BlakesBusa
Parking Attendant
Hayabusa Owner
Posts: 12
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posted June 27, 2006 05:04 PM
ZX-14 Impression by a Busa Owner
I sat on one at the dealer last week, and I will say that I was overall impressed with the bike.
One thing that I noticed right away is that the ZX-14 has a lower center of gravity than the Busa does, and because of that the feels lighter. The Busa definitely feels more top heavy.
I sure hope Suzuki lowers the CG on the new Busa. It really makes the bike feel different.
Both the salesman and myself thought the ZX's guages look a little too cartoony. Take this for what you will, but they probably could have done something differently with the analogs...
Other than that the bike looks good, but the Busa still has it beat in that department. Nothing looks more sleek or more aggresive than a Hayabusa.
Only think I didn't agree with (but didn't argue the point) was that he said people were running 8's right off the showroom. To my knowledge, noone has run lower than a 9.2??? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
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Blake
2006 Blk/Gry Busa
     
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shawnski
Pro
Posts: 1809
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posted June 27, 2006 05:08 PM
 Edited By: shawnski on 27 Jun 2006 18:16
quote:
I sat on one at the dealer last week, and I will say that I was overall impressed with the bike.
One thing that I noticed right away is that the ZX-14 has a lower center of gravity than the Busa does, and because of that the feels lighter. The Busa definitely feels more top heavy.
I sure hope Suzuki lowers the CG on the new Busa. It really makes the bike feel different.
Both the salesman and myself thought the ZX's guages look a little too cartoony. Take this for what you will, but they probably could have done something differently with the analogs...
Other than that the bike looks good, but the Busa still has it beat in that department. Nothing looks more sleek or more aggresive than a Hayabusa.
Only think I didn't agree with (but didn't argue the point) was that he said people were running 8's right off the showroom. To my knowledge, noone has run lower than a 9.2??? Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
busa has it beat in what department??????????????????// 
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MasterBlaster
Expert Class
Posts: 297
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posted June 27, 2006 05:16 PM
My riding bud has a Busa, and we swap off all the time. His initial impression. That thing feels 200 pounds lighter than mine. He is very impressed with every aspect of the14. The brakes are light years ahead of the Busas also. Dont get me wrong, the Busa is an impressive machine, but it is getting a little long in the tooth now, and is sorely due for an update. The ergos on the 14 are much better also, at least for this 67 year youngster. As far as 1/4 times, no its not in the 8s but that is achievable with minimum cash outlay. and I would lkie to see a bone stock Busa do a 9.2........TB
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swft
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
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posted June 27, 2006 05:19 PM
Brock's down to 9.03. Yah, that Brock...
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BlakesBusa
Parking Attendant
Hayabusa Owner
Posts: 12
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posted June 27, 2006 05:26 PM
quote:
Brock's down to 9.03. Yah, that Brock...
Not showroom though... that bike is strapped, piped, and tuned.
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Blake
2006 Blk/Gry Busa
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TeamSpeed
Expert Class
Posts: 449
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posted June 27, 2006 06:17 PM
Sitting on it and looking at it in a showroom is only about 10% of the story. You have to actually run it through its paces to fully realize all the aspects of the bike that put it ahead of the competition.
Bone stock numbers are around 9.7 in the 1/4, and as you modify it with some simple boltons (< $1500), you should be at the current numbers of 9 flats. No engine work, no nitrous, no turbo...
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sands
Expert Class
Posts: 151
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posted June 28, 2006 07:59 AM
I completely disagree about the gauges...The Busa's gauges look dated while the ZX14's gauges look high tech and more refined...Not saying anything bad about the Busa, the ZX14's gauges should look better and they do...It's a newer bike.
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www.nonationalid.com
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fastestbusaaround
Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted June 28, 2006 08:05 AM
Having owned more than one Busa in the recent past, I can say that whatever the Busa is or does, the 14 is and does it all better...from looks to performance...I love Busa's,but the 14 is 7+ years newer...and that has to mean substantial changes to the better in every respect.
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FYYFF!!!
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worm~hole
Needs a life
Miles to go before I sleep....
Posts: 10623
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posted June 28, 2006 08:16 AM
...analog tach and digital speedo...that's the way to go, imho...I'd like to see that combo on this 'street-based' speed macine...better visual ergonomics and quicker speed data acquisition by the rider...well, at least by THIS rider...
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“We sleep safe in our beds because rough men
stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
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Mano 2
Expert Class
Posts: 360
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posted June 28, 2006 08:17 AM
Gauge form is subjective always, isn't it?
Gauge function on the road is awesome. Try it. Compare to anything.
Great info.
Great readouts.
Brightness adjustability.
What's missing?
I'm not saying I wouldn't mind a digital this/that readout, etc.. But where does that stop? GPS, laptop in dash? Hopefully soon.
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Mano 2
Expert Class
Posts: 360
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posted June 28, 2006 08:25 AM
To me my more agressive looking 14 is more subtle.
