Hello guys, My name is Jay. I just signed up for this forums. I recently just got a job at a diesel shop as a tech. My shop also sells high end bikes. on Monday, My boss gave me a great deal on a 2008 ZX-14.($6500 with only 1100 miles on it). I'm already in love with it. I understand that it is not a Beginers bike, but, my thing is, whether its a bike or a car, it only goes as fast as you tell it to. I've had it up to 80 on the freeway so far.

Owning the ZX-14 has totally changed my perspective on bikes. My dad rides harleys. I always said i would get one, because i figured i would just kill myself on any time of sport bike. However, from the moment i fired the engine at the shop, i could tell this was the bike for me. I'll admit I was scared as hell when i first went on my test drive. I dont think i left 1st gear and no faster than 35mph.

I've had it for a week now, and am starting to get the hang of it. I'm still learning how to turn correctly, and lean more. Still a bit scared. The thing is. I dont know at what point the front tire will come off the ground in a straight line, and at what point the bike will wash out around a corner.

I have a MSF scheduled for 2 weeks from now.

Already have a lot of plans for the bike. Here is a picture of my baby now...

I already have plans to get it painted...i was thinking something along the lines of matte green, sort of like this:

what do you guys think?

* Last updated by: racernv on 6/8/2014 @ 9:16 PM *

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And like i said in my original post, the thing that scares me the most about the bike is how brutal the accelerations. I'd like to really get on it, but i have no clue at to what point the front wheels going to come up on me. And if it does, i'm not sure i'm going to be able to handle it coming back down without whiping out. Any tips for me?

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...it is not a Beginers bike, but, my thing is, whether its a bike or a car, it only goes as fast as you tell it to.

That's the problem with a ZX-14 and a beginner. Unlike many other vehicles which actually do NOT go as fast as you tell them to due to limitations in power delivery, the ZX-14 WILL do exactly what you tell it to at almost any speed. The good news is that if you tell it to go gently, it will and I'm always amazed as how ridable the ZX-14 is. It purrs along at 20 mph without any problems. If I want to get up to speed on a freeway ramp, boom, it's there!

But if I'm stupid and think WOT (wide-open-throttle) is cool, it will gladly deliver full HP to the rear wheel and if conditions or my position is not correct, boom, I'm crashed!

You have not really picked the best bike for learning on but the ZX-14 can be ridden by beginners. Focus on smooth and gentle ALL the time. Don't give into the temptation to crack the throttle, even ONCE! Keep in mind that you are riding one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful, production motorcycle ever made. It demands the utmost respect. Give it that respect and it will reward you with an incredible riding experience. Fail to give it that respect and you will be very sad indeed.

By the way, nice looking ZX-14!! Welcome aboard!

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I also not a fan of the all matte green color scheme. The black on the ZX-14 looks really great in my opinion. What about some green accents like this:

Just the fins on the side and the wheel stripes. You could leave out the Monster logo if you ask me.

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jwh20, thanks for the encouraging words. I posted on reddit. And just got called a dumbass whos on suicide. My thing is, I'm 27 years old, 6 year combat veteran.I'm not a child, and i dont drive like a child. I know exactly what that bike is, and it scares me, but i love it. I respect it.

Question though. I was watcvhing some videos on youtuvbe, and a guy got pulled over for having aftermarket light kit on his bike. Are ground effect lights illegal?

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Being scared of the bike is what will keep you alive my man. When you lose respect for this machine is when she will bite you in the ass. The one thing that keeps me safe is I never ride outside of my comfort zone. As for when the front will come up, well that just a milestone you'll cross one day. My best advice on that is just to sneak up on it. Leave it in First gear at a low rpm, go wide open throttle to the point the handle bars start feeling light in your hands. At that point is where the tire is leaving the pavement. When that happens, ease out of the throttle, dont slam it shut because you want it to gently set down, and not slam back to the pavement.

* Last updated by: Nastynotch on 6/10/2014 @ 8:56 AM *

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And just got called a dumbass whos on suicide

I never understand why people do that sort of thing. It does nothing to help. If you have a death-wish how is someone here going to stop you? Is a ZX-14 the best choice for an inexperienced rider? Probably not but my main concern is that inexperience coupled with immaturity is a recipe for disaster. You clearly have the maturity to temper your inexperience and are taking steps to remedy the inexperience.

But I'll say that even for a seasoned rider the ZX-14 is a challenging bike to master. But, as others have noted, if you respect it properly, it will reward you with a riding experience like nothing else!

As far as aftermarket lights, it's not always clear what is and is not legal. There are federal, state, and even local laws regarding this and so there is a lot of uncertainty. But that combined with an over-zealous LEO will get you a ticket every time. This sort of thing is VERY frustrating as in the scheme of things, there are a lot more important things an LEO should be doing than worrying if you have illegal ground-effect lights on your bike or not!!

