2012 ZX14 wishlist

[todao]

I bought the 06 ZX new and it is the best bike I've ever owned, hands down.  Canyons, everyday, tours... it's been a dependable companion always ready to provide as much power as needed.  But since it's debut, it's had only very minor changes and I'm hoping that 2012 will see a revamped update of the ZX.  Here's my wishlist:
- adjustable screen that moves up, preferably electronic
- ABS standard
- adjustable bars up
- 4-2-1 pipe that saves weight
- other weight reductions
- oem optional hard bags that are not ridicuously expensive
- tire pressure monitor
- heated grips and optional heated seat
- powerlet outlet
- contols to mange the onboard display so you don't have to move your hand.


I know I know, it's starting to sound like the  Concours.  That's right!  I want a ZX version of the Concours; I don't want a bike as big as the Connie; I want my ZX that will allow me to do everything.  Please please Santa!

[Justin]

Well, not sure about all the stuff on your list, but one thing we can guarantee is they will have some new ugly colors available.

[wibornz]

If they would build it, my concours 14 would be up for sale.

[richak]

Well, not sure about all the stuff on your list, but one thing we can guarantee is they will have some new ugly colors available.

 
   Ugly colors on a pretty bike is better than even the best paint on a hideous one. eg-any Hayabusa

[Justin]

  
   Ugly colors on a pretty bike is better than even the best paint on a hideous one. eg-any Hayabusa

Was just saying some of Kawasaki's paint schemes on the 14 have been pretty ugly. Of course, that is true for the Busa as well. No need to get defensive.  

[KodiakRS]

One where my size 13 feet don't rest on the exhaust pipe when in their normal riding position.  I fail to understand how many manufactures screw this up, about half of all bikes have some ornate passenger foot peg mounting bracket or exhaust pipe right where my feet go.    

Also, ABS but Kawasaki seems to think that no one in the U.S. want's it.  

[kevin_stevens]

Well, not sure about all the stuff on your list, but one thing we can guarantee is they will have some new ugly colors available.

Actually they kind of alternate between nice normal and ugly weird paint on the ZX-14 every other year.

I like your list.  Add - fix the buzzy tip sensor so I don't have to do it.

And make it look like this:



KeS

[richak]

Was just saying some of Kawasaki's paint schemes on the 14 have not been pretty ugly. Of course, that is true for the Busa as well. No need to get defensive.  

 I can't help myself. I'm a giant mass of insecurity.

[Justin]

  I can't help myself. I'm a giant mass of insecurity.

Thanks for that, I lol'd for real.  

[Krellian]

If they would build it, my concours 14 would be up for sale.

You just want to have a "go fast" machine

[Krellian]

- adjustable screen that moves up, preferably electronic - ok? why?
- ABS standard -  Yep, Agree, needs it
- adjustable bars up -  Corbin, bar risers, got em -  Lowered foot pegs, got em
- 4-2-1 pipe that saves weight - Two Brothers, got em
- other weight reductions -  It's a big bike why try to make it a 600?
- oem optional hard bags that are not ridicuously expensive - I'd look into that, have to be easy on, easy off.
- tire pressure monitor
- heated grips and optional heated seat
- powerlet outlet - got em
- contols to mange the onboard display so you don't have to move your hand. -  We being that Lazy?





I know I know, it's starting to sound like the  Concours.  That's right!  I want a ZX version of the Concours; I don't want a bike as big as the Connie; I want my ZX that will allow me to do everything.  Please please Santa!

[Big D]

Yep, roll your own is still gonna be your best bet.

[rajflyboy]

kawi still needs to do something with the george foreman grills.   Thats the only thing that is jacked up with this bike.

There still isn't any aftermarket products to really improve upon them either.    All you can do is paint them.  

[kevin_stevens]

kawi still needs to do something with the george foreman grills.   Thats the only thing that is jacked up with this bike.

There still isn't any aftermarket products to really improve upon them either.    All you can do is paint them.  

Wrong.

KeS

[Justin]

Wrong.

KeS

Raj wrong? No?

