HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
|
posted February 21, 2009 03:58 AM
New Bike Opinion
Good Day All,
I am still considering buying a ZX-14 in the next month or so but I would like to get some advice.
Here is the situation, I wanted to check into a Orange and Black 09 but it seems I can save 1300 dollars if I go with an 08. Problem with this is I really only like the Blue in 08 and there are none to be found. Recently I've come across a dealer with all 3 07's.
Those who know me know that the performance difference between the 07 and 08 really does not mean that much to me, hell I'm more into the fact that the 08's are quieter than the 07's (that's because I leave for work at 4:15 am and to me quieter is better) at any rate the 07 colors work for me and the dealer wants me to come down and talk.
I suspect that in the end it is going to come down to my trade. I'm guessing I would get more for my 07 VFR against a 07 ZX-14 vs the 08 ZX-14. What say you all.
Thanks in advance
Rob
07 VFR 28,418 miles
02 VFR 119,219 miles
|
eklipse636

Needs a life
ZX-14
Posts: 6046
|
posted February 21, 2009 04:15 AM
I wouldn't buy a 07 unless your going to keep it for a long time. The value of it is going to be a lot less IMO in just a few years. I could be wrong.
____________
Best: 60ft 1.351 1/8 5.68 mph 123.98 1/4
8.89 mph 151.32
|
Bluebyyou

Expert Class
Gettin My Curve On
Posts: 276
|
posted February 21, 2009 04:25 AM
Like he said, unless you keep bikes a long time it wouldn't be worthwhile. While deals are to be had on leftovers the depreciation hit would be huge and immediate.
____________
2007 Bad to the Bone ZX-14 flies out, full Muzzy exhaust system, PC III, BMC race
|
Rook

Pro
Posts: 1125
|
posted February 21, 2009 06:40 AM
Go with the 07. Buy MSBlue fairings some day if you want. MSBlue looks black most of the time anyway.
There should no real appreciable noise reduction on the 08. It was mechanical sounds like chain gaurd noise that were reduced on the G2 and that amounts to almost nothing. Both bikes have very quiet stock mufflers.
You have to mod the 08 more to get as good of performance. No doubt you've heard about the extra cat and the richer mapping. You get a finer fuel spray and revised piston dome on the G2 but I doubt that is making it a lot better than the G1.
Get the 07 and remove flies/remap after break in. That's what I would do if I had the chance to make the decision again.
Rook
|
Shane661

Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 21, 2009 07:51 AM
Edited By: Shane661 on 21 Feb 2009 18:05
Make sure you inspect the frame for cracks if you buy the 07. There was a recall, in case you were unaware.
Shane
|
Shane661

Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 21, 2009 07:54 AM
Edited By: Shane661 on 21 Feb 2009 15:55
Here is a blue 08 on Ebay, new, for under $9k:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280312904898&category=50019&viewitem=
Shane
|
ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
|
posted February 21, 2009 08:23 AM
I think it comes down to color and price.
No major difference in noise or performance between 06 and 08.
|
BobC

Pro
Posts: 1736
|
posted February 21, 2009 09:07 AM
If the deal offered for the 07 is good enough you might consider it.
However, If I were changing my bike right now and the Orange and Black was available over here then that's what I would go for.
____________
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)
|
Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
|
posted February 21, 2009 09:54 AM
quote: I think it comes down to color and price.
No major difference in noise or performance between 06 and 08.
if he doesn't plan on pulling the flies then there is a big difference in low end. personally I would buy the 08 if you're not planning to mod. if you're going to do the basic pipe, pc3, no flies etc. get the one that you like the looks of best.
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
|
HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
|
posted February 21, 2009 12:28 PM
Hi All,
Well I went out to a couple shops this morning and there are 07's out there. I understand that buying a 07 the value will be less then 5000 in 2 years but I'm not paying full price for the bike so I can accept this. The reason why I love this bike is it's ability to do simply amazing things.
Yes she is fast but I have found that keeping everything stock works best for the long haul. I doubt my zx-14 will ever see the inside of a track, just roads and lots of that. I to this day have not ridden any bike that is as smooth as the ZX-14 and I've ridden a lot of bikes. I'm leaning towards the 07 but deals can be had everywhere right now. Time will tell but the advice given is much appreciated.
Thanks Rob
02 VFR 119,307 miles
|
heraser