But certainly very agressive to me and my few friends.
Maybe it's the numbers/form follows function that seals it.
Photographs have a hard time seeing this.
It was even hard for me to see in the showroom.
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Mano 2
Expert Class
Posts: 360
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posted June 28, 2006 08:26 AM
IMHO
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Ninja14
Pro
Posts: 1136
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posted July 01, 2006 08:41 AM
I like the gauges except at night the white face reflects the red needle making it appear to be fuzzy all around it and it takes a bit longer to recognize where the needle is pointing. I also don't care much for the reddish lighting. I would like the gauges to be some type of LED setup so they would be bright and sharp......my $.02
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2006 Turbo ZX-14.
2005 V-max 20th Anniv.
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TeamSpeed
Expert Class
Posts: 449
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posted July 01, 2006 08:47 AM
quote:
I like the gauges except at night the white face reflects the red needle making it appear to be fuzzy all around it and it takes a bit longer to recognize where the needle is pointing. I also don't care much for the reddish lighting. I would like the gauges to be some type of LED setup so they would be bright and sharp......my $.02
+1
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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted July 01, 2006 10:35 AM
Guys i have read this guys posts on the Busa site... Him and a (few other) Busa owners over there are putting down the zx14.... Now he comes here to do a little fishing ....OK I'll Bite .....My zx14 first time to the track lowered and strapped, muzzy pipe and NO P/C ran 9.60s @147 and change ........There where 5 Busas there from stock to two with heavy mods, ( pipes p/c , long arms with shinko tires) ...10.20s was the fastest one and the others where 10.70s......Face it the zx14 is a much better bike... Stop putting your head in the sand !!!
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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dogman
Parking Attendant
Posts: 20
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posted July 01, 2006 12:44 PM
Smokin good job on the new 14..I really like the 14 as I would have had a new one if they would have released them earlier...Instead I bought a new 06 le Busa...Used to have a 99 Busa..Pipe,lowered stk.wheelbase..6:06 119mph 1:56 60ft..Our 4:01 330...My new 06 same mods as the 99 6:12 1:54 60 ft..119..We have no 330 at the trk I go to.mostly..So I do not think I I amworking the clutch as good onmy 06 as I did on my 99..Buddy of mine went 5;99 on his 02 Busa with the same mods as mine also stk:wheebase no weight just used mr9..had a 399 or 400 330..So whoever is riding the bike means alot..I know from what I have read seems like the 14 really comes on strong over the Busa after the eighth of mile..Seems like they fly then..I also weigh right at 155 same as my buddy..If Suzuki does not come out with something to compete with the 14 I will have one next year..You are riing you bike great..Bet you go alot faster after you get used to it..I Like the Busa and 14 alot also like the 1000 kaw and 1000 Zuk..Just like to go fast..Good luck with your 14 hope someone brings one to my trk so I can try it out..If I do I might get one quicker than I thought
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Alan Sloan
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Blast Master
Novice Class
Posts: 40
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posted July 01, 2006 01:29 PM
Edited By: Blast Master on 1 Jul 2006 14:31
Anybody can compare these bike just by looking at them on the showroom floor. It's a weak comparison. RIDE IT and then come back and compare. The gauge looks better when you pass a busa .......Dam I forgot you did not ride it yet..lol
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mokaw
Expert Class
Posts: 153
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posted July 01, 2006 01:29 PM
Edited By: mokaw on 1 Jul 2006 14:31
I don't know what's with some of those Busa guys. I know the Busa is a good bike, but some of those guys act like the bike is a god. Those are usually the ones that never race another bike with theirs because they don't know how to race, except on the internet. Some of them are cool and know a bikes potential and know how to use it. There's no doubt the Busa's been proven as a very fast bike. It has a huge aftermarket going for it. Time will bring on a good aftermarket for the 14 and we'll see some really quick and fast ones out there.
I just bought a 14 on Thursday. I also have a 2000 ZX-12R which I'm going to keep. I have a 50 hp shot of nitrous on the bike and it's too fun to ride, so I can't sell it.
I rode both of the bikes today to do a little comparison. I can get my feet on the ground better on the 14 than on the 12 (5'8 - 150 lbs.). The 14 runs so smooth and it shifts so smooth. It seems like a shorter reach to the handlebars. The seat is a lot more comfortable, lots more padding. As for power, the 14 only has about 40 miles on it. I'll find out after the break in. The 12, 14, and the Busa are all good bikes. It's the posers that like to criticize someone else's bike.
Let's just ride what we have and enjoy it.
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Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord!
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shawnski
Pro
Posts: 1809
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posted July 01, 2006 01:45 PM
Edited By: shawnski on 1 Jul 2006 14:46
i had 3 busas 00,02 se and 05.
why did i busa 3 times because it is a great bike at that time. busa has its weaknesses.