[rajflyboy]

Wrong.

KeS

I haven't looked for a year or so?    is there something new to replace the George Foremans?   If there is I'm interested.  

Great bike!   I love mine.   I would replace the george foremans though.   They look silly.

[Justin]

I haven't looked for a year or so?    is there something new to replace the George Foremans?   If there is I'm interested.  

Great bike!   I love mine.   I would replace the george foremans though.   They look silly.

If you really had one, you would know about this product. Post a pic of yours

[rajflyboy]

If you really had one, you would know about this product. Post a pic of yours

I have seen painted grills but nothing else

enlighten me?   I would hope by now there would be something to replace them with?  Its been 5 years now since this bikes inception

[kevin_stevens]

I have seen painted grills but nothing else

enlighten me?   I would hope by now there would be something to replace them with?  Its been 5 years now since this bikes inception

Post a picture of you, on your ZX-14, holding a registration that matches the plates, and I'll enlighten you.

KeS

[Justin]

Post a picture of you, on your ZX-14, holding a registration that matches the plates, and I'll enlighten you.

KeS

 

[richak]

You guys are mean.

[rajflyboy]

Post a picture of you, on your ZX-14, holding a registration that matches the plates, and I'll enlighten you.

KeS

When you do the exact same thing maybe I will HERO

[Justin]

You guys are mean.

It's ok though, we were only mean to Raj.

[kevin_stevens]

When you do the exact same thing maybe I will HERO

Well, to be fair, I *did* have a ZX-14 for two years, which is when I learned of the grill panel replacements.  Lessee:

Week after I got it:


Laguna Not-so-Seca:


Bought new w/2 miles on it:


There's the registration:


I kind of like the grills myself:


Bike, plate, me, and neon tetra suit.  Actually riding:


Your turn.  

KeS

[olderigetfasteriam]

We will all be waiting............a long fucking time.  

[todao]

Same old same old.  As the OP here, a whole page of back and forth at each other like little boys in one upmanship culminating in a bunch of irrelevant (to the post) pics of somebody riding the bike I posted about but unrelated to the post.  All I have to say then is.........  BORING.

Anybody have anything of value to say?  If not go start your own thread.

[falconati]

Less powah, better fuel efficiency, more upright ergos.

[Squareman357]

I'm pretty happy with it just the way it is.  I added what I wanted to make it do what I wanted.  If  I wanted all that, I'd just buy a Concours 14 and pull the flies.  Done deal.  The only thing on your list I'd choose that I can't already do myself is the ABS and the Tire Pressure Monitor they put on the Connie.  Other than that, you can do all the other stuff yourself and make the bike exactly what you want it to be.

[Fourstring]

Man, that's still a beaut.  It's like if my ZX came into this century and grew some nads.

[rajflyboy]

so....

all this BS is being thrown out

and still no picture of a replacement for the george foreman grills?

show some FACTS people

[Squareman357]

so....

all this BS is being thrown out

and still no picture of a replacement for the george foreman grills?

show some FACTS people

Raj, do some searching bro.  There are carbon fiber and plain flat plastic replacements out there that can be found.  Most people don't have a problem with them, so they may be rare, but they ARE out there.  Honestly I prefer the inserts as they are.  Here ya go:

[rajflyboy]

Raj, do some searching bro.  There are carbon fiber and plain flat plastic replacements out there that can be found.  Most people don't have a problem with them, so they may be rare, but they ARE out there.  Honestly I prefer the inserts as they are.  Here ya go:

Thanks!!   I have not seen these before.    I like the look better than the inserts for sure.   I appreciate the pics!    Hopefully they have some for a blue 06

[Rammer]

I've done a few things to my zx-14 to make it fit what I want it to do.
Bags, risers, C-14 seat, zero gravity ST shield, modified magnetic tank bag base, gps, xm, fender eliminator, PR2 tires... I just did a 5780 mile trip to the STN national in Custer, then went to CA and back through ID and MT. I'm very happy with it. ABS would be nice

[KodiakRS]

Bike, plate, me, and neon tetra suit.  Actually riding:


Your turn.  

