Owners of the ZX14 (ZZR1400)

[awc771]

Hey everyone,

I am getting closer to the day when I have the money saved to go out and get my next bike. Had I known all these expenses on my truck were going to come up, I would not have sold my GSXR so fast. Anyway, I've been browsing old threads and scouring the internet looking for people reviewing the ZX14's touring capabilities, stock or otherwise. My stupid riding days are behind me and I feel I am now skilled and responsible enough to hop on a ZX14. I would prefer to get an new R1 or maybe a CBR 1000 RR but the thought of 500+ mile day rides makes me cringe (if the GSXR is a general indicator for SS touring). I've seem some sweet tour set ups on this site for the ZX14, but how is the bike as a stock tourer. I'm not crazy about the lifted handle bars or the tour screen, although both are investments I will probably make later on down the road. Before anyone tells me to look at the VFR, Concourse, etc., I just can't click with the looks of them. Maybe when I'm 35+ (no offense) but while I'm still young and my back/wrists can take it, I prefer a somewhat agressive riding position.

Basically, I just want to get the perspectives on some current owners of the ZX14. How's it do in twistys? Is it docile enough to commute to work on during the week?  What are your thoughts on all day rides? Recommendations on luggage accessories or really an accessories for that matter? I appreciate the feedback from you guys, makes the decision process all that much easier

[rajflyboy]

You can easily commute on a ZX14.

I have gone on a 600 mile day trip with mine with a stock seat.   Made the trip with no problem at all.    This bike is incredibly smooth at speed.   Riding at 80 or 90 MPH down the highway is like sitting on your couch.   This bike has one of the smoothest engines ever made on a sport bike.  The bike is also well matched for lower speeds around town or if you like it is an awesome machine at top speed.   Handling is very good also for a bike in the 550 pound range.   The ZX14 handles much better than I had expected it would.  

Not sure what your height is but at 5'11 I do sit with a slight lean forward during normal riding conditions.  

Good machine >>  Now that they are coming out with a new one for 2012 you may want to wait a bit and see what Kawasaki comes up with in the new version of the this awesome Ninja.

Kawasaki    "Let the Good Times Roll"


PS...   if you get an 06 make sure that the bike has had its frame checked for cracks.   Kawi had a recall on that.

[Frankienuckles]

  :csm:We all know who this is directed at...As to the original post, I never rode one but I think those zx-14's would make an awsome supersport touring bike. As for the comfort mods, I have done a few of these to my bike (GSXR) and they do help with comfort some while not affecting performance negatively at all.

[rajflyboy]

  :csm:We all know who this is directed at...As to the original post, I never rode one but I think those zx-14's would make an awsome supersport touring bike. As for the comfort mods, I have done a few of these to my bike (GSXR) and they do help with comfort some while not affecting performance negatively at all.

I will post a pic when you get to 4000 posts on STN

[satz]

I looked up a zx14 in cragislist locally.

he had a corbin , bar risers , bigger screen ,corbin hardbags and peg lower. It had only 5k so not sure how many tour`s he did.
but it was more comfortable then an fz1.

being a 08 the insurance was bad either ....maybe should have brought it.

[loadedmind]

I wasn't a fan of the touring screen on mine either.  I'm 6'3" and all it did was push at my chest/neck area.  This is the Zero Gravity ST screen, FYI.  I did, however, swap the stock seat with a Concours C14 (swap the one bracket from the stock ZX-14 with the C-14 and you're good) and wow, what a difference.  

If you're doing all day riding on mostly straights, I'd highly recommend the Airhawk seat cushion and/or Alaska Leather sheepskin.  I used the Fieldsheer soft luggage with a soft topcase and it does fine.  Folks on the '14 forums seemed to like the Buell footpeg swapout.  More info can be found on the zx14ninjaforum.com site if you want to learn more.

I commuted on mine (27 miles one way) and never once had an issue.  Quite comfy/capable.  Effortless power, smooth-as-silk shifting and buttery-smooth engine make for an excellent combination, as you said.  I finally got rid of mine because I was tired of the insurance premiums.  It's strange how much money you save per month going from a 1352cc bike to a 955 ($120).

One of the other things that a lot of 14 owners did was lose the stock dual pipes.  You can literally drop 27 pounds going with something like a titanium Akrapovic 4-2-1 full system.  Then, you'll want to map the ECU with a Power Commander to ensure proper A/F ratio.  

Hope this helps.

[Squareman357]

Other than my Corbin seat, my bike ergos are all stock.  Stock bars, windscreen, pegs.  I'm 6'3" and about 245 pounds, though I'm told I don't look that heavy.  I love it.  I have long legs and have thought about the Buell peg mod to get another inch or so for the knees, but other than that I find it very comfy.  I've done a few 1000 mile days and plenty in the 500 to 800 mile range with no problems.  The stock seat is only good for a couple hundred miles for my butt, then it starts to burn my buns and create hot spots, which is why I went for the Corbin.  Might be able to make the stock seat work with some beads or an Airhawk or something.  Not sure.  I've had a Corbin on all my bikes so I'm used to it.  I swap it for the stock seat when commuting because in short spurts the stock seat is very comfortable.  I commute to work whenever the weather is nice, and when it's time to hit the road:



Travel mods: Throttle Meister Throttle Lock bar ends, Corbin seat, SW Motech Quick Release racks, Givi V35 Hard Bags, Courtech Tourmaster sport tailbag, Luggage Locker Tank Locker tank bag w/Power let outlet, Valentine 1 Radar detector, Garmin Zumo 660 GPS, Go Pro HD video camera (for great curvy road videos!)

