Sold my 14 yesterday. First guy to see it bought it. When I go in the garage it feels so empty. I gotta believe it will be the coolest thing I'll ever own. I just couldn't enjoy it for more than a few hours anymore. Too hard on my back and shoulders and wrists.
I still have my nearly mint '79 GS1000E since new. Hell will freeze over when I let it go. I'm looking at the 2020 Kaw' Z900RS as it's new stable mate. There's still a few around but I may wait and hope the 2021 model has a paint scheme I like better. I think it'll be a nice bike. Been asking questions at a 900 forum and they've been very helpful. Speaking of which.....
I want to thank all of you for helping me with my many questions over the years, some on the pathetic side. You've been a great help. I appreciate each and every reply I've received over a good twelve plus years. It's what makes a forum work so well. I have to make special mention of Rook. To take the time to make those tutorials is just so cool. I hope he realizes how much help he's been. With the knowledge and the can-do-spirit he shares, it can actually keep an owner and his beloved 14 together. I may sound a bit weird saying "beloved", but I'll bet a lot of you understand. When you consider how many people there are on the entire planet, there's really a very small percentage that will ever experience the ZX14. Rook's a teacher in real life too. Like a successful forum, the whole world needs more like him. Thanks so much, bgordon, for taking the time and all the effort to provide us with this great site! If I ever win the lottery, I guarantee you'll be on my thank you list.
I plan to pop in once in awhile. I'll most likely have another Kawasaki before long, so there'll still be a blood connection. I hope Hub sticks around too. As I get older I'll need to exercise my mind by trying to break the code on some of his posts. And thanks to him too for the often very detailed replies that share his unique perspective.
You guys keep yourselves and your families safe with this nasty virus going around. Stay safe on the road. Be good! (OK, two out of three isn't bad.)

* Last updated by: KAK on 4/18/2020 @ 6:15 PM *

Thanks for the props, but let me give you a heads up. I rode that new 900. I could not wait to get off the thing, and it was just a short loop to feel it out. Whack power delivery somewhat, plus an even more whacked handling. It just didn't have a solid foundation, nor the stability characteristics like the 14. I should not even compare the two against each other. I have no clue why that made that thing at all. Let's say I'd buy a monster duc that might run rings around it for the same price... which is to say also, I wouldn't be caught dead with a duc. Keep looking.

Unless you test rode one, then, to each his/her own. Any bike you buy, throw the problems here for that different perspective. Way to many [valid] variables to be tossed out there and head you in the wrong direction.

* Last updated by: Hub on 4/18/2020 @ 8:34 PM *

Funny how I feel sad whenever I hear someone has sold their 14.

I'm with Hub on that 900.Rode about 1 mile.Turned around.headed back.Definitely not for me...ever!Don't know what they were thinking?Retro?Unexciting motorcycle to me...totally.

the zx14 is indeed an amazing companion
an essential part of road trip memories too
letting her go is no small decision... sorry to hear

Thanks for the replies.
Jeez. As if I didn't feel bad enough. Now I'm told the new bike I want is a POS?
I hope the opinions are a result of being on the 14 as your main bike. I DID read about how the #!#&*! EPA is hard at work f'in up every bike it can. As for the power delivery, the 900 forum guys call it a "snatchy" throttle. It seems to be more pronounced on the 2018 and possibly the 2019's. Apparently, during lower rpm deceleration, the fuel "cuts off" and abruptly turns back on when the throttle is re-opened. If it does it during cornering it can be a bother. How it effects things depends a lot on rider habits. Some don't feel it or aren't bothered by it and some don't like it. Only thing that bothers me is the 3 dealers I visited in the San Fernando Valley in So. Cal' won't allow test rides. I couldn't judge for myself before buying. Supposedly the 2020 either doesn't have the problem or it's much less. Because I'm not crazy about the 2020's paint scheme, it looks like I'm going to wait to see what the 2021 will be when it arrives. That allows more chance for any FI issue to be fixed. There's a member over there, "Ivan", who says he has a re-map available for about $350 if you send him the computer. I'm "technology challenged" and absolutely don't like the idea of spending another $350 and even more concerned I have to wait for the warranty to expire and pull out my computer to fix the FI?
As for handling, I'm surprised if it handles poorly, but I haven't ridden one. Even though I don't ride the 14 as fast as many others, I always felt the 14 had a pronounced "floating" feeling, like it wanted to drift, but maybe it's my fault. I've ridden a 41 year old GS1000 around since new with no issues at all and I've always felt more in control with it compared to the 14. I don't know how a retro-standard bike could have obvious handling issues.
As expected I suppose, the folks at the 900 forums say the 900 is a great all around bike. No mention of poor handling. Very few changes needed. Only the snatchy throttle thing is mentioned as a problem, and again, it depends on the rider and the model year.
I may be too picky, but I'm just not excited about 99% of the new bikes available. If the 900 has an issue that's a deal breaker, I have no idea what I'll buy. I finally got to see the other bike I liked, the 2020 Ninja 1000SX, and it just looks strange. I can't own something if I don't like how it looks. I also looked at the 2020 Suzuki GSX1000F and the first impression wasn't good. No test ride allowed on that either. To me, all the new Yamaha's look like something out of "Transformers". How do they come up with neon-orange and neon-lime-green wheels? Nothing from Honda either. I won't consider a Triumph and BMW's are ugly and over-kill to me. Don't like the cruisers and wouldn't be caught dead on a Harley. So I'm in a bad spot if I don't want the 900.
I appreciate the heads up. When I told the 900 forum members about the local dealers policy of no test rides, they provided some info about dealers that did allow test rides with no problems. I may have to go to a dealer I didn't expect to. I will say that I guess I've been lucky with buying bikes without a test ride allowed. I've bought a new '78 RD400, '79 GS1000, and the 14 without a test ride and loved all 3 of them.

