Go Hogs Go
Parking Attendant
Posts: 7
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posted December 08, 2007 06:47 PM
zx-14 for a newbie?
I am 36 and have never owned/ridden motorcycles. I am 6'6", 250 lbs, 36" inseam, size 13 shoe.
In January I am taking a motorcycle training class thru the local HD dealer that is 3 evening of classroom, and 2 weekend days of riding. Might take the advanced class after that.
I have always liked the VFR750 and the ZX-14 since it came out. Price is about the same. I will not buy a bike until after the class, but what do you guys think?
Just casual weekend riding, occasional short day trip. Live in Waco, TX.
  
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted December 08, 2007 06:57 PM
not the best beginners bike, but if you take it real slow you might live. any bike can get you in trouble. the 14 really hauls ass and you wont have much time to make decisions at speed , just take it real easy, please.
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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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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted December 08, 2007 07:01 PM
 Edited By: stevewfl on 8 Dec 2007 19:01
quote:
not the best beginners bike, but if you take it real slow you might live. any bike can get you in trouble. the 14 really hauls ass and you wont have much time to make decisions at speed , just take it real easy, please.
+1
Hey if you don't go crazy twisting the wrist you'll be fine. People say get a 600 yada yada yada but its the same gig on it and you can die just as easily.
I'll be visiting your area next week (Temple TX down the street).
____________
2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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mike1024
Expert Class
Posts: 172
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posted December 08, 2007 07:09 PM
You will be OK if you dont screw up. Screw up, and you get over your head very, very, very, rapidly. Bike is hefty, powerful, and cool. Do what logic and others suggest about sportbike engine size... we dont like people such as yourself becoming a statistic. Get a daytona 675 or a 600cc before.... itll be a much better beginner bike.
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slates
Expert Class
Posts: 377
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posted December 08, 2007 07:21 PM
Go Hogs Go,
Like the rest said, you can get in way over your head very, very quickly on the zx-14. I'd say if you are a very risk adverse person then you might be ok on the 14.
I'm the same height, have the same inseam, and the same shoe size. I can tell you from experience that a 1000cc is too small unless you live near a race track, Deals Gap, or the CA coastline. Even the Hayabusa is uncomfortable compared to the 14 for someone our size.
Good luck on your choice. I started on a CBR 954RR as a first bike. I'd recommend it over today's 1000cc bikes for someone your size. It's a great all round sportbike, but not as race oriented as today's bikes.
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black zx14 - Brock's Gen3 Carbon, PCIII, no secondaries, Carrozzeria wheels, Sato rearsets, Pazzo levers, GPR V4 steering damper, Puig windscreen, Tiger Racing chain guard
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Go Hogs Go
Parking Attendant
Posts: 7
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posted December 08, 2007 07:22 PM
One reason I'm looking at a 14 is for it's size; there aren't many bikes I physically fit on at 6'6"; especially anything sport-related. And I'm not into Harleys or cruisers.
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted December 08, 2007 07:32 PM
quote:
Good luck on your choice. I started on a CBR 954RR as a first bike. I'd recommend it over today's 1000cc bikes for someone your size. It's a great all round sportbike, but not as race oriented as today's bikes.
what wrong with race oriented bikes!? 
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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zx12mark
Pro
Posts: 1654
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posted December 08, 2007 08:09 PM
get a dirt bike for a year and ride it as much as you can.learn what pain is.then get a 500 street bike for a year.then a 750 and so on.it's your life.save it wihile you can.good luck.you'll need it out on the street.
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ghostman
Expert Class
Posts: 456
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posted December 08, 2007 08:21 PM
Edited By: ghostman on 8 Dec 2007 20:23
Well fellas, what do you think about the VFR800?
Seems alittle more forgiving and relaxed.
At lest with the VFR a person would have more fun riding as a beginner than being surprised by that infamous ass kicking at 6000rpm when they decide to open up the throttle for the first time, or second. . . .or . . .well you get the picture.
With the 14, the throttle is definitely not just a noise maker. But with control and alittle common sense, it can make you smile constantly.
Don't know too much about the ZZR1200. I'm sure somebody else can chime in in that department.
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I'm There Whether You See Me Or Not.
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted December 08, 2007 08:27 PM
Its all in the wrist.
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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mark524
Expert Class
Posts: 297
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posted December 08, 2007 08:41 PM
I'm almost 300 lbs and 6'2" and I rode a CBR600 for almost 2 years and when that got old I went to the 14, but I've been riding motocross since I was 10. the 14 still blew my mind when I first rode it. I think at your height you won't find any sportbike comfortable, but I would start with something like a 900. the 14 isn't that much roomier and the power is too much for a new rider imho.
