simzx14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 5
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posted May 20, 2008 08:17 AM
First Bike - ZX14
Next Spring I plan on buying a ZX14 and it will be the first bike I have ever owned. And apart from the bike I will be riding when I take my safety course (to get my license) it will be the only mortocycle I have ever rode. LOL, am I crazy, prehaps, that is my question for you guys. Understanding that this may not be recommended, would you think it was totally insane. I hope not, let me know. I am 30 years old so I am not a kid. I don't do tricks and wheelies, I don't even take my snowboard to the park. I am no stunt man. I don't have any desire to go blazing fast; upwards of 90 mph. I just want to be on a bike that is comfortable (600's -1000's are racers and are uncomfortable) and looks cool.
My logic is, the bike only gose as fast as I tell it to.
I sat on other sport bikes and this one was the most comfortable and it felt easier to manage than some 600's - 1000's.
If I don't get the zx14 I am considering the M109R2 (that's right, because it looks cool)
  
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mcmmotorsports
Novice Class
Resident Mental Patient
Posts: 57
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posted May 20, 2008 08:24 AM
Well, if next spring is the plan to get one, I would buy something else right now to gain some valuable experience. Heck, even an older 250 would do you justice. I would NOT recommend a 14 for a first bike.
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted May 20, 2008 08:31 AM
 Edited By: BobC on 20 May 2008 09:34
Trouble with "only as fast as I tell it to" is that you don't know just how fast a big bike is. Before you know it you are outside your comfort zone and heading to be a statistic. Not meaning to offend but you really should start on something with less power, If not for your sake then for the sake of the folks you may involve in your almost inevitable accident.
____________
Candy Thunder Blue 2006 ZZR1400
Stock wheelbase
Max: 205.4 mph in 1.25 miles
2012 ZZR1400 in Golden Blazed Green
Brock CT Full System. etc
Max: 203.1 in 1 mile (so far)
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted May 20, 2008 08:50 AM
Hell with that Bob, save his ignorant life and tell him the truth: This bike will either kill you, turn you into a bible thumping evangelist who has "seen god", or scare you so friggin bad you wont ride it anymore. There's a very small chance you escape one of those 3 fates.
P E R I O D .
It's EXACTLY THE SAME as giving a teenager the keys to a 1000 hp Bugatti capable of 250 mph. The poor kid is over his head before he even sits in it. And the ZX-14 is faster to 60 mph, and through the 1/4 mile, than that million dollar Bugatti.
The difference is that on that 14 you will be holding onto the bars, ass sliding off the seat and screaming into your helmet as the windstream takes the words right out of your mouth. In the car at least you can hear your own screams, and the G forces will lift your foot off the throttle. On a bike, the G forces actually untwist your right hand, which rolls the throttle even further.
Buy the M109 and be happy with it. In a year or two, after you can COMPLETELY handle that bikes "meager" power, test ride a 14. On a very empty long straight road.
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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slates
Expert Class
Posts: 377
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posted May 20, 2008 08:55 AM
simzx14,
Here we go again. There is probably 10 plus threads on this topic and on this message board alone. You should be able to find valuable information using the search function. Some will say you're crazy. I'd say it depends on the individual. Know yourself, your limits, and your level of coordination. This bike can get you into a great deal of trouble very quickly. Riding requires a lot of concentration to make sure the cagers and the road debris don't take you out, and having a high horspower bike only adds to that. Dump the clutch with too much throttle on, hit a corner too fast and panic, and the list goes on and on.
That said my brother started on a hayabusa in 2006 and a friend on a 2007 zx-14. Both are very athletic and coordinated with a good head on their shoulders. Neither are risk takers.
Good luck, be safe, and take the MSF class. Ideally it's better to start small, but I understand not wanting to waste money on another machine.
____________
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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Red1
Expert Class
Posts: 442
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posted May 20, 2008 08:58 AM
Edited By: Red1 on 20 May 2008 09:59
ZX14 as a first bike.....NO WAY...DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN!!! You have no motorcycling experience and it's only a question of when the disaster is going to happen. Take the advice of many experienced riders. I started riding when I was 9 and am now 53 years old and I still will probably never use the 100% capabilities of the 14. Start with something smaller like a 250-600. There is no replacement for experience.
My $.02
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Red12/Blue14
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aliveagain
Needs a life
Posts: 5033
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posted May 20, 2008 09:27 AM
Do you live in the city or out in the country? How much do you weigh? How tall are you?In my opinion,it is a real gamble and I ask these questions to see if maybe something is better suited by your experience and still be comfortable.How can you say you don't do wheelies and tricks if you have never ridden?90mph can be blazing hot in some situations and there may be no second chance.I think perhaps your best move was asking a year before you bought one.Why a year?