KeS

I noticed that your right foot appears to be very close to resting on that pipe.  Did you ever have any problems with heat off of it?

[Squareman357]

I noticed that your right foot appears to be very close to resting on that pipe.  Did you ever have any problems with heat off of it?

I did.  Several times when tucked in tight for cornering my heel would melt off a little bit on the pipe.  Right or left side depending on the corner.  The new pipes don't do that...or at least the new cans don't.

[kevin_stevens]

I noticed that your right foot appears to be very close to resting on that pipe.  Did you ever have any problems with heat off of it?

No, I didn't, but a number of people apparently did, and I'm not sure why I didn't.  I'm a 45 boot and typically ride pretty much on the balls of my feet.  Here's one for the wish list:  the stock exhaust has cats in the muffler cans, and there is no O2 sensor or bung up in front of them.  So there's no easy way to get a calibration sensor in there to dyno-tune the bike.

KeS

[KodiakRS]

No, I didn't, but a number of people apparently did, and I'm not sure why I didn't.  I'm a 45 boot and typically ride pretty much on the balls of my feet.  

Any idea how they solved it?  I wear a size 48 SIDI and it's a little on the smallish side.  Would heat wrapping the front of the exhaust can reduce the heat to sub melting point?

[JSharp]

 Here's one for the wish list:  the stock exhaust has cats in the muffler cans, and there is no O2 sensor or bung up in front of them.  So there's no easy way to get a calibration sensor in there to dyno-tune the bike.

KeS

A decent exhaust shop should be able to put one in. The weld in 02 bungs are only about 10 bucks.

[kevin_stevens]

A decent exhaust shop should be able to put one in. The weld in 02 bungs are only about 10 bucks.

Sure.  But pull all the plastics, pull the mufflers, pull the header (it's all one piece through the collector) - and you may have to pull the radiator to get to the headers.  It just ended up being too much effort for the benefit.

KeS

[Squareman357]

Any idea how they solved it?  I wear a size 48 SIDI and it's a little on the smallish side.  Would heat wrapping the front of the exhaust can reduce the heat to sub melting point?

I'm also a 47/48 Euro.  It didn't happen if I was just balls of feet on pegs, but if I tucked in tighter with my toes on the pegs, then my heel would hit the front of the exhaust can.  I don't think heat wrapping is going to help, those cans are pretty damn hot, even after the bike has been shut down for some time.  Probably the cats in the cans.  I don't have that problem with my carbon 2 Bros pipes.

[JSharp]

Sure.  But pull all the plastics, pull the mufflers, pull the header (it's all one piece through the collector) - and you may have to pull the radiator to get to the headers.  It just ended up being too much effort for the benefit.

KeS

I haven't looked at where the collector sits so I didn't know if you could do it with the header in place. For sure the plastics would need to come off.

That's one thing I'm not enthused about with new bikes. The amount of crap you need to pull to do much of anything.

[kevin_stevens]

Any idea how they solved it?  I wear a size 48 SIDI and it's a little on the smallish side.  Would heat wrapping the front of the exhaust can reduce the heat to sub melting point?

I doubt it because the cats are right there.  That area of the muffler gets "electric shock" hot.  But I never melted anything, and in fact never noticed heat from there while riding.  Dunno why not.

KeS

[tigertom1965]

Rammer what was your gas mileage on that trip?
I like the idea of a ZX14 set up for touring (i.e. with side cases) but have heard it only gets in the 30's for gas mileage.
I like the idea of a 5.8 gallon tank on the ZX but in my mind 35 mpg is just too low for a motorcycle for touring.
My old 1995 FZR1000F got 45 regularly and down to 38 if I was romping on it. Which you just couldn't do all that often or you were in the triple digits.
My R1200RT gets about 300 mile per tank before I fill it and I am told it is empty (It still has just under 1 gallon left).
That usually comes out to 52+ mpg when filled.
I am just jonesing for a little bit more power in a less expensive bike.

