Good evening gentlemen,

I am looking into getting a ZX14 but I have not ridden one yet.
Here's a list of bikes I've owned recently-

2009 Kawasaki Versys
2008 Triumph Speed Triple
2007 Yamaha FJR1300
2008 Suzuki SV650
2005 Ducati Monster S4rs

My focus is primarily going to be day sport touring and rides lasting about 90 minutes also. I don't like upright ergos of the Sport Tourer class bikes.
At 6'2" tall, I like the length of the cockpit and I do like torque as you can see. I can handle all bikes well as I have been riding 30 years now.

So, I did some research on this big Ninja and found some rider "engine heat" issues. If it is like the 2008 Kawi Concours 1400 then I really won't like it.
I was wondering if the heat is a consistent problem in this model?...or it is just an overblown issue that only pansies whine about? Any other "pitfalls to look out for with this bike? Best years of the ZX14?

Thanks for any input.

Matt

I ride mine almost everyday to work. It is about 2 hours round trip. I do have heat issues in the summer but it is 100 outside. One thing I can say is I love this bike. It never gets old. Every time I get on it is fun. If you install another fan or try engine ice it may help with heat. I have no trouble when temp is below 90.

So, I did some research on this big Ninja and found some rider "engine heat" issues. If it is like the 2008 Kawi Concours 1400 then I really won't like it.
I was wondering if the heat is a consistent problem in this model?...or it is just an overblown issue that only pansies whine about? Any other "pitfalls to look out for with this bike? Best years of the ZX14?

Thanks for any input.

Yep, pansy problem. They question the factory as not doing their homework.
Zero Pitfalls here. Any problems raised are usually a pansy attack. Not saying [ALL] 14's have an issue out of the crate. I am not a marketing outfit listening to the public and a heat issue. That was the factory's answer to too many panels and kill the heat factor at the same time.

Panzy purrs the cat. Notice the dual fans. Panzy placement. Then, the bike comes out and they cry [weight] issues. Panzy can't win. Factory wins the part fails. You buy new parts is parts. Notice the bigger exit of the hot air out of the engine. Panzy is sitting on top of a heat sink and they cry not noticing DIS. And you wonder why I feel the same heat with or without the beauty covers. Panzy cannot win no matter their crying moves.

I can't panzy for more power. Though I goof about leaving the traffic behind, the mindset over at K is kick ALL ass. As far as a choice of what year? Color picks that flavor. Nothing but a pony different, but the same torque no matter the year; Until the 14R came that is. No one here complains about a nagging something or a recall something. Even the frame cracks died down. And how many years ago? Not a peep. Anything else? Nada!

Panzy problems abound though. And so minor too. Do you recall reading too many a PC not starting the bike? Which turns out to be a bad ground due to the panzy print on the whole job installment. Right so far? Not me. The facts pee scented? Not a smell on them, correct?

* Last updated by: Hub on 10/21/2011 @ 10:22 AM *

Do it ,Do it............you'll be very happy.
Dano

Be like Mike - JUST DO IT!
you'll love the bike! And IF you do have problems with the heat, there are very easy, very inexpensive fixes...

1. Use Engine Ice coolant in your radiator,
2. Buy/install a second fan,
3. Wear long pants when you ride and SUCK IT UP!

Yeh my mate mentioned the heat sat in traffic on an OZZ hot summers day, but that was the same also with both my CBR1100xx B/B's,this didn't really bother me anyway as I try to avoid the Built up areas most times, but after the Slip ons (Twin Leo's) then getting that 3rd Massive Cat otta the Header ive noticed myself it's a biggy with cooler heat radiation after that 6" x 3" Cat Heating Blockage was removed

Be like Mike - JUST DO IT!