So, I've been calling every dealer in the U.S. for the last month as well as visiting stealerships in a 100 mile radius looking for a deal on a left over zx14! I found 2010's all over for 9,999 plus frieght, set-up, dealer fees, and of course the tax, title, and tag. It was still just outside of my price range. Yesterday I happened to go by a dealership that I swore I would never do business with again and walked in just to see what they had. It turns out they have a atomic silver new 2008 left over. They were asking 8,999 for it and after talking to them about depreciation once I take delivery of it and the prices of bikes 2 years younger, they came back with a price of 9,700 O.T.D., I think thats pretty good, and right at my cap too. I have had 2 busa's in the past a 06' and 08' and loved them both, I also had a 09' zx-10r and loved that bike for its power and handling. I figured it was time to see what kawasaki has to offer in their brute class since I loved my zedx10 so much. Question is... I've been reading alot on here about the 2012 zx14r and it seems like its so much of a better bike than its predicessors. I even hear people putting down the last gens saying everything from bad suspension, to throttle response, to gearbox and clutch! Am I making a mistake, should I save up and wait for the 12, is the 08 that bad? I am looking for comfort as well as sport, just like my zook had only better! Opinions and feed back would be greatly appreciated!! I put down a deposit and will be finalizing paper work on tuesday 1/31/12. Thanks much!

You'll be getting a fine bike with power comperable to the 08 Busa but with a smoother engine. Depends what you want of course I believe the 12 model will be subtly refined but much more satisfying in the power department. This however is going to cost that's why I'm waiting and debating I hate to pay the new bike hype price. If you want a bike now the 08 would be a fine machine they don't have any clutch or handling issues. Where you located?

I am guessing the '12 would cost you a 50% premium, in round numbers, it's $10k vs $15k. There are no issues with the '08, if you have a budget limit, there is no sense in busting it for the '12 model's improvement. I think comfort and sport are the same between these two years.

Enjoy your '08 and in the future if you think you need more power, trade up.
Welcome to the fun!

If you liked your 08 busa, you'll like an 08 14. The 14 brakes better the busa handles better. throttle responds to the slightest tug on the cable with the 14---busa lacks the same finess)

The 2012 ZX-14 might outshine them both in acceleration by a little bit so if I were you and I were buying a new bike, I'd go with the 2012 ZX-14r.

but don't forget, the busa boys aren't going to let the 14 have the bragging rights for ever.

* Last updated by: Rook on 1/29/2012 @ 3:03 PM *

I'm currently living in Nortport, Fl. Sarasota county. I ride out to the back country roads on the weekends, believe it or not florida does have a section of road that is one sweeper after the next with a couple tight turns here and there. Its just that you have to ride 45 minutes just to get to them. There are also a couple of housing developments that fell through after the collapse of southwest floridas economy and building boom. We hit those up as well, its organized and safe as can be expected, its like a closed course out in no mans land. Next question... do you think 9700 out the door is a good deal for a 2008 zx14 thats new (never titled, no miles, full factory warranty)?

i paid 11.5 OTD for mine new in April of 08.

9,7 ain't bad but IMHO not like the guy is handing you the world on a platter here in 2012. You might well consider buying a used 2010 with a couple thousand miles at 7-8K. I would have sold my 08 with 11,000 miles for 6K after it was 2 years old. I imagine there are motivated sellers out there. I don't think that new 08 will get snapped up.

9000 OTD, I think hat would be where I would grab the new 08. You can hold out a few weeks, no prob.

I even hear people putting down the last gens saying everything from bad suspension, to throttle response, to gearbox and clutch! Am I making a mistake, should I save up and wait for the 12, is the 08 that bad?

No, you will love it. She just needs some simple mods and all good. Congrats on your new bike and welcome cj1. Cheers

Welcome to the board,The 14 has better brakes and lights then the Busa,I found it smoother and more comfortable then my sons friends 2010 Busa,the Busa seemed a little more agile at low speeds in city traffic.long distance riding the 14 is definitely better, after 500-600 km he would be complaining and I wouldn't be,also I'm 33 years older them him,

I bought my '07 new in 2009 for $8,200. I think you can do better on the price.

I think they can do better too... I bought my new silver '08 in March of '09 as a left over for under $10k, out the door.

Yeah, it seems they are a little steep on the price. I just bought a 09 for $7000 with 3k on. If you are looking for OTD prices go to the private sellers and purchase or save for the 2012. Welcome to the board.

For a 2008 that’s way too much OTD $7,800 max your just north of me what dealership is that at and did you try destination power sports I think they have a 2010 new for around $9,000 + or -