fastestbusaaround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted April 27, 2006 08:33 AM
1st ride thoughts...
Well...just picked her up...WOW! She handles like a dream -- tranny blow away my R1 which I thought was amazingly smooth; you don't even feel the shift.
Power: not much below 5K but very linear, until you hit the 6's...then watchout...this bike is not for the faint of heart...she pulls harder from 5 up than 0-5 and it's breathtaking...uncanny smoothness to it, but hard pulling all the way up to 11.
Brakes: Like my FJR was...light pull goes a long way, great stopping power (from what little I did with it -- don't wanna fuck the brakes) Way better brakes than the Busa.
Smooth riding suspension, unlike my Busa was or any of my liter bikes...
Heat: not much heat coming off the bike from what I see, runs at 1 bar on the highway and in traffic even at 3 bars, I didn't feel any heat (wearing jeans). The ambient temp here is about 51F, but the 10R would be quite hot at these temps in traffic. I have to say that from what I can see now, it doesn't appear that there will be be much heat hitting me.
Had it up to 140MPH and I'm impressed by it's agility and perfromance. I don't really mind the lack of low end grunt; just have to remember to gear down into "attack mode" while in traffic.
What I find amazing, is although I said that the bike isn't for the faint of heart, it is very tame unless you twist hard at higher RPM's. She feels very light at any speed. I'm sure my wife will love this one too.
All in all, I have to say it's the best bike I've ever owned; the technology makes this puppy a pleasure to ride. Well worth the wait!
Now for the mods -- Bring em on baby!
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FYYFF!!!
   
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tool man
Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted April 27, 2006 08:36 AM
Told ya 
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The banks are failing..
The banks are failing...
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zx61114
Expert Class
Posts: 327
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posted April 27, 2006 08:45 AM
Great report and I'm really glad to hear about the heat issue. I agree with the tranny part I thought this bike shifted as well as my well broken in VFR. By the way when I said yank your arms out of their socket power well I'm thinking it was a pretty fair statement.
BTW I called my dealer today and he has no idea when this puppy is arriving. I was hoping for a 1000 mile break in this Saturday but I'm thinking not this week. Dammit man.
Rob
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fastestbusaaround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted April 27, 2006 08:52 AM
You'll be amazed at this thing. -- Tool man - you were 100% right about. this bike! I fucking love it!!!!
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FYYFF!!!
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
Posts: 21895
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posted April 27, 2006 08:53 AM
careful when you twist the throttle, esp in twisties... I found linear power delivery to be deceiving and did inadvertently break back end out several times in tight stuff... felt there was no discernable intuitive indicator as to when I would "lose it" ala 10R or 12R... although I am sure that would come with time in the saddle...
be forwarned so you dont end up on yer ass!
-congrats! 
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What business is it of yours where I'm from, Friendo?
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fastestbusaaround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted April 27, 2006 09:01 AM
I felt that Fish...and am aware, thanks for the heads up. For me, hard throttle twisting in the twisties with the hyperbikes is always a big NO-NO...I know my Busa had a tendency for eating riders who thought they were smarter and tougher than these bikes. But, any lack of respect to these things will get you EATIN up alive and spit you out into a fucking tree. Litre bikes are way easier in the corners as they are much more manageable due to the lack of low RPM tq and that makes 'em fun to ride in the turns...I put my Busa down on the way to the track last year, fully clutched with no power to the rear wheel and holy fuck man -- that hurt me -- and the machine...at only 40MPH...So now, I have a new level lof respect for these monsters. Still, this puppy is one serious piece of engineering. Best sportbike they've made yet.
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FYYFF!!!
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ZZR
Novice Class
Posts: 51
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posted April 27, 2006 09:40 AM
Congrats and thanx for the report!
Have fun and keep the rubber down.
I become more and more impatient if I have to read more of these postings while waiting though it seems worth any time to wait. I hope Europe gets them soon now! 
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ZX11D
Zone Head
Internet Police
Posts: 674
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posted April 27, 2006 09:47 AM
 Edited By: ZX11D on 27 Apr 2006 10:47
Thx FBA. Great to hear such positive report. Makes me want one even more 
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MadMike
Moderator
FEAR THE BLACK FLAG!!!!!!!!
