LOL, same way, bought an '07 CBR1000RR cause the '08 was butt ugly.....still is IMHO and apparently Honda got the memo cause the 2012 looks like.......the '07 with a low mount pipe.

The Gen 3 ZX10R was better looking than the new one, the new R1 is ugly, old one was gorgeous, I could go on and on. Sometimes the stylists nail it, sometimes they come up short! GM stylist, Harley Earl once said that you have to lead the public.....but just barely.

OK, so maybe we're not impressed by the styling on the R, that's subjective and others will love it. Bottomline though is that I have to love it or I ain't spending my hard earned cash!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 12/17/2011 @ 9:31 PM *

Maybe someone should start a poll and then we can find out how many think KHI went the right direction on styling the new bike.

Poll answers could be:

New 14r styling is better!
Old 14 styling is better!
I think they are both equal!
I have no opinion!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 12/17/2011 @ 9:29 PM *

Guys, before we spend $14,000, we have to be passionate about what we are buying. Afterall, these are not basic neccessities but expensive luxuries, playtoys if you will. I need to be excited before I whip out the checkbook. Yes or No?

the new style is nice but I'm old school I guess, because I have never liked those big triangluar cans and yes I have to be excited to spend the 17,000 ( Canada ) I took and 06 for a test ride but really didn't get off saying I have to have this but bought one at the end of 08 because they were discounted 5K and I couldn't pass up that deal and have never looked back

* Last updated by: otrfab on 12/17/2011 @ 8:58 PM *

I'm more in the catbird's seat. If they come out with ABS next year and comes standard, who cares, it's this generation or evolution of the incredible shrinking ABS box. When I had my little posse with me, we crested a hill. I scrubbed the front brakes so hard when I saw the gumballs, I asked them if they saw a puff of smoke off my bike?

If I wait for ABS, I can hard brake all day long. The R might need that kind of, K-FBA = Kawi front brake assist. I've done that 3 times so far and ABS sounds about par with the rest of the electronics. As long as I can turn the shit off and step up my game, they keep stepping the bike up, wezza OK-Spank-Key-Fobbing we go... Cash waiting.

On the other hand, I trade in the rotators down the road, no R for more race/revision change is coming, but wait for the third year?! I can grab a black leftover I'm so in the cats claw one from a dealer dumping daysale, here comes the new 2013 model. We knew you were going to shit this one out and so did we. Here is the next round of colors for Gen1-R.

I'm REALLY wanting to hear Hub's jabber when he goes and rides the new 14R.This is gonna be SHWEEEEET!

+1

Yea, I agree with the Hub, the ABS is definitely worth having now that the weight penalty has been reduced. I predict all sportbikes and maybe all bikes period will eventually have them. TC the same way, in a few years both technologies will be de riguer.

I like the new bike, I really do,I want to make that perfectly clear here. My point has been from the start, is it better enough to trade in on and take the big hit to the wallet?

I think the answer is, in my case anyway, sit this round out, enjoy what I have and wait for the next Gen..... Or just buy Rooks Busa. I really like those trick Pitbull spools...lol.

Drag, Amazing riders on both bikes. Could I hang with the GL? I need a maximizer witness. And you need to take out an insurance policy on my life so we can find out either way. You got the money, I've got the confidence. Say, is that GL using front and rear [as in] locked in abs mode?

Missed that comment! I like the racer in you old man!

From reading your mod list Dragking, I'd say you've got plenty of power right now! Get your suspenders dialed in and go hunt down some of them liter bikes in the twisties!
If they can really ride those liter bikes they will flat disappear once the turns get tight!

I agree with you.. it's logic but there is another side to the coin... Would it be my fault or the 14's fault that is the question!!! Similar to being on a track riding a 10R and watching Casey stoner basting by you with his gp honda and blaming the 10R. You could switch bike same result. I rather work on my skills first and get the more agile bike later.

. I rather work on my skills first and get the more agile bike later.

So a 10R would make me a better 14 rider? I was looking for an excuse to get a liter....lol

I used a Ninja 250 to help out as a bike messenger for a while when starting out.....tought me how to survive LA traffic :-) .......and handle the bike.

I was always one that liked to show up guys on their 600s and 1000s on the 14. Then I got to riding a 600 and it is NIGHT and DAY difference! I can go through the twisties and the track soooooo much faster on the 600 than the 14!

