kawferr
Parking Attendant
Posts: 11
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posted November 10, 2007 04:08 PM
advice: zx-14 VS. gsxr1000
currently own a 2002 gsxr1000. but the old body (61 years old) cant take the riding position any more. i will never go to the "strip" with the zx-14. however, i am very fast in the corners, and am concerned about stuffing that extra 100 pounds into some tight corners. i enjoyed making every bike i owned do more in the corners then the next guy could, so i certainly feel from what i have read that the zx-14 is still good for carving. i am looking for some comfort now so if the handling in the corners is only slightly less, then i am ready for the zx-14. also,will i feel a big or small difference in power between the 2002 gixxer 1000 versus the zx-14. no test rides available in NY. THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE
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strafer
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stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted November 10, 2007 04:13 PM
The ZX14 is great for carving and you can easily get a knee down. Don't expect near the corner speed of the litre or 600, it truly is 100 pounds heavier and it doesn't take a physics expert to figure the speed thing out
Here was mine at deal's gap last week, had I had on pucks a LOT more of the underside of the bike would be showing
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted November 10, 2007 04:15 PM
kawferr, I see this was your first post. welcome to the forum!!!
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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bigdtd

Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted November 10, 2007 04:17 PM
it will have good power tuned properly. i think my 14 is very nimble and it is the most stable ride ever.put some pilot powers on it and set up the suspension for your weight and look out. i own an 06 with the flies out, but the new 08 is supposed to be tuned for more low and mid range with the flies in. the 14 has a much more comfortable ride,too. just my 2cents
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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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fastestbusaaround

Needs a life
I eat Fish...
Posts: 7889
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posted November 10, 2007 09:05 PM
Agreed, The ZX14 is able to corner with the best of them, but for real extreme cornering, a liter bike obviously wins hands down. How extreme do you need to get in the corners on the streets? My 10R did a better job 4 sure, but the 14 does perfectly in all but the worst cases. Where it can't corner easily, it makes up for in the exits. It's very stable even when you grind the pegs...just not as stable as the lighter bikes. Get this though, my C14 out-corners my ZX14...if you don't believe me, ask Tedg on the C14 forum. It has a higher COG and gets down easier than the ZX14...oddly.
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FYYFF!!!
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dubious

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Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted November 10, 2007 09:06 PM
The zx14 will not allow tight twisties like a 1000 due to the weight,
.... however, any corners capable of 40 mph or more , the difference becomes negligible, especiallly if you ride on the streets to live and see tomorrow .... meaning if you are only pushing the bikes to 80% because you beleive in maintaining a decent margin for defensive manouvers, poor pavement, dead cages in your lane , animals etc...
High speed sweepers are super confident inspiring and stable, the straights become opportunities to visit time warps, and comfort second to none for a sport performance, long ride bike.
My friends( G1K, R1 and zx10) and I were dead even , or i was slightly ahead due to the advantage on the straights, the big difference is after 6 hrs on a literbike in a day, most had more than enough... meanwhile my day on the zx14 was only half done...
10 hrs of sport high speed, entertainment is very acheivable, and inspiring on the zx14...
that can't be said of any other bike in this performance category... sorry not even the busa.
If you want to ride a bike that will make you giggle under your helmet for 10 hrs a day...
the zx14 is the bike to own.,...
there aint no other that can deliver 10hrs of smiles ....and hyper/ sport miles!
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natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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Bently
Needs a life
2012 14r In Blue and no Mods!
Posts: 5428
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posted November 11, 2007 02:52 AM
To me If you like running the twisties that fast don't buy a 14 or Busa or anybike of that size as you will want to trade it within 2 months. Compared to a 1000 or zx10 or any 600 they don't corner worth a shit. They do okay if you want to slow down in the curves. I have my ccs license and have no trouble dragging knees and would never think about taking a zx14 or Busa to a track day as it would be no fun. you would get eaten alive buy SV650's and buells and 600's except down the straight.
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Tool man

Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted November 11, 2007 03:46 AM
Edited By: Tool man on 11 Nov 2007 03:49
The 14 is much more relaxed than any liter bike, in the ergo's dept. I am 48, 6'5" and built like a ex- football player. (Read fat)
Anyway, I am an ex-road racer and the trick to getting a 14 to hang with the 1000's is "Be Smooth with Slow hands" Notice I did not say "Go Slow"
The 14 rewards experienced riders with long blackies out of corners and good brakes going in. However, cornering clearance is limited compared to a 1000 or 600.
I have an 06 14, Michelin PP and Racetech front springs Brocks S-meg, Pc3, flies out with 20,000 miles on her.
You say you are 60 something, If top of the class comfort and performance is what you are looking for.... I would highly recommend the 14 for you.
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LeoVinceZX14
Expert Class
Thankfully...its paid for...
Posts: 386
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posted November 11, 2007 05:48 AM
14 in the corners...
Kawferr:
I would just add these thoughts to the comments of the others. How fast do you need to go on the street and how far do you go on a typical ride? The 14 is certainly capable enough if you are remotely....sane and want to be comfortable. The 14 will allow you to ride and not need a massage when you get off. Think 500 mile days just because you don't want to park it and you will be literally laughing inside your helmet.
Ride safe....
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'12 14R SE
PC V
Custom map
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Cox radiator guard
DID 530 X-ring chain.
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pdonnell

