New to the forum and excited about the big 14's
I have been looking for a sport touring bike and have fallen in love with the zx14
Are there any years one should stay away from that have particular issues? Have found some real nice 2006 low mileage bikes and thought I would check here first for suggestions.
Thanks for any info on what to stay away from

Nah, all years are good. Low mileage and stock motors are the key! Welcome to the forum.

I have an '06. Been a great ride. No interest in the new one to be honest. For the difference in price between them, not worth it to me. By one, most likely will have ya grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Are there any years one should stay away from that have particular issues?

06-07 are the same, 08-11-same. The difference is subtle between the two. There was a frame recall on the 06-07 bikes. It was easy to fix if you find a bike that was not brought in for recall.

Welcome to the forum Patman!

My '06 rocks, no desire to trade it in on a new one. If the flies (subthrottle plates)are still in, pull 'em and unleash the beast. Any issues with the first Gen ZX-14 are now well known and there's a lot of guys here with modification experience specific to the '06/'07 to steer you in the right direction.

06-07 are the same, 08-11-same. The difference is subtle between the two. There was a frame recall on the 06-07 bikes. It was easy to fix if you find a bike that was not brought in for recall.

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What is this frame recall that you speak of? I just bought an 06 in sept., and love it. This is the first that I have heard of this. Is there a way to check to see if the recall was done on my particular bike?

One time inspection of the engine rear mounting bolt for overtorque at the factory. Check your VIN plate for a stamp after the last digit to see if it's already been complied with. You can take your bike to any Kawi dealer and have it done, takes about 30 minutes and the Mother Ship picks up the tab for the inspection.

Almost no one had a cracked frame, I think only 11 out of 11,000 units imported had an issue.

* Last updated by: Kruz on 2/2/2012 @ 8:35 AM *

I wouldn't even stress too much about engine mileage as long as it's been taken care of. The big Kaw motors last a long time, the biggest problem I've seen with them is an owner that was too easy on one at break in and never really got the rings seated. Let er RIP!!

Mad

Ok, I just checked the serial number on the neck (I guess that is what you call it, it is the part of the frame that the handlebars go through to attach to the forks), and there is a dot after the numbers looks like it could have been put there by a center punch. Is that what you are referring to?

http://www.kawasaki.com/DefaultFrame.aspx?strContentURL=/site/VIVehicleInformation/VIChooseVehicle.asp?intCatalogID=2&intParts=0

Type your vin # here to see if your bike is affected.

Thanks,

I just printed out the letter, and will be calling the dealer tomorrow to set up an appointment to have this done.
This site, and you guys are great.

Ok, I just checked the serial number on the neck (I guess that is what you call it, it is the part of the frame that the handlebars go through to attach to the forks), and there is a dot after the numbers looks like it could have been put there by a center punch. Is that what you are referring to?

Sounds like it's already been done. Dealer can pull up the records using your VIN.

Thanks for all the info guys! Like I suspected they all sound great. I think I'll look for an unmolested 06-07 with low miles to save some cash. Any experience with the handle bar kits guys are putting on these bikes? Looks like it could make the things pretty darn comfortable to ride long distance.

Well, I got an appointment to get my frame checked out. Unfortunatly, all the kawi stealers in the Raleigh area have shut down. I had a choice of going 55 miles away, where they said it would take 3-4 days, or 45 miles away, where they said it would take a couple of hours. Bad thing is, the one 55 miles away is in my home town, and are about 1/2 mile from my brothers house. As hard as I try to do business with them, they sell the same thing as the other dealer, but at about 5-10% more. This is a dealer that I have been frequenting since I was 15 (I am now 45). They are nice people, but I will just have to go with the closer, and cheaper dealer. Did I mention, the other dealer offers an open house, with free food and demo rides once a month, and I also get 2 coupons for free bike inspections.
See you next saturday Team Powersports! Place an extra burger on the grill for me.

well I found and purchased an awesome bike. I found a low mileage(2300) 07. Still had the original tires on it!
trailered it home in the snow on Saturday, spent all day sunday cleaning it and now I can't wait for the roads to clear up so in can get our and ride. thanks for the information and i really enjoy the forum