Too long since I read or posted on the best 14 site.
Sadly through my error I wrote off my gorgeous 14. Looking at clocks I was doing something I can't now remember, looked up and an 18 wheeler was taking my space to turn I panicked,hit the side and the deck. Broken leg, 5 ribs, punctured lung, collar bone. That's 3years ago. Wife says no new bike but it's due shortly..Great to see old names still going strong, gen14, Rook,Hub
Best wishes to you guys

Howdy Taffs! I'm glad you survived that. There must have been something in the air in 2021, my off was three years ago too but I got more lucky than you did in the injuries department. It's not something I wish to compete at so you win the trophy!

I just bought a 14R. I'm pretty sure I will be riding a lot more conservatively bu t I am returning to riding.

Rook. What you get. I just picked up a 2012 low mileage. Blue.

VERY NICE! The blue with black fins was always one of my favorites. I got a 2024 40th Anniversary Edition 14R a week ago. I still haven't had time to take that all important first ride. I have to perfect my setup of nuts and washers so the bolts don't crush dents in the plate. The rear fender will be one of the first things I take off the bike but for now, that will be the license plate holder.

https://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=95778160-D7DD-811C-43AB06FF7A4E07E6

* Last updated by: Rook on 6/12/2024 @ 6:24 AM *

2024, a piece beyond me after so long off earning. I got me a 2010 spark black metallic Gen1 with genuine 11,000miles. One owner who I know vaguely.
ROOK I hope you get some great miles under your belt with the new machine ROOK.

I was dreaming about getting another Gen1 but I've wanted a Gen2 for many years. The Gen2 was right in front of my face so I grabbed it. Yes, most of my money is gone now but it's building back quickly. A couple days of overtime and I'll more than double my pay for the week! I will get a Gen1 someday soon unless I start rebuilding the wreck I already have. I do relish the thought of undertaking that project.

Rook, What is it, you like about the gen1?

* Last updated by: ZXAdventure on 6/29/2024 @ 10:41 AM *

Mostly that it was my first beloved sportbike but in addition to that, the Gen1 is 24 lbs lighter than the Gen2 which I guess makes a little difference. My modded Gen1 was actually a little over a hundred pounds lighter than my stock Gen2 and I can really feel that sitting on the new bike. I'm sure I will be able to do all the weightloss mods on the new bike that I did on the Gen1 but the new bike will still be 20 lbs heavier. A good portion of that extra 20 lbs might be in the larger displacement engine. The triple tree cover looks a lot beefier the handlebars look longer and the I wouldn't be surprised if the fairings weigh a few pounds more than a set of Gen1 fairings.

Other than the weight, I think the Gen1 looks just a little more appealing to me. I never liked that whimsical shark mouth looking shape under the top fairing of the Gen2. What is its purpose? I think the purpose is to look like a shark mouth. The front wheel well already looks like a shark mouth but it also has purpose which justifies its appearance. "Form follows function," that principle is the First Commandment of modern design and Kaw really broke it! I notice some of the older models of 14R are painted so as to conceal the shark mouth grimace and I think that was a wise move. For fun, I might make a vinyl Flying Tiger mouth and stick it on my 14R someday! The fins on the Gen1 serve no purpose at all. At least the fins on the Gen2 could act as a sort of an obstruction to larger debris flying into the fairing. I like the updated look of the fins on the Gen2 and they seem to fit the rule of FFF like everything should nowadays.

The looks of the stock exhaust on the Gen2 are vastly improved but who keeps the stock exhaust on the bike? Come to think of it, the stock exhaust is probably another thing that increased weight over the Gen1.

The triple tree cover on the Gen1 has more of an elegant shape and the paint has a slight luster to it. The Triple tree cover on the Gen2 is bulky with a huge ignition cylinder and a dull finish.

Given the choice, I'd take a Gen2 over a Gen1 without even thinking. The Gen2 is a stronger bike and "strong" is what I buy hyperbikes for. The 14R is at the top of the food chain and I think it's going to stay there. I still miss my Gen1 though.