1 had 00 and 02 zx12 great bike as well, like busa zx12 has its weak areas.
now i have zx14 why because it a great bike and i wanted to try something new, better technology, better brakes better handling etc....
i will tell you this, there has not been a sport bike that i get as much pleasure as zx14. it just like i can't get enough of riding this bike.
for the ones you have not ridden the zx14, you need to ride it then talk about which bike will impress you more.
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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted July 01, 2006 01:58 PM
quote:
Smokin good job on the new 14..I really like the 14 as I would have had a new one if they would have released them earlier...Instead I bought a new 06 le Busa...Used to have a 99 Busa..Pipe,lowered stk.wheelbase..6:06 119mph 1:56 60ft..Our 4:01 330...My new 06 same mods as the 99 6:12 1:54 60 ft..119..We have no 330 at the trk I go to.mostly..So I do not think I I amworking the clutch as good onmy 06 as I did on my 99..Buddy of mine went 5;99 on his 02 Busa with the same mods as mine also stk:wheebase no weight just used mr9..had a 399 or 400 330..So whoever is riding the bike means alot..I know from what I have read seems like the 14 really comes on strong over the Busa after the eighth of mile..Seems like they fly then..I also weigh right at 155 same as my buddy..If Suzuki does not come out with something to compete with the 14 I will have one next year..You are riing you bike great..Bet you go alot faster after you get used to it..I Like the Busa and 14 alot also like the 1000 kaw and 1000 Zuk..Just like to go fast..Good luck with your 14 hope someone brings one to my trk so I can try it out..If I do I might get one quicker than I thought
Thanks dogman and welcome to the zx14 site .. I have had two Busas 99 and a 05 and loved them both... I have only a few passes on the zx14 and i'm getting faster each time out ... I have yet to try any MR9 or U4 fuel, at this time i feel it would be a waste to add more power seening that i can't use all the power it has right now....I'm still holding off on a P/C and custom map for the same reason ... I truely feel with more seat time 6.0s or a 5.9 is possible with more seat time ...dogman it's nice to see a Busa owner with an open mind and love of all bikes.. Again welcome to the site and have a look around and do some reading .. smokin..... 
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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ambull
Expert Class
Posts: 108
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posted July 01, 2006 09:23 PM
Thank's to you also Smokin..I like all fast bikes..Including Kaw 1000,Gsxr 1000 and the zx12's..Wish I had all of them..Yes I think you will go in the fives once you get used to the bike..Where are you from..I am from Southern Illinois...Hopefully someone around here will bring a 14 to the track...1:56 short time is really good..Get your 330's down to the low 4.00 and it should go really close to the fives..Good luck with your bike and thank's again for seeing that I like all fast bikes..Oh yea nice site...
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countersteer
Needs a job
Didn't read the owners manual
Posts: 2207
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posted July 01, 2006 09:42 PM
Edited By: countersteer on 1 Jul 2006 22:45
what the fuck are you all talking about? simply put, the hayabusa is the fastest production motorcycle ever. and then the zx-14 replaced it... for now. end of story.
simple, huh?
by the way, i think the Kawasaki logo that comes up on the lcd display when you start her up is pretty damn cool!
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Scott
Long Island, New York
2006 ZX-14, 2003 ZX-12R
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zx12mark
Pro
Posts: 1654
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posted July 01, 2006 10:32 PM
simply put, the hayabusa is the fastest production motorcycle ever.
BULL SHIT
the zx12r is the only bike certified so far.199.xxx miles per hour by a timing association.
PROVE ME WRONG
busa=the big lie....
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EtrnlSoldier
Parking Attendant
Posts: 8
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posted July 01, 2006 10:39 PM
I am a Busa owner (as well as a couple of others), and love pretty much all bikes. It's the attitude of some riders that I don't like. A particular "American" cruiser company comes to mind. I like that Brock has come up with ways to unleash the ZX-14's power. Believe it or not, I was a bit dismayed at the initial reports of some riders that the bike supposedly felt underpowered below 5-6K rpms, as I had hoped that it would be a snorting monster. It seems that, reading some of the info from Brock that, Kawi seriously restricted this bike and, for not a whole lot of money, you can turn it into a beast. I think that rocks. I like progress. I'm not getting rid of my Busa anytime soon but, it's good to hear that the new Kawi really is turning out to be all that. Good for you guys. I've ridden an 05 ZX-10R and an 05 ZX-6R 636 on the racetrack. Both are fantastic machines. Kawi is doing great things these days, as always.
It's a good time to be a sportbike rider!
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cool
Novice Class
Posts: 80
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posted July 02, 2006 04:34 AM
kieth dennis has gone 9.45 on stock busa NO PIPIE NO PC just strap and front sprocket.with 1500 dollars can go 8 with busa.larry eye went 8.90,s on busa with just 174 rwhp on 2004 busa.had pipe and pc tuned with arm.stock engine.stock for stock the 14 is faster.but who,s stock anymore.
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