This question is for the guys/girls that had a 1 Gen. ZX14 and are now on the 2 Gen. ZX14r.

How do you like the old ZX14 compared to new ZX14r? Trying to get an apples to apples review...

Here is a different perspective. The DNA in my 09 ZX14 feels closer to my C14 in overall ride, suspension and comfort if you will. The acceleration of course is not close, but if you rode both bikes back to back you would feel the strong
connection and similarities in feel between the two bikes. They are both without question in the same gene pool. (this is in no way disparaging the Gen 1 & 2 - I'm keeping mine )
The new 14R is linked more to my 4th gen 10r. The suspension is much firmer, the bike gets very light as soon as it begin to move and the throttle response is very immediate. If you rode the 14R and the new 10R back to back you would be convinced that whoever did the chassis and engine work (after re-flash) on the 10r also did their magic on the 14r. These bikes are both in an initial higher state of tune than the GEN1 & 2 14’s and it feels that way as soon as either of the two "R” bikes are underway.

* Last updated by: bluestar on 3/23/2012 @ 5:53 AM *

@ bluestar
as you described linked to the 10R, is the ergos/ rider position
Also similar? Or are you describing similarities only to performance and handling

I have agree with Bluestar. He decribes it very well...

Creeps

@ bluestar
as you described linked to the 10R, is the ergos/ rider position
Also similar? Or are you describing similarities only to performance and handling

Performance and handling.

Thanks.....
Need to ask as I'm about to commit on a deal...... So the 14R
Has a less aggressive riding position compared to the 10R
I'm able to sit on one in the showroom, but that only gives me half the story
Riding one would def confirm for me and no one offers test rides

I sat on a 10R last year...compared to the 14R...it's SMALL feeling.Ergos are not nearly as nice(poor choice of words there) as the 14R.But again...the 10R's a track machine...primarily.The 14R isn't...primarily.That literbike isn't supposed to have the cruise comfort that the 14 does.ANY 14.You won't like that 10 if you're planning on doing alot of hwy riding.It'll get old quickly comfort wise.

"So the 14R
Has a less aggressive riding position compared to the 10R".....I personally wouldn't say that exactly...the riding positions are very similar actually...it's just the size that makes it feel different.BULK...You can sit in virtually any position you want on the 14.With that ten,you're gonna be more limited(seat length,bar reach)stuff like that.You want to be sitting different on the 10...to get the most out of it.You can get aggressive seating on that 14 as well.Just that you don't HAVE to stay that way through the whole ride.

You can see...they both look almost identical as far as ergos.The 14 will give you more roominess however.And it's heavier...which will give you a smoother ride.

Someone with a 10 may argue this....which one feels more rider friendly.Sa'll good...I felt the 10 would be kinda limited to the way I ride.I like something with more weight on it anyway...but...those trick upgrades ALMOST sold me.Cassette trans...adjustable rearsets...KTRC...slipper.Nice.Hot mapping.

I wouldn't consider putting heli bars or LSL's or whatever on a 10 to make it more street friendly.No way.It's a fast azz track bike.Perfect for what it is made for.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 3/23/2012 @ 12:24 PM *

Grn...Thanks for posting pics,, you do look a little more upright with the 14
I just have to be sure As you can see in my avatar, I'm anchored from
C3 down to T1 so my vertical head movement is limited, I live in the city
And takes close to 2 hrs for me to get to the good stuff,, just wish the demo days
Would hurry up and get to the northeast, just checked the site and they're still
down south on the east coast.....
Were you using the risers on the 14? How tall are you, and what's your reach (arm length)
Btw- those high mounts look good

yes gsxr.. r1... zx10...cbr1000r... you are laying on the tank and your arms alittle.

here's how bad they are for me... now i was in my early 40 at the time.. bought a gsxr 1000 the 1st year the bike came out.... picked the bike up in the fall had to drive about 9 miles to my house.... half way home was tired of trying to hold my head up... to make a long story short called dealer when i got home and he picked the bike up the next day and delivered me a 1200 bandit instead.... he was glad to take the bike back they were selling like no tommorow.

* Last updated by: mark43 on 3/23/2012 @ 5:51 PM *

I think in that pic I had Heli's on there.Not sure though.Only 5/8ths rise with Helis.So it wouldn't be much.If you're looking to get a more upright seating position...the Heli's WITH Genmars will fit.That'll give you a 1 and 5/8ths" rise...which WILL make a difference.Your rearward offset with the two risers will give you around an 1" or so of closeness towards you.Nice combo actually.

Really, you can stack them? Would there be enough slack on the stock
Cables and hoses? And no issues hitting plastics and the tank lock to lock?
I can also go with the LSL, but if I go that route might as well get a Connie

* Last updated by: leo167 on 3/23/2012 @ 5:50 PM *

leo167, have you tried mark43's dealer in ny? That fellow has two green ones on the floor at a discount, supposedly, and can't move them. Maybe he could be convinced to offer a test ride to a serious buyer.

bluestar's comparison of gen 1 to new R is right on, BTW.

Yes...there's enough slack.You'd need 4 3 and 1/2" clamp bolts however.

@paul: I think he's upstate that's a bit of a hike for me ... I know gotto go where the fish are,,, but im that lazy.... If Im really uncertain I'll wait till the demo folks come around

Grn: good to know thanks, also just realized I used a throttle lock on my 08 blade
That was a huge help for shaking out some fatigue on the long hauls back to the city I could alternate positions
And just sit up for long straight stints on the highway W/O holding the bars and maintaining speed

* Last updated by: leo167 on 3/23/2012 @ 8:09 PM *

Throttlemiester will fit perfectly on the Ninja.No holding anything with your palm or fingers or whatever.Lets you truly get your hands free.Highly recommend!

dealer just had one green model on the floor and one more coming... did here the green ones are the 1st to sell out.... just dealer stock and some orders i guess.

most dealers in my area no longer have test rides any more that ended years ago with the insurance risk i guess.

the bike was on sale for $13,699 but you might get them lower.

dowm towards nyc and long island the bikes are cheaper you just have to watch out for the add ons.... and when the stock gets lower the bikes might increase in price...they may bring out 13 in the fall.

Snuffy

WHHHEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

So does this mean the 14R is selling well? if so, this is fantastic news. It's a nice two middle fingers to those that say this type of bike doesn't have a market anymore. Especially Honda! Fu Honda!

I know that they are not making as many 2012 ZX14r as they did in the passed the ZX14 has become a very soft bike to sell do to the fact that there are so many left over's out there an plus this class of bike is not for everyone!

Bottom line I think Kawasaki is trying to improve the value an make the 2012 hold it's much better. Supply an Demand that's what it is...

So all-in-all to the your question yes the bike is selling well and that is fantastic news!!

That's my two cents...