just wondered with the 14 in its last year and nothing to replace it if folk are thinking of chsnge. seems a long time ago now but i once said i could never see me getting rid of my 2005 ZX12R. I then rode a pals 14 and was hooked. On my second 14 now like quite a few on here i think but to me, the H2 included, there is nothing i look at other than the green and black lady in my garage. with b ugly electric bikes on every web site it may be my days are numbered with the "dirty" internal combustion engine but until someone explains where car/bike batteries get their juice and what happens to defunct batteries i'll stick with what ive got.

I think I heard the naturally aspirated might still be around. Unless the battery is lipstick size and can travel 1,000 miles a stick, the 4-stroke is here to stay. Where is my SC 1800cc Z?

* Last updated by: Hub on 9/15/2020 @ 2:05 PM *

I thought the 14R was going to be discontinued only in non U.S. markets. I've been watching the situation. I called my dealer about a 2021. He said he would know in a couple of weeks. My 2012 has 72K miles and runs great, but if 2020 or 2021 is the last year in the U.S., I'll buy a new one. There's just nothing out there that compares, even after 9 years in production.

Put yer money on the 2020 H2SE+.Seriously.The tech on the 14r is outdated.Great bike,but outdated.You'd be amazed how Kawasaki has upped the game with their supercharged new machines.Not just motor wise(they're brilliant),but electronics wise.Kawasaki's the King.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/17/2020 @ 9:48 AM *

I have thought about the H2SE. But I'm addicted to the torque of the 14R. A friend of mine had an H2SE that was flashed, and even though he was around 230hp, the 14R was significantly stronger up to 10K rpm. Also, the SE is only about 15 lbs. lighter. Now the regular SE is another story. Over 50 lbs. lighter than the SE. But, $29,000 MSRP is a no for me.

I'd wait to see if it's discontinued or upgraded or if it's not discontinued at all. Why buy what you already have?

I thought the 14R was going to be discontinued only in non U.S. markets. I've been watching the situation. I called my dealer about a 2021. He said he would know in a couple of weeks. My 2012 has 72K miles and runs great, but if 2020 or 2021 is the last year in the U.S., I'll buy a new one. There's just nothing out there that compares, even after 9 years in production.

I'm of the same opinion. I still have my 2012 with around 40k on the clock but I'd by a new one tomorrow if I had to.
It's not the SC that puts me off the H2 models, it's the electronics dependancy.

@peg.I think if you rode one set up for your personal likes and all you'd be thinking differently.Honestly.There's a huge difference between the two bikes.'Electronic dependance' is how you're seeing it.These are rider aids to help one have more fun.All the settings can be minimized.Most can be turned off.I know it's a lot of money.I couldn't pay the msrp either.I got a good deal on my trade ins.I can't really describe here how good this bike rides.Corners.Handles.RUNS.But I'm VERY happy with it.There's no negatives with me.Mine is stock.I'm gonna keep it that way.It's got plenty of everything I could want.It is a blast to ride.I had the H2 as you know.THis bike is way more fun,and my H2 was flashed and PC'd and piped.It definitely didn't have the rideability this one has.BIG difference.
I can throw this bike into the corners and feel completely confidant in it holding the road.The feedback is amazing.The IMU really makes a major difference in cornering at speed.It feels much more planted than the H2.Or the 14.And it doesn't feel heavier or anything.It just dives right in and you keep leaning and powering through and out.Without the chassis reacting to every bump in the road.It's amazing really.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/19/2020 @ 11:16 AM *

Grn, I assume you’re talking about the SX SE?

* Last updated by: zx9rmal on 9/21/2020 @ 10:15 AM *

@zx9rmal...Yes.But have no idea where you're coming up with 29K.That's not correct.Stock for stock,the SE is quicker,more torquey and more nimble than a 14r.And it definitely feels much lighter than the 14.Especially when cornering and transitioning.
In no way am I putting the 14 down.I'm not.These are two very different performing machines,that's all.

@Taffs.."just wondered with the 14 in its last year and nothing to replace it"...there is something to replace it.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/19/2020 @ 12:18 PM *

Grn. The H2 I rode was a joy to behold BUT like most of the range on offer now the slightly sporty riding position of the 14 (and of course the 12 before it) which i much prefer personally seems to be a thing of the past. I live around 100miles from a dealer. Since my first big K in 1976 I have maintained my machines myself. How I would get on with a SC engine plus electronics galore I'm sorry I don't want to find out.

It's possible with electric bikes round the corner I will be like the proverbial dinosaur. Only my thoughts.

