLY bike I have ever seen in white that I liked. I'm on my 3rd ZX and have loved EVERY one of them, they have a personallity all their own! Congratulations to you and I wish you many safe and happy miles of enjoyment!!!

Hate to repeat the already stated, but that white is sexy!

I love white, enjoy the beast! Get some riding in before that CO winter hits!

I Recently aquired the midnight blue version of the 08. Runs great.. love it.. tho it does heat up a bit higher than i would like.. I've heard to do the engine ice and muzzy fan. I ran the engine ice in my last ride.. a stretched 06 Hayabusa.. both great bikes imo. but overall i am liking the feel of the ZX a tad bit more overall. pros... more agile i feel than the busa.. cons.. a pain in the butt to remove all the plastics to do anything and no storage under the seat.. otherwise... great ride.. !!!

Quoting OP - Auron: My commentary is in italics.
- How can you possibly keep this engine below 4K for the break-in? 6K maybe but if you want to seat the rings at all forget it.
.
Based on experience (44 years), including building race car engines, blah, blah, blah. It would be fair to say it's more of a guideline for general sustained operation. I've had two of them (BNIB), and while keeping the sustained rpm to about 4000-4500 for the first few hundred miles, the best methof to seal in the rings to the cylinder bore is to make sure that you apply accelerational torque and decelerational torque at least through the mid-upper mid-range. A constant, if but brief acceleration and deceleration to about 5000-8000 rpm using the gears will generally make the rings "seat" quite well. After the first ~100 miles (and an oil change...), repeat the "up-down" routine several times, or at least every 100 miles, gradually building to 7000-10000 rpm. Make sure that the bike is at operating temperature (180 degrees F).

- The throttle reponse and smoothness is impossibly good, really does feel like a turbine.
.
During the first few 100 miles or so, change the power and traction control up and down to get a good feel for what it does for you. During break-in, keep it at L and 3, respectively.
- The suspension is remarkable for a stock Japanese bike
.
Depending on your operating "habits", watch the Twist of the Wrist video to begin to consider changing the suspension setting. You really want the suspension to load and unload (with all due respect to comfort) for the curves and twists with a smooth throttle roll on and roll off.
- The power is quite decieving becuase the bike disguises it's speed so well. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
.
It's good thing if you are an experienced rider... It can be scary if you are starting out on the beast... I personally believe this thing should never have been named "Ninja"; Kawasaki SR-71 Blackbird comes to mind...
- It's not quite as comfortable as I thought it would be, I already have convertibars ready to install though.
.
Yup; being in my mid 60's, I went with Helibar spacers. Just enough to avoid a prostate exam and bladder check every two hours...
- Even though you can feel more engine heat that I thought I would, it runs cool and pretty amazing how good the heat management is considering how much power it makes.
.
LOL!!! Power make heat!!! But it does run cooler than the 6R and the 10R from Kawi. It should settle down after a good run to 195-205 if you idle and watch it. My observation from South (as in jungle temps) Florida. Make sure you heep the radiator clean and check the overflow tank regularly.
- The fairing is outstanding and very quiet. Not even sure if I need a another screen but the convertibars might change that. If anything, something only 1-2 inches higher and my shoulders are the only thing that need more protection.
.
Check the windscreen threads. I use a double bubble, but I also use a high end helmet to quiet things down...
- The dash layout is lovely and controlling the dash from the handlebar feels like a luxury.
.
Talk about "sex", LOL!!! Realistically speaking, that analog display of rpm and mph is perfect; the rest becomes personal preference, etc.
- No idea how it handles yet but I can already tell it will be excellent.
.
My 14R reminds me of my old, old, 1985 Honda VFR1000RR ( Ifinally sold that bike after owning it for 18 years, then bought it back in 1997 and finally sold it in 1999). The ZAX14R will do the deed as long as you understand and master the basics of a bike that weighs ~560 pounds. Tires, suspension setting, rider competency, etc., comes into play. I can tell you that from my experience (44 years of driving supersports), that tires, maintenance and knowing how to to do curves with heavy bikes in general is the key.
- Has anyone noticed how lightly it rolls around the garage? How did they pull that off?
.Whatever you do, don't tip it over too much... LOL!!! There's a big difference between a ~485 pound bike and the ZX14R!!! LOL!!!. Me? I park the beast in a "Pingle" stand, then lift the rear with a paddock stand.
- Adore the looks, especially in white
.
They are all "sexy"
- Overall it seems like a technological marvel and makes the VFR1200 feel quite pathetic
.
Nostalgia notwithstanding, it is the culmination of serious thought and subsequent application of technology to something that should otherwise be illegal in the known universe... LOL!!!!

* Last updated by: groomlake on 10/4/2014 @ 8:15 AM *

I was watching them build a supercar, don't remember which one, but they first thing they did,
was put it on a dyno, and run it at FULL speed, Now I know its a car, and not this bike, BUT
just saying .....

I think the most Importent thing, is to use dino oil at first and keep a load on the engine
first 100 miles or so, vary speed, etc .. wait as long as you can to put full synthetic in
if you go that route ....