Expert Class
Tall Blue 14
Posts: 259
|
posted February 21, 2009 04:30 PM
You can definitely get a great deal on '08s and fantastic deals on '07s. You will get more for your current bike if you sell it yourself instead of the trade in, if you have the time.
____________
Blue '07 Racetech Fork Kit/Ohlins Rear
Ivan Tuned Fast and SMOOTH!
|
07zx14blk

Expert Class
ZX6R, ZX9R,ZX12R,ZX14
Posts: 252
|
posted February 21, 2009 05:11 PM
My two cents…
The differences in the 3 years are small; if it was me I would buy the Black 07… or the Blue / Black 08 and try and get a good deal on it.
There will be a difference in resale but as long as the purchase price takes that into account big deal and with a major change coming with the 2010 ZX15R all the old ZX14’s will take a hit.
Note: If anyone at mother Kawi is reading this thread make sure the 2010 color scheme includes black and a factory turbo would be nice (if I am going to dream might as well make it big).
____________
ZX14 - Flies out,Full Yosh CF,PCIII,Dark Smoke, Thottlemister, Fender Eliminator, CF Hugger, BMC Race Fillter
|
Rook

Pro
Posts: 1125
|
posted February 21, 2009 06:56 PM
quote:
Yes she is fast but I have found that keeping everything stock works best for the long haul. I doubt my zx-14 will ever see the inside of a track, just roads and lots of that.
I just have a feeling that you know what your needs are in your new bike. Maybe because you apparently spent a lot of time on the old one. I was a little different but here's some food for thought:
The 14 was my first sportbike. It was what I always wanted and before I bought it, I remember thinking I will never mod, I will never go over 100, I will never lean hard into tight corners, I will never do a wheelie or burn rubber.............
I have done all of those things after 7 months of riding and don't plan on stopping any time soon.
Have fun. You can't go wrong with any year 14 if you're looking for a super high speed/long distance runner.
Rook
|
Old Guy

Expert Class
Posts: 470
|
posted February 21, 2009 07:18 PM
Sorry to mention this but...,
Jap bikes got no resale worth spit anyway!!
If the price is right and you are gonna keep it for years it wont matter.
I'd get the lowest initial price new bike you can.
The less you have to finance the cheaper overall the bike will be.
Financing another $1000 could make a difference depending on length and interest of contract.
You will save some sales tax with your trade in too.
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
|
Bad in Black
Expert Class
Posts: 348
|
posted February 22, 2009 01:45 AM
If you want new you should be able to find an 07, and with some good haggling considering the current economy, get it for a screaming deal. The only diff between the years that you'll notice is the 07 has a weak low end under about 5 grand, if you like to twist the throttle hard down low. If you're more of a cruiser or like revs it won't matter And pulling the flies/adding a pc is super easy, and gives it more grunt than any other year down low. Personally I'd find a low mile used 14 and pick that up. You'll find one unbelievably cheap....and prolly modded abit as well. I got my 06 9 months old (wayy before our recession) with 1680 miles on it for 7200....it was still brand new in every way Low miles used is the way to go if you can swing it
|
HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
|
posted February 22, 2009 03:46 AM
Great replies all,
I'm still laughing at rook's comments.
OK I'll throw you the details of the my request, we will see if anyone bites. This may disappoint many here bit I think Old Guy nailed it in resale, but if I may add it's every manufacture having issues right now.
On the 07 I have asked them to trade my 07/abs VFR plus $2500 and they will install the center-stand on the 07 ZX-14. The center-stand on the 06 was 300 dollars. Here how I think the numbers will break down.
07 ZX 7900
CS 300
= 8200
07 VFR- 5700
Total 2500 I will pay for the state taxes.
Now if I can get a 09 for 1300 more I think it might be worth it to get the color I prefer and 2 years newer.
I'll throw that out to the guys and if they bite I may be a ZX-14 owner.
If not I have full coverage for another 2 years and I'll Jack up the miles on the 07 VFR.
Rob
PS I think it would be more fun to jack up the miles on the 14.
|
Shane661