Sa'll good.My H2 was good for what it was.Had a lot of fun on it.This SE is a sportbike in reality(to me).I mean..it's all in what one feels and how they want to ride.Each has their own way.I don't feel the electronics hinder anything.But I can feel how they enhance this bike.I wouldn't want it any other way.The handling and chassis control are excellent.Nothing weird happening when railing or carving.I don't need drama while riding.Just clean performance and usability.
If a person test rides one of these,it probably won't be set up for that rider.All that's adjustable.And they probably won't be taking it out and actually pushing it.I didn't on my first ride in 2018.And I was NOT impressed with it.Now I have the upgraded version.And it's amazing.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/19/2020 @ 1:13 PM *

I mean,your 14 has KTRC.And power modes.And ABS.Would you rather those weren't there?You have the option on the 14 to flash those out.Except the ABS.If you had a bike that instanly without feeling it kept the chassis oriented for peak performance in virtually any riding situation,wouldn't you want that?It all adds up to being able to increase your fun while pushing past your previous limits.Or adjusting your style for more fun.You don't feel the electronics doing anything.It's not like they're stopping you from pushing the bike and yourself.They allowing more options to the rider.They're able to be turned off any time.But why would you?The electronic suspension makes the ride way more enjoyable.Not less.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/19/2020 @ 1:51 PM *

Grn, the $29K I mentioned in my post was for the H2, not the SX, which I was comparing to. Don’t get me wrong. I like the SX SE. Acceleration is right there with the 14R, although slightly behind according to Cycle World’s numbers. As far as hp and torque, I can only tell you that my dyno chart laid over a flashed SE’s showed the 14R with more hp and torque yup to 10K. But, I can see where the SX would feel stronger because of lower gearing.
It’s not out of the question that I would have one.

I am starting to look at a post retirement touring bike and the H2 SX is on the list. I don't need all the bells (and associated cost) that come with the SE. The standard version with the touring option (bags) should suffice. I just can't go with the masses over to dual sport and a Harley tourer will eventually be a big heavy bike with age. Kawasaki has made some amazing bikes over the years...

Is the non-SE available. Only the SE is shown on the Kawasaki website.

Interesting.I don't see it on there either.I'd imagine you could still order one though.They have to have some leftovers I would think.It was listed on the model year 2018.I remember seeing it.
IDK.Maybe they stopped production of it.Put their focus on the SE+
The SX doesn't have the electronics package on it.Rather than get that bike,maybe check out some for sale,used.Low miles.The SE that is.Just a heads up though,the 2018's do not have the Electronic suspension either.That's what ya want..2019 or later.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/21/2020 @ 10:23 AM *

In Canada you can still get a 2019 SX new for less than $20K (Canadian) that's about 15K US. I will be looking for a lightly used one in a year or two. For now, the 14R checks the boxes...

My question is: how is It for long distance touring. When I went out East and back, I could easily do several 600 to 900 mile days. Not that there are many of those days in my future. How about traveling a week or two, all day, with the normal camera, fuel, food and stretch the leg stops. The 14 is a long comfortable machine. Plus you can get a clean, very low mileage bike (3000 to 5000 miles) for $7000 to $9000, with some good mods done.
The way I see it, it is a great bike, has always been one. If your over 60, the thing should last the rest of your riding life, if you have/get a low mileage bike. 10,000 miles per yer would put me at 100,000 miles by the time I am looking at 80. By then they will have a 220 bhp bike running on double AA batteries. Just my 2cents.
But then again if I was rich I would get a H2 to park next to the 14, along with a few other bikes, including a 73-H2

Great question. I am very qualified to answer that for you. I have 72,000 miles on my bike. I've done many long distance trips. I have had many BMW's, and I can tell you that the 14R is by far the best sport touring bike I have ever traveled on. The torque, the stability, the comfort/riding position, the handling. It's all there. And, I'm 73. Would I like a smaller, lighter bike? Yes. But as long as I can handle the bike, there is nothing else out there even close. That's why when it's announced that the 14R will no longer be offered in the U.S., I will buy the last year and that will be my last bike.

"there is nothing else out there even close".Uhm...yeah,there is.Made by Kawasaki.You just haven't ridden it yet;)

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/28/2020 @ 10:46 AM *

Point taken. I guess "in my opinion" should have been added. I HAVE been interested in the H2 SX, but I'm not in love with the looks of it, it's only about 15 lbs. lighter, and I prefer the big torque and taller gearing for low rpm cruising. Most importantly, it's significantly more expensive.

Perhaps a ride is in my future.

I seriously recommend riding one.The SE+ edition.Set to F,1(ktrc),soft.I wasn't so sure about the looks when the 2018 came out.Now having a 2020,oh yeah.The looks are very cool.(to me that is).It's very bold yet subtly very muscle car attractive.In a futuristic way...if that makes sense.Nothing else out there looks like it,that's for sure.
You can change the gearing on it.But the SE+ has that electronic suspension and IMU.That's the HUGE difference.Fully adjustable to suit any rider.(electronically).
If anything on the bike looked 'gimmicky',I wouldn't have gotten one.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 9/28/2020 @ 12:03 PM *

Well, at least I have some time now. The Kawasaki website shows a 2021 ZX-14R.