I wonder if the 2015 model will be the next "generation" of the big ninja

I suspect we will see, if not in 2015? Then almost certainly in 2016, another revitalization of our bike, as they did in 2012

I don't look forward to seeing my beloved 2012 flamed green machine become "that older version". Lol

How soon do you think we will see changes in the design, engine/performance, etc.?

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 1/24/2014 @ 7:33 PM *

My guess is that until Suzuki answer's back with the next gen busa, why change if your kawasaki? You on top of the mountain, and your bike gets really good reviews. Only change I suspect may be different exhaust. I think everyone will follow suit with triumph, yamaha, and honda and we will see a flooded market of smaller cc bikes over the next couple years. Then factory turbo's after that. No more high displacement engines. Same trend as the car's. Small high output 4 cylinders vs the v8's.

^ Yep.

Mama Kawi isn't likely to change much until a larger threat emerges from Suzuki or anyone else.

That being said, I posted this in the off topic section; but wouldn't it be cool if the next gen bikes came with something like this:

http://www.enginelabs.com/news/nissan-unveils-lightweight-1-5l-3-cylinder-making-400-horsepower/

The heck with that supercharged jet ski motor.

They'll probably release some form of the Ohlins version in the US in 2015- in Thailand we got only the Ohlins shock this year (along with the standard exhaust), but other markets got the full-on special edition with the shock and Akra slip-ons.

Kawi waited a year to introduce the ABS version to North America as well.

How bout this for 3rd gen, 88 pounds for 400hp!

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/nissan-ultimate-motorcycle-engine/#more-54828

ZedX, I posted the same motor. lol.

Maybe colors changes and a few extras?I know people like to improve (fix) things that are not broken.Could be in a few yrs everyboby will look back and think these were the greatest yrs for the 14r.Not saying they'll overthink things too far but have seen it happen to other products.Having bracket bolts in place for luggage racks/grab handles would certainly help instead of having to break out a drill.I find the bike perfect as is but I'm sure some engineer has ideas on how to "fix" something about it.

The first gen made a 6 year run. What makes you think that they will change things up?

I was replying to the OP and also didn't know that the 1st gen made a six year run.They have a good bike going and hopefully they won't change anything.If they kept the 1st for six yrs then it would seem they have a good grasp on not tinkering with things that work unlike some other industries that can't seem to do that.I would see a possibility in making abs an option in several different colors.I would have prefered black but my year "13" only came in green.I wouldn't change that now though that I've gotten a lot of positive comments on the color,especially from the women and that's always a plus.

Kawi has no competition right now, however, if their R and D department develops the supercharged 14 or 15r next gen before Suzi steps up with the Busa, the BUSA shall be decimated. Play nice or naughty Kawi, me wishes you'd suzi!