____________
I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
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NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
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posted May 20, 2008 09:52 AM
I'm keeping my mouth shut. Bad idea. Oops.
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jdzx14
Expert Class
Posts: 412
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posted May 20, 2008 09:55 AM
I would say it depends on the kind of driver you are, if you get in every car you drive and gag it every were, i would say you dont even need a bike..lol. Like i always said, a pinto can get you killed, so dont blame the bike, blame yourself.
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2007 Black ZX-14
Lowering links, Brocks Strap Kit, Muzzy Full 4-2-1, No files, PC3, BMC Race filter, 6 inch extensions,16/44, Shinko 003 Ultra Soft..... SOLD!!!!!
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princesskiwi
Administrator
MISTRESS of SMACK
Posts: 7688
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posted May 20, 2008 10:06 AM
Find a bike that fits you, your size, your skill level, and your riding needs.
If you get a bike that is hard for you to handle because of it's power and it's large size, it could discourage you from getting the riding experience you need.
Buying a ZX14 as a first bike is like being Virgin on your wedding night, (like I was).
If you don't spend some time riding other bikes you won't know what you like and don't like.
You won't know how lucky you are when you have a good thing, unless you have had the experience of getting experince on other bikes.
The only way to do that is to ride around the block a couple of seasons on other bikes.
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The dose differentiates a poison and a remedy....
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted May 20, 2008 10:09 AM
Wholly cow PK, you realized you just turned this thread into a Smackhouse candidate, right?
I'm holding my tongue... it hurts but I MUST NOT REPLY!!!
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'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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princesskiwi
Administrator
MISTRESS of SMACK
Posts: 7688
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posted May 20, 2008 10:11 AM
I just don't get people who only ever own or plan to own only one bike...
They start with the biggest bike they can afford and then think that they can put as many miles on it as their car.
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The dose differentiates a poison and a remedy....
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princesskiwi
Administrator
MISTRESS of SMACK
Posts: 7688
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posted May 20, 2008 10:27 AM
http://www.bikeland.org/board/viewthread.php?FID=24&TID=39252&set_time=1211307987
Tell me what you think...
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The dose differentiates a poison and a remedy....
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simzx14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 5
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posted May 20, 2008 11:11 AM
yeah, I like living
Wow! Thanks guys for all of your help! I guess this bike is pretty big for a beginner. I probally have no idea what I would be getting into because I have never ridden a bike before. LOL, I always tell my self how hard can it really be...
Taking all of your suggestions into consideration I will try not to let the allure of this bike kill me. As I said above the M109R2 was my cruiser choice. Once again becaue of the styling. The reason I was attracted to the ZX14 was not the CCs but the style and the fact that (just sitting on it for 30mins in the store) it was the most comfortable sport bike for me. If they made an attractive sport bike that was big (for comfort) and less powerful, like a 600 or 500 I would be looking at that. Hell, I even looked at the zx250 (nice styling) but my wife would not be able to ride on the back. Actually, when I think about the whole wife thing I tend to lean toward the 109. Now to learn to ride with a zx250 would be awsome but I would have to find one for $500 or less due to my current financial situation.
To answer some questions that were asked I am 5'8 and 190 and I am waiting a year because I bought a new house about 8 months ago and we are in the process of completing the landscaping. That will take maybe 6 months to recoupe from and then I want to put some additional funds into savings before actually making the purchase. So that will take about a year.
LOL, I guess I feel a little tortured having to wait a year and so my mentality is ..."If I have to wait I will wait, but when I do get a bike it will be Bad A--." So that may be what is pushing the huge jump to the zx-14 or the M109R2. Plus I am very big on styling so I don't really like any of the smaller cruisers. It seems that most bike companies make the big bikes look good and the small bikes either look like sh-- or they are not comfortable.
Anyway thanks for the suggestions, I wish I would have started riding when I was younger but who knows everything happends for a reason.
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Big Ced
Expert Class
Soldier
Posts: 117
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posted May 20, 2008 11:19 AM
I don't know because my 1st bike was a zx-12 and as long as you respect the power then you will be fine I graduated to a 14 last november and there is no looking back now. Well whatever you decide congrats and go green.
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I don't keep it 100, I keep it 1000
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kaw now
Expert Class
Posts: 446
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posted May 20, 2008 11:29 AM
Learn how to ride a bike first. Buy a cheap used enduro or dirt bike low power not a motocross or that type. Ride on deserted roads trails. You will probably tip over your first bike anyway so why have it be one you want to keep real nice. Reminds of something funny that happened to me recently. I was leaving the cycle shop and a Hayabusa pulled up the guy starts to talk to me and I realized that the bike was pretty scratched up. He showed me that both sides were and he said it was his first bike. Pretty funny but what a mess.
