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Thread: Taming a ZX-14

Created on: 02/12/12 09:19 AM

Replies: 31

chitownpete



Joined: 02/12/12

Posts: 7

Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 9:19 AM

I have wanted a ZX14 for a while. I rode my friends a few days ago and really liked the way the bike fit. The longer wheelbase and larger size are what I really like. I have a Versys 650 and it has all the speed and performance I need. I know the new ZX14r has different power modes but they cost more than I want to spend for a second bike. Is there anything you can do to this bike to limit the power output? I can just keep the revs low but wondered if there was anything else. I need to keep my license clean for work and ride slow. I ride with guys who have anything from Supermotos to vintage bikes, we just cruise. I have ridden R1/6s, GSXRs, etc. and they are just too cramped and racy for my riding. I would add bar risers and lower pegs if I got a zx-14, some of the used ones already have these mods. I love the stability of the ZX14 and it will look cool gathering dust in my garage. Thanks for all suggestions.

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heathun


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Location: Carrollton, Ga

Joined: 02/15/09

Posts: 543

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 10:47 AM

Not to be smart ass but the throttle is the only and best way to limit the speed and power. If you don't have enough restraint to control it on a 14 you won't have enough restraint on a 600.

I worded my response that way because you mentioned you needed to keep your license and said nothing about being concerned with power delivery to the rear wheel.


* Last updated by: heathun on 2/12/2012 @ 10:48 AM *



"You don't quit riding because you get old, You get old because you quit riding"!

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Danno


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Location:

Southwestern Illinois

Joined: 12/18/11

Posts: 2142

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 11:59 AM

I agree. Just because it'll do 185, nothing says you have to find out if it's true. Ride it the way you like and don't blame the bike for what you do with it. It'll only run as fast as you make it.



'07 CPB Blue; ZGST windscreen with MRA X-screen adjustable spoiler, tube bar adaptor, PC III, ATRE,BMC air filter, modified stock seat with 2nd Look cover,Scorpion Flame Ti slip-ons, Galfer rotors front and rear, braided-stainless lines, C-F 10R front fender, C-F hugger, C-F inner fairing panels, painted foreman's fins with faux C-F inlay, polished rim lips wired for heated gear and accessories, Givi V35 side bags and E41 topcase with SW-Motech qd mounts

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DogoZX


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Location:

Location: Location!

Joined: 02/26/09

Posts: 2889

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 12:11 PM

Is there anything you can do to this bike to limit the power output?




"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” HST

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dragking


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Joined: 04/22/11

Posts: 2464

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 2:07 PM

lol
That's a first. I agree with the other guys Power modes and TC is nice but my HTC: human traction control saved my butt many times. It's you it's not the bike fault if you get a ticket. That being said out of lots of high performance bikes, the 14 makes it too tempting. Welcome to the dark side!


* Last updated by: dragking on 2/12/2012 @ 2:08 PM *



2006 Ebony Black ZX14, Flies gone, Power Commander V, Brock's CT-Single, Brock's Street/Race Map, Schintz Racing Flash, Brisk Racing Spark Plugs, BST Wheels with World Bearing Ceramic Bearings, Scott Rotary Steering damper, Ohlins KA544 shock, FPK Ohlins kit, Brembo GP4 RX Calipers, Brembo RCS 16, Brembo RCS 19 with no Drag Half Lever, Spielger Front and Rear Brake Lines, Braketech Axis Cobra Front Rotors, Galfer Rear Wave Rotor, Shorai LFX21A6 battery, Sato Racing frame sliders, Zero Gravity Racing Screen/MRA double bubble Racing Screen, Rizoma universal lux billet grip, Rizoma Next Fluid tanks, Rizoma Swing Arm Spools, Pro-Bolt tasty Nuts, Gilles rearsets, Sargeant seat, Geelong small tank protector, Geelong Hugger, Bike master magnetic oil drain plug, vortex gas cap, cox radiator guard, Xenon HI's and Low's.

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 3:10 PM

That being said out of lots of high performance bikes, the 14 makes it too tempting. Welcome to the dark side!