[Squareman357]

Rammer what was your gas mileage on that trip?
I like the idea of a ZX14 set up for touring (i.e. with side cases) but have heard it only gets in the 30's for gas mileage.
I like the idea of a 5.8 gallon tank on the ZX but in my mind 35 mpg is just too low for a motorcycle for touring.
My old 1995 FZR1000F got 45 regularly and down to 38 if I was romping on it. Which you just couldn't do all that often or you were in the triple digits.
My R1200RT gets about 300 mile per tank before I fill it and I am told it is empty (It still has just under 1 gallon left).
That usually comes out to 52+ mpg when filled.
I am just jonesing for a little bit more power in a less expensive bike.

I usually get around 42 to 44 mpg on touring trips.  I'm generally running about 75 to 80 mph steady and get about 220 miles per tank with a 4.8 to 5 gallon refill.  Best run was about 240 miles and a 5.6 gallon refill, but I was definitely worried I was pushing fumes on that one LOL!  I only get 35 mpg in the city when I'm grabbing on the go handle hard and often.  I've actually been able to get  nearly 48 mpg doing 70 mph the whole tank experimenting.  I could probably get 50 mpg if I lowered that to 65 mph.  The mileage on the ZX-14 isn't bad at all for such a powerful bike.  The engine loafs at 65 mph in 6th gear.  I've ridden mine from Chicago to New York, to Tennessee, to Ohio, to Kentucky, and a few other places, so I've got some mileage.

[Rammer]

Rammer what was your gas mileage on that trip?
I like the idea of a ZX14 set up for touring (i.e. with side cases) but have heard it only gets in the 30's for gas mileage.
I like the idea of a 5.8 gallon tank on the ZX but in my mind 35 mpg is just too low for a motorcycle for touring.
My old 1995 FZR1000F got 45 regularly and down to 38 if I was romping on it. Which you just couldn't do all that often or you were in the triple digits.
My R1200RT gets about 300 mile per tank before I fill it and I am told it is empty (It still has just under 1 gallon left).
That usually comes out to 52+ mpg when filled.
I am just jonesing for a little bit more power in a less expensive bike.

tigertom. I know everyone's bike is a little different as far as fuel milage goes, but I was getting 40-42 MPG most of the time. I had one tank that went faster when I was fighting a HUGE head wind in NV. Other wise I figured 200 miles on 4.8 to 5 gal. Keep in mind that I'm close to 250 lbs in full gear. If you're a skinny fella I'd think you'd get better mileage.

I really enjoyed my trip. Even at 50 years old, I had no problem with comfort while doing a few 500 mile days. I listed a few comfort mods in my previous post. Most of the riding was done at a lower mile per day  pace. The last few days were a little higher mileage. I wanted to get home while the weather was good.

I'm looking to do another 2500 mile trip in about 3 weeks. I was thinking of taking the FJR. I'd like to keep the mileage on the '06 FJR (24,600) higher than the '09 Zx (23,900) but after riding it a few hundred miles in the last week, I've noticed that the Zx-14 is a lot smoother and less buzzy. I'm kind of thinking that I will maybe sell the FJR this year? next year?

Erik.

[tigertom1965]

