mrsantafe
Zone Head
Posts: 521
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posted April 29, 2006 09:52 AM
My initial thoughts of the zx14
I've owned a 99 busa, 98 blackbird, currently own an 02 zx12r, just purchased a zx10r (06) three weeks ago and am now the proud owner of a black zx14.
First impression is it looks huge! The handlebars are semi tall and rather wide in comparison to my 02 zx12. The seat is a bit firm and quite wide compared to the zx12. Insert key start up the bike and its very quite, it almost sounds like a busa. Take the bike out of the dealership and on to the road. The clutch feels light and it engages toward the end. Riding a few miles down the road i notice how LIGHT the bike feels compared to my zx12. Shifting gears i notice this is the smoothest transmissioned bike ive ever ridden.
Bling factor, I pull up to a light and some kid on cbr600 looks over and comments how he likes the bike. He states hes read up on the bike in a magazine and says that will be his next bike. Next, i cruise into the local cycle gear. Here there are plenty of motorcyclists and probably due to my bike being black it hardly gets noticed. I think if the bike was red it would draw alot more attention. I notice my yellow zx10 draws alot more attention sometimes in a bad way drawing the attention of the local polleese.
Back on the road i notice quite a few folks staring at it. Some kid yells out to the bat cave!
On a lonely back stretch of road i get back to testing the bike. Power seems a little absent below 5k but after that it really starts to fly it just keeps pulling and pulling. The brakes surprise me on how fast the bike stops. I wonder how it will feel once i put some stainless steel brake lines on her. Wind protection is quite good. I'm not a big guy at 5' 9" but it does its job well. Additionally, the bike is definately more comfortable than my zx12 in every way except for maybe the leg room. The foot pegs seem higher. Next, I get into a fairly twisty section of road and notice immediately how much better it handles than my 12. It's quite flickable for a big bike and my senses tell me it feels lighter?? It doesn't handle like my 10r but it sure makes for a better real world everyday commuter/touring bike.
At the end of my ride theres nothing but a big smile and the pure pleasure of motorcyling. I'm not tired like i would be on my 10r and am completely satisfied with my purchase.
I highly recommend this machine to anyone that wants a fast and comfortable street bike.
I will further say this is the BEST BIKE I have ever owned!!!
Soon i'll take both of my new bikes to the dyno and see what they put down. This will be on a dynojet 250 at a mile high location. I think these numbers will be very realistic.
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9.78@155.13 mph 1.71 60 ft @ a near mile high dragstrip
2006 ZX14 gone
2006 ZX10r (Wifes street bike)
2004 zx10r (her race bike)
2002 ZX12 (still kicking a--)
2007 gsxr 1k (race bike)
  
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nightmare
Pro
ACP Racing
Posts: 1797
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posted April 29, 2006 05:05 PM
Thanks but how is it compared to the busa?
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