+1

I was never going to do much over 70 mph or do wheelies. I was sure as hell never going to touch hard parts cornering. I was never going to race anyone. I was never going to ride on a racetrack becuase that is expensive and dumb and dangerous and i don't have the skill to ride on racetrack.

I was just gonna ride nice and easy like I did on my cruiser.

yeah, right.


hahha--maybe you know yourself better than I did, chitownpete. You have owned other sportbikes.

If you want to mellow the 14 a bit you could go to taller gearing. Stock gearing is 17/41. Most go up in the back to improve acceleration but if you want higher geared go to a smaller sprocket on the back. I went up 4 on the back and that raised rpm about 500-600 rpm highway speed. You want to lower cruising rpm, go smaller but I can't tell ya how much smaller you should go.



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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Grn14


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Location: Montana

Joined: 02/25/09

Posts: 15511

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 4:22 PM

You're either 'scared' of the potential power of the 14,or hungry for it.If ya go in thinking..."aw,I'll just ride her nice and easy EVERYWHERE"....sooner or later,you start dipping into those triple digits 'just this once'....ya....you start seein just how great she runs higher on up...you don't hang on to your old thoughts very long!The performance just keeps getting better and better as you own this bike.Even if it's perceptual.

Course,if you already have ridden something as cool as this bike...then....you MAY feel it's 'underperforming'.That could happen also(and I don't mean powerwise).A lot is in how ya see things.But by far...the 14 is THE top of the line in power and performance for what it was intended for.(along side the Busa).You can do so many different mods on these big bikes it's just awesome what you can end up with.


I think having a Turboed 14 would just be great!I don't want one NOW...but.....still....having that much power under your control and having fun with it.Oh Yeah!


* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/12/2012 @ 4:26 PM *

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lytnin


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Location: St. Louis MO

Joined: 02/08/09

Posts: 1006

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 4:46 PM

I got me a 14 because I wanted one. The power does scare me so while I do play every now and then I never use what it has to offer.

I made it into an old mans cruzer and it is smoother than my beemer going down the road.



2015 FJR1300A 2008 ZX14 2001 ZRX1200

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Boxmonkey



Joined: 01/01/12

Posts: 24

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 4:51 PM

If you're after the size of the bike, not the speed, there may be a better choice. I think the main selling point is the power. There are more comfortable sport touring bikes out there that might be less expensive.

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chitownpete



Joined: 02/12/12

Posts: 7

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 7:21 PM

Thank you for all the replies. I am also considering a B-King or Busa but Im very partial to Kawasaki's. The only brand I wont buy is Yamaha, I bought a new snowmobile and a new quad from them and they were both huge P.O.S.s, especially the quad. I don't need a second bike (I spend a lot of my free time on my bicycles) but I would like something a little longer and more stable than the Versys for longer rides. I also want a ZX14 because it is a work of art, okay in pictures but breathtaking in person. I survived a serious surgery and ever since I realized life is short and you have to live it up while you can. I had no problem riding my friends bike slow but am a bit intimidated by the power the ZX has. I have lot's of self control but not the best riding skills. I hope to take a class at the track next year to improve my skills. My MSF rider course taught me alot but I am not a natural when it comes to motorcycles. Wish me luck. A guy in my town had an 07 Blue that I missed because I was working, his ad expired so hopefully he puts his bike up again. 8,000 miles, $6500.

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dragking


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Joined: 04/22/11

Posts: 2464

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 7:51 PM

Seems like a fair price. Life is short, just get the bike. From what I have heard the busa has more grunt in stock form so...



