We know the '12 14R weighs 17 lbs. more than the '11.....584 vs. 567 wet, according to the reviews. We also know the wheels are 3 lbs. lighter, so the rest of the bike gained 20 lbs. The '12 mufflers are huge but I can't imagine they are 20 lbs. heavier than the previous big mufflers. The frame has been stiffened and we now have TC, but is their much additional weight there?

Anyone?

The frame is a bit longer too. +10 lbs at the most, I would say. Fairings brake line chain maybe a few other things have to be a bit longer to accommodate the extra couple " wheelbase. ABS ads a little-- lot less than I ever imagined according to what I learned about older Honda ABS. Say +5 lbs for ABS. The exhaust could easily be another +5 lbs.

Engine.The engine's bigger...beefier.More oil.Exhaust headers...bigger.Airbox...bigger.Radiator...bigger...more fluid.Chain...new design...heavier to handle the torque.Triple cats.Two rad fans.New rotor materials.Bodywork...more of it.And yes...those cans...they are heavier for this bike.They actually did very well at minimizing weight increases with this bike.Although the frame and all have been stiffened and somewhat redesigned,the overall package is actually lighter than a comparable zx14 earlier year bike.Meaning....the 'upgrades' on this new one are much better in terms of weight savings.It is however heavier than a previous model...but it's relative to what this bike offers.It would be much heavier had they not redesigned the components and how they manufactured them...material wise.If that makes any sense.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 4/5/2012 @ 12:51 PM *

Is the engine case actually bigger? I thought it was just a bore/stroke increase. NOw that I think, we were looking at pics that seemed to indicate parts of the motor were different. I thought it was basically the same size block.

I would say Kaw did a great job with the weight control. This thing should weigh at least 70 lbs more than the Gen 1.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/5/2012 @ 12:50 PM *

I'm not positive the case is bigger...but the configuration of things IS different.The heads are bigger.The ports are bigger.Looks to me like the trans is also 'beefier'...if not actually...'bigger'.Very subtle how they managed to build this bike to perform like it does.

I know this motor takes more oil...I would say the clutch has had a revision as well...could be heavier...IDK.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 4/5/2012 @ 12:55 PM *

Thanks.

Yea Kudos to Kawi on the wieght control. If Honda made a 1441cc hyperbike, it WOULD weigh 100 lbs more that the 14R

* Last updated by: Auron on 4/5/2012 @ 4:24 PM *

From Grn's list on, think in grams, ounces, then pounds:

1. Tone wheels.
2. Tone wheel bolts.
3. Tone wheel telemetry box.
4. Tone wheel box hold down pad.
5. Tone wheel box bolts and/or pad area needed for box.
6. Tone wheel box wire harness.
7. Tone wheel handle bar switch.
8. Tone wheel hall effect window catchers.
9. Tone wheel connectors; count them.
10. Parts is parts add up.

Frame gusseting:

1. Heavier front tip.
2. Heavier back tip.
3. 60% more air cleaner is more weight of the filter cartridge.

Wheels:

Dropped 3lbs. off those to compensate for the mode switch parts is parts are shaved here.

Swing arm is ??mm longer is more weight to add to that length. See the additional weight? This is going to be a GL-Boat if you don't watch out.

Swingarm...10mm longer...Gusseted,yes....lighter material...yes.This frame is not the same material as the previous versions...I can tell ya that.But yeah...the other stuff does add up.Just one thing I noticed...mentioned it before,but...the muffler hangar brackets on the earlier models....pick one up.

Now...pick up one from the new bike.You'd swear it's made out of plastic.But it's not.Same with a bunch of areas of the new bike.Aircraft grade stuff IMO.Swingarm(s).Airbox.Subframe rails and stuff.All new and revised.Brake calipers...new...lighter.Rotors...lighter,but stronger.Even the pads are totally new for this bike.Speaking of brakes...awesome...just flawless.Single finger operation....very nice...smooth....linear.Not even a trace of judder,vibration or anything.Just smooth strong decel power.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 4/5/2012 @ 10:34 PM *

Aircraft grade stuff IMO.

no, alien spacecraft technology.

We know it is alien technology. No doubt. Ever since the first cellphone capture of the streaking green ball of light!

Alcoa has a new process for aluminum that evenly distributes spherical voids.
The metal looks like sponge but still has comparable mechanical properties of solid castings and plate.
But weighs less of course. If someone were to ditch their exaust bracket and send it to me i will do an analysis.

What about the new oiling system that cools the under side of the pistons? Any weight gain there? The clutch is all new as well.

* Last updated by: 21744 on 4/6/2012 @ 11:04 AM *