Hello all. I am new here and have been reading up a lot on the ZX-14R. I appreciate all of the knowledge on here and I am hoping you can help me out with a few questions regarding a used motorcycle I am looking at purchasing. First its important to know I am 6'6" and previously ridden GSXR's. After reading about how the ZX-14's have more room I started looking around for a clean used one. I am a bit confused about something. I understand the engine went through significant changes on the 2012 model. I really am not much of a speed or power guy and either the 14 or 14R would have more than enough power for me. What I cant find anywhere really is did they change the rider position or if one has more rider room than the other. That is what would make me pick one over the other. Not the power. If they are identical, I would probably just choose the cleanest one at the best price. Unless something else I do not know makes one better than the other. Lastly I did find a clean used 2012 for what I believe is a fair price. It has a nice aftermarket seat and pegs. But their is one modification that I really dislike. The bars look something like off of a KX250 I used to have. I am attaching a picture to show what I am talking about. Is this modification done for taller people or short? Either way I don't really like the way it looks and would likely have to change it. I haven't worked on the front end of one of these bikes before. Can anyone tell me how much it was modified to accommodate this change? and a guess as to how much it might cost to return to stock? Thanks for your time.

* Last updated by: UTmeetsHALO on 6/24/2018 @ 12:53 PM *

That looks like a LSL Handlebar conversion kit put on. Ask to see if he still has the stock set up. LSL Conversion Kit

If he doesn't look on E-Bay for some used ones. Here is one side I found just quickly browsing.
2012-2018 ZX14R clip Ons

* Last updated by: Eray on 6/24/2018 @ 1:17 PM *

That will make you sit more upright. Less pressure on the hands and wrists. They make bar risers that do pretty much the same thing but look more stock.

I would get the 2012 to present unless you get a good Gen1 dirt cheap. If you like this bike, you will want all the power you can get.

Thank you both for your inputs.

Is the riding position basically unchanged between the different generations?

Check this = Motorcycle Ergonomics Simulator.

That link is interesting. It shows that all around the first generation zx14 had more room.

Thanks

Check this = Motorcycle Ergonomics Simulator.

I've had both. To me the stock riding position is the same. But, get the 14R with the revised steering geometry. Even though the bike is a bit longer than the Gen 1 it turns easier and rides just a bit better. Being a big guy you want the bigger bike w/ more power. I also wanted the ABS but have never needed it --- yet.

So how about a bit more on the HALO details?

2012+ is the only way to go. I've owned both generations. I just turned 45K miles on my 2012. Riding position is, to me, the same. Power notwithstanding, it is a totally different bike from the previous generation. The handling/steering is noticeably better. The pre-2012 was a fine bike, but time moves on, and with this bike, it moved a lot. Oh, and did I mention the motor? It is absolutely phenomenal. Good luck.

* Last updated by: zx9rmal on 6/25/2018 @ 11:54 AM *

Welcome...and get the the 2012...or another similar.Crude mentioned the revised steering.Yep.It is better.I've had both styles of bars also.The guy 'probably' didn't need to install longer brake lines.I didn't have to.But they were pretty tight.After riding for a while with those on there,it wasn't worth it.I mean,I bought a sportbike...not a cruiser.Stock bars are fine.6'1" here.

Not sure anybody answered: Gen 1 and 2 have the same riding position ... pretty sure anyway.

Thank you for all of the advice guys. I'm picking up that 2012 ZX14R. I think I'm getting a good deal on it. As far as HALO. It probably not what you are thinking. Gaming related.

Thanks again guys.

Seems you've already made your decision, but I'll throw my two cents worth in anyway. To me, the 2012 or later is worth spending a bit more for. In addition to the better motor and handling you also get traction control. I normally leave mine in the default "1" setting, but when it rains I turn it up. I often will intentionally get on the throttle enough to make the TC kick in when it rains; this gives me a great idea of overall grip in a particular piece of road. I find it to be a great tool to have in the locker.