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Hawkman
Zone Head
Posts: 747
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posted December 08, 2007 10:10 PM
I say get a KLR 650 and ride it for a year at least. The ZX-14 is too much bike for a beginner. I agree with everyone in saying as long as you take it easy, you'll be fine. But we're guys and there's going to be a time when you will want to see what it's got and that's when you're dead. Sorry...seen it time and time again.
Good luck with whatever you choose to pick up. Just know you're abilities, always be ready for a car to do the unexpected and pick your places to play.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted December 08, 2007 10:35 PM
quote:
Its all in the wrist.
 Im sure your good with the wrist action Steve!!!
I had to say it, you opened yourself up for that one
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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kawasakijockey
Pro
Posts: 1876
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posted December 09, 2007 04:16 AM
I am new here too but have been on street bikes for 21 yrs. I have always believed that starting small and moving up is the best way to get a full learning experience. However, being that you are a big guy starting small would be an unpleasant experience I would guess. At 36 yrs. of age you should be mature enough to know not to let the power kill you by doing something stupid. Taking the riding schools is a good start. Do you want the thrill of going stupid fast or do you want to really enjoy the riding experience? These are the serious questions to ask yourself. If you want to go fast then I suggest no bike at all to save your life. Truthfully, I dont see a ZX14 killing a rider any faster than a Ninja 250 if the rider respects the bikes power. Whatever you buy you should not go on group rides or take on a passenger for at least 3-6 months. All of the new riders I know get into trouble when trying to keep up with the pack. With all of that said I can tell you that me being 18yrs experienced on the road I failed to respect a big bike's power only ONE TIME and I paid a hard price. It threw me down the road. These things are heartless and remorseless so only YOU are in control of them. Sorry for the speech....
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Get on the shortbus boys 'cause its time to get schooled.
2007 ZX-14
1.38 60ft
9.03 @ 149mph
8.95 @153 small shot n2o
8.68 @160mph 5lbs boost
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted December 09, 2007 04:52 AM
I you have never OWNED a bike before , there are better choices to learn on than a zx14.
The courses offered only give you the most basic skils to ride, and that is why I say to learn on.
A bandit 600, 750,1200, or 1250 is a much more forgiving bike and will allow you to become comfortable with bikes, traffic and such.
The reason I recommend these bikes is beacuse they physically are much larger machine than the current super sport bikes, which won't cramp you or your style too much, while being very competent tools to learn on.
Ninja 650 and SV 650 are usually the bikes I recommend as learning tools, since they are not powerful enough to become difficult to control, but have enough power to keep up with traffic. You may require a little more power since you are a heavier guy.
Other things to consider are your driving/ riding apptitude.
Some ppl buy motorcycles and they hardly can balance a bicycle= BAD NEWS
Some ppl buy a motorcycle and have never driven a stand trans. car. = less oportunity to focus on riding since they need to learn clutch control.
So, there are many variables to consider.
If you are honest and reasonable with yourself, you should be able to make the right choice.
Never having owned a bike, even if you have ridden a friends for 15 minutes or 10 hrs, still does not constitute experience in my mind.
Literbikes and big bore hypersport make poor beginner bikes.
It can be done, but there are better choices.
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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LandspeedLarry
Expert Class
Posts: 234
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posted December 09, 2007 06:15 AM
Listen to Dubious. Good sensible answer. Welcome to motorcycles. My lifelong passion. LSL
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Home of the World's Fastest Naturally Aspirated motorcycles.
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Bently
Needs a life
2012 14r In Blue and no Mods!
Posts: 5428
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posted December 09, 2007 07:18 AM
IMO no one can tell you weather it's a good choice or bad choice, My buddy went and got his permit when he was 21 then went and bought a cbr 1000rr, we rode together for about 2 weeks before he went and got his license, he never had an issue what so ever being in control of the bike. then I see it at the shop all the time this year we sold a gsxr600 to a new rider and he dumped it 3 blocks away. then we sold a zx6 to a newbie who we had to explian how to let the clutch out before he could even get out of the parking lot and yes he dumped it at the first corner. The zx 14 don't have an auto throttle that takes it to 186 by itself, at your size it could be a fine first bike or if your not mature with your throttle it could be bad, at least with the 14 with the flies in it's pretty soft down low for a guy of your weight.
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Ranast
Novice Class
Posts: 31
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posted December 09, 2007 07:57 AM
Edited By: Ranast on 9 Dec 2007 08:06
I have been riding for 24+ years. I can tell you honestly that regardless of your size the 14 is not a beginners bike. Ask yourself something, what was the bike designed by Kawasaki to do?
Answer: Beat the fastest production motorcycle on the planet...the Hayabusa.
And it did, not by much but, the goal was reached. The 14 is a great all around bike, but at its heart it is a mindbogglingly powerful straight line race bike.
The Ninja 250/500/650R and SV 650 etc. were designed as beginner bikes and as general purpose street motorcycles. Race bikes they aren't but they were not built for that purpose. They can introduce you to motorcycling without adding in the warp speed switch on the right handle bar.
