vegasdude
Zone Head
Posts: 821
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posted May 25, 2006 07:40 PM
 Edited By: vegasdude on 25 May 2006 22:20
My impression of the 14
Well after owning a ZX11D, two busa's, one 05 ZX10 and now a BMW K1200S along with the 14, I got some quick impressions on the 14 after 40 miles. My biggest pet peeve with motorcycles are the front brakes. My S is awesome, the 14 is just as awesome. I love the front brakes! Trail braking into the corners was fantastic. Much better brakes than the busa.I like the smoothness of the engine and tranny. The clutch is one of the best I have ever felt in a motorcycle. The 14 seems to transition well in the corners, although I did not push it, but I was very happy with turn in. The suspension seems a tad soft but up about 80+ it seems to be fine. I am pretty happy with it, but I will do some adjusting. I like the LCD cluster. I like that it shows both trip meters and odometer at the same time, saves switching back and forth. I also like the gauges. Very visible. You can feel the torque coming on pretty good at 7 grand, although I did not hammer it. The ergos remind me an awful lot of the busa, but just a tad more comfortable. The throttle response is spot on and no surges were noted at any speed or rpm. All in all I'm extremely pleased with this motorcycle so far. I think Kawasaki did their homework and listened to the customer. I also like the clear signals as this saves me from one more mod.
  
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ZREXER
Expert Class
Posts: 492
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posted May 26, 2006 02:24 PM
I was down to the '14 and K1200S as my top choices. The K1200S in Canada is about $8000 more than the '14, so the price played a role in my final decision to go with the '14. I think the K1200S is a little more comfortable, has the shaft drive for those that want to tour. I was not crazy about the feel from the front forks, as the Hossack front end feels very different than telescopic forks.
The K1200S is surprisingly quick though and sounds pretty great when you get on the power.
Overall, the '14 just offered more 'bang for the buck'
I do really like the '14 a lot overall though, it is extremely good value for the price. I am amazed you can get this kind of performance for this kind of price.
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Vegasdude
Zone Head
Posts: 821
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posted May 26, 2006 02:25 PM
I don't think anyone can wrong with any bike you buy today. Just depends on what you like.............!
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ZREXER
Expert Class
Posts: 492
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posted May 26, 2006 02:27 PM
quote:
I don't think anyone can wrong with any bike you buy today. Just depends on what you like.............!
+1 Yeah, no real poorly designed or bad bikes today, comes down to personnel preference. We are in the 'golden age' for motorcycles right now. Hopefully government & insurance companies don't screw it all up for us!
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shawnski
Pro
Posts: 1809
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posted May 26, 2006 03:24 PM
quote:
I was down to the '14 and K1200S as my top choices. The K1200S in Canada is about $8000 more than the '14, so the price played a role in my final decision to go with the '14. I think the K1200S is a little more comfortable, has the shaft drive for those that want to tour. I was not crazy about the feel from the front forks, as the Hossack front end feels very different than telescopic forks.
The K1200S is surprisingly quick though and sounds pretty great when you get on the power.
Overall, the '14 just offered more 'bang for the buck'
I do really like the '14 a lot overall though, it is extremely good value for the price. I am amazed you can get this kind of performance for this kind of price.
right on zrexer, you have the fastest bike talking about zx14, on top of that you can use that 8000 buy you what ever you want , another sport bike or cruiser or bunch of accessories. that is the way i look at it.
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Tool Man
Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted May 26, 2006 03:34 PM
Bureaucrats and Beancounters make good target practice 
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The banks are failing..
The banks are failing...
Invest in Ammo
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s1stl
Novice Class
Posts: 39
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posted May 26, 2006 04:06 PM
Ditto, here. I was also looking at the BMW until the first rides of the 14 in the magazines came out. Price also was a consideration. Very happy with my 14.
Steve
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ZREXER
Expert Class
Posts: 492
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posted May 28, 2006 06:40 PM
quote:
Bureaucrats and Beancounters make good target practice
I think there is some law about taking them out.................good thing!
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Vegasdude
Zone Head
Posts: 821
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posted May 28, 2006 06:47 PM
I have a K1200S as well and it's an awesome bike too. More comfortable than the 14, but other than that, the 14 holds it own and of course more power............
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