Thinking of a ZX-14...

[Dan K]

I am thinking about selling/trading my Sprint for a used ZX-14.  I love the way they look in silver, and have a guy that is considering a trade plus cash (haven't discussed the cash) for my SPrint.

What do I need to know?  Is there a year I should look for? Significant changes between '07-'08-'09 (forget '10, can't spend the $$$)?  Are there particular problems with the bike to look out for? Any particular short comings?

I love that silver top case on the silver bike...I'd haveto do that.

Any particular mods to watch out for? THis one has Yosh pipes, fender eliminator (tasteful) and is otherwise stock.

Is insurance crazy?

I went for a ride on my buddy's K1300S, and I am addicted to the effortless power.

Any info you think one should have before going down this road would be VERY appreciated.

- Dan

[Big D]

Thinking of a ZX-14, again...

Fixt.

I am thinking about selling/trading my Sprint for a used ZX-14.  I love the way they look in silver, and have a guy that is considering a trade plus cash (haven't discussed the cash) for my SPrint.

What do I need to know?  Is there a year I should look for? Significant changes between '07-'08-'09 (forget '10, can't spend the $$$)?  Are there particular problems with the bike to look out for? Any particular short comings? '08+ has a CAT in the headder, '06-'07 do not. Maybe some other minor tweaks? Not sure. Shortcomings? It wasn't comfortable for me stock, it is now. They aren't what I'd call nimble, but they handle very well for a big girl.

I love that silver top case on the silver bike...I'd haveto do that. Yes.

Any particular mods to watch out for? Only the ones you don't want.   THis one has Yosh pipes, fender eliminator (tasteful) and is otherwise stock. Sounds nice.

Is insurance crazy? Yes.

I went for a ride on my buddy's K1300S, and I am addicted to the effortless power. Yes.

Any info you think one should have before going down this road would be VERY appreciated. They are very fast. Really, really, fast. Deceptively fast, and smooth, very smooth. Did I mention they're fast?

- Dan

I'll just leave this here...


 

[caddydaddy]

My uncle has a silver ZX-14.  After riding it and experiencing the jaw dropping power, I'd love to have one as well!  After I got of the ZX and back onto my Sprint, it felt like a damn moped compared to the 14!  
  It was a really smooth bike to ride, I was very impressed with the big Ninja!  

[kevin_stevens]

Change was in 2008.

[Rammer]

I really enjoy mine. It's been on a few 2-3 week trips out west. A few trips to SD. Mine is an '09 with 24,000 miles on it. It makes a great long distance, mile eating machine with just a few modifications. Like a C-14 seat, bar risers, taller windshield (your taste may very).

[Justin]

There was a frame recall for 2006/2007, can't remember which. I'd avoid those years. And they made some changes/improvements 2008 and on. I'd shoot for 2008 or later.

[Big D]

Plus the '06-'07 didn't come in silver!

[coho]

If you really want the lowdown on ZX-14s you should ask raj, I hear he's got a badass one.

[st2sam]

I had a '06 before my current C14.
Great bike, not a single problem, very fast and smooth. The only reason I sold mine was because I have trouble controlling my right wrist.  
 It's a do it all bike, handles the twisties pretty good, great acceleration off the corners.  
Mine was set up to munch the miles, very comfy. I say quit thinking about it, buy one you'll enjoy it.

[Big D]

If you really want the lowdown on ZX-14s you should ask raj, I hear he's got a badass one.

I came soooooo close to posting that!


But I didn't want to poop on Dan's thread. ; )

[Danimal14]

I love mine. The 14 makes a great all around bike

[coho]

I came soooooo close to posting that!


But I didn't want to poop on Dan's thread. ; )

I tried to resist, but I was drink.

Sorry, Dan.  

[Big D]

 

[DangerMoney]

Are those the Vermillion Cliffs of northern AZ in the background?

[ST for me!]

I suppose I might qualify as someone with a badass one. Mine laid down 186 hp and 112 ft/lbs with a full Muzzy M14/M10 exhaust, velocity stacks, secondary flies removed, Muzzy +4 degree ignition rotor, BMC race filter and custom tune. She's also geared down -1/+1. All that power plus LSL bar kit, Sargent seat, grip puppies and suspension set up for your weight make the 14 just about unbeatable. And yes, the power is so addictive. After swapping with a CBR1000RR it truly felt like a sissy bike, so very weak...

[Big D]

That has got to be a handful! Some day I'll do some engine mods... For now my '99 Bandit is my quickest bike.