Posts: 6579
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posted April 27, 2006 09:48 AM
Congrats!!! let us know what you run at the track
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200-MPH CLUB MEMBER!
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zerMATT
Pro
Posts: 1931
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posted April 27, 2006 10:16 AM
Glad to hear you got it and like it. Thanks for the additional perspective too, hearing what a 'busa rider thinks is really cool. I knew this bike was amazing as soon as I rode it, but I've never been on a 'busa, so I couldn't compare. I just knew it was light years better than my ZZ-R1200.
On the heat thing, I'm curious to know how it does for everyone in warmer weather. I rode to work in 50F temps this morning too... it's no big deal, but in the 90's, I was concerned... and my ankles were hot.
I was looking at the owner's manual this morning and it says that the top segment (with the H in it) is 248F, and that you should only be concerned if it reaches that. Maybe I'm too worried when it's running at one or two bars above mid... even with two above, there's still one more before the H bar.
Enjoy it, and keep feeding us 'busa comparisons
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14 | Black D&D Slip-ons | Speedo Healer | V1 | zumo 550 | Heli-Risers | PhantomX
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zx61114
Expert Class
Posts: 327
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posted April 27, 2006 10:28 AM
Matt, God willing I'll be riding soon and here in Florida were not going to get too many more 60 degree days. I still was thinking there were 4 bars showing on the Daytona ride but maybe it was only 3. Seemed hot enough to add about 10 degrees to the temp at 40 mph, my real concern was heat at standstill which was very little.
Rob
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marco383
Expert Class
Posts: 145
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posted April 27, 2006 10:34 AM
Impressions after a quick 40 mile ride: very, very smooth, obviously, too quiet with the stock pipes, surprisingly flickable for something that looks like it should be pulling a commuter train. Brakes are strong enough to make me wonder whether something isn't right with those on my 10R. Being a wimp and following KAWI's break-in schedule, no big revs or full throttle stuff, but you definitely sense that something sinister is stirring down there.
I'm still not crazy about the styling, but at least when riding I can't see most of it.
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tool man
Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted April 27, 2006 10:37 AM
quote:
I'm still not crazy about the styling, but at least when riding I can't see most of it.
Kinda like fat chicks huh 
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The banks are failing...
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MAXIMUS
Needs a job
Posts: 4156
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posted April 27, 2006 11:31 AM
Thanks for the great report, i have just a couple of questions, how do you compare the zx14 to the zx 12, as far as horse power ( i know there is more, but just in comparison), handling and off line takeing off?
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Joe Cool
Novice Class
Posts: 54
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posted April 27, 2006 02:03 PM
Congrats & thanks for the report, sounds great, just what I was hoping for!!
How are the ergo's; weight on the wrists/ shoulders, legs cramped?
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ZREXER
Expert Class
Posts: 492
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posted April 27, 2006 03:25 PM
Checked with my dealer, they got in a black & a red, black is spoken for red is not. I found out they have sold 5 black and 2 blue. I found out I would be getting the first blue they are getting, so hopefully that is pretty soon.
I went by another dealer today and stopped in, they had a blue on the floor, but it was sold. I gave it a good look over. I will wait for the blue as it looks pretty stunning.
I looked at the seat cowling and it looked kind of loose, I could see how it would vibrate and rub. Looks kind of like an after thought and not that well engineered.
I'm starting to get kind of twitchy reading about those of you that are now out riding.
Good to here all the positive feedback so far.
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Nixter
Expert Class
Posts: 152
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posted April 27, 2006 05:42 PM
Had a little 50 mile break in roost today and another thing I love about this is how comfortable it is. It has the best mirrors that I've ever had on a bike, you can actually see behind you and not too vibey. The seat is also very comfortable. Haven't had a chance for very much distance or time, but I'm comfident it will be fine. Didn't hit it real hard in the twisties, but on long sweepers it feels well planted. Need to scrub in the tires a little more before going to crazy.
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2012 ZX14R - Black
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ZREXER
Expert Class
Posts: 492
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posted April 27, 2006 06:27 PM
quote:
I felt that Fish...and am aware, thanks for the heads up. For me, hard throttle twisting in the twisties with the hyperbikes is always a big NO-NO...I know my Busa had a tendency for eating riders who thought they were smarter and tougher than these bikes. But, any lack of respect to these things will get you EATIN up alive and spit you out into a fucking tree. Litre bikes are way easier in the corners as they are much more manageable due to the lack of low RPM tq and that makes 'em fun to ride in the turns...I put my Busa down on the way to the track last year, fully clutched with no power to the rear wheel and holy fuck man -- that hurt me -- and the machine...at only 40MPH...So now, I have a new level lof respect for these monsters. Still, this puppy is one serious piece of engineering. Best sportbike they've made yet.
