[SomeStrangeGuy]

EDIT: I swear this started out as a thread about a ZX14. I have now threadjacked my own thread within the first post, carry on.


So who thinks I should?

Anyone out there ridden one? ...thoughts/ impressions?


Probably not this year, I will wait for the spring (or winter) if I did it. But the 14 is growing on me.

Primary reason is the plain fact that I have been on 0 sportrides since acquiring my 10r earlier this year. Sure it has gotten some mileage but most of the time it's 'textile rides' here and there, or to work, or making sure the speedohealer is accurate.

I can honestly say it has gotten more mileage 2 up then it has solo. That is shameful to admit, although I love riding with the girl - I would have hoped that I'd be out on my own anytime I'm not with her, but that ain't the case.

The 10 is a f*cking rocketship, its faster then blazes, easily the fastest bike I have owned. Also probably the most docile creature (until provoked) I have owned since my F3. I think even the 929 had more 'edge' down low then this thing did (well with that FI hiccup and everything .).


The 14 I see as a locomotive, yeah I realize its faster then the bike its possibly replacing, but as I stated in a busa thread somewhere it's not about the speed, it's about how you get there. The 14 seems to be more fitted for casual backroads carving (read as speed limit and a little over) and seems like it would still be exciting at the white portion of the tach. With some work on the suspenders (they sound soft from the mag reviews) I could probably do a track day and still have a decent time, not that that is really my thing.


Not sure what to do, I have 3 bikes now (crfX klr zx10) and of those three the KLR gets the most seat time, I love that bike but I do need something else that just flat out gets. The crfX is still new (<30 miles) as is the ZX10 practically (9k on the zx this week, maybe). When I consider why one gets considerably more seat time, it's partially for reasons of comfort, convenience, and what I'm doing or have time for.

What I mean is that the ZX I feel like its only practical to take it out if I have an hour to devote (so to speak). I'd really love to take it out for hours and hours like I used to with my rr's, but I'm just not even inclined to ride this thing an hour east or north to hit the mountains. I feel like just taking it to work and back (30 min) just ain't worth the hassle I have of dealing with the general public on main roads just for the sake of riding the racebike.
The crf is finally, hands down, the best dirtbike I have owned. It's like now that I have that though, I don't need to keep testing it or something? . But the truth is that my weekends always seem to be split up too much to devote a whole day to riding in the dirt. I think the crf will be on the block soon unless I motard it and get it street legal...but even then, it's just another contender for street time that the KLR will prolly win to.

I guess it comes down to just having something a bit comfier, little more spacious, just as much zap, and some passenger comfort to boot. So do I start looking at the 14 and saving now, or do I hold out for whatever Honda is going to make next in their 'big bike' category?

The xx just doesen't do it for me, it reeks of my 97 F3 in its design, though I do love it for function, it just seems aged. The busa as well, and actually I've never really cared for the looks of the it either but that just boils down to me not being a zook fan.


Thanks for reading my rant, now help me

[SomeStrangeGuy]

you lurking bastards, quit reading this if you have no input, I need this dilemma solved quickly so I can impulse buy!

Ok not really, but where is Chain when I need him?

[phobiaphobe]

I think you'd be just as bored with the 14. The problem is feeling like you're "under-utilizing" the bike. I got to the point where I didn't want to take my 1000rr out because it seemed like it was more work than it was worth.

You want to do some 2up country road riding, why not get a true sports-tourer? ST or FJR or even a VFR?

[luvtolean]

Other than the two up, we're on the same page.

One of the things on my "to do" list for the day is to get my CR up on Craigslist. It's an awesome bike, but I've ridden it like 4 times in two years.

I'm not into frequent street rides on the latest open class tackle. Part of it is, I still tend to ride them too fast, and it's without trying.

I ended up buying a bike that's almost as fun to look at in the garage as ride.

If I ever get my Mustangs sold, and some room in the garage, I'm VERY seriously looking at adding a 94-97 VFR.

[CBR929RE]

get a VFR. you can't beat that V4 sound.
the 14 is just freaking huge. seeing it in person just made think they went backwards in some respects by making it so big.