Needs a life
Posts: 11494
|
posted February 22, 2009 03:51 AM
Personally, for me, at $1300 more for an 09 it is a no-brainer. I'd get the 09.
|
HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
|
posted February 22, 2009 04:23 AM
Shane,
I agree, but what dealers say and do sometimes are 2 different things. But today I will be talking to my local dealer to see if this is a real deal or just talk to gauge how serious I was.
Details a coming.
Rob
07 VFR 28,418 miles
02 VFR 119,307 miles
|
hoopie
Parking Attendant
Posts: 18
|
posted February 22, 2009 06:58 AM
Thats a great deal on the 07 but if you can get the 09 in the color you want for 1300 more its a no brainer.
____________
08 zx14
03 r1
|
bigdtd

Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
|
posted February 22, 2009 09:07 AM
what the hell you are leaving it stock, maybe the 09 refinements will be worth it plus the orange and black is sweet. as far as frame issues all bikes leaving the kaw dealer are checked so no worries there. you have always been concerned about bang for the buck and the 07 is $1300 cheaper, that would pay for a lot of maintenance or warranty. with all the miles you go a warranty might be prudent. as long (and far) as you are keeping it i do not see resale as an issue.
____________
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
|
Some Guy

Expert Class
Posts: 144
|
posted February 22, 2009 10:26 AM
FYI, I just saw a Dark Blue 08 here in Spokane, WA yesterday at a dealer. Even if you're not from the West Coast, it would be a fun ride home!
____________
'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
|
HiMile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
|
posted February 22, 2009 10:41 AM
FYI, I just saw a Dark Blue 08 here in Spokane, WA yesterday at a dealer. Even if you're not from the West Coast, it would be a fun ride home!
Some Guy, I would love that trip home. I only have 1 day of vacation left and I know I can handle 750-1000 miles a day in the summer but this time of year there are so many more pit-falls I feel I'd be pushing it a bit hard. Now Tx, NM and maybe Az. could be done.
Rob
|
Old Guy

Expert Class
Posts: 470
|
posted February 22, 2009 10:57 AM
Enjoy the shopping and dealing !!!!
Then enjoy your new scoot.
The VFR is a great bike for its purpose.
And you wont be dissapointed in the 14's ability to do the same.
I started modding mine for Bonneville.
Changed my mind and did track days and commuting.
Now got a tall shield (ZG touring) soft bags, risers and will lower pegs plus redo seat..
Still ride the piss outa it, just got done chasing a x-racer on a motard down narrow, muddy back mountain roads.
Bike did great.
Aint designed to slide around 15mph corners with a tard but I kept him in sight!!
Next is going to a drag event with same Cat.
My point is that this big old scooter can do many things.
i dont plan on ever selling mine.
It does too much and still makes people go, OOOOOH (And mine isnt exactly a bling machine!!)
But mainly I can take it anywhere and have a great time.
And while on it I dont care what color it is, I'm too busy enjoying myself!!
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
|
bigdtd

Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
|
posted February 22, 2009 11:08 AM
the more you ride it the better it gets, truly a versatile bike, c'mon himile pull the trigger, you know you loved your last 14.
____________
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
|
Old Guy

Expert Class
Posts: 470
|
posted February 22, 2009 11:17 AM
Oh yea from what I can surmise from your posts got a couple of suggestions;
If you ride anywhere theres debris on the road get a Cox racing screen for your radiator.
I've had to pull big dents outa mine for rocks hitting it.
The radiator is spendy, the shield is cheap.
Then wire in a switch to your fan. (the shield DOES mess with smooth air flow) These suckers heat up fast in stop and go anyway.. With the switch I just flick it on as soon as I get in traffic and dont have any problems.
Heat is a issue.(Big HP)
Unlike many Hondas, my fan wont run after the bikes turned off.
And on very hot days after slow traffic situations it will puke coolant.
____________
Living the good life...,
On a XZ !!!!!
Tsukigi stainless full system
pcIII w/custom map
NO freakin flies!!
GP suspension forks
Penske rear shock
Rich's custom seat
And a whole bunch of other stuff.
97 zx6r full race bike with all the
good stuff
|
|
|