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You seem to have a sound, adult mind. That will carry you a long way. If you never ride, you'll never develop skills..If you aren't a little afraid and look at every other driver like they're out to kill you, then you will get hurt. I've been riding bikes for over 40 years, including Kawasaki triples, zx12, a 2007 ZX14 and now a 2014 ZX14R. Even so, I'm embarrassed to admit that I almost hit the vehicle in front of me yesterday when I went to pass. TOO MUCH THROTTLE on full power mode! Yet, I haven't had even a single tip-over since 1980 and that was while turning on a gravel road. Be careful riding with HARLEY buddies. It's funny to see what they think "fast" is! Around town, your Kawasaki can dial up more speed that the road and traffic might allow. I've almost never pulled up at a light next to a Harley that didn't think he was fast. You've got a "WORLD CLASS" bike. Treat it with respect. Make sure to check oil level, tire pressures and chain often, too, and best of luck to you! As far as the lights go, here in Florida, certain COLOR lights are prohibited. No green, blue,etc. No red visible from the front....That and the fact that it's mostly young SQUID riders that have the accent lights attract cops. If six headlights aren't enough for you, there is something wrong.....

* Last updated by: ZEROPILOT on 6/25/2014 @ 10:24 AM *

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I've ridden for seven years now and I'm still a babe in the woods compared to many riders on this forum. I have only had the 14 out a few times in the past six months due to various life issues, and to be honest with you, when I get back on the bike in a few more weeks I'm going to have to approach it with a beginner's mind so I don't wad it up. I trust the 14 completely so it isn't a matter of being nervous or afraid, but I am feeling a great deal of caution all the same.

My first bike was a ZRX 1100 and it was considered a bad idea, but I got through it by showing respect and patience, and as strong as the ZRX is, the 14 is way more responsive. jwh20 nailed it in his comments I think.

Besides the whole don't-kill-yourself aspect, there is also a learning curve regarding how heavy these things are and what it feels like when they start to tip over in the garage and such. Maybe you are already familiar but garage drops are common for new riders for this reason, and that can be frustrating and expensive.

* Last updated by: tooncinator on 7/23/2014 @ 11:51 AM *

Welcome to the forum!

Don't repaint the bike, unless you don't care about resale value. "Custom painted" motorcycles just scream "I've been wrecked" for savvy shoppers. Nothing wrong with the stock color, IMO.

I've had it up to 80 on the freeway so far.

Oh just wait a few months.

I've had it for a week now, and am starting to get the hang of it. I'm still learning how to turn correctly, and lean more. Still a bit scared. The thing is. I dont know at what point the front tire will come off the ground in a straight line, and at what point the bike will wash out around a corner.

I was just like you even though about 20 years older. I had ridden cruisers before. Turning even a gentle curve was somewhat of a challenge at times. You've obviously survived getting basically acquainted with the bike so you should be all right as long as you know your limitations and don't try to jump right in on doing stuff you don't know yet. Ease into every new thing.

The 14 is designed to NOT wheelie. It will do it but you need to really try to make it do so. I don't think you should try this yet. I didn't wheelie for at least two years. WHen your ready, sit upright and toward the back of the seat, accellerrate in 1st gear to about 5k, chop the throttle and then whack it almost wide open. The front will come up at about 9k rpm. you can ease off the gas quickly but don't do it abruptly. It comes down softly. If you ever have the balls to stay on the gas, you can shift up into second and third and it will come down...but you'll be doing about 130 mph. I have not dared to try an upshift in a wheelie yet.

Far as losing traction in a corner, factors on the street abound. Usually it will be the rear from excess throttle in a lean. The 14 has PLENTY of power at any rpm that you don't need much throttle and high rpm is not really a big need to shoot out of a corner either. I like to hit 6-8k in a corner but I just have the throttle open a crack until I'm starting to exit. It's how I've learned to do it. WOT never feels necessary to me. I don't usually even do that for high speed runs. I do that just for kicks but it is far too much for me to handle in cornering. If you are careful with the throttle when you corner, the real thing to concern yourself with is scraping exhuast or lowers or a footpeg. That's way down the road though. Have fun and use your head.

Regarding above comment, I agree that painting is a bad move for resale. If you keep the bike long enough, you'll know if it's here to stay and then you can pant it. You might consider covering it in vinyl. The foremans would be impossible to do with vinyl but you could pick up a set on ebay and paint them if you like.

The 08 Midnight Saphire Blue is the fastest color ever made? why would you paint over that?

* Last updated by: Rook on 7/23/2014 @ 8:52 PM *

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Welcome to the 14 club, and welcome to the forum. That you're taking the MSF course is great, my advice is to pay attention to what they teach in during the classroom time as well as what they teach you on the bikes. I'm just about done with my "VicThing's SportBike Assessment" video for new riders, and will be posting a link here shortly.

She's a kitten, if you drive her that way. But do not fool yourself, there is a monster lurking inside that kitten that will rip your head off very quickly. I'm not stating this as a humorous joke, I'm being quite serious.

BTW - leave the bike Black. Black is sheer sexy, like a black Ferrai.

Don't repaint the bike, unless you don't care about resale value. "Custom painted" motorcycles just scream "I've been wrecked" for savvy shoppers. Nothing wrong with the stock color, IMO.

+1 on this. I don't give a re-painted bike a 2nd look.

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I agree, don't paint the bike.