[1pcbr]

Well, I bought a -14 in May. I really didn't need it in the classic sense, because I had (and still have) a 929RE. The 929has enough power to scare me. That's always been a qualifier for me. When I saw the 14, and got to sit on it though, I realized immediately that Kaw had finally made my dream bike. What more could you ask for? I had to have it!! It really does satisfy a need that's always been there for me. It was well worth the full MSRP. It's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. The fairing's wind protection is perfect. The engine, clutch and trans are smooth as silk, and when you get past 6k rpm in any gear, it's quite the adrenaline rush. This bike can replace a touring bike AND another sport bike, with absolutely no compromise.

[Scout]

I'm in the same boat. yep, go for it. I'll be getting a big hyper-tourer (Bus or 14) in the near future myself, both for the reasons you stated, and LTL. A big comfy bike like this should slow me down...


Yeah, the 14 is now on my "contender" list, but I have to see one in person to decide.

[954inMN]

I have thought about the 14 too, for all the reasons you have.

I think my wife might ride on it more and it's not like I have ever maxed out the cornering ability of my 954. I think I could ride most roads the same as I do on my 954.

It would be fun to do a few mods and have a 200HP bike. I do a bikes only drag race day once or twice a year and it would be fun for that.

I really didn't think it was that big when I sat on one. I thought it looked way bigger in the pics than in person. I damn near bought a blue one but I am waiting to see what happens next year.

I may just buy another all out liter boek and then get a cheap cruiser too.

I'd love to hear someone from this site (and a regular 929-954 rider) really review one and discuss handling, braking. I have read great reviews from ZX-12 riders, but with their reference point it would have to be good.

[phobiaphobe]

I followed a gorgeous blue GL1800 for about an hour today... I think when I go back to street riding it might have to be on one of those.

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Thanks all, I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a later model XX and admittedly I even looked at the ST's, but the more I look the more I realize the 14 is probably gonna have to be it. You can get them for invoice now around here, which is specifically why I haven't been to look at them

But, I too will see what next year brings most likely. I mentioned this 'need' to the girlfriend and she reminded me she wants to be on a sportbike next year but not just on the back of mine again, so...we shall see. I may have to conjure up a babyRR first before I can do this, maybe I can work a combo deal

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by 1pcbr

Well, I bought a -14 in May. I really didn't need it in the classic sense, because I had (and still have) a 929RE. The 929has enough power to scare me. That's always been a qualifier for me. When I saw the 14, and got to sit on it though, I realized immediately that Kaw had finally made my dream bike. What more could you ask for? I had to have it!! It really does satisfy a need that's always been there for me. It was well worth the full MSRP. It's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. The fairing's wind protection is perfect. The engine, clutch and trans are smooth as silk, and when you get past 6k rpm in any gear, it's quite the adrenaline rush. This bike can replace a touring bike AND another sport bike, with absolutely no compromise.

damn you, by the way
But thanks, good to hear from an RR owner on this.

If you don't mind me asking, how tall are you? and what do you think of the suspension?

[1pcbr]

I'm 5"10 and about 160#
The suspension might be soft, if anything. It's refreshing though, after the 929. Probably too soft for the drag strip, but I haven't raced it yet, and I haven't adjusted anything either. I'll drag race it soon!!!

Honestly, I've always preferred going fast in a straight line. As a commuter bike, the 929 is very forgiving in corners. You can throw it around, and change your line easily. The zx14 however, is more stable due to more weight and longer wheel base. These sorry roads seem a whole lot smoother. The main thing I miss about riding the 929, is the sound of the 2-brothers can on it. I need a pair of them for the -14.

[TraumaOne]

Sprint ST is what you need...

yes I know this thread is old.

[Diesel954]

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

I think you'd be just as bored with the 14. The problem is feeling like you're "under-utilizing" the bike. I got to the point where I didn't want to take my 1000rr out because it seemed like it was more work than it was worth.

You want to do some 2up country road riding, why not get a true sports-tourer? ST or FJR or even a VFR?

Yeah quit your lurking SSG and buy my FJR!!! I know one of you has some money!!!!
Just gotta ask yourself what kind of riding you want to do....

[ND4SPD]

PM Chain...he's probably due to sell his adventure steed by this point

[leelover]

Originally Posted by Diesel954

Yeah quit your lurking SSG and buy my FJR!!! I know one of you has some money!!!!
Just gotta ask yourself what kind of riding you want to do....

Have you done much 2 up riding with the FJR?

[Diesel954]

SSG you know you want this bike.........sorry Im a

[SomeStrangeGuy]

Originally Posted by Diesel954

SSG you know you want this bike...

Only if you want an 04ZX10