The 14 is only gonna do so much.Which is fine and normal for a bike it's size and configuration.It aint a 600,or 1000.I think if you attempt to ride a 14 like a 600...yer gonna wind up in the hospital.I think the 14 is a street bike first,or drag bike first...whichever...but not intended to rail like a smaller bodied bike.It's just too much mass flying around to get er to manuever like those lighter bikes.I think Kawasaki definitely out shined the Busa in ergos and comfort and engine build.But that's just my opinion.I'd have to say...the later model Busa was a step towards more trackabilty...ON THE STREET.It's easy to feel the difference in frontend handling between the 14 and the later model Busas.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/19/2011 @ 12:41 AM *

If you run down a 600 or literbike in the twisties on a ZX-14 or Busa it's because you are a superior rider ...period. I agree with Rook about transferring skilz up cc wise but not down. Best thing that ever happened to me was buying a liter and then the 600. The lower weight and torque are less intimidating and allow you to push the bike way harder with more confidence. You can then go back to the 14 and transfer the new found skill to that bike..... but you can't get too carried away. There's still a lot of mass there and you have to know your limits...and the bikes limits.

I had real reservations when I brought my 6R home, thought it wouldn't make enough power to be any fun etc. Boy was I ever wrong, it has all the get up and go you need without feeling overwhelming. I feel like I'm in control of the bike not the other way around, gearing is short and she tops out at over a buck sixty. How much more do you need to have fun!!

BTW, I actually thought about buying a Ninja 250, upgrading the suspenders and slipping on sticky DOT race rubber and go out and really rail. There's a reason all the MotoGP stars come up from 125 and 250cc two smokes.

If you run down a 600 or literbike in the twisties on a ZX-14 or Busa it's because you are a superior rider .

I think if you even try to smoke a 600 or 1000 in the twisties.... you have lost sight of what the 14 is about... the beast was never meant to even compare.. You may even get killed in the process... Go to your local dragstrip and put yourself to the challenge.. The bike was meant for nothing else.

I think if you even try to smoke a 600 or 1000 in the twisties.... you have lost sight of what the 14 is about

I don't think I've found a literbike or 600 without chicken strips at bike nights? Maybe our riders just suck around here.

The 14 sits up, it blows away anything. It brakes better than most bikes. The bike in a sweeper is forgetaboutit. You only have the little leaner for the tight shit. Getting back to why I'm taking a break from the manual and taking a brake from the R.

This old baby is evolving into seen your badass. Between ABS and 02... It is so borderline, this thing is going to be a biggeripper next round.

K-OCCR = Mode switch down the road switch you run open or closed loop, meaning, 'Race in Open' loop, 'Cruise in Closed.'

Amazing really what a person can do on his or her bike if he/she really loves the thrill of the ride,and rides with a passion for it.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 12/20/2011 @ 12:58 AM *

Maybe our riders just suck around here

You won't get any argument from me...LOL!

Seriously though Rook, what did you expect to find at bike night? Drunks and posers, Hayabusa's with gold plated rims and stretched swingarms.

Join the local sport bike association and you'll find all kinds of serious riders in your area.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 12/20/2011 @ 7:32 AM *

Bottom line is are you having fun, the rest is irrelevant. If your thing is twisting the throttle wide open in 6th on a straight section of road that's cool, knock your lights out. No room to do that around my neck of the woods though and a lot can go wrong at high speed that can cost you your life or at the vey least your license. Better left to a track or a mile event. Now cornering is where the rider skilz are IMHO, you'll never quit learning ...or leaning...or having fun!

* Last updated by: Kruz on 12/20/2011 @ 7:25 AM *

A lot can go wrong when banking high speed turns on public roads. I'd say doing that runs the same overall risk as running fast in a straight line on an open road.

Can't argue there, so pick your poison!

"A lot can go wrong when banking high speed turns on public roads. I'd say doing that runs the same overall risk as running fast in a straight line on an open road".

Ya...I'm with ya...I'll only add...talking about it aint the same as DOING it.I feel MUCH safer straight line wide open bursts for a mile or whatever are MUCH safer than trying to handle that friggin DUI comin around that bend at 100 plus (been there,done that...more than once here unfortunately)...people do like their Alcohol.