[awc771]

Appreciate the feedback guys, seriously. I think I'm sold on the ZX14. I am 6'1'' so I need a larger bike to feel comfortable (always felt a little cramped on the GSXR). Sounds like she's tour capable off the showroom floor. Because of my job, I'd have plenty of time to get a new seat (and possibly footpegs + luggage) before I went for a long ride. The only question I still have is this: **You're putting down the road that has a 45mph limit in your city. Is this beast docile enough that city errands won't leave me on the ground seizing after it's parked - or before ;p ?**

[Big D]

I cruise through town at 30mph in 2nd gear, wonderful, controllable, low end torque. Not an issue at all.

Buell pegs, Corbin seat, Spiegler handlebar conversion, and it's quite comfortable for my 6-4/36" inseam frame. I've done a 450 mile day on it, which is as much as I've ever done on any bike. That was 450 miles of low and high speed twisties.

[nydhags]

As most have have done I've done a few comfort and performance mods on my 07 ZX-14:
Touring windscreen, 1 1/4" risers, Concours Seat, Full Brock exhaust, PC III USB, flies removed, braided brake lines, 180/55 PR3 rear.
I use my bike for all types of riding, commuting, touring, top end runs, & hitting curves.
It performs all of them well, and people always comment that they didn't know that 14's could lean, LOL
It's not as flickable as smaller bikes, but handles very well at any speed.
The 14 doesn't have any room under the seat would be my only complaint.

[Rammer]

I really enjoy mine. I have made just a few changes. A C-14 seat, bar risers, Givi bags. I have toured with both the stock screen and a ZG S-T screen. With most of the aftermarket items, it's a matter of personal prefrence. I could probably do just fine on an all stock bike too. Except for the stupidly uncomfortable stock seat!!!!!!!!!

This summer I took 2 trips, both about 18 days, one was 4750 miles, one was 4850 miles.

[DenverC-14]

Maybe when I'm 35+ (no offense) but while I'm still young and my back/wrists can take it, I prefer a somewhat agressive riding position.

I'm 27 and love my connie, but I must be an "old" man at heart, because all my friends ride more sporty machines. I also ride that thing like a SS. The ZX14's are really good bikes, and super fast, so you'll be covering distance like it's nothing.

[todao]

i have an 06 with 35K miles.

- power is amazing and the bike shines in the twisties, around town and on tour.  the power doesn;t bite you, it's always there when you call it up.

- 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 ten different two week tours and was very comfortable.
in 30 years of riding, by far my best bike!    

if you make only one change to tour, i would say it would be replace the stock seat.

[atadaskew]

I have gone on a 600 mile day trip

No you haven't.  

You do not own a motorcycle.

[DJStevieB]

It's very nice in the twisties. But remember, it is a big bike! After just completing a 5000 mile trip on my Yamaha FJR, wind was my biggest headache. I could tolerate the rain, but the wind tends to tire one fast. The adjustable windscreen on the FJR 'saved' me a number of times. I have the Kawasaki touring screen for my ZX-14, but I haven't used it much.

I think the seat problem is determined by your frame & other factors. I wear full leathers with 'LD' type underwear.  But I stop a lot... to take pictures, to pee, etc. various types of saddlebags are available, as well as tank bags. I use the ones by Bags Connection sold by Twisted Throttle.

If you plan to travel distances, I HIGHLY advise purchasing headlight modulators.

Looks like the 2012 ZX-14 is pretty cool.

[Burners]

It can be a lot of work to hustle it through tight twistys...big bike and long wheelbase. Everything else is effortless. It just does everything effortlessly. Go, stop, high speed (gotta watch this one, numbers get big quickly and, well, effortlessly) low speed.

I went through the exact same thought process before I bought mine. Finally old enough to control my impulses, still young enough to have them...Best bike decision I ever made. Tweak it to fit your riding style/ergos. I don't believe any bike is "right" out of the box. For my own fit (6'3, 250lbs), I lowered the pegs, added Genmar Risers, Givi V35s and topbox, Kawi Touring Windscreen, other minor farkles. I NEED to change the seat. Stock seat sucks, even with an Airhawk pad. The angle is wrong. In hindsight, that would probably be one of the first changes to be made.



To summarize...buy one. It will make you smile!  

[zxrider11]

The ZX14 makes for a great sport tourer.

Ergonomics work well for my size 6'-2" and 195 pounds with 34" inseam.

Mine weighs 514 pounds and makes 181rwhp with the addition of carbon fiber slip-ons and a PCV with custom fuel map.  

I added a V-strom rack for packing luggage.

Averaging 40+ mpg and fuel tank range is over 200 miles.

Rider ability and good sticky tires will determine how fast you are in the tighter curves - I added stiffer Race Tech front fork springs with gold valves to improve handling.

I have over 20,000 miles so far and still on original chain/sprockets and brake pads.

Corbin seat with lady-backrest works well for 2-up riding.

[kevin_stevens]

BTW there's a new ZX-14R <--- note the 'R'! coming out in a few weeks.  Might want to wait and see what they've done; worst case the existing stock should drop a bit in price.

KeS

[Bobcat]

At the risk of repeating everything already said:

1. Yes, you can commute on it.
2. Yes, you can tour on it. I've added risers, Buell pegs, and a sheepskin seat cover. Did 840 miles on one day, albeit I was in some serious pain and couldn't wait to get off. I'm 6'5" with a 36" inseam.
3. It's cool and will score you trim.

[AZFZDude]

It will do everything you've asked and more. Bought mine new in 06 and I've done everything from trackdays to touring on it. Great bike. Tried to post a couple pics but can't for some reason.

[Krellian]

It will do EVERYTHING you want it to do!