Your post reminded be of another '08+ improvement, the secondaries open much sooner, wide open at 3500rpm. Makes pulling them much less of a priority.

[tigertom1965]

I thought the 08s had 206 hp at crank stock? Insurance here in PA is like $875 a month if you go with like $1000 deductibles and not 100/300.
I found out the new 2011 ones plus all the farkles I wanted would price it over $16000.    
I so wanted the green and black.      It would probably be a license loser as well.

[ST for me!]

I believe they are 190 crank stock, typically dyno 175

[Squareman357]

Most of the major things have been mentioned.  2006 and 2007 were the years for the frame recall.  Very low numbers actually had the issue, but it's something to be aware of.  2006 models had a recall for the tip sensor being loose, I checked my former 2006 and it was fine.  2008 and up have had a mild ECU remap, secondary flies open at much lower RPM, more torque at much lower RPM, added a third catalytic converter in the collector, along with the one in each can, and a mild overall HP and torque boost (mostly in response to the 2008 new Hayabusa, to even the odds again so to speak).  Plenty of aftermarket support, comfort mods, power mods.  Unlike some, I actually DO find her to be nimble for her size and I can tackle the bendy bits with aplomb, I recently removed the remaining 1/4 inch of chicken strips during a 4 day 1400 mile weekend to the Ozarks.  Silver is a 2008 color only I think...but well worth it.  I love mine.  Oh yeah, with the few mods I've made, she's hella fast, comfy for me, and I can do a 1000 mile day on her.  YMMV, but I think you'll like it.  With mods I'm dynoed at 184/104 at the rear wheel. Did I mention I love mine?     Do it, you won't regret it.


Gratuitous photo op...

[ST for me!]

Now that there's purty

[Spence]

Almost 29000 miles on my 07, no problems. Brocks exhaust, power commander, secondary flies removed,ebc brakes rotors and pads,gafer ss lines. 655 miles was my biggest one day ride. Full coverage insurance around $400 for the year with multibike discount.

[Dan K]

I'm kind of leaving it up to chance. Silver only way to go (was there ever white?) And the one guy I found who was interested in a trade for the Sprint hasn't gotten back to me. I'll check insurance. If it isn't too crazy, I'll think about it. I do love my Sprint and am finally adding a few things that need to be done...but the effortless power is something I want. Not sure why, I just do.

[Squareman357]

Silver only way to go (was there ever white?)...

There was white.  The '07 Special Edition was white with red and black flame decals.  With the decals removed you could get it to about 85% white.  The rims and the grill inserts were a deep metallic red.  Here is a pic, mostly stock except for exhaust...

[Dan K]

No longer thinking about it...

Just bought wife a new car, and there's no funds for an upgrade.  Soon enough.

- Dan

[MadOzodi]

No longer thinking about it...

Just bought wife a new car, and there's no funds for an upgrade.  Soon enough.

- Dan

Damn, I was totally rooting for you to get a 14...

[Robbo]

Should have bought/traded when the opportunity presented itself....  

[Justin]

I suppose I might qualify as someone with a badass one. Mine laid down 186 hp and 112 ft/lbs with a full Muzzy M14/M10 exhaust, velocity stacks, secondary flies removed, Muzzy +4 degree ignition rotor, BMC race filter and custom tune. She's also geared down -1/+1. All that power plus LSL bar kit, Sargent seat, grip puppies and suspension set up for your weight make the 14 just about unbeatable. And yes, the power is so addictive. After swapping with a CBR1000RR it truly felt like a sissy bike, so very weak...

That's nice power. What was your baseline?

[Silverbird]

How much can you get for your wife?

[Dan K]

How much can you get for your wife?

Priceless.

 -Dan

[coho]

Priceless.

 -Dan

So, free then?  

[todao]

if u decide to get it later, you can't go wrong.  i have an 06 with 35K miles.

- power is amazing.

- remove 2nd butterfly valves if 06- 08

 if you are going to tour, add;
- genmar bar risers
- aftermarket seat
- laminar lip or ZG sport touring windshield
- softbags work fine

you are then good for cross country.  i've done two week tours and was very comfortable.  

in 30 years of riding, by far my best bike!  

[Akumu]

Ah, my next sport tourer in a few years. Love the look and look forward to the basic overall upgrade in every avenue, that I've read. (Brakes, suspension, handling, power, smoothness etc)
My current bike has something like the tazmanian devil at 4000 - 4400 rpm and a jr version of him at 5000 to 5400 rpm. Oh, and it's slow...





















...in comparison.