'08 ZX-14 Bling ALMOST done!

[DJStevieB]

The Schnitz Racing/Roaring Toyz lowering & extension kit finally got here and installed. I didn't go all-the-way yet..... only about 4 inches in length and down to the middle hole in the lowering links. The front was lowered just a bit but NOT using the included straps. I can now sit completely flat-footed with all my gear on. Bling includes Heli-bar riser, chrome heel guards and chain guard, Factory option touring screen, Whistler radar detector and heated vest plug in. Scorpion Slip-ons & chrome wheels NEXT!

Here's the bike without the kit.


A couple pics with the kit installed.






I'm really thinking about getting GIVI hardbags for this bike, using it as my tourer, and sell my FJR. We'll see.

[1moreroad]

Hey, if you put the miles on it, who cares how it looks?

When did the ZX go with color matched Testarossa panels?  They look a lot better than the original plain black.

[kevin_stevens]

Hey, if you put the miles on it, who cares how it looks?

When did the ZX go with color matched Testarossa panels?  They look a lot better than the original plain black.

They always matched on the black bikes.  

This year is the first I remember for *matched*, although the pearl '07 bike had red rims and panels (not a fan).  I'm not sure if the flat black or midnight blue colors this year have matched panels, or if it's just the grey.

KeS

[rauchman]

Wow, that bike looks good in silver....congrats!!!

[rgbeard]

You've got some catching up to do.

KeS showed us that the bike's RHS lower fairing/engine cover bulge is a great place for a track-day scrape.  (not a big one, mind you)  I think it makes the bike look so much better with that little scratch right there.  

[DJStevieB]

Do they make 'fake' scratches?  Kinda like paint on tats?

1. I ordered Race Railz... backordered for a long time. Who knows when they'll get in.
2. I ordered Scorpion slip-ons... not available yet for the '08.

Oh, well.

[kevin_stevens]

Do they make 'fake' scratches?  Kinda like paint on tats?

They're not hard to get - just follow the control rider on the R6 when he taps his tail section.  

KeS

[DJStevieB]

Oooooooooooooo!

Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

The Scorpions came in today! Hopefully, I can install them on Sunday.

Shizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzam!

[Troppo]

I have an identical bike.

I can understand lowering it if you are vertically challenged, but why extend the swingarm?

Surely that will effect the handling?

[veefer800canuck]

I have an identical bike.

I can understand lowering it if you are vertically challenged, but why extend the swingarm?

Surely that will effect the handling?

Bcuz all the kewl kids lower and stretch their bikes.

[DJStevieB]

Here's the final product. I like the look of the lowered and stretched ZX14. It does the twisties just fine!

[saxjonz]

That is a sweet looking ride! I regret breaking the contract for one just like it I almost bought over the weekend. The price for an 08 brand new was 8999 or 10495 OTD tax, title and plates. I think that was a pretty good deal (I saw used ones on ebay for more) but we had monsoon weather that weekend and my basement flooded pretty bad so I panicked and decided to take care of business first. I plan on perhaps buying one in Florida over xmas break this coming winter. How do you like the ride? I ride an LTD 1000. I love this bike but I also like speed and this looked like a bike I could ride long distance with and not kill my wrists or abuse my future children.

[DJStevieB]

Wow! I forgot about this thread. Here's an updated picture. Check back in about a week and it'll be updated a bit more!  

[DJStevieB]

This project is completed. Done. Time to ride!

The final result:

[trychanting]

Bike looks great.  Nice work man.  After lowering how high would you guess is your new seat height?  I'm vertically challenged and was curious if that bike could be lowered to the point where I would be comfortable.  

Also...any problems riding on the street after lowering (hitting bumps, cornering, etc)?

Thanks.

[DJStevieB]

I have a 30" inseam. With my leathers on (and other stuff), I am almost fully flatfooted on the ground.

The 17" front is not lowered.... yet. The rear is on the middle hole on the link. It WAS lower in the back with the OEM tire size, however the 240 tire setup is 18" so it did raise it a bit.

I can go lower, however I'd have to harden up the front suspension. It sometimes touches a little bit on speedbumps. Curbs are a no-no!

Before I reset the suspension to factory spec, I banged the crap out of the oil plug protector.  

It rails the twisties, though.

[trychanting]

Thanks....I've also got a 30 in inseam so thats helpful.  Gives me hope that one day I can have and ride a totally sick machine like yours. Again, sweet bike and thanks for the detailed info.  

[GD]

Way cool. Say it ain't if you got it flaunt it, what are the stats(yours you say).I'm neoCon myself(new to Concours)- bought an '05 fairly cherry 4.4k like new reasonable after 3/4 million miles cruisin'.ST is for me.The 14 piqued my interest 'bout immediately.

[crashtech]

Ready for bike night!!!!!

[Krellian]

They're not hard to get - just follow the control rider on the R6 when he taps his tail section.  

KeS

You can go lower!