nvbusa05
Parking Attendant
Posts: 6
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posted May 27, 2007 11:08 AM
STOCK ZX14 questions??
I've been following posts in this forum for over a year now and hope that I can get a few unbiased answers to a couple of questions I have. First of all, I'm an old dude but still in the saddle and buy new every two years. Like most here, my motto is you never outgrow the need for performance and speed! I currently own a 05 busa that I love dearly and really have no complaints about other than the fact that I'm itching to move on to something different and with newer technology. My Hayabusa is completely stock and it will remain that way until the day I sell it. Therefore, my questions are directed to those few of you that might have an all STOCK ZX14. I know that a real beast is unleashed at RPMs above 4000 or so, when those secondaries open up, but my concern is drivability in town and on the highway at highway speeds BELOW that RPM range. (I do my spirited riding in the mountains and on semi-deserted secluded desert roads). OK, do you find yourself downshifting often to pass cars while driving at sane highway speeds, whereas with my busa all it takes is a twist of the wrist in 6th gear? What RPM range and gear do you find comfortable when in stop and go type in-town driving? Do you find yourself downshifting a lot to keep the revs up?
Thanks guys! The more I read about and watch youtube vides on the ZX14, the more I want one! I'm very meticulous about maintenance and do all my own work and it looks to be a breeze to change out oil and especially the oil filter without having to remove plastic. To me, that is a big plus! It also appears that by the 07 model all or most of the bugs, such as that loose tip over switch in 06, have been taken care of!?
  
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fury
Expert Class
Posts: 427
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posted May 27, 2007 11:26 AM
I have a 100% stock bike.
I have put 1000 km on it and now I am going to modify. (today)
Needless to say.
rider with passenger pass trans ports easily. It pulls in every gear.
I find it hard keeping under 100kmh. I dont care what gear I am in.
The throttle response is nice. (stock)
Unless you are looking for a rocket I believe stock will be fine for your needs.
If you wish to peel the flesh from your skull modify it.
Just what the doc ordered for myself.
Keep in mind the fuel milage is affected with each modification.
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MasterBlaster
Expert Class
Posts: 297
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posted May 27, 2007 12:12 PM
Ok I am an old dude too, 68. I rode mine stock for a while before doing anything to it. I will say this, I think the secondary fly removal is a very good thing. I think that afterburner effect with the files in at 6000 is less safe and controllable than the smooth roll on of power all the way up with them removed. Mine is as docile around town, or just puttering along as you want it. It is not tempermental and doesnt need the revs kept up to keep from bucking. What I am saying is you dont have to be continually shifting. My riding bud has a Busa and we switch off quite often. Its a great bike but dated. The 14 is far ahead in many areas. First thing Bud said to me after he rode the 14 was "Man that thing feels 200 pounds lighter than my Busa." He was correct. There is no problem with passing without downshifting, do it all the time. Now if I need to get around right now quick, I will drop a gear or two. Actualy I dont consider fly removal or adding a PC asany more than a very minor mod, both can be reversed in a short time. I would also consider adding a pipe the same. Main reason to go to some slip ons or even a full system is to get rid of the Catylitic converters that are mounted in the stock cans. Stock pipes perform fine, but they are way heavy and because of the cats get really hot. Of course I can see your point about just riding with no changes at all because once you start, one thing always leads to another. Anyhoo if you controll the wrist action the bike is gentle as a kitten, and a total blast to ride.....TB
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nvbusa05
Parking Attendant
Posts: 6
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posted May 27, 2007 12:29 PM
Thanks fury and MasterBlaser! All this only gets better with age, eh? Ha - soon to be 63 here, retired and always rarin' to go! You'll find NO chicken stripes on my tires, regardless of being stock or not. Well heck, It's off to the Kawa shop in Reno this next Tuesday, I think I've hung around down there drooling over the 14 long enough! Time to move on in and get things rolling! Anyone else have anything to add? Anyone from the Carson/Reno area? Most of my riding buds I met on the hayabusa.org, mostly old guys like me and you Master!!
Ride hard kids, but please, ride safe!
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old guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted May 27, 2007 03:28 PM
Hi, just a kid at 51.
I second the fly removal. My passenger says the bike is way smoother without the flies. The hitch coming out of corners is gone. And passing is done MUCH easier.
The only down side is it aint free. You must get a pc for the good of the zx.
I'll have my dynojet in and riding it next week. I'll update you at this thread.
Later, TC
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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MasterBlaster
Expert Class
Posts: 297
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posted May 27, 2007 03:53 PM
nvbusa05 good deal Bud and keep us posted on progress. Careful though or it may end up looking like this. OH forgot, try to get the Blue, they are way faster....TB
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted May 28, 2007 01:43 AM
nvbusa05.