I am about 225 in street clothes so 250ish in full gear. I was just seeing that everyone mentioned getting only the mid 30's for gas mileage which I would not consider good enough. I am guessing most of the bikes I should be able to get above 40 with since I do not normally ride a whole tank dry at max throttle. I am a very conservative rider. The roads around here just don't support going fast in corners because they are always full of loose gravel from new paving, from people setting traps (The loose gravel always seems to be out in front of someones house on a backroad right at a corner), and from the edges getting washed out from rain. I did get 43-45 on my CBR1000RR during my normal cruising. I think I got 48mpg when I rode it from Rome, NY to Kunkletown, PA to bring it here from my house to my mom's. That was excruciating the last 1.25 hours though. My Sargent seat took that from a 40 minute max ride to a 2 hour or more comfortable ride.
I would plan on using the V35s and the SW Moto bracket for the GIVI topcase. What are the maximum weights that the V35's and an E55 Maxia can hold? Do I really need the European rear cover or can I ride without it and just leave the bracket on? Most of the time I wouldn't take off the top case since it holds my helmet and jacket so well when I go somewhere. For touring it seems that most use the side cases or both sides and topcase, handle bar risers or the bar type riser adapter, peg lowerers (Or Buell pegs), touring windscreen, and I have a GPS to use. Do any of you hook up the powerlet sockets or grip heaters? Does this bike have a hydraulic clutch or a cable clutch? Is the stock gearing fine for cruising or are any of you nuts enough to change the sprockets? How is this on sport touring tire life (i.e. tire life on sport touring tires)? Just want to know if it eats tires like the Connie? Do you use the Sargent, the Corbin, or the Daylong seat? Or do you just try to find a Connie seat and they are just as good. How is this bike in parking lot manuevers? Topheavy or not? Now I just have to talk with my State Farm agent and see what they say about my insurance and make my decisions based on that.

[Big D]

And breath!

I get between 28 and 38mpg, depending on how... enthusiastic I'm feeling.   And my tires don't last very long.   So I'm probably not much help to you there.

However...

For touring it seems that most use the side cases or both sides and topcase, handle bar risers or the bar type riser adapter, peg lowerers (Or Buell pegs), touring windscreen, and I have a GPS to use. I have Buell pegs, Spiegler handle bar kit, ZG touring screen. Does this bike have a hydraulic clutch or a cable clutch? Hydraulic Is the stock gearing fine for cruising or are any of you nuts enough to change the sprockets? Some people looking for more performance put a smaller 17t on, stock it's geared to the moon. I often cruise 80 in 5th. How is this on sport touring tire life (i.e. tire life on sport touring tires)? See above!   Actually I have heard they are better than the Connie if ridden in a similar manner. Do you use the Sargent, the Corbin, or the Daylong seat? I have custom made Corbin. There is no "best" seat answer, too individual.  How is this bike in parking lot manuevers? Topheavy or not? Feels fine to me, I'm used to 1200 Bandits.

Now I just have to talk with my State Farm agent and see what they say about my insurance and make my decisions based on that.

[Big D]

-->Here<-- is a great thread on "ST" ZX's, lots o' pics and info.

[tigertom1965]

I saw that post first but it was from 2008 then brought back from the dead on April 2010 and then stopped in october 2010. This was a new thread with new stuff out there.
Actually State Farm bases their insurance off of the cc of the engine. Which is 1352CC according to Kawasaki. Now understand I do have a 1170cc (BMW R1200RT) and my insurance is a right around $500 a year for me ($55 a month for 5 months). Everyone else seemed to consider my boxer twin or maybe it was because it was a BMW at the lowest of $750 a year. My insurance was around $63 a month for 5 months then a month off then start again at $60 a month for 5 more months then get a month off. The biggest issue around here is that because of all the immigration from New York City and the no helmet law our drivers are really some of the worst in the country. So our insurance is high. My 2004 CBR1000RR which was a race bike was actually less to insure then my 2006 Kawasaki Concours C10 because of displacement. One was $450 a year and the other was $475.
Maybe I will be getting a FJR or the new Ninja 1000 instead but it will really depend on my insurance costs. Don't want another BMW or a Triumph because service costs are from the same dealer and not cheap. I may just have to stay with my R1200RT depending on what the bank and insurance says.

[Big D]

I wasn't suggesting you post to it, just didn't know if you had seen it.

[Rammer]

I would plan on using the V35s and the SW Moto bracket for the GIVI topcase. What are the maximum weights that the V35's and an E55 Maxia can hold? Do I really need the European rear cover or can I ride without it and just leave the bracket on? Most of the time I wouldn't take off the top case since it holds my helmet and jacket so well when I go somewhere. For touring it seems that most use the side cases or both sides and topcase, handle bar risers or the bar type riser adapter, peg lowerers (Or Buell pegs), touring windscreen, and I have a GPS to use. Do any of you hook up the powerlet sockets or grip heaters? Does this bike have a hydraulic clutch or a cable clutch? Is the stock gearing fine for cruising or are any of you nuts enough to change the sprockets? How is this on sport touring tire life (i.e. tire life on sport touring tires)? Just want to know if it eats tires like the Connie? Do you use the Sargent, the Corbin, or the Daylong seat? Or do you just try to find a Connie seat and they are just as good. How is this bike in parking lot manuevers? Topheavy or not? Now I just have to talk with my State Farm agent and see what they say about my insurance and make my decisions based on that.