2006 Ebony Black ZX14, Flies gone, Power Commander V, Brock's CT-Single, Brock's Street/Race Map, Schintz Racing Flash, Brisk Racing Spark Plugs, BST Wheels with World Bearing Ceramic Bearings, Scott Rotary Steering damper, Ohlins KA544 shock, FPK Ohlins kit, Brembo GP4 RX Calipers, Brembo RCS 16, Brembo RCS 19 with no Drag Half Lever, Spielger Front and Rear Brake Lines, Braketech Axis Cobra Front Rotors, Galfer Rear Wave Rotor, Shorai LFX21A6 battery, Sato Racing frame sliders, Zero Gravity Racing Screen/MRA double bubble Racing Screen, Rizoma universal lux billet grip, Rizoma Next Fluid tanks, Rizoma Swing Arm Spools, Pro-Bolt tasty Nuts, Gilles rearsets, Sargeant seat, Geelong small tank protector, Geelong Hugger, Bike master magnetic oil drain plug, vortex gas cap, cox radiator guard, Xenon HI's and Low's.

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scottfarm


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Joined: 04/22/10

Posts: 84

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 8:43 PM

Take one spark plug wire off.

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DogoZX


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Location:

Location: Location!

Joined: 02/26/09

Posts: 2889

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 8:47 PM

Take one spark plug wire off.

Fat tire and a chick with a fat ass would still be better, IMHO.



"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” HST

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Rook


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Joined: 03/28/09

Posts: 21240

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/12/12 10:22 PM

. I have lot's of self control but not the best riding skills.

The busa and the 14 are not going to surprise you with a wheelie.. They are made to stay down so you would really need to try to lift one off.

I was a total beginner to highs peed and sport riding when i got the 14. If you are used to normsalk street riding on a sportbike, i don't think the larger bikes will be much of a problem. coming to a stop and low speed is where you will need to be most careful cuz that is when you will feel he weight most.

i have the g2 busa and the 14. trust me, just get the one you like the look of best or feel most comfy on if that is important. The busa is a more refined machine. probably like the new 14r has become minus the extra 20 hp. the 14 has a more edgy character. not dangerous if you use common sense. if the bikes freak you out, you just ease into it. no reason you need to do more than 10-15 minute rides at first. If you can ride a liter bike this not too much different (wait i never road a liter bike!)


* Last updated by: Rook on 2/12/2012 @ 10:23 PM *



08 MIDNIGHT SAPPHIRE BLUE ZX-14 Now Deceased, will be resurected 2024 ZX-14R bran friggin NEW!

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tooncinator


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Location:

Colorado Springs, CO

Joined: 06/07/11

Posts: 273

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/13/12 11:35 AM

Just having a healthy respect and going easy should suffice. The first year I had my ZRX I was really conservative and did things like using an under-grasp hand position on the throttle (which tends to limit throttle opening), and concentrated on being as smooth as possible overall. After a year, playing nice with the 1100 became second nature. Now it is time to move up. And I agree about the tickets too, the Rex will get to go-to-jail speeds very easily, and I still don't have any tickets. Going with flow and conditions is the speed limiter most of the time.


* Last updated by: tooncinator on 2/13/2012 @ 11:38 AM *

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blacklightning


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Joined: 07/29/11

Posts: 249

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/13/12 12:44 PM

If you are looking for a big sport bike, that want have you cramped, and not very much power, get a 2000-2006 suzuki katana (don't laugh). When I tried to step into sport bikes, after getting a little tired of a cruiser, I picked up a 2001 katana with 7,000 miles for $1,700. The dimensions are practically the same as a hayabusa, with about 1/3 the power. A lot of people hate them, but they are great bikes for beginners if you are too big for a 250 or something like that. I purchased the zx14 for the looks and comfort. Don't need the power, but I let my wrist control the tempo that I ride.

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COOTER


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Location:

South West Florida

Joined: 04/27/11

Posts: 1342

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/14/12 12:52 AM

Why a ZX-14 is not for you!!!!
Strike one: You are asking how to slow it down before you even get one!
Strike two: you want it to collect dust in your garage! (The ZX-14 HATES to sit)
Strike three: (and this is the major factor) You say your ridding skills are bad!(if you over throttle in a corner the ZX-14 will hurt you or worse kill you and we don’t want that)
That’s three strikes you’re out what you need is a track bike up your control skill for a year and you will be ready for the ZX-14 next year!



