Just wanted to drop a line to say hello. I've been lurking on here for awhile, pondering whether I should upgrade my ride to the big ZX. Well, when I found a new 2008 red/black for $8,999 this weekend, the decision was made for me. I've got to say, this is one hell of a bike. I'm stepping onto this from a Ninja 650..yes, quite an upgrade I know and yes, throttle control in check. The only thing that throws me a little is how much bigger of a bike this is. It's going to take some time getting comfortable with the handling...

So, since I know this thread is worthless without pictures, here she is...

* Last updated by: bgordon on 8/31/2009 @ 7:08 PM *

Congratulations!

I stepped up to my zx14 from a 650r. A blue 07 actually. That's where the name slowninja originated from, but i liked it so i stuck with it LOL!

Welcome to the community!

Welcome, Spike. Great bike you have.

Hello txspike and welcome!

For a bike as large as this is, it will surprise you at how well it handles the curves. I would recommend adjusting the suspension to suit your weight and riding style. These come from the factory with the suspension a little too soft. Stiffen it up and you'll be tearing up the corners!

Also, check the headlight adjustment. Most on here, myself included, had to adjust the headlights up a bit. Only lit up the road 10-15 feet ahead of you.

welcome and very nice choice you made there lol

Nice bike Welcome aboard

rayers

Very nice bike. Welcome and congratulations!

and Congrats!!

nice bike and great price. looks like the 2010s are basically the same but list for 10K?!!!? more than you paid.
dave

^^I'll flip out if they really go that high. I think you were reading that thread about the price of 14s in Australia where the exchange rate is lower and the prices are higher. Still, Spike got a nice deal on a hot bike. I bet the 2010s will go for at least $13,000 OTD.

Welcome to the site my fellow Texan, enjoy!

Welcome aboard fro another lurker
I don't post much but I read alot

Welcome

Welcome from down under txspike.
She's a thing of beauty - not than I'm biased or anything!!!

I upgraded from a ZXR750 (which is not that much lighter) and thought the way the 14 feels it would only take a few months to get fully used to her. 7 months later I'm still getting to know her bad arse ways (lots of fun).

Welcome Spike If you replace those stock exhaust cans with some lightweight slip-ons, or even a full system, you'll be shocked at how much lighter and more nimble the 14 will feel. Those cans are tremendously heavy, and high enough up that they give the 14 a deceptively heavier feel. My 14 felt like a toy after I got rid of those anchors

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the warm welcome and all the great advice. I've got about 400 miles on her so far, and things are starting to get a little easier. One of the biggest differences (besides power, of course) I've noticed between the 14 and the 650 is cornering/maneuverability at speed. Relatively, it seems to take a lot less effort to weave, turn, etc on the 14 when going around 70-80. On the other hand, when I do take a large sweeping corner, I have to use a lot more of my body and lean the bike more. I don't know if I'm explaining this very well, but maybe you guys know what I'm talking about.

The biggest challenge so far has been tight maneuvering at low speeds. I park my bike in a storage shed in my back yard and to get it there I have to enter onto the sidewalk at the corner and turn across my lawn in such a way that when the turn is finished I am lined up perfectly to go through the center of my gate. Then I have to immediately dodge a plant, then a tree and then end up in a position where I can drive straight up the ramp into the shed. Fortunately, I haven't dropped it yet while engaging in all this nonsense - but this part is usually the most difficult part of my ride!

But, I have to tell you, I LOVE this engine. Smooth, incredibly powerful - but manageable power. I love the fact that I can be cruising along at 70 in 6th and effortlessly pass at 80 without even having to think about down-shifting. Right now though, I'm still in the break-in period and am religiously (most of the time ;-) following the Owner's Manual break-in guidelines. So, I haven't even begun to touch the real power that's there...

Yep the 14 really is a well designed package. Between the monoque frame that gets the weight down low and centralized, and that engine....its the most enjoyable bike I've ever ridden. Its 1352 cc's of velvet hammer. Just be careful because it takes deceptive acceleration to a whole new level....kinda like James Bond kicking your ass without even wrinkling his suit

* Last updated by: BadinBlack on 9/8/2009 @ 5:40 PM *

From

think how good you'll be at the maneuvering drills at bike night....your a shoe in to win the 10.00 off any entree at Jose's Grill

And welcome, spike. I'm surprised you didn't get any of these guys going on the break in particulars. My last bike before the 14 was a ZRX and the ZX seemed a little massive until I lost the stock exhaust. Losing that extra weight made a real difference in low and high speed handling. I think hub (you'll definitely be reading his wordz) weighed stock versus some aftermarket a while back and it's significant. BadinBlack nailed it.

NIce looking bike you've got and at a pretty decent price too.

I do need to ditch my stock exhausts.