Can't decide between C14 and ZX14R

[Silverbird]

I guess I have split personalities. Everytime I'm in the canyons I tell myself I won't ever ride anything but a sportbike. Then I have to ride home, and I often tell myself I should/need to get something more comfortable. It never stops.  For every reason I can think of it being great to own a 14R, I can think of an equal numbers of reasons for owning a C14.   I know I could modify a 14R to be more comfotable, but it's never the same as something from the factory, and you miss out on all the gizmos.

I have not ridden either, but have many many miles on my XX and also my Dad's ST1300, for a rough comparison.

Not sure anyone can help, but thought I'd try anyway.

[sfalexi]

Which did you ride more often/like better?  The XX or the ST1300?  

[big papa]

I bought a new C-14 last year as a compromise, sports bike and 2-up sport tourer.  I think I would have been better buying 2 used bikes, one 'busa or ZX-14, and something more touringish...  

Compromising sucks...

[Silverbird]

Agreed, It really does. When I rode the ST1300, it wasn't set up the way I like and it just wasn't "my bike" so it was hard to tell if it was something I wanted for the long haul.
 

[todao]

Well, you can make the ZX14R more like the C14, more than the reverse and you'd end up with a sports tourer than can handle the canyons and can tour.  You can't really make the Connie into a sports bike.  Course I fall on the sports side of sports touring, that's why I got a ZX14.

I fare better on mine- risers, ZG touring screen, soft bags- on many touring days than my buddy who's on a 94 BMW touring K100 bike.

[DenverC-14]

I beat the hell outta my C14 in the canyons, and the only thing that I wish it had was more peg to ground clearance. I love the adjustable/changeable windshields, and the newer ones have abs/tcs heated grips, etc. I have an '08. I did, however, pick up a second bike for shorter/canyon rides(SV1000s), so guess I'm not happy with the bike 100%. Figure I'll treat the suzi like a rhsc and just do the long touring days on the connie. I do like the reliability and low maintenance of the shaft drive. That's one thing that drove me towards the S-T bikes in the first place. 31k and counting on the C14 and no major issues.

[wibornz]

With the flys pulled, a power commander and slip on, the C14 is no slouch.  158 hp at the rear tire.  Change out the junk stock tires, and set the suspension up for you, and you will not give up much to the zx14.  The C14 is very fast to 150 and when broken in can get to the 165 mph range.  I have ridden a zx14 (not the 2012) and found that there was just not that much of a performance advantage under 100 mph.  I would tell you that the C14 with the flys pulled makes more hp in the lower rpms.  

[Silverbird]

I would probably re-flash the ecu before pulling the flies and would also do whatever I had to to make it the best it could be. Same for the 14R though.

I am also a low-end power JUNKIE!

Are you referring to the 14 or 14R? According to the dyno charts I've seen and word of mouth the 14R is a lot quicker everywhere over the 14.

[wibornz]

I was refering to the non 2012 zx14.  Not the newest one.

[Squareman357]

With the flys pulled, a power commander and slip on, the C14 is no slouch.  158 hp at the rear tire.  Change out the junk stock tires, and set the suspension up for you, and you will not give up much to the zx14.  The C14 is very fast to 150 and when broken in can get to the 165 mph range.  I have ridden a zx14 (not the 2012) and found that there was just not that much of a performance advantage under 100 mph.  I would tell you that the C14 with the flys pulled makes more hp in the lower rpms.  

LOL!  My ZX-14 made upper 170s stock at the rear wheel.  Pull the flies on a ZX-14, add a power commander, and slip ons, and an air filter and you're well into the upper 180s, low 190s HP wise.  Mod for mod the C-14 has nothing on the ZX-14.  Like two totally different bikes.  You'd do better comparing the C-14 to an ST-1400 or an FJR.  I went for a ZX-14 so that I could have that ground clearance and that incredible power, as well as some comfort.  I don't care about adjustable windscreens or heated grips.  I've got a Corbin, a double bubble, heated gloves and liner, along with my Givi V35s and quick release racks and a soft tailbag and tank bag,  and I can do a 1000 mile day on mine no problem.  Having spent extensive seat time on both, for me the ZX-14 was a no brainer.  Lighter, faster, more powerful, more flickable, and just as moddable.  I'll be trading my 2008 in for a 2012 or 2013 ZX-14R because there is a BIG difference.  The 2012 is like a pre-2012 with the flies out, only better.  Low end torque was ridiculous.  The bike was so tractable and the power so linear I never felt a need to downshift.  If total comfort is your goal, go for the C-14.  If you want performance, handling, and a bit of comfort with more available via mods, go ZX-14R.