I've only been riding my SV 650 the last month....................mental note............Do Not take a big handful of throttle while exiting corner like I do on the SV when I'm on the '14!
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zermatt
Pro
Posts: 1931
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posted April 27, 2006 06:30 PM
Edited By: zermatt on 27 Apr 2006 19:31
Yup - big handfuls above 4,500 rpm on the 14 can mean *trouble* 
I wound 1st up to redline (or pretty close I think) today, man that's un-nerving . I got to about 80mph... it might do a bit more. Then I hit second and mistakenly grabbed a "handful"... wow, was that exhilerating
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14 | Black D&D Slip-ons | Speedo Healer | V1 | zumo 550 | Heli-Risers | PhantomX
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ZREXER
Expert Class
Posts: 492
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posted April 27, 2006 06:31 PM
quote:
I felt that Fish...and am aware, thanks for the heads up. For me, hard throttle twisting in the twisties with the hyperbikes is always a big NO-NO...I know my Busa had a tendency for eating riders who thought they were smarter and tougher than these bikes. But, any lack of respect to these things will get you EATIN up alive and spit you out into a fucking tree. Litre bikes are way easier in the corners as they are much more manageable due to the lack of low RPM tq and that makes 'em fun to ride in the turns...I put my Busa down on the way to the track last year, fully clutched with no power to the rear wheel and holy fuck man -- that hurt me -- and the machine...at only 40MPH...So now, I have a new level lof respect for these monsters. Still, this puppy is one serious piece of engineering. Best sportbike they've made yet.
Time for a name change?....................Fastest14Around?
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nightmare
Pro
ACP Racing
Posts: 1797
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posted April 27, 2006 06:43 PM
Man thank you all for the reports! I cant wait and you might wanna actually consider a name change especially when you get the mods. Hey, about how quiet is the bike on stock pipes?
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zermatt
Pro
Posts: 1931
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posted April 27, 2006 06:48 PM
See the Ti pipe thread...
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14 | Black D&D Slip-ons | Speedo Healer | V1 | zumo 550 | Heli-Risers | PhantomX
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fastestbusaaround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted April 27, 2006 06:57 PM
2nd ride out today...
Compared to the Busa...feels very much like a Busa, not like a 12R in that it has the same throttle feel as the Busa...loose and plenty of TQ/ Power. Ride is similar but smoother....she handles the bumps like a refined German sports car, firm -- not sloppy, yet glides over the road. Power above 6K is just completely outragous and totally fucking stupid.
I had the needle buried tonight and I can't believe how fucking fast the revs climb after 6k...I think this bike will beat the K5/6 and 10R in roll ons...providing it starts over 6k. One thing I know for sure, start at 80MPH in 2nd...nothing stock (include a Boss Hoss 502) will get to top speed faster than this bike running through the gears. Its quite sick IMO.
Pulled the front up a few times in 1st and 2nd with the greatest of ease. The brakes stop this thing dead in it's tracks; had to push the lever to the furthest setting so as not to use more than 2 fingers to engage them. (no need to)
She is getting even faster with more mileage being put on now...
Interestingly enough,. it can be as gentle as a pussycat, or as evil as a nuclear warhead. If a rider doesn't push this thing, it seems gentle harmless and totally tame, but twist the throttle at 6K and its devastating. It hits like a fucking warhead. My Busa was also devastating at speeds, but not to this degree. Now...I think I prefer the relatively light TQ at low RPM over the Busa's gut wrenching tractor-like low RPM pulls. I'm still in awe and wonder why anyone needs this type of power...but I guess it's never enough. I figure my 10R & R1 will be sitting for a few weeks before they get out of the garage...this thing is too hard to resist.
Tranny is like butter...have to look at the shft indicator sometimes to see if it actually shifted; you don't really feel much.
