H everyone! I'm new to the forums and I do not own a 14... Yet. I'm searching Craigslist trying to find a deal but in order for me to do that I need your help. As I start hunting Im getting a little bit scared off by the mileage numbers and instead of letting that fear rule my decision making I wanted to ask those who know.

My questions are:
What is a reasonably expected amount of miles on a ZX14 from 06-08?
How many miles have you put on your bike?
What parts do I need to focus on inspecting when looking at a bike in general? And on the 14's?
Are there any particular models or years I should be on the look out for?

Any other useful information about getting into a 14 would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for helping me out!
-DZ

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Any part that potentially can make contact with the ground on a tip over must be inspected. I also inspect the bottom fairing by the header pipes, incase they mounted the curb and cracked. Front braking and dropping the bike into first gear should be looked at. Checking pull in all gears and chain lag. I'd expect about 10,000km a year is average, 20k is high. I would also blue book the model year your looking at, to ensure the price fits. And of course a solid inspection during a well lite day is always advisable.

Generally that's how I kick the tires. Great bike, big, big changes for 2012, so if you have the bank, those years are worth investing.

Good luck,
MW

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What is a reasonably expected amount of miles on a ZX14 from 06-08?

There is at least one guy at Bikeland that had 100K on his 06. He said it was running as good as new. This was last year I read his posts. I have no doubt he is still there with the same bike or he got a new 14r.

How many miles have you put on your bike?

38,000 on my 08.

What parts do I need to focus on inspecting when looking at a bike in general?

Look for scraped oil drain bolt shield or dented headers below. Wheelies that came down HARD and hit. Brake pad wear bars --how much wear left in them. Sprocket--can you see hook shape to teeth...might. If you can see it that is pretty severe. How new do the teeth look on the sprocket. Are any missing? Look for pits on the outermost parts of the fairing, especially lowers and look under exhaust for dent....if you see this, the bike was tipped over. No biggy bur pretty good reason to not go with the offered price. Tires...how much wear before the wear bars are level to the tread? Does the guy have receipts and or pics of the maintenance done on the bike? Is it clean. If its dirty that is a good indication the owner neglected more important stuff.

And on the 14's?

Look at upper engine on the left side. Many leak. Can be fixed without too much trouble but a good bargaining chip if you find a leak. CAm chain will rattle at start up and it will clunk into 1st from N. That is pretty typical. Front brake may squeal at low speed and pushing the bike--typical. Chain past 3rd mark from front = needs replacing soon.

Are there any particular models or years I should be on the look out for?

If you look at an 06-07, make sure it had the frame recall work done to the swing arm. Just a bolt re-torque or if it was one that broke, new frame.

Good luck. I would NOT hesitate to buy a used bike now after owning 2 new ones. These babies are tough. I still would insist on feeling a used bike was properly cared for and I would insist on a low price. If I am going to pay big I'll buy new again.

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Oh, and even if you like the mods (if any), act like you don't care for them. That is a reason for the seller to keep his price up. Tell him to part the mods out and you'll take the bike stock. He'll knuckle under if he's motivated to sell....or try to sell to someone else ...but there are lots of used bikes out there. Don't pay more than half of what mods cost when new...even if just installed. They don't sell for more than half if parted out.

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Rook: Thank you so much! I could not have asked for a more throrough answer! This has already increased my knowledge immensely.
Wolf: thank you! This is a great start to my hunt for a bike!

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rook, I copied your purchase guidlines, they are good, good, good.

Rebel, can't wait to see the treasure you find my friend. Keep us posted!

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Rebel. I bought my 14 with 39,000 miles on it. I now have just over 50,000 miles. Thing purrs like a kitten. No oil usage, no smoke, no rattles, no clacks or pings. Still goes like a raped ape. I fully expect to get 100,000 miles before I even THINK about a rebuild. It's all about regular maintenance.

Mad

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Tru say maintenance is the key. Mad you do your own oil and chain adj or dare I say valves?

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I have 32,000 miles on my 2008 since new, and have replaced the following:

Tires - average 4k miles out of rear, 6-8,000 out of front
Brake pads & fluid @ 20,000 miles
Clutch fluid @ 20,000 miles
Chain/sprockets @ 20,000 miles
Engine coolant @ 20,000 miles
Air filter every 8-10,000 miles
Valve adjustment at 20,000 miles

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ZX rider, do you wrench on your bike and carry out this maintenance intervals yourself?
Wman

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Wolfman, I used to be a tech in the motorcycle industry so I still do most of my own maintenance.However, as I no longer have a garage, and my 83 GS750E project is taking up my storage unit, this time I am taking the ZX to a good shop for fork seals, new plugs and a T-body sync. I do all chain, tire, oil, and bodywork stuff myself. I usually do my own valves but this one was done less than 10,00 miles ago so I'm going to skip it for now. It's funny. I will still bring a bike in one at a time to work on for people, but I can't get enthused to work on my own. Maybe because no one is paying me?

Mad

BTW- oil changes on this bike have to be one of the easiest I have done.

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Mad, wished you lived here in Ontario, Canada. A good mechanic is hard to find!
Wolf

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