HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted February 06, 2009 04:35 PM
ZX-14 in Future
Well I mentioned earlier that I may consider buying a new bike this year vs. waiting til next year. Right now I'm considering a black and Orange 09. I want to wait a month or 2 before I make the move but I still have concerns.
It's been 2 years since I've owned the ZX-14, and I suspect you all have seen many issues that will help me with my decision. Keep in mind I don't push the ZX hard in fact I drive my motorcycles like my car just throttling up from time to time. I will average 600-800 miles weekly so it will take me a while but I will earn my name is short order.
Here is what I've read please confirm tell me my thinking is crazy.
1. Spark plugs need to be replaced every 15K? I suspect heating issues cause the plugs to terminate early.
2. Valves on the newer models seem to go longer than the 15,000 miles as suggested in the manual (at least for my 06)? If so how many miles have some of you all gone?
3. I adjusted my chain 5 times in the 29,000 miles I rode the 06. It seemed as though I had at least another 10K left in her. And what does a chain cost for the beast?
4. This is a huge concern, Does the ZX 14 have a Fuel Filter? I've gone through the manual and I just don't see it. You know here in Florida the fuel is crappy and when I change out the filter in the VFR that thing is filthy.
5. How difficult is it to replace the rear Shock?
6. Has anyone had a projector lamp Blow?
7. Clutch Issues: Keep in mind my bike will just be ridden. Although full synthetic oil did play with my clutch just a bit when it was hot, that I know.
8. Outside of the performance pick up are there any cosmetic changes. Not an issue just wondered?
9. Does anyone else have a centerstand on their beast or should I be known as HiMile14...Puss-boy?
Any advice is appreciated
Thanks All
Robert
02 VFR 118,446 miles
07 VFR 27,060 miles
PS One of the factors of me buying this year is because it seems I can get the 09 for the price of an 08.
Rob
  
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Rook
Pro
Posts: 1125
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posted February 06, 2009 05:03 PM
quote:
3. I adjusted my chain 5 times in the 29,000 miles I rode the 06. It seemed as though I had at least another 10K left in her. And what does a chain cost for the beast?
Still on my first chain. Adjusted ~3 times in the first 3000 miles and not since then. First 3K miles were pretty gentle on the throttle compared to the way most people say thet ride. No wheelies, no WOT, a few tire chirps between gears on new tire/hard acceleration.
quote:
4. This is a huge concern, Does the ZX 14 have a Fuel Filter? I've gone through the manual and I just don't see it. You know here in Florida the fuel is crappy and when I change out the filter in the VFR that thing is filthy.
No fuel filter but I hear it has a very fine mesh screen inside the tank. <
quote:
6. Has anyone had a projector lamp Blow?
No.
quote:
8. Outside of the performance pick up are there any cosmetic changes. Not an issue just wondered?
Same plastic and everything as always.
quote:
9. Does anyone else have a centerstand on their beast or should I be known as HiMile14...Puss-boy?
I've heard of people using them. Personally, I'd never do it cuz I'd feel like I was Harlyizing my 14. But no one will know you have a centerstand when you're riding anyway. <
quote:
PS One of the factors of me buying this year is because it seems I can get the 09 for the price of an 08.
Good, pick the color you want but also look into the possibilety of performance improvements. I heard a rumor (just one post somewhere on a forum) that the '09 might have better mapping.
Rook
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted February 06, 2009 06:00 PM
Thanks Rook,
You know I'm a stock guy. I will be trading this puppy off in 1.5 to 2.5 years and she will have between 60-100K depending on how long I keep her. If the 02 goes down then the zx-14 will be ridden 860-1200 miles a week. I will buy the extended warranty normally 3 years but trading it after 2 years. This still gives the next owner a year of warranty. So if he/she buys the bike with 80K on her they will have confidence in their buy if the bike remains stock I think is a plus.
Here is one that Smokin can answer, How much quieter it the new bike compared to the 06
Rob
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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted February 06, 2009 07:07 PM
quote:
Thanks Rook,
You know I'm a stock guy. I will be trading this puppy off in 1.5 to 2.5 years and she will have between 60-100K depending on how long I keep her. If the 02 goes down then the zx-14 will be ridden 860-1200 miles a week. I will buy the extended warranty normally 3 years but trading it after 2 years. This still gives the next owner a year of warranty. So if he/she buys the bike with 80K on her they will have confidence in their buy if the bike remains stock I think is a plus.
Here is one that Smokin can answer, How much quieter it the new bike compared to the 06
Rob
Engine noise is way down from my 06 ...BUT injector noise is much louder ... But you only hear them at idle so it's no big deal ..Trans makes less noise and seems to shift smoother ... I think you will like the 09 zx14 ...
____________
Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted February 07, 2009 02:02 AM
Thanks Smokin,
It's interesting, there is a separator which appears to be in the place I'd put a fuel filter but is it a fuel filter? The manual only says that if the separator is cracked replace it but that's it. Can this be treated as a fuel filter? OK more to the point is this a Fuel Filter.
My Concern, when I put the filter on the VFR it is as white as one could expect a new filter to look. After a year and a half of riding that puppy is as dark as a cardboard box. Florida Fuel is not very clean. What is the seperator's objective?