1. Bag capacity... check here. http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2807/579/
2. Euro/Canada spec rear cover. You can order them from here, color matched, for the same price as USA covers  http://www.babbittsonline.com/home  They're listed as a part of the accessory grab bar.
3. Risers and other comfort mods are a matter of your comfort.
4. GPS, I run a ram mount in the steering stem, powered by the lead I installed for the battery tender.
5. Stock gearing is fine 60 mph is only 3000 rpm or so.
6. Stock tires sucked for life. Michelien Pilot Road 2 = 9 -10,000 miles!
7. I shopped a connie14 forum and waited for some one to sell their seat 125.00 shipped, like new. I'm good for all day. Longest day for me was 675 miles. YMMV
8. I can, after a little practice, make a slow turn at full lock. 32" inseam, no problems putting a foot down.
9. I was a little surprised $$$ with insurance cost, but the smiles make up for the cost!

My blog... http://fjr-trips10.blogspot.com/   

[Smoker]

Actually State Farm bases their insurance off of the cc of the engine. Which is 1352CC according to Kawasaki. Now understand I do have a 1170cc (BMW R1200RT) and my insurance is a right around $500 a year for me ($55 a month for 5 months). Everyone else seemed to consider my boxer twin or maybe it was because it was a BMW at the lowest of $750 a year. My insurance was around $63 a month for 5 months then a month off then start again at $60 a month for 5 more months then get a month off. The biggest issue around here is that because of all the immigration from New York City and the no helmet law our drivers are really some of the worst in the country. So our insurance is high. My 2004 CBR1000RR which was a race bike was actually less to insure then my 2006 Kawasaki Concours C10 because of displacement. One was $450 a year and the other was $475.

You're in PA, so I would suggest calling Rider Insurance. They only service PA, NJ and DE, I'm paying about $280 for the FJR for full coverage with one ticket on my record. Just for reference, Progressive was consistently double what Rider quoted.

[squeezer]

I'm in PA and pay about $225 a year for full (100/300) coverage, zero deductible, on the 03 fjr and liability on the 98 ninjette with Progressive. But then, I'm old and I've been with them a long time.

[tigertom1965]

I can get it down to $871 from Rider if I want crazy high deductibles. That was for a 2011. I did see a 2008 black and candy persimmon with 7301 miles on it for just under $8000. Maybe that would be cheaper? Doubtful but I never know. still have to check with State Farm.
The nuts also want ~$830.00 for a 2011 Ninja 1000. WTF!! I thought they would know better what kind of bike this is.
A 2011 FJR was only $471 a year.
My bigger concern is that with everything I want to do I would end up spending an extra $2300. With the cost of a 2011 plus the $2300 I could buy a Connie and insurance would be half the price. I just don't want to drive around on a fat pig of a bike. That was why I looked at the FJR. A 2008 ZX14 has 203hp and 113 lbft of torque at the crank. Thats 0 to jail in 5 seconds. This may not be what I am looking for either.
I am just not sure yet....

[rajflyboy]

Cool thing about the ZX14 is that it has an Instant Fuel Mileage readout and you can really play with the throttle to increase that number as much as you can.  

I have to say that I enjoy this feature.  

[olderigetfasteriam]

Cool thing about the ZX14 is that it has an Instant Fuel Mileage readout and you can really play with the throttle to increase that number as much as you can.  

I have to say that I enjoy this feature.  

So, where are your pictures?

[rajflyboy]

So, where are your pictures?

You have been such an ASS...   why the fuck would I show you any pictures?

