drewzx-14
Zone Head
Andrew
Posts: 553
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posted August 08, 2008 11:51 AM
WoW what a ride!
I finally got the chance to ride a 08 ZX-10. Oh man!, first off the bike is amazing with power... I cant stress enough how usable that motor is. Although powerful, It feels like it builds the steam up top and in midrange. So it takes some time for that engine to spool up into the 3k area and up, then you can feel it start to take off. The riding position is aggressive. Kind of like the feeling when I rode an 07 R6 but more comfortable. At first I didn't like the riding position, but after awhile it felt natural. Felt very good for aggressive riding and traffic slicing. The position actually didn't bother me after awhile of saddle time. I guess it took me some time and also the power and fun factor made me forget about how uncomfortable I was really feeling. ( Coming off of a ZX-14 of course you would feel that way) In the handling dept, I was really impressed! It changes direction so effortlessly. I didn't get a chance to adjust the damper but felt pretty good at stock setting. I love how you just point and fire. I have owned a 04 636 ninja and it was not this precise in handling. (i have heard not common in ninjas). There are two things that I didn't like about the bike vibration through the handlebars at certain rpms can get annoying. (i guess it gives the bike some character as well, so not too bad) I could even feel it through the tank...(frank told me) It goes away once you get up there on the rev range but does pop up at certain times. ( dont remember exactly what rpm) Another thing is there is a slight amount of heat given off of the frame around the leg area between the inner thigh and underneath your kneecap. Its only if you happen to press your leg against the frame...its hott! Otherwise the bikes heat does not bother me at all. I didn't even notice when the fan kicked in at 200 degrees.. So kawi did a good job dispersing heat. Otherwise then that the mirrors arent really functional. I wish that i was a smaller guy but maybe then they would work but I was constantly turning my head for rearward view. (even after i adjusted them) In a nutshell the bike is awesome...could use some refinement but it is a great ride!.... I like it and if you are wondering? I would own one. It seems like a great package. I dont know if you are every going to find a perfect machine but i hope to find one oneday. The looks of it are growing on me and i think it looks better in person. Even though I prefer not to have black bike(for safety reasons....), the black is definitely stunning. I would purchase one prob in 09 just to see if any changes would make it any different. I just wonder if there are any flies to remove!!!!...lol
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2009 Yamaha R1-SOLD!
2013 Zx-14R Green ABS
   
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted August 08, 2008 12:58 PM
 Edited By: dubious on 8 Aug 2008 14:18
WOW
I didn't thinks so!
I didn't think its all its cracked up to be, and certainly no giant "KILLER"
I rode an 08 ZX10 for the first time last night also.
I can't help but make a direct comparison with the zx14.
Very light, miniture stature.
Great brakes, a bit better than the zx14!
NO TORQUE, all top end power.
The zx10 is geared waaaay tall, and then the speed limiter comes in at like 12,000 rpm...
doooy... that needs attention for sure.
It felt like I was riding a wore out elastic band, took forever to wind up, but never really had much spring...
I imagine uncorked will wake it up some, but its still like comparing a small block to a big block, ........actually more like a 350 small block and a stroked 540 big block!
I felt the power was uninspiring compared to my uncorked zx14.
It clearly was designed to deliver linear smooth power for cornering.
I found the zx10 chasis responded better to turn in, than counter steering, whereas the zx14 countersteers very well, but doesn't turn in as well as the lighter little brother.
The supension is a little bit stiff for street, but at least it doesn't wallow and bottom like the zx14.
I am sure the zx10 is great on a cct.
For street riding I did not feel it was substantially better handling, but I don't road race...
I drag race!
I just don't push my corner speeds and luck that hard, trust traffic, or trust poor pavement on the street anymore.
I think stock for stock, an 08 zx10 in the right hands would give the zx14 a damn good run for its money!
It would have to be in a good clutch hand though.... the low 1st gear of the zx14 makes it a no brainer to launch in comparison.
If I could have only one " do it all" bike for the street, it would still be a 14. although it would have to be an uncorked zx14....
The versatility, comfort, and especially the instantaneous TORQUE of a ZX14 maintains a steadfast 1st place in my heart.
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natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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smokinzx14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted August 08, 2008 05:37 PM
Change out that junky exhaust and get it mapped and the vibrations smooth out . Plus it adds much needed mid range ..
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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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mcair
Expert Class
Posts: 118
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posted August 08, 2008 06:00 PM
You complain about the mirrors - be honest - have you ever come across better mirrors on a sportbike? The 14's mirrors are at least as functional as any I have encountered, good vision at speed too. You gotta turn your head on any bike when you're passing, you never, ever rely solely on what you see in the mirrors.
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08 ZX14 Atomic Silver
07 ZZR600 Red
92 ZX11 Black/Purple / 86 Ninja 1000R Red
79 GS850 Black / 77 CB250 Orange / 76 FS1E Burnt Red
Live like a Republican - vote Democrat
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BobC
Pro
Posts: 1736
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posted August 09, 2008 05:59 AM
Edited By: BobC on 9 Aug 2008 07:00
I think Drew meant the ZX-10 mirrors.
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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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drewzx-14
Zone Head
Andrew
Posts: 553
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posted August 09, 2008 09:39 AM
Edited By: drewzx-14 on 9 Aug 2008 10:43
I wasn't comparing the Zx-14 to the Zx-10 at all. I was just giving a first impression of my ride on a Zx-10. By all means, I do love my ZX-14 and its versatility. I feel like you are comparing apples to oranges, so the comment about the comparison to the zx-14 was in regards to the riding position. I know that I would most definitely be more comfortable on a Zx-14(of course). Also, the power is awesome in the fact the it is usable.. It doesn't bluntly force you back into your seat, but it is progressive, which allows you to control the bike easier. The Zx-10's mirrors are the ones that aren't usable. No comparison at all.
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2009 Yamaha R1-SOLD!
2013 Zx-14R Green ABS
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted August 09, 2008 10:33 AM
since you posted in the zx14 forum, and the zx14 is my benchmark I thought a comparison was in order.
I almost sold the 14 last fall looking for a literbike... would have deeply regretted that decision for the purposes, and type of riding I do.
Sorry for the confusion,
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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