Stopped by a dealer on my lunch hour today to sit on an 06' ZX14. He asked if I wanted to ride it and of course I said Yes.

It had a Muzzy pipe, steering damper and I believe that's it. The fueling was excellent so you guys could tell me if that means he had it remapped.

It was nothing, nothing like I expected. Turbine smooth (ex-Blackbird owner here), narrow, refined, excellent fueling, perfectly neutral handling and the God Damn thing power wheelies at 8K??? Keep in mind I'm in Denver and bikes run like crap up here. The front end didn't feel near as distant as I thought it would, it actually felt perfect. It's comfortable too, the reach to the bars is fine, with some convertibars and Buell pegs it would be perfect, no need to go all out with LSL's. He had some wave rotors on there that didn't seem that great but the clutch felt excellent and it's low speed manners are sublime. Not much going on below 3.5K which is how I suspected it was an '06 before even looking at the VIN sticker. I was so expecting a raw and edgy Ninja like the '05 10R that scared the piss out of me a few hears ago, this thing is nothing if not refined. AND they got better? How friggin' good is the new one?

The power is out of this world and although the 08' would be plenty of bike I 'm not sure how long my skills would last without TC so looks like I'm getting a 12'+.

I had blissful visions of me riding my favorite roads in California, a bike that I would actually love way more than my XX. I had ridden a VFR1200 at the same dealer almost 2 years ago and came away like so Meh... What a lame bike in comparison, even from a Honda loyalst.

So here's my question, regarding the riding position, are they the same 1st gen and current? Cycle-ergos shows your butt sitting an inch or more rearward which I wouldn't prefer, I enjoy being positioned over the front of the bike. Did they change anything you can feel?

Now I can see why you guys love yours so much!

http://www.tricitycycle.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=794682&p=2&make=kawasaki&s=Year&d=D

* Last updated by: Auron on 8/14/2014 @ 3:44 PM *

Hard to say really...well...IMO...the 2012 and up DO have a sharper riding position...they did some rework to the frame...to accommodate the larger motor and cg and all...the front(steering unit) was 'adjusted' for that.The seat is shaped a bit different for comfort...(than the 06/07's)...but overall...pretty much the same layout.If you liked that 06...yes...I do think a 2012 or above will definitely do it for ya.HOWEVER...that 06/07 is VERY VERY hard to be critical of...I had an 07...loved it.I felt the 2012 had a shade more 'solidness'...which made me feel a bit more 'at one' with the bike...but that's subjective anyway.You probably wouldn't really notice between the two years...unless you were riding an earlier version for quite a while...THEN you'd feel a difference most likely.

Anyone else comments?

My comments would mirror Grn14's exactly. The 14R is a little smoother but noticeably more powerful, and with slightly better manners again. Riding position on the 14R I found a touch more comfortable at 6'1".

they did some rework to the frame

If I am not mistaken, besides some minor reinforcements, the frame is basically the same.

...to accommodate the larger motor and cg and all

The "larger" engine is only internally, displacement wise.

I did read they messed with the frame to allow some flex in certain spots. This is the most technical article (long) I could find, but almost sounds like an ad.

http://www.fastbikes.us/2014-kawasaki-ninja-zx-14r-abs-specs-review/

http://www.fastbikes.us/2014-kawasaki-ninja-zx-14r-abs-specs-review/

Full Article Click Here !!!

While the new model retains its former chassis design, more than half of its aluminum castings and forgings have been modified. The rear swingarm is also 10mm longer, and the result is an overall alloy frame that is much stiffer in places. Kawi states the intended goal was to keep the previous ZX-14’s light-handling characteristics while increasing its sportiness.

The headlining changes on the 2012 ZX-14R are centered on its Inline-Four engine. Displacement is increased through a 4mm stroke addition to give the ’12 ZX-14R an eye-popping total of 1441cc. The combustion chambers are reshaped along with the intake ports to maximize performance. The camshafts feature revised profiles with a reinforced cam chain, allowing the engine to withstand high rpm levels. The pistons have also seen changes to increase their strength while at the same time shedding weight.

One of the major highlights is a new oil jet cooling system that provides constant lubrication underneath each piston. Engine compression is now 12.3:1 and as a result connecting rods have been re-designed with stronger material. The crankshaft main journals are 2mm thicker compared to the past model, and a new air cleaner has 10% more surface area and 40% larger airflow capability.

The fuel injection system is also updated with automatic idle adjustment and lower emissions. Spent fuel

While the new model retains its former chassis design, more than half of its aluminum castings and forgings have been modified. The rear swingarm is also 10mm longer, and the result is an overall alloy frame that is much stiffer in places.

Suspension is also upgraded, with the 43mm inverted fork and adjustable single shock receiving improved bottoming resistance and internal settings. While the overall weight of the bike is up, the use of 10-spoke wheels helps reduce unsprung weight by 3.3 pounds. Brakes have also been upgraded with more rigid material and altered pads.

The new ZX-14R is also equipped with a slipper clutch and a KTRC traction control and ignition system

My 2007 was pretty comfy. My 2014 is much faster, but hurts my wrists. Helibar risers did nothing. I'm 6'1" and 260 lbs.

Okay...I compared some pics...You're correct Kolf...the new motor is the same height.My bad....

Grn, a Gen2 14R motor will fit a Gen 1 frame, engine swap is a direct bolt on. I believe Kawasaki lenghthened the ZX-14r connecting rods from 112.5mm to 115.5mm, and uses a taller (not larger) cylinder block.

The helibars don't seem that effective, it's be convertibars for me.

So in order to pay cash for this monster, I'll need to sell my 919 first and I have to part it out, which will take even longer but I'm focused on next season anyway and hopefully get a great deal on one around November.