[Dan K]

Yep, roll your own is still gonna be your best bet.

Every time I see that picture, I want to buy a ZX-14.  Every damn time.  I was thinking of saving for a K1300S, but my Sprint isn't worth much more than $5k and the scratch in the moto fund is already earmarked for the track.  Wow, I want that bike.

Big D - you ever sell that bike, I want a right of first refusal.

- Dan

[Big D]

 

[Spanky]

Yep, the silver and black is hot! Very nice ZX-14.

[Big D]

Thanks!



Edit: I think my only real "complaint" is heat management. I think it's mostly that damn CAT in header cooking the oil in the pan. If/when I do the pipes, it'll probably a full system just for that reason.

[Silverbird]

My only wish is that they keep making it.  I will be ready to but next fall.  Are there any heat fixes out there that don't involve a louder exhaust?

[Big D]

Yeah, several. Off the top of my head.... Lose the CAT, either by fitting a '06/'07 headder, or cut and remove. Then you can heat wrap or ceramic coat it. Fit a second radiator fan, fairly cheap and simple mod, most people report a noticeable improvement. Also there is a better replacement fan blade for the stock one, moves more air. Schnitz Racing I think. Change out the coolant to "Engine Ice". I believe some people have changed the thermostat out for a better type/cooler range.

It seems a bit better now that I have a few miles on it, or maybe I'm just used to it.

[Krellian]

Yeah, several. Off the top of my head.... Lose the CAT, either by fitting a '06/'07 headder, or cut and remove. Then you can heat wrap or ceramic coat it. Fit a second radiator fan, fairly cheap and simple mod, most people report a noticeable improvement. Also there is a better replacement fan blade for the stock one, moves more air. Schnitz Racing I think. Change out the coolant to "Engine Ice". I believe some people have changed the thermostat out for a better type/cooler range.

It seems a bit better now that I have a few miles on it, or maybe I'm just used to it.

I put the two brothers 4 into 1 pipes on, gave it a low throated rumble and not that much increase in noise level.
I've never had a problem with heat.

[Jules]

I'm quite new to ZX14 ownership, having mine since April and it's mostly been winter weather here since.

Just curious, I've only seen 2010 built models here Down Under, is it the same in the US and other markets?

I'd like ABS, but in these difficult financial times I buy pretty much on price alone. I got a smokin' deal on a new 2010 model and it's a hell of a bike as is for the money!

I've added slip on mufflers,  radiator guard, soft luggage rack & a hugger.


Here's a couple of pics.

[motordog1]

I had owned several sport touring bikes prior to my ZX14 including an FJR and Futura and  rode RTs at work. I wanted lighter weight and more power and still long haul comfort. I decided the ZX14 was the only thing that fit my needs I became a regular customer of Twisted Throttle and quickly transformed my bike. For about 4000 you can cover all the bases. Windshield, seat, fly removal and dyno tune, luggage, centerstand, slip ons, power commnder an LSL bars.  Thats a lot of coin but the bikes are fairly inexpensie to begin with and with these mods there is nothing even close in the spot touring class. In my opinion the 06 and 07 are the best choice. You can get rid of the cats with addition of slip on pipes because you don't have the third cat and with the flys removed the power is better than the stock 08 and newer and just as good as them with their flys removed. The end result for me was 537 pounds wet and 176 hp / 111 ft lbs tq. Torque is the key, the new liter bikes might be faster in the quarter and have equal or greater top speed but the real world immediate power at normal everyday rpms is what makes a great ST motor.

[sinc]

Motordog1 - That is one nice ZX, probably the nicest I've seen. I agree with your comments.

I owned a BMW K1200R for the last 5 years, now have an older VFR which I enjoy, but miss the torque of the KR. Thinking of moving to a ZX14or Blackbird - need something that provides decent wind protection (and doesn't have a ton of wind noise), will carry a bit of luggage, and that I can tour on 300-500 miles per day. The comments I've seen re heat on the ZX are a concern to me but all in all I think the ZX might fit the bill. Cheers.

Mark