Expert Class
Posts: 130
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posted November 11, 2007 07:18 AM
Agree with the above. Its a great bike for me. I give up a little on the tight corners. None on the sweepers and straights. But then I can take her on 600 miles days without problem. (as I have on several occasions)
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Basically you appear to be asking for both worlds where none exist. I would venture to guess though that you would be very pleased with the 14. If not, spend $5K on some used corner carver to address those needs on those short riding days.
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lucky14

Pro
Posts: 1439
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posted November 11, 2007 07:49 AM
quote: ................... but the old body (61 years old) cant take the riding position any more.
Sounds like you already answered your own question.
There is NO "This vs. THAT" - the 600/1000 just doesn't work for you anymore.
While the 14 is a GREAT position for me, it's somewhat still a "sporty" position.
You might even consider a ZRX1200R (see ZRXOA.org) or an FZ1 with a more upright position. With the right mods and the right rider, they can more than hold their own on the streets.
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fastest-14

Expert Class
Fastest -14
Posts: 354
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posted November 11, 2007 09:48 AM
quote:
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i am looking for some comfort now so if the handling in the corners is only slightly less, then i am ready for the zx-14. also,will i feel a big or small difference in power between the 2002 gixxer 1000 versus the zx-14.
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Welcome to the post, kawferr!
To answer your question regarding comfort, there is no comparison. The 14 will be a far more comfortable bike because it's built for sport touring where as the 1000 is not, it's built for total sport and twisties. I have the 14 and I have riden the 1000 several times. I'm 6'3" 220lbs. I could never imagine haveing a 1000 as my fulltime bike but I do like hopping on one from time to time to play with.
As far as power, once again, no comparison. The 14 is a much stronger bike but the lightness of the 1000 along with it's weight to power ratio is what makes it feel stronger than it really is. Shere power and comfort, 14 wins hands down but you won't be able to hit the corners quite as hard as on a 1000. I hope that at 61, (another 20 years from now) I'm able to be talking to people about which bike should I choose. I think that's awesome that you have kept yourself in the physical shape to still be able to hop on these sportbikes and their unforgiving riding positions compared to a cruiser. 14 should be a good fit for you especially if you are coming off of a 1000. Keep it up.
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kawferr
Parking Attendant
Posts: 11
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posted November 11, 2007 11:12 AM
greatly appreciate the feedback
thanks guys, i feel more convicted to go with the zx-14, than a new 1000, or keeping my 2002 gsxr1000. i have punished my 61 year old frame long enough. getting old stinks, i cant imagine giving up biking ; this will keep me riding longer (hopefully). its going to be the blue 08 14. great forum,and great feedback.
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strafer
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stevewfl

Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted November 11, 2007 08:26 PM
quote: its going to be the blue 08 14.
sweet bike! please post pics when you get it
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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dubious

Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted November 11, 2007 08:51 PM
quote: thanks guys, i feel more convicted to go with the zx-14, than a new 1000, or keeping my 2002 gsxr1000. i have punished my 61 year old frame long enough. getting old stinks, i cant imagine giving up biking ; this will keep me riding longer (hopefully). its going to be the blue 08 14. great forum,and great feedback.
You will not be dissapointed as a distance sport / speed machine.
I think you may want to do a few slight mods as we had with the 06 zx14, but once the 06 was uncorked it was a different animal, brute torque from 3000 rpm up, great throttle response, and if sprung for your weight the handling improves substantially.
Truly a bike you could ahem ....how shal I say...race the roads... all day....
I have put in 600-800 mile hard and fast days and after a good night sleep always awoke wanting MORE!
I can't say enough about the bike.
I grew up as a child riding dirt bikes, then teen years racing motocross, then street riding and more dirt bikes.
Much more than an enthusiast, I eat, sleep, and shit performance motorcycles and hard fast rides, and this one has inspired me to ride even more.
My zx14 has found a special place in the motorcycle part of my heart, it has already left fond memories forever, and will surely bring many, many more!
Of all the bikes I have owned, built and ridden in 30 years of riding, this one ranks in the top 2.
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natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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