I got a new '09 ZX 14 two days ago, I need tow pieces of info:

1) I want a center stand, I am leaning toward the Kawi made under the frame model but I am also considering the kawi made shop stand. Besides weight, are there any disadvantages to the permanent type under the frame? Does it reduce cornering clearance, for instance? Any disadvantages I need to consider?

2) The front suspension doesn't feel right. When I am breaking and I hit a bump, the front "klunks" as though it is bottoming out. I am not 100% sure, but I don't think it is bottoming out. I am going to the dealer tomorrow for them to see, but I need your comments to be prepared for the "they all do that" response. The motorcycle handles and feels perfectly fine in every other respect.

I'll post pictures and relate my buying experience in another message.

I have had my 14 for 3 yrs its an 08... I just put the Kawi centrestand on this yr and it is so friggin handy!! I have no troubles with cornering at at all and weight is not an issue. Yes it adds a bit of weight, but I have not noticed any difference in the way she drives.... I know it may be an issue if you are a serious track rider or do track days often cause it may scrape round corners on a track.... or if you were serious about drag racing of course you wud't want the weight as that cud mean tenths of a second...

I thinkn its a great mod for the average rider and daily driver, you won't be disappointed.... the intructions with the Kawi centre stand were kinda vague, there is a thread on here somewhere that really helped me with the install... I have zero complaints with the centre stand.. here are a couple threads that may help ya...

http://zx14ninjaforums.com/messages.cfm?threadid=B23C800F-1372-66AE-3B5306E85CC38863

Oh and Welcome to the forum!!

* Last updated by: Fuzz4141 on 8/29/2010 @ 12:14 PM *

Fuzz

Thanks for the link, it was helpful in many ways, I am ordering the center stand tomorrow.

I see now that the kit includes a grab handle, the parts guy at my dealer suggested I also purchase a grab handle that goes behind the rear seat to help put the bike on the stand. Obviously, that other handle is not needed.

it shud be innluded in the kit with the center stand...

The front suspension doesn't feel right. When I am breaking and I hit a bump, the front "klunks" as though it is bottoming out. I am not 100% sure, but I don't think it is bottoming out. I am going to the dealer tomorrow for them to see, but I need your comments to be prepared for the "they all do that" response. The motorcycle handles and feels perfectly fine in every other respect

the klunk you hear is the front bottoming out have the suspension setup for your weight by a good shop which excludes most dealerships. Once its setup it will handle a lot better

* Last updated by: willidx4 on 8/29/2010 @ 5:18 PM *

Not trying to be a smart-ass, really, but what overwhelming advantage is there to adding the center stand. I remember a dozen years ago when I had my Blackbird, I yanked the stand and it its mounting hardware and must have shed 18-20 pounds off the bike. I just saw no practical need for the center stand, besides it would klunk when going over bumps.

Just looking for a logical explanation.

Probbly thesafest way to lift a bike. I havw never used one but we al know the stands that are not permanenetly attached to the bike take some getting use to.

I got a paddock/stand just before my stack an did'nt feel safe using it solo,it also gets in the way for cleaning purposes, it's great when on long day trips to easily relube the chain,it's also great when you have to park on uneven soft ground, or a oval like on the toy run toy here (Australia) PS;some won else said take the differance with small belly fairing and hardware,(incl 6kg) for cans) then weight is not be a problem ! so how many riders who needs to save ? off a second anyway !!

* Last updated by: bean07 on 9/9/2010 @ 6:47 AM *

willidx4, I increased the spring preload one notch, I hope to ride it tomorrow and continue increasing the preload. It rained a lot today.

tflendav, I like the center stand for lubing the chain, cleaning the bike, checking the oil and coolant levels, thoroughly inspecting the rear tire, and the bike takes up a little less space in my garage (I have two cars, two bikes, and a Kendon bike trailer in the garage). I am lucky that a heavy metal bracket must be removed in the ZX 14 to install the stand so at least some weight must come off.

* Last updated by: runnerhiker on 8/29/2010 @ 11:04 PM *

tflndav; "I just saw no practical need for the center stand"
After watching my '76 KZ900 tip over off the side stand in a concrete parking lot, in 1st gear, 2 hours after I parked it, (windy day) I never trusted the side stand again!

willidx4, I increased the spring preload one notch, I hope to ride it tomorrow and continue increasing the preload. It rained a lot today.

tflendav, I like the center stand for lubing the chain, cleaning the bike, checking the oil and coolant levels, thoroughly inspecting the rear tire, and the bike takes up a little less space in my garage (I have two cars, two bikes, and a Kendon bike trailer in the garage). I am lucky that a heavy metal bracket must be removed in the ZX 14 to install the stand so at least some weight must come off.

Don't try to guess you might stop the front from bottoming but leaving the rear setup the way it is going to give you the rocking horse affect when getting on and off the gas. Suspension setup even basic suspension setups are more complicated than feel you can't guess a good shop will charge you about $50 its the best mod you can do to a stock bike period.You might want to ask around a bit about the center stand I recall some people having problems getting some brands aftermarket slip ons to fit right with the center stand.

Alg8r; Yours is the best example for the use of a center stand, all the other reasons seem to be addressed by simply using pitbull stands.

What so how doya take a pit bull stand with ya on a long day trip to relube yer chain,sounds like another very valid reason to!!!PLUSS as alg8er said I TOO PARKED my blackbird next to my falcon, started to read my sat.paper, my son came in and said dad your bike is on your car!! after me sayin to him "bullshit" I thougth he was mucking around !! I went out to the garage to see $3750 damage to my car and $4000 to my bike so I no that was a "very good reason' for using and wanting a "Centerstand" and also the "obvious" other 'L O G I C A L" reasons !!!!!!!!!!!

* Last updated by: bean07 on 9/9/2010 @ 7:04 AM *