So, come tax time I'm going to upgrade to the ZX-14... that being said I'm starting my research early. From my understanding there isn't really a difference in the model years (other than color options) from 06-11. Obviously a complete redesign was done in 12, however, I'm not planning a new bike for money reasons.

Anyway, on most vehicles there are little quirks or bugs so I'm wondering if the same is true on the 14? Are there any model years to avoid? Is there anything in particular that is prone to have problems on these bikes that someone buying a used one should look out for?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated... thanks in advance for your assistance with my future purchase!!

The big change occured in 08.Then they got more bottom end.For 06-07 you should remove the secondary throttle plates known as flies.The 08 and up are supposed to open faster which gives faster throttle response.I took the ones out in my 09 and I felt their is a difference,maybe not.And the 07 had a recall for cracks in the frame.
Craig

That is really good knowledge about the frames on the 07's. I did just happen upon an old article from motorcycle.com that was mentioning the engine upgrades in 08. I'm thinking steering clear of 06-07's now based upon the info from motorcycle.com and your warning on the 07's.

Any other helpful information?

I bought an '08 this year and I love it. I've put 2500 trouble free miles on it in the last two months.

No thats about it for me.Ask Rook,he writes the how to section here.He's got so much knowledge I pale in comparison.But I do know this the 08 and up have cats in the header and each muffler.And the 06-07 mufflers won't fit the 08-and up.I put a 4-1 header on mine and it popped real bad until I put the block off plates after I took off the polution controls.No more popping.By the way I love my bike.I see you have a 250.Be very careful when you twist the gas,get used to it no matter what you buy.
Craig

* Last updated by: audioboyz on 8/14/2012 @ 6:24 PM *

^^^^ awesome avatar!!

I'm the short fat one in the middle.
Craig

Lol, awesome avatar indeed!

Kofla

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

The 09 is vastly superior to all other ZX14's so long as it's the Monster Edition. :) I'm not biased or anything I swear.

I do like the 09' Monster edition... however, it would end up getting more green if I were to get one... way to much black and not enough green for my taste ;)

+1 for '09 Candy Green. It's WAY faster than the Monster edition.

ps - I have the green 09 and imo it is the best color scheme of all ZX14's. I love. This. Bike.

* Last updated by: Caroobs on 8/14/2012 @ 10:40 PM *

The 06 and 07s both had the frame issue....it really isn't an issue as long as the recall was done on it. The 06s and 07s with the flies removed have a STRONG bottom end and pull all the way to redline. Basically I would just suggest finding a clean 14 in whichever color you favor the most, as you really can't go wrong with any of them!

I agree with the above comment. I purchased an 06, bone stock, with approx 9,000 miles. I took it in for the frame recall, and they had it checked out in no time. As far as the flys openning, I never had mine removed, and it had all the bottom end, top end, and middle power that I ever wanted. My only issue that I had was the sound of the timing chain tensioner on cold startups. I was told that it wasn't an issue, but the sound just was a little unnerving.

So the frame issue is a fixable thing through the recall? What exactly was wrong with the frame... is the recall just to check for the problem and if it isn't there then it's good to go?

From what I was told by the technician, there was some torqueing of a couple of bolts that had to be done, and he just checked the frame for cracks if the bolts were over torqued. It took him about 20 min. and everything checked out. Good to go.

I had my 07 frame checked too when they sent the notification of the recall. Frame on mine checked out fine too according to the stealership.

^From my hometown of Colo Spgs! My mom and sister still live there! Spent 18 years of my life there before joining the Marine Corps and moving away... good to see others from my old stompin' grounds...lol.

Thanks also for the heads up on the recall... maybe it really isn't that big of a deal breaker to stay away from the 06-07's.

Man, you left the best town on the planet :p
I have been here for about 15 years now, and still love it. You would not believe how much it has grown....if you remember Powers Blvd for example, and how deserted it used to be. Not the case anymore, so many stores and restaurants up and down both sides now.

As for the recall on the 06-07...as long as the frame has been checked by a stealership, you should be good to go.

Any year is a good choice for you. I bought an 06 left over in spring 07 and have had nothing but grins ever since. The frame recall has been done on most of the ones out there. I remember when it first surfaced and EVERYONE that had the bike scrambled to get it in. Not anything I would worry about. There were only a couple of bikes that actually had breakage. If they are not broke by now, they should live forever. Good luck and be careful. This thing is a beast for sure.