Looking at getting a 2008 or 2006 Zx14R, Just curious, do these earlier models have riding modes? KTRC, etc?

* Last updated by: J0n on 1/24/2017 @ 2:22 AM *

Nyet. Starts with '12 model year.

Hagrid is correct. It's all up to you on the first gen to control your wrist.
And good job Hagrid, getting onboard with President Putin I see...
...I kid....

Mad

If you're picking up an earlier model, make sure its at least the 2008 model or newer. There were known issues with the #3 rod bearing and some issues with the engine mount on the older models, although by now I would expect those problems to have surfaced.

Otherwise if you want something bigger/badder/faster go with the 2012 or newer, increased engine displacement and the addition of electronics.

PS: I have an '08 and love it, no plans on replacing it anytime soon :)

There were some rod bearings that went on the 08~11 too but seemed fewer reports than 06~07. i even heard a report of this issue one time with Gen2...years ago...maybe in 2013. The 06-07 was a few pounds lighter and supposedly made a couple more hp than 08-11. Crappy air filter cover on the 06-07 so replace that with an 08 cover. about $16. 2011 cover was updated again but it is heavier than the 08-10 cover and no better that i can tell. 08-11 got some piston updates and finer injector spray + improved angle and frame metal was revised but i doubt that all amounted to much. MUCH better flies response on the 08-11 if you plan to run this bike stock.

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/24/2017 @ 5:45 PM *

ROOK...are there any other replacement parts other than the crappy air filter cover you would suggest for the gen1? I have an 07...

NO. They made a new valve cover gasket but it's now the same part # for 06-11. The old one leaked. Not too big a deal. Make sure your valve cover bolts are not loose.

As a matter of interest has anyone experienced very high mileage on the earlier ZXs.I have had the '12 GTR with no problems whatsoever at 65ks and a close friend has covered over 300Ks and the only expense appart from wearables was the front fork rebuild not long before the 300ks. I have just got an '07 ZX14 that has done 58ks and seems very clean.

* Last updated by: donfre on 1/26/2017 @ 2:35 AM *

donfire, I have 65k miles and counting. Runs perfect, ridden fairly hard. Only had regular maintenance and MANY tires....

Mad

'06 with 107,500 klm's. Like a top every morning. Oil change every 5000 and the KN filter cleaned once or twice a year.

I believe one important feature for longevity is the relatively high gearing the ZX has.It appears to be similar to the GTR.

You mean "low gearing?" Most other sportbikes have a higher 1st gear. i think the torque of the bigger motor lets us run at lower rpm in all situations and that would probably give the engine more life.

Yes Rook,the longer life is what i always look for.I am not sure but I was under the impression higher gearing meant less revs for higher speeds,when you shift to a lower gear the revs go up.The torque ,as you said ,allows the motor to pull strongly at lower revs.

LOL I don't know.....I always call it shorter gearing when I'm talking higher rpm /mph. Generally speaking engine is running at higher rpm to do your mph, than stock, that's shorter gearing. likew you downshift....that's sjhorter than the gear you were in.

But I'm not the master of of gearing terminology!! think i am right though!!! lol shorter = lower!

I had a 2006 ZX14...bought it with 8k miles, sold with ~46k, NEVER any problems other than low mileage from soft rubber and occasional "conversations" with the men and women of law enforcement. Bought a new ZX14R two years ago, no regrets, but honestly not a huge performance gap in the two. In 13.5k miles, have not activated the ABS yet, but the traction control does help keep the front end down. Can't lose with either version says me...

Truthfully I have some trepidation for future demerit points;having had several brushes with the law when on the GTR and the Ninja 1000.They were keen to go and 14 is even 'keener'.Though speeding in built up areas is a no no, when out in the wide open spaces attitudes change, though still risky because blue lights behind bushes

I've learned to be very cautious. Check the places out every time. Don't even think about maintaining high speed. Hit your speed and slow down. Speed runs can be done in 20 seconds and you're safely back at legal speed. Don't dp it on the interstate. Don't do it in front of anyone even if they're not a cop. Have as many speed courses as you can find and don't hit the same one more than once a week. You will still need your luck to hold out. If people are complaining about you, you will probably get a ticket. ..and beware of wildlife.

though still risky because blue lights behind bushes

You're not kidding, look at this guy hiding in the bushes on a ride we
did a couple of months ago.

LOL he's got ya locked in!

I'm part of the club now,proud owner of a 2008zx14!It's got Yoshi slip ONS, unsure of any other mods the bike has.

http://imgur.com/nbVM5Be
Can't seem to add a picture, there's a link :) people love to look as you're riding past them! It sure does sound amazing!

It's got 55,000kms on the odo, can anyone give me some numbers on my next service? Was it meant to be done at 54,000?

* Last updated by: J0n on 1/28/2017 @ 6:17 PM *

J0n. nice looking 14. Looks a lot like mine!

You should check the valve clearance. I'm sure that needs adjusting if it has not been done yet. Then again, they might not get much tighter. I did mine at 25000 miles and all the exhaust valves needed to be adjusted. Some intakes as well. Other than that, you don't need to worry about anything but the routine stuff like air filter and oil changes. chain/sprockets, brake pads...normal stuff. Check coolant strength. There is nothing in the engine to worry about at this point except valve clearance. Check the valve cover bolts for tightness. If it has not started leaking, it might if that valve cover was never removed and the updated gasket put in.

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/28/2017 @ 7:58 PM *