Engine heat -- nada...cold as ice
I love what it looks like too. Pulled up to a big HD dealer today and 20 people immediately surrounded us...asking a million questions, but mostly "does it really do what the mags say"? They were all jealous of course and most of them were quoting the 197.5 HP numbers they all read about...there were 100K HD's sitting next to me. no one could give a fuck about them, they were all eyes glued to the beast...cheap thrills!
More to come in the next few days. 100 miles on it now, driven like I stole it and still purring like a kitten (the bike I mean). Amzoil 200 race oil going in tomorrow aft.
This one's a keeper.
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FYYFF!!!
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ZREXER
Expert Class
Posts: 492
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posted April 27, 2006 07:25 PM
quote:
2nd ride out today...
Compared to the Busa...feels very much like a Busa, not like a 12R in that it has the same throttle feel as the Busa...loose and plenty of TQ/ Power. Ride is similar but smoother....she handles the bumps like a refined German sports car, firm -- not sloppy, yet glides over the road. Power above 6K is just completely outragous and totally fucking stupid.
I had the needle buried tonight and I can't believe how fucking fast the revs climb after 6k...I think this bike will beat the K5/6 and 10R in roll ons...providing it starts over 6k. One thing I know for sure, start at 80MPH in 2nd...nothing stock (include a Boss Hoss 502) will get to top speed faster than this bike running through the gears. Its quite sick IMO.
Pulled the front up a few times in 1st and 2nd with the greatest of ease. The brakes stop this thing dead in it's tracks; had to push the lever to the furthest setting so as not to use more than 2 fingers to engage them. (no need to)
She is getting even faster with more mileage being put on now...
Interestingly enough,. it can be as gentle as a pussycat, or as evil as a nuclear warhead. If a rider doesn't push this thing, it seems gentle harmless and totally tame, but twist the throttle at 6K and its devastating. It hits like a fucking warhead. My Busa was also devastating at speeds, but not to this degree. Now...I think I prefer the relatively light TQ at low RPM over the Busa's gut wrenching tractor-like low RPM pulls. I'm still in awe and wonder why anyone needs this type of power...but I guess it's never enough. I figure my 10R & R1 will be sitting for a few weeks before they get out of the garage...this thing is too hard to resist.
Tranny is like butter...have to look at the shft indicator sometimes to see if it actually shifted; you don't really feel much.
Engine heat -- nada...cold as ice
I love what it looks like too. Pulled up to a big HD dealer today and 20 people immediately surrounded us...asking a million questions, but mostly "does it really do what the mags say"? They were all jealous of course and most of them were quoting the 197.5 HP numbers they all read about...there were 100K HD's sitting next to me. no one could give a fuck about them, they were all eyes glued to the beast...cheap thrills!
More to come in the next few days. 100 miles on it now, driven like I stole it and still purring like a kitten (the bike I mean). Amzoil 200 race oil going in tomorrow aft.
This one's a keeper.
Kawasaki ZX 14 aka Dr. Jeckyl & Mr Hyde!
I like the fact that the bike is quiet. This kind of performance without a howling exhaust is even more impressive. Kind of scary that if a 16 year old could aford the this bike and insurance, they could be on the road on a bike like this.
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Squareman357
Expert Class
Posts: 148
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posted April 27, 2006 07:34 PM
I agree with a LOT of what was said here. I've only got about 32 miles on her bringing her home from the dealer but DAMN. Deceptive is right. Under 5K, a newbie could ride it, NO SHIT here...it's just that smooth. Torque builds and hovering right at about 5200 to 5500 rpm is the sweet spot. Bang the throttle then and you better have a good grip. I was being good, keeping the revs down under 5K, short shifting her, and varying the RPM and I just had to give it ONE twist and before I could blink I was hauling up past 110, and it was SERENE. Wind protection is surprisingly good considering how low the friggen windshield seems. I didn't get a lick of head buffetting when I hauled her up to 110 and she was rock solid. Oh my god I can't wait until I get 600 on her and change the oil and can up the revs a bit. This bike is fuggin amazing. I thought my XX was pretty fast and deceptive, this thing comes on all tame like a kitten, then breaks out the Wolverine claws and cuts up FAST. I'm in love.
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Keep the shiny side up!
Square
'06 Ebony Metallic ZX-14 - "Delilah"
'02 Silver CBR1100XX - "Stormcloud"
'04 GS500F - "Wife's Bike"
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