Dammit this is making me sound a little anal. (he-he little joke there).
Smokin, one more thing what are your valve intervals? I will be buying the first 6 services, but I will see if I can narrow that to 3 or 4 Valve adjustments. I was thinking 15/30/45,000 but the more I read seem like I can get away with 20/40/60,000 miles?
Rob
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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted February 07, 2009 01:56 PM
If a fuel filter is one of the reasons you do not want zx14 this is what i would do ... Under the tank where the fuel line hooks to the tank there is room to cut the line and add a fuel filter ...
On the Valve adjustments ..I have see two zx14 with 15k that came in for service and both were right on the money ... I would think you could get away with 20/40/60... all motors are different and some may wear faster than others ...With syn oil and the fact that you don't beat your bikes i think you could get away with it ...Remember the Valves don't get lose but get tighter over time ..This is because the valves hammer the seats over time and tighten the valve lash ... It's an easy job to check lash but rather hard to replace a shim if needed.. The worst that would happen is to burn a valve because of zero lash ...If that were to happen you would know right away because of the loss of power ..
____________
Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted February 07, 2009 04:30 PM
just get it himile our economy needs you, and you know its a great bike. i just ran a tank of gas through mine today and loved it.
____________
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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Juice McGoose
Novice Class
Posts: 73
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posted February 07, 2009 05:18 PM
7. Clutch Issues: Keep in mind my bike will just be ridden. Although full synthetic oil did play with my clutch just a bit when it was hot, that I know.
I don't know which oil you used but don't use an oil with "friction modifiers" in a bike with a oil bath clutch. Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5w-40 is a popular choice. The 14 clutch is about as bullet proof a clutch as ever made.
My bike had a center stand on it when I bought it. I took it off when I installed my Yoshi full exhaust. Worked fine.
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AZ ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 132
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posted February 07, 2009 07:04 PM
[My bike had a center stand on it when I bought it. I took it off when I installed my Yoshi full exhaust. Worked fine.
Also removed mine when installing my Brocks AH.
I went with a T-Rex stand and now feel the money I spent on the OEM center stand was wasted.
____________
2008 ZX-14
Flies out
PCIII / USB
Brocks Alien head
Puig DB Screen
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted February 07, 2009 07:17 PM
bigdtd,
Yea today I ran through a tank of fuel in the 02 and I gotta tell you, that is one hell of a bike. I think were getting close to the second tune up. She is running fantastic, I'm just beginning to hear tick tick tick. Most likely another bucket or 2 is about to bite the dust, it's been 31,000 miles since she has been in the shop.
I know that I'm a bit anal, after all the zx-14 is so much easier to tune vs. the VFR's 600 dollar tune. I think I got away with 400 dollar plus spark-plugs for the 15K adjustments. The more I review my tune papers the more I think new spark-plugs may have been the answer til close to 30K.
As far as the bike I think March or April time frame is when I'll make my move. Bike week is early this year so I will be excited to ride something new...I'm leaning towards March. I still have not passed this by the wife yet. I really don't think she cares one way or the other but one never knows.
Robert
02 VFR 118,730 miles
07 VFR 27,060 miles
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted February 07, 2009 07:29 PM
Juice & AZ ZX-14,
Just wondering, you didn't buy your bike in Lakeland, Florida by Chance?
Guys I use my Center-stand daily, parking the bike on the sidewalk (as I do everyday) it's real handy, not to mention changing oil, fork oil, lubing the chain 2000 miles from home, removing a tire Pulling brake pads all are done on a regular basis in my world.
Rob
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AZ ZX14
Expert Class
Posts: 132
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posted February 07, 2009 07:51 PM
I got mine in Arizona. It is still stock height so using the side stand is not a problem around town or on the road. I use the racing stand when at home and performing maintenance.
I encountered a problem with the center stand. I'm running the Brocks AH and it is necessary to weld a mount stop to keep the stand from dinging the exhaust.
Without the mount stop, the stand also bounces while riding and makes light contact with the chain. Not good. so elected to remove it and reinstall my lower fairing.
____________
2008 ZX-14
Flies out
PCIII / USB
Brocks Alien head
Puig DB Screen
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HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted February 08, 2009 05:28 AM
AZ ZX-14,
I figured that you were from Arizona, but there are so few of us old school types out there that maybe. I agree with mods the centerstand gets in the way. With as much as I ride I normally find issues that the average rider won't find for years.
For example, the VFR has always has electrical issues. After I rewired the entire bike last year I discovered that clean electronics also improve performance. That and as you know I'm a bit anal about just about everything on the bike. I just ride not so much fast as just riding. When riding 170 miles a day you have to remember your license is also a key factor to getting the paycheck. Riding the bike to me can be just as relaxing as sitting on a sofa. Maybe more, when I just want to think,I'll take the roads less traveled, it gives me time to sort out my life and think about things I otherwise would not think about. I discover alot about myself and the people in my life, in the end I find that; you know things are alright.
Sorry bout that a Zen Moment. Next time I'm in Arizona I give you all a call. I do a cross country trip but once every 10 years or so.
Rob
PS I was Serious about re-wiring for better performance.
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