* Last updated by: KAK on 4/19/2020 @ 1:40 AM *

My son bought a leftover 2018 Z900 last year. He and I have traded while riding, he on my '16 ZX14R and I on his Z900. I thought it was quite entertaining, kinda like a Ninja 650 with lotsa balls. In fact, in same gear, 5th and 6th, at around 50 mph, the Z900 walks away til the mighty ZX14 gets into some power. Of course he was mesmerized by the power of my ZX14, like I am every time I twist the throttle... The Z900 is geared a little low, giving it an edge in same gear roll ons. The Z900 feels like you can toss it around like friggin toy. The seating position is more sit-up like the 650 Ninjet (he has my dad's 2008 650 Ninjet) and comfy in that regard. The seat might not be real comfy for long hauls, as my son may find out when he, my 87 year old dad and I go down to Deals Gap in Sept, unless the Kung flu keeps us away. My dad and I have been going down there almost yearly since 1989, way before it was toooooo well known, especially by HD guys holding up mini vans

So, I think the Z900 would be damn fun bike and a decent commuter. OR,,, the much higher priced Z1000 H2...

My .02,
ominousone

KAK, there's simi kawi and wheels of motion off de soto. Don't know about rides, maybe for wallet value? The kawi 650 twin is a kick. I would love one. I was impressed with that model. Though, the more cylinders, the smoother the engine. Those harleys are not a bad product. A for example. Refreshed an old injector bank with fresh nose orings and body orings. Suz top and bottom rubbers times 8 = 70 something bucks. Evo harley complete top end set for both cylinders, 95 bucks. That's base/head/4 layers of top cover rubbers, the screw down cover gaskets, exhaust gaskets, intake gaskets; times 2.

I'm a snatch'r for sure. That's bottom end snap, wink-wink, wheelie prone. Call me spoiled. The 14 is a floater for sure. Neutral steering. Rides on a rail where you won't fall off the I-beam; it's that stable. When I had the ape twin, it was all the article said it was with every sentence. Joined the ape site, found out the snatch/snap can be cured by removing the OEM intake's snout bolted to the air cleaner. Just for grins, or more like what are they feeling differently? Sure enough, I lost leaving the light with a slight wheel off the ground. Took the snatch away just like that. Threw it right back on, made comments they didn't like and booted me out.

Take a friend, let him grab the front wheel between his legs, hands on bars, you mount the bike and sit there with hands on grips and wait for the residuals to appear. Hand's numb? Can't sit any farther is the back arch? Once you sat there for 20 minutes waiting, you now place your feet on the ground and swish the bike between your legs. Too heavy to pull back upright? Both sides feel equally balance on the pull up? Hands off bars and now swish it legs only.

I did the swish with a yammie top of the line r1 is it? It was like swapping a bicycle frame between my legs. Unreal.

* Last updated by: Hub on 4/19/2020 @ 10:06 AM *

When I am ready to give up my ZX14r, it will be for a mid powered sport touring bike for my retirement years. Until then, I have my Harley for long distance riding and the 14R for in town and short haul (less than 1000 km) loops. I still find the bike relatively comfortable for a sport bike...

Maybe take a peek at the Ninja 1000. More upright riding position, and you still have some grunt
and comfort. Comes with luggage too.

Mad

ominousone, are you talking about the Z900 or the Z900RS? Very different bikes. I'm considering the Z900RS, the "retro-style" bike.