I'll be honest, unmodified the Hayabusa will pull out a couple of lengths on the 14 below 5000rpm. above that they are both brilliant but the Kawasaki has the edge. Biggest difference you will notice though, is that the Kawasaki has lighter handling and superb two-finger brakes.
Once you have removed the secondaries, you surely will, the Kawasaki is out of sight. 
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nvbusa05
Parking Attendant
Posts: 6
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posted May 31, 2007 09:14 AM
Well, I'm about ready to wheel and deal with the salesman for a 07 blue 14 they have on the floor in Reno.
I've read all the threads I could find on problems that some of you guys have had with your 06s, such as leaking valve cover gaskets and a couple other issues that seemed to have been resolved without too much hassle. All in all, doesn't seem to be anything that really stands out. I know that most of you have experienced nothing but ear to ear grinning experiences with your 14 with no negative issues. Any of you 07 owners notice any problems that might need to be looked into before I make the big plunge?
I have seen where some of you guys are getting great deals, like in the $9800 +/- range. I'm going to offer this guy (gray hair like me, so we'll hopefully be able to dispense with the BS) $10,000 and OTD with our 7% tax should run me about $10, 700.
This is a great site for info, I even downloaded the Service Mnaul and have read that baby cover to cover, almost. Like most of you, I pray that I never have to make a trip back to the dealer for a problem, I do all my own routine maintenance, etc.. I feel like a kid before Xmas..............can't get that damn blue 07 out of my mind! Absolutely beautiful!! Thanks again guys, looking forward to becoming part of gang here. Ahhhh, and yes, I will change my login! HA!
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sj1400
Novice Class
Posts: 96
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posted May 31, 2007 10:05 AM
Since you do your own maint be prepared to have a good fight the 1st time you attempt to take the factory oil filter off. Heman put it on.
If you don't like the throttle response take the flies out and get a pc. I couldn't stand the delay when leaving stop signs or stop lights. Earlier this year my buddy helped me take the flies out - big difference to me - wish I had did it sooner.
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dac
Novice Class
Posts: 98
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posted May 31, 2007 12:41 PM
Hey NY Busa.. we are somewhat similiar in that im 52...and my last Bike was a Busa. (which i loved)... i now have a 07 ZX14 in Candy Plasma Blue...which i think is just gorgeous.... with Both in stock trim...the Busa is more responsive in lower rpm's (under 6,000)... so if you intend on keeping your 14 stock....yes you will notice the difference in roll on power below 6,000 rpm... stock to stock....i think the 14 is more comfortable...on your neck back & wrists.. in my opinion...reading your posts...you echoed what i, two months ago, & alot here have said right before picking up your 14....the excitement...lack of sleep, etc.... as for the price..ya know i could have bargined more...but i wanted the last 07 Blue one my local dealer had....and i was just so friggin excited ... i maybe paid $500 more than i could have....didnt care then....care less now....good luck
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old guy
Expert Class
Posts: 470
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posted May 31, 2007 03:50 PM
My first mods was the heil riser plates and a Puig double bubble. I commute alot with the bike they make it much nicer.
Just got the pcIII and Tsugivi pipe installed. Way loud.
From the sounds of things just pulling the flies and pcIII will be everything you are looking for...,and more!!
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted May 31, 2007 04:30 PM
 Edited By: bigdtd on 31 May 2007 17:31
once i threw my leg over the bike the first time it was going home with no one else
____________
2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted June 03, 2007 11:00 AM
I think I can handle this question. I also keep my bikes stock, and will most likely till I sell the ZX as well. OK My old school includes adding a centerstand, but I travel too much not to have one.
One I understand that performance comes with mods, but typically so does sound. I ride 160 miles a day to work & back and I start out at 4 in the morning. I truly feel my ZX is my goldwing and even with stock pipes she is a bit loud. I will never use this bike to it's abilities...But every once in a while the devil gets the best of me, that or those dam sand trucks running up and down the interstate, it's nice to just twist the wrist and PROBLEM GONE.
I've ridden the ZX through 24 states in temps from 24 - 110 degrees, and she never once let me down. If I remember correctly the busa's tranny is good but I believe the zx's is smoother and let me tell you the zx has the best hi beams period. Low beammers may need to be adjusted up some but those hi-beams are sweet. Fuel gauge is very accurate, when she says LOW FUEL you have 20 miles...maybe 35 if you really want to chance it.
Lots of tech information for techno-geeks, I'm very thankful for the volt meter myself. For those who add heated coats, gloves will always know how much power they are really draining from the system.
Rob
ZX-14 25,380 miles
VFR 91,943 miles
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nvbusa05
Parking Attendant
Posts: 6
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posted June 03, 2007 05:42 PM
Thanks Himile14! I love to hear positive reports on the ZX14. I hope the one I get will be as trouble free as yours. And yes, for now I plan to keep her stock. Wow..lots of miles and still runnin' strong, impressive!
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