Yes it is all in your wrist.....but riding a motorcycle is also in your fingers, feet, legs, body position, head position etc.
There are dozens of basic skills needed to competently (and safely) ride a motorcycle on the street.:
Awareness, bike and lane position, emergency braking (and standard braking), counter steering, counter weighting in slow tight turns, looking through turns, matching revs on down shifts, throttle position in turns and on and on.
I think most of us who have been on bikes for years forget how many of the skills we take for granted because they are second nature and we don't have to think about most of them anymore.
When you are new to motorcycling......you have to THINK about EVERY one of them.
Imagine being in the middle of a corner on the 14 and accelerating out of it (stock bike). You are at 4500 RPM's in second gear and climbing....what do you think will happen to the new rider not thinking about the massive rush of power about to come on (or even the experienced rider not thinking or paying close attention)?
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LeoVinceZX14
Expert Class
Thankfully...its paid for...
Posts: 386
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posted December 09, 2007 08:24 AM
Edited By: LeoVinceZX14 on 9 Dec 2007 08:30
ZX14 as a beginners bike.....?
Go Hogs Go:
Since you are new to bikes, 1st welcome, second LISTEN HARD to what Dubious and the others who are cautioning you against a 14 wrote. To say its all in the "wrist" oversimplifies it too much for your experience level. Riding a front line hyper performance bike like the 14 requires alot of judgement and restraint most of which comes from "seat time" accumulated before you jump on a 14 class bike. You are a big guy so something that reasonably fits you size is important. DON'T BE FOOLED. You can very easily gas it just a little too much for your skill and experience level and ....poof your dead. Yes you can also do that on a smaller bike, the 14 just makes it possible EVERY time you ride. Your call. GOOD LUCK.
Ride Safe....
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'12 14R SE
PC V
Custom map
BMC filter
Leo Vince 4-2-1 w/ carbon can
Sato frame sliders
Supersprox 42T
Cox radiator guard
DID 530 X-ring chain.
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hopeitsfast
Novice Class
Posts: 75
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posted December 09, 2007 09:00 AM
buy what u want hogs. just be safe and watch them cars, imo they are more deadly then any bike. i truly think it comes down to your ability to be smart on the bike and not think you are better then the bike. you can get killed on any street bike very easy.....600,750,1000...or the 14.
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06 zx14 black ( stock)
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mike1024
Expert Class
Posts: 172
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posted December 09, 2007 09:43 AM
get a ninja 250, killer
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Tool man
Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted December 09, 2007 03:18 PM
quote:
get a ninja 250, killer
If ya want to be a circus act...:P
Think about a used Kaw. ZRX or Suzuki Bandit 1200 for a guy your size...Better yet a used XR 600 or 650L for at least a year...Ride every weekend....Learn and Live.
Most of us have years of seat time...Myself 35+ now Dirt, street, Road and Ice racing...ect.
Motorcycling is one of the most fun and chalanging thing to do in a lifetime....Don't cut yours short by being silly...
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The banks are failing..
The banks are failing...
Invest in Ammo
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zx14kawboi
Novice Class
just wanna be fast
Posts: 70
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posted December 09, 2007 05:06 PM
the power is not overwhelming on a stock motorcycle ,gear selection is made much easier with all the torque. in my opinion it is a very forgiving bike .just take slow and easy .it can go 45mph easier than it can go 180
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lietoome
Needs a job
Posts: 2033
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posted December 09, 2007 08:45 PM
I'm XXL, 32 when I started riding. First bike was a 2003 ZX12. Smaller bikes were just not for me. Actually, the busa and the 12 were the only bikes I even considered. I took all the safety courses, did a LOT of reading in forums and online, and I had talked to a lot of people about bikes & asked a lot of questions. Invest in quality safety gear, it will save your skin/life.
I asked like you did and got a lot of similar answers. I decided to go ahead and buy it. Its all in your maturity and common sense. If you let your ego dig you a hole, you'll possibly be buried in it. With that said, buy it. Practice what you learned in those classes in empty parking lots. Associate with a group of riders that you trust...or ride alone. Do a track day and maybe hit the local drags. Talk to people like us that have had these powerful machines....there is a wealth of knowledge on this site and others.
Best of luck, just remember, cars are out to kill you and a good helmet/leathers/gloves/boots are better than a condom.
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zx14r191
Novice Class
Posts: 54
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posted December 09, 2007 09:46 PM
I agree with Tool man. Don't care what anybody says, learn to ride on something that allows you to learn to ride a bike without worrying about monster power etc etc. If you were in Europe, where I grew up, you would not be allowed to ride a bike like this until you had at least a couple years experience.
Your choice - wish u well.
S.
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06 ZX14
04 R1 - race bike
01 R1 - big bore stroker - 191 rwhp
06 ZX6R - wife's
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