Mad, the 2020 Ninja 1000SX was one of the bikes on my very short list. As soon as I saw it in person, I was disappointed. Maybe I've been spoiled by the 14's full bodywork? I don't like to see too much of hoses and tubing and linkages and.....I just can't take the 14's ergo's anymore. The garage sure has a big, ugly, empty space in it.

Hub, I went to both Simi and Wheels in Motion. I bought my 14 from John at Simi. I've always like them. He didn't have any 900's and thinks he may not get any more. Wouldn't even take a deposit to search for one. Doesn't matter now as I've decided to wait and hope the 2021 is what I want.
Don't know what to say about the FI issue or how you say it handles. The 900 forum says the bike handles fine. Usually, if a bike has an issue, a simple search will lead you to information about that issue and you can decide for yourself what you're getting into. As for what some of the 900 members call "throttle snatch", the majority say they don't notice it, or it doesn't bother them. Some say the 2020 doesn't have the problem at all or it's much less. All the members agree the issue greatly depends on the riders habits and how the throttle is used. Many of the members do have the bike re-mapped and then say the bike is about perfect.
The forum I became a member at I'm guessing is made up of a higher percentage of older riders? Owners who used to own "standard" bikes? Owners who don't need or want tons of power or technology and need something more upright? Maybe they don't ride the bikes as "hard" as others? I don't know. Maybe that has something to do with no complaints about handling or less issues with the FI?
I do appreciate you and Grn giving me your opinions. Now, there's no way I'll accept being told I can't test ride the bike. I've since found several dealers that will allow test rides.
By the way, when you say the 900 handles so badly, how would you compare it to old standards like my '79 GS1000, assuming you've ridden some stock, late '70's early '80's bikes? Those bikes are all considered poor handling bikes, but that's when compared to today's bikes. I have zero issues with my GS.

* Last updated by: KAK on 4/20/2020 @ 11:01 PM *

Whoops, sorry Kak, I am referring the the Z900, not RS.

ominousone

KAK, in the trackday section of the homepage, I threw in an old race photo. It was a '79 GS1000 I campaigned. No chassis mods at all. Never wobbled, never got upset no matter the input. The old Z1 frames needed bracing. To be honest, the GS handled better.

At one time I was interested in the yammie triple. I joined up to see how it was going to hold up out in the field. Way too many problems appeared for me to think about one. Clutch baskets were breaking, '014's had a snatch, and the factory smoothed out the complaint. So between removing the snatch I like, busted up clutch baskets, side stand/N/kill/key combos and the bike won't run or some sequence there of... pass. They too booted me off.

So if you archive the last 14 or so years here, this model has been one dependable beast. Why start looking for trouble. If the field has a problem, it will show up at those sites. If the engine is solid, as well as the other ergonomics, wait for the '21 updates. More miles, the more something shows up in making a final decision.

Thanks, Hub.
Was just wondering where Rook is? I did a search and it looks like his last post was April 3rd.
Just hope all is well with him.

Photo taken in Oct 1993 at Bandimere Raceway outside of Denver. GS1000 with a supercharger.

Wow very cool...

Sounds like the bike is not even leaned over much and shit is scraping off. Nice sounding engine. Typical.

Sad to see a 14 owner move away but its a free world (I think). With the 14 in its final year for most of the globe i guess we will see others looking at new steeds. It reminds me of the my fabulous ZX12R 15 years ago. Lie2me was prolific in his tales and i said i would never sell the 14. I did and im on my second 14. From time to time i ride other makes from Ducati to Triumpph to Suzuki to Harley. All mighty fine bikes but i cannot wait to get back on the fabulous 14. It would be a very dark day if the ROOK or the HUB were to depart this site so i hope Grn 14 keeps sending them their big cheques,, LOL.Stay Safe guys. Taff.

Humble apologies Grn i should have said BGordon.

I can see BG throwing up the next gen. If the site was up when the 12 was in its heyday, we might see 12,14,15(?) Next gen has to be faster/quicker or it won't sell. Why?... cash waiting.

Hub, you know they're just going to wait for somebody else to jump in the game before they make a move. I love the busa but I gave up on Suz. Now they're damned if they do and damned if they don't. They're screwed. I think the 14R might just be as far as it goes and eventually, the US is going to yield to pressure from the rest of the world and follow the path of ecological responsibility which I think sucks (motorcylces a threat to the ecology-pff). The next great hyperbike will have an electric engine.

Thanks for the video, Hub. You have better ears than me. I don't hear anything scraping.
Rook, I agree with the electric bike comment. Glad to see you post. For awhile I wondered where you were.

Glad to see you are back ROOK. 100% agree about the next superbike, twill be electric im sure. I reckon it wont be long before Grandkids ask what was an internal combustion engine and we will take them (on line of course) toa museum to see what it was all about.