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

[Cablebandit]

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

The other upside to the C14.  It costs nothing to insure.

[ConPilot1]

The other upside to the C14.  It costs nothing to insure.

We can thank the squids for that. They have defined "old man's bagger bike" and "sick hyper-sport bikes" and
the insurance companies have paid attention to this.

[dan88z]

My wife was complaining to some friends about the Connie's insurance, so I checked- it's only 100 bucks a year more than her Vulcan 1500 for the same coverage. 382 to 282.

[kwb377]

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.

I was surprised when I checked on mine before buying it. At the end of last year, I sold my '05 Road King and bought an '02 Ducati ST4S, and my premium increased $1.80 every 6 months...then in March I decided to sell the Duc and was looking at an '08 ZX14. I was expecting the insurance to be outrageous, but when I called to check the premium increase was only $2.85 more every 6 months over the Duc. (State Farm)

[skater69]

Get the C14, you'll enjoy the extra comfort and I doubt you'll be wanting more performance.  I've ridden both.  The ZX you also really sit "on top of" of the bike rather than in it. Sort of a bummer to me as I'd rather be sit "in" the bike.

[KodiakRS]

Test rode a C-14 a few weeks ago and was utterly unimpressed.  


First off that seat does the stupid gradual slope from the pillion seat thing which may look good but removes about 6 inches of usable seat area.  I was pretty much locked into one position due to the lack of seat room, not what you want on a touring motorcycle.  The seat setup has obviously been designed to accommodate shorter riders and help them handle the substantial girth of this motorcycle.  I also had issues with my feet hitting things but that's because I have giant feet and have an issue with this on most motorcycles.

We didn't get a chance to actually corner the motorcycle's very hard but I still managed to drag a peg.  The pegs touch down surprisingly early, earlier than any motorcycle I've ever ridden, including the much more comfortable k1600gtl land barge I had ridden a few minutes earlier.  I've followed a C-14 on a twisty road before and noticed that the rider was grinding pegs on almost every corner.  I assumed it was just someone riding over their head but now I wonder.  Combined with the high weight my guess is that things will get interesting in a hurry if you enter a corner too fast or it tightens up on you.  

Then there's the engine.  Brace yourself for this: The C-14 has the worst (stock) engine of any motorcycle I have ever ridden, ever.  What makes it so bad is that a high performance 1400cc engine from a sport bike should be a fire breather, but it's not.  There is so little torque down low that every single person who test rode that bike stalled it at least once.  It's truly anemic.  Of course once you hit 6K+ RPM the thing takes off like a freaking missile but by that point it's got the inline 4 buzz going so hard that you can't tell if everything is blurry because the acceleration or the fact that your face shield is about to vibrate out of it's helmet mounts.  I really wonder how kawasaki got this motor so damn wrong, because I've ridden a zx-14 and it has plenty of low end with an utterly savage hit up top.

A couple other nitpicks:

-Kipass is stupid.  I own a keyless motorcycle at the moment and have no intention of buying another.  It's a car technology that just doesn't transition well to motorcycles.  

-The linked braking is weird on the road, and terrifying in a parking lot.  A small application of the rear break in the parking lot caused the front to grab hard and I almost dropped the bike.  The next rider did the same thing and actually dumped the bike pulling into the lot at the end of the ride.

-The little little glove box thing looks and feels like it wouldn't last more than a year or two, if that.

Compared to the K1600GTL the C-14 was uncomfortable, unrefined, and just felt cheap.  Compared to the FJR it was anemic, chubby, and a little bit awkward.  It's sad because this is a bike I really wanted to like.  Now that there's a new FJR to compete against, and a new ZX14 to source the motor from maybe Kawasaki will learn from their mistakes and give us a killer sport tourer sometime in the next few years.  

[mcrider007]

Test rode a C-14 a few weeks ago and was utterly unimpressed.  

Everyone has an opinion and now we know yours..................

[ABADV]

Get the C14, you'll enjoy the extra comfort and I doubt you'll be wanting more performance.  I've ridden both.  The ZX you also really sit "on top of" of the bike rather than in it. Sort of a bummer to me as I'd rather be sit "in" the bike.