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princesskiwi
Administrator
MISTRESS of SMACK
Posts: 7688
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posted May 20, 2008 12:12 PM
quote:
Hell, I even looked at the zx250 (nice styling) but my wife would not be able to ride on the back. Actually, when I think about the whole wife thing I tend to lean toward the 109. Now to learn to ride with a zx250 would be awsome but I would have to find one for $500 or less due to my current financial situation.
Well now, when you bring up having the wife on the back as a consideration for buying your first bike you scare me.
Good luck in what ever you decide to do.
At your height + weight you will have a lot of bikes to pick from.
____________
The dose differentiates a poison and a remedy....
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted May 20, 2008 12:30 PM
C-14 anyone? Don't discount the new Concourse, it's the motorcycling equivelant of a BMW M-5! Just ask Jeff about it...
This will put things in perspective a bit: I have a 10 mile stretch of nearly straight 55 mph road coming from my little town to the highway. Most of the way its a passing zone, and there is ALOT of dump trucks that use it. If the dump truck is going 55mph, and I pass him without slingshotting it by the time I let up on the gas (by his front bumper) I'm doing in the 120-130mph range.
In other words, "not a toy or beginners bike". At least buy a dual sport bike and get some seat time in.
Or sell me your new 14 when it scares the living hell out of you next year. Sooner or later you will twist that throttle open...
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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simzx14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 5
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posted May 20, 2008 12:31 PM
Edited By: simzx14 on 20 May 2008 13:52
quote:
quote:
Hell, I even looked at the zx250 (nice styling) but my wife would not be able to ride on the back. Actually, when I think about the whole wife thing I tend to lean toward the 109. Now to learn to ride with a zx250 would be awsome but I would have to find one for $500 or less due to my current financial situation.
Well now, when you bring up having the wife on the back as a consideration for buying your first bike you scare me.
Good luck in what ever you decide to do.
At your height + weight you will have a lot of bikes to pick from.
LOL, yeah it would probally be 6-months to a year before I felt comfortable enough to ride her. Not trying to kill my wife or myself, just need to take her into consideration because I plan on keeping the bike for at least 5-7 years and durring that time I would like to take dates on the bike.
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davej
Expert Class
Posts: 451
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posted May 20, 2008 04:07 PM
I was told I was nuts to by a 14 and it was my 36th motorcycle. Riding this monster to its limit is a challenge even for the most experienced. Still sneaking up on its ceiling after 14,000 miles. Dude this ain't your grandpa's Harley. Not all people have the same intelligence or skill levels you may be just fine or another stat instead. However you said something pretty level headed, it does have a throttle with more than two positions.
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Triumph guy
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NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
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posted May 20, 2008 04:23 PM
You're a small guy. Buy a 600. Honda 600rr will be the most comfy.
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Tool man
Needs a job
Posts: 4493
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posted May 20, 2008 04:38 PM
I say buy the 14....better yet buy it and put nitrous and a turbo on the bitch.
Come on out to Arizona, I teach ya how to ride it.. we have some "KILLER" mountain roads we can do the first day...100+ mph sweepers and "BACK HER IN" hairpins.
Hugs and kisses on my ass... TM
Hey...by the way, would ya mind if I took a life insurance policy out on ya ?
____________
The banks are failing..
The banks are failing...
Invest in Ammo
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted May 20, 2008 05:10 PM
A buddy got a great deal on a zx14 with less than 1000 miles.
Another buddy went out of state to get a great deal on his dream bike, a new 06 zx14.
It was for sale 2 hours after he got it home.
We kept telling him to take his time and get use to it, but him throttle hand and the expected return ,never sync'd up.
He said it was going to kill him and sold it.
Some on us can adjust to anything immediately most need to take smaller steps.
I'd suggest atleast take a riding class, and or some dirt bike riding.
The margin of error is very small on these todays bikes. New 600cc bikes are quicker than
the modded race bikes 20 years ago.
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bgchkn
Novice Class
Posts: 39
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posted May 20, 2008 05:19 PM
Wife....my wife took the course and loved it, within 2 weeks she had a nice used bike and I followed up with a brand new one. Schedule you and the wife on the next ride course. Get her to buy into the bike thing as well. Buy the 250, both of you get some bike experience. Slide the bike to her the next year and then get what is comfortable for you.
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aliveagain
Needs a life
Posts: 5033
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posted May 20, 2008 05:28 PM
Go to the insurance agent and ask what full coverage will be on a zx14.
____________
I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
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