[st2sam]

Ryan, excellent advice all.
I had a 2006 ZX14 modded for touring, IMO it was the most comfortable sport bike I ever owned. I would still own that bike if I didn't get tired of constantly trying to keep my right wrist in check, a very hard battle I lost most of the time.
Don't get me wrong as the C14 is no slouch and it's about 100lbs heavier which IMO makes it almost as easy to get into trouble.
I like (bought) the C14 because I wanted more comfort, hard bags and most important shaft drive. IMO Kawasaki makes the best shaft drive of any manufacture.
Oh, the power windscreen is icing on the cake.
As said a few post back, "compromising sucks", but IMO you'll be happy with either one you choose.

[Silverbird]

Ok so, say you get a little carried away and a corner decides to tighten up on you a little more than you expected it to.  Aside from ground clearance issues, it that extra weight and inertia of the C14 going to get you into trouble?  Same rider+different bike= same result? Or no?  

[Cablebandit]

9 times out of 10 the bike is better than the rider.

[J-Mac]

I've owned both for many miles. I loved the ZX, but have never looked back after getting the Connie. It's what James Bond would ride.

[Silverbird]

9 times out of 10 the bike is better than the rider.
/quote]

Yes thank you, every motorcyclist favorite tag line on the net.  

What I'm asking is, will less weight help keep a medocre rider (such as myself) out of trouble?  

[JJP ZX]

I have and love both.

Initially, I was setting my ZX up for touring and found the C14 late last year.  I use the ZX to go to and from work / pleasure rides and the C14 for long day rides.  

The ZX does a lot well such as 10 second 1/4 miles, 500 mile days and 40mpg.  The C14 takes the comfort level above that with better mileage and wind protection.

[Spanky]

If performance is your primary factor, then I totally agree with Squareman357. I had a ZX-12r prior to my C-14 and the 12 would annihilate the Connie in a race. Factor how much more power the ZX 14 has over my old 12 and there should be no comparison. That said, I love the C-14 and it is my favorite bike out of all that I have owned. It will provide plenty of fun in the curves, but you will work harder to maintain speed. As some have mentioned, the skill of the rider will make a big difference on the C-14, maybe even more than on smaller bikes. The weight is a factor, but the Connie handles her girth with amazing agility. A ZX -14r is no place for a rider who is anything less than highly skilled IMHO, so the skill level should be in place if considering either of these bikes.  I am in my mid forties now and I don't need to do warp speed as much as I used to. Keep in mind that the C-14 will need several mods to be very comfortable. Most need at least a seat, handlebar risers, and a windscreen added. I found these mods totally changed the C-14 into a very comfortable all day ride. These same mods made my ZX 12 comfortable too, but not to the same extent. I am waiting to win the lottery, then I can have both .

[expatbrit]

I bought a new C-14 last year as a compromise, sports bike and 2-up sport tourer.  I think I would have been better buying 2 used bikes, one 'busa or ZX-14, and something more touringish...  

Compromising sucks...

Friend of mine with a ZX14 just bought a C14 to go with it.

(My solution to 'compromise', mind you, was to buy the Mutleystrada so I didn't have to!   . Not the most useful comment for the OP, though)

[ConPilot1]

I am torn up seriously with my next choice of bike because I've always wanted a C14 so bad.

The crappish roads and my commuting which is the meat and potatoes of my riding has me yearning for something of a big DS nature however.

[Dan K]

Something about the ZX-14 has always called to me.  Maybe because my lucky number is 14.

Maybe I'll get an insurance check on one.  Last time I considered changing bikes, the insurance increase over the Sprint was enough to stop me.

 -Dan