Could not agree more. I own a 2012 and it is an amazing machine in every sense of the word.  I am a very seasoned rider whom is 6'4 and 200lbs and this bike from stock fits me like a glove. There is literally nothing I'd change (except I'm putting the VH - CS One exhaust on it this spring). This motorcycle has huge power with incredible handling and two up touring capabilities. Last year I owned and toured on a BMW GS1200R, although this is a great bike for what it is designed, the even bigger GL1600 is just not work the extra $10K over the new Connie IMHO.

But at the end of the day it comes down to what puts a smile on your face. The "Connie" does this easily.  

[bluedogok]

A new K1600GTL is almost $10,000 more than the 2012 C14 that I bought brand new, out of the crate. I would hope there are significant differences between the two bikes for that kind of money.

[Silverbird]

I'm going with Kodiac on this one.  One of the more overrated bikes out there even though he was being pretty harsh.  

[KodiakRS]

I'm going with Kodiac on this one.  One of the more overrated bikes out there even though he was being pretty harsh.  

My biggest complaints are the ergonomics but I'm 6'4 so I'm in the 90th percentile for height.  A taller seat and correspondingly taller pegs would make a big difference.  My other big complaint was the engine.  If you read the COG forums, or even the STN forums, you'll hear a lot of people talking about pulling the flies and changing the exhaust to wake up the bottom end of the bike.  So for a few extra $$$ you could solve the two big issues I had with it.  It was a brand new bike so maybe the engine buzziness would go away after a few thousand miles.  However, think the main problem was that I rode the C14 right after a k1600gtl and right before an FJR.  Both of which just seemed like much more rounded well thought out motorcycles (excluding the beemers price tag, YIKES!).

Kawasaki seems to be on a roll recently and I'm hoping the c-14 gets a major redesign soon because it could be such a great motorcycle.  Also, the kipass system isn't as bad as the one on my ducati, but keyless ignition on a motorcycle is just a moronic idea.  

[tankertruck]

It's very interesting to hear different peoples opinions on the bikes I've been looking at very seriously, and what they consider unacceptable vs what they will accept or modify.

I narrowed my search down to the C-14, K1600, Multistrada, and FJR, and of the 4, I thought the C-14 was the best bang for the buck (followed very closely by the FJR).  I wasn't perfect (but, lets face it, none of the bikes listed were), and with a very small amount of money, I can have a ridiculously fast, 2-up touring-capable bike, at a really reasonable price.  I was planning on doing tuning to any bike I got, so that basically made the 'anemic' motor of the C-14 a lot more fun.  (As a side note, if you are stalling the C-14, I don't think you are riding it correctly.  Yes, it feels detuned down low, but I jumped on and had no issue with stalling at all, and I was coming from a speed triple. It felt a lot like many of the older inline 4s I've had.  However, the linked brakes aren't a good addition - but $200 can fix that very easily Rear to front anyway.)  

For me, the BMW was just too big for my needs.  It was awesome (basically a little better than the C-14 in every category), but it costs more than my brand new 2013 wrx, which is unacceptable in my world (it was also $15k more than I can get the 2012 C-14 OTD).  The multistrada was awesome, but the coolant recall (this one isn't acceptable on a $20k bike from a designers point of view) and the fact that my wife had to be exceptionally limber to get on and off the back made it a no-go - otherwise an awesome bike.  The new FJR was really quite nice, but the Concours was just a bit better for me all around, but there wasn't anything to complain about - it was really nice and I almost bought a 2013 but just didn't like the grey/green 2-tone color scheme.  Plus, I just can get a better deal on a C-14, which basically sealed that deal.  

Is the BMW better?  Sure.  It costs literally 2Xs the price of a Concours near me.  Is the BMW worth a 2012 concours, and a 2010+ ducati hypermotard (or other fun bike)?  No way.  

[Royal Tiger]

The K1600GTL is more Goldwing then Concourse.  The K1600GT is the one to compare.  I was cleaning out old magazines today and found MCN's comparison between the C14 and GT.  They picked the GT.  Granted there is a sharp price difference, but many who have ridden both back to back say they can feel it and prefer the GT if they could swing it.  That question is up to you to answer.  Good luck.