Team panda (ride safe ride sober)

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chitownpete



Joined: 02/12/12

Posts: 7

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/14/12 8:11 AM

Thanks for the replies. The comment about not being to wheelie prone was significant, my friend confirmed this about his zx14 I rode. He mentioned his R1 wants to wheelie but he has to try with his ZX14. My skills aren't bad, I just don't have any track experience and I prefer to underestimate my abilities.I have ridden several sportbikes but have not owned one. I do have an M class license and did great in the MSF class. I have about 15,000 street miles under my belt with only 1 slow drop pulling into a parking lot next to a car wash. As far as collecting dust I work in the movie business and I wont go for a ride after a 12-18 hour workday so the more I work, the less I ride. My bike(s) always get started and run at least every 2 weeks when I dont have time to ride. Found an 06 with 7k on it for $6500. working on getting a truck, snow and salt on ground. I don't need another bike, I just want one. My Versys does everything I need, it's just a little bit less stable than I like. Thanks guys. Wish me luck.


* Last updated by: chitownpete on 2/14/2012 @ 8:37 AM *

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dragking


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Joined: 04/22/11

Posts: 2464

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/14/12 12:27 PM

Decent price. Is it stock? Try to shoot for $6000 max and see... Good luck!



2006 Ebony Black ZX14, Flies gone, Power Commander V, Brock's CT-Single, Brock's Street/Race Map, Schintz Racing Flash, Brisk Racing Spark Plugs, BST Wheels with World Bearing Ceramic Bearings, Scott Rotary Steering damper, Ohlins KA544 shock, FPK Ohlins kit, Brembo GP4 RX Calipers, Brembo RCS 16, Brembo RCS 19 with no Drag Half Lever, Spielger Front and Rear Brake Lines, Braketech Axis Cobra Front Rotors, Galfer Rear Wave Rotor, Shorai LFX21A6 battery, Sato Racing frame sliders, Zero Gravity Racing Screen/MRA double bubble Racing Screen, Rizoma universal lux billet grip, Rizoma Next Fluid tanks, Rizoma Swing Arm Spools, Pro-Bolt tasty Nuts, Gilles rearsets, Sargeant seat, Geelong small tank protector, Geelong Hugger, Bike master magnetic oil drain plug, vortex gas cap, cox radiator guard, Xenon HI's and Low's.

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Maddevill


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Location: Hayward, CA

Joined: 04/23/11

Posts: 2673

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/14/12 12:52 PM

Stuff a potato in one of the exhaust pipes.... Just stay aware of the potential and adjust wrist accordingly. You'll be fine.

Mad



Owner of KNGKAW.

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tooncinator


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Location:

Colorado Springs, CO

Joined: 06/07/11

Posts: 273

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/14/12 2:03 PM

I don't mean to be a fun-ruiner, but simply starting and running the dust-collectors every few weeks can be harmful in the long term unless the engines are run enough to get them up to full operating temperature. Moisture will get introduced into the system without being purged. Or something like that. If you are going to start it, get it good and hot by going for a ride.

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chitownpete



Joined: 02/12/12

Posts: 7

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/14/12 8:59 PM

Thanks everyone. Im on the hunt. I will be sure to post when I get one.

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Jagman


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Joined: 01/07/12

Posts: 295

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/17/12 1:29 PM

I seriously don't understand why you are considering this bike.



2012 BMW S1000RR
2012 BMW K1600GT
2012 Honda CBR1000RR
2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R (Gone but never forgotten)

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chitownpete



Joined: 02/12/12

Posts: 7

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/17/12 8:56 PM

Ergonomics and the stability of a longer wheelbase. I like sportbikes but they are mostly too cramped up for me. I ride like a cruiser so any bike is more than fast enough for me. If Kawi made a ZX14 with a smaller motor it would be perfect. My insurance is cheap so I am not limited by that. Sometimes I buy things just because they are cool.

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Grn14


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Location: Montana

Joined: 02/25/09

Posts: 15511

RE: Taming a ZX-14
02/17/12 9:04 PM

Unless your knees are in decent shape...the 14 IS gonna feel compact.I won't say 'cramped'...not exactly.But 'bent'...as in...bent legs...yes.That could get old if yer not okay with that.

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