Got another ride in and went to the canyons. I've owned a FJRAE (the heaviest one ever) and flogged it pretty good so I'm familiar with the dynamics of handling a heavy bike, but I will certainly be switching to a 55 rear and welcome the need to drop the front end a bit to fit the convertibars. I'm sure that will be more than enough to have me singing. Other than that, flash, the usual windscreen, bars and seat this is a keeper no doubt! Love it! So much for not messing with it, but I was referring to more extreme mods anyway, all this stuff is just personalization IMO.

Very nice quote btw:

Nostalgia notwithstanding, it is the culmination of serious thought and subsequent application of technology to something that should otherwise be illegal in the known universe... LOL!!!!

* Last updated by: Auron on 10/4/2014 @ 10:07 AM *

Very nice Auron...have fun;)

I must report that my first impression after ride #2 on the 2014 ZX14R on Sunday has some merit for everyone who has the new 2014 bike.

- First and foremost, it seems that the initial suspension setting from the crate/dealer is better than the '13. Less stiff, and appears that they have decided that the average rider (with gear...) is NOT 165 pounds... LOL!!! - I "purpose drove" the '14 over "flat" RR tracks at warp speed and noticed immediately that it settled with little front end "wobble" far quicker than the same setting on the 13'. Maybe the weight, but it was a world of difference between my '12 ZX10R.
- The traction system is great. I reset it to "2", and then to "1" and ran the tracks again. #1 setting can be squirrely for a split second when accelerating across the tracks, but controllable if the rider does not do a death grip and try to compensate with any steering. Just let it go about it's business, and it will correct itself.
- Power control system is great if you are still working your way through throttle control. If your speed and acceleration rate is conservative, just leave it alone at "L"; you won't miss it much.
- Throttle control, as in smooth operation and no jerky beginner reactions to slamming shut in curves, etc. is the key. If in doubt, smooth roll-off, a little front brake and leaning the beast over will get you through without the high side panic that many experience.
- Basic bars are ok; I'm 6'2" and 200+ and I can tuck down and assume the position to throw my a*s around as I enter curves, or get ready to do warp speeds with little discomfort. But for normal riding, the helibar inserts move the clips just enough up and back so my back does not start bitching after about an hour.
- Seat is fine. Plenty of room to move back and forth for positioning. Comfortable, as per usual, especially compared to what I describe as 1/2" plywood with a piece of cheap foam and vinyl that the ZX6, ZX10, GXR's, etc., seem to slap on as an afterthought... LOL!!!
- Stock tires... I have warmed them up and scuffed them back and forth on some slow twisties and curves on a back road, and no problems at serious speeds. They seem to be rather "hard", and played with the pressures. Not much to say as I only have 100 miles on them. Jury's out on them, so I'll have to do some more agressive playing around with them. Still going to Q3 the beast at about 2500 miles.
- Cans are brutally quiet; too much so. I may be "old school", but I think it would be better for the rider to "hear" the motor while cruising around. Slip-ons with the factory header is the most cost efficient way to grb some sound and some mid-torque (as if you really need it.. LOL!!!)
- Seat and rear cowl are good. Easy to change, etc.
- Fairings are a total pain to remove, etc. NOTE to Kawasaki - There has got to be a better way. I would like "dzus" fasteners all round, but that's just me. Oh well.. my age is showing.
- Leading into... If I had one complaint about the 14R is the battery access, and that stupid yellow ground wire that is in the way of what could be a pleasant "slide-out" experience. Kawaski needs to fire that engineer... or make him/her change batteries for a couple months - bet that would clear up that problem, LOL!!!
Otherwise, the usual sophisticated, refined beast they intended.
- I'm not a fan of the metallic emblems. Just me. But they can be removed easily with a hair dryer to allow for some decal customization.
- The wind screen is ok, except at warp speeds... That's a personal preference. Me? I like the DB types, and you obviously have a choice between the Puig's, ZG's, and the Chinese knock-off's. I have a Puig DB, but I'm keeping it and going to to use the cheap chinese knock-off and see what I get.
- Rear sets? Not sure yet. I need to drive this thing on a long trip, and drive it on the "Dragon", etcd., to get a better feel for the set. Being a "big" dude, I can only consider a 1/2" drop and 1/2" rear move, if anything. But that's not available as far as I can find.
- Pegs? Fine, but it becomes a personal choice, just like the rear sets.
Fender eliminator? Whatever the rider wants. Me? I'm going with a DMP and the LP light just to save some weight and clean up the rear end.
.
Just my observations to this point.

* Last updated by: groomlake on 10/6/2014 @ 7:47 AM *

Very good write up....;)I only had(have)one complaint...about the stock seat.The angle kinda pushes me forward...after a while...my package starts getting uncomfortable with this pressure.I reshaped a stock seat...removed some foam in the bowl and a bit towards the front.Enough to allow my ass to sit flat...without being slid into the front part.MUCH BETTER.Sits a bit lower 'in' the bike as well.I'll guess they designed this this way for drag racing...helping the rider to have a small amount of support from behind...but for cruising and longer outings...for me...it got to be VERY uncomfortable angled the way it is.

I weigh 165 with gear.It MAY not do this with a heavier rider...IDK.As far as the seat 'comfort' of the shape and foam....better than the earlier models for sure.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 10/6/2014 @ 8:52 AM *