Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
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posted April 06, 2009 04:21 AM
Finally went and did it!
Found an almost new 08 in Bangkok, took the bus down friday and rode it back today to home, about 400 clicks north of BK.
Bike is a japan import ZZR1400 C model with about 2800 clicks on it.
Getting out of Bangkok was a real pisser, as it started raining about halfway through town. Even in good weather bangkok is no fun on a bike, had to stop and wait it out for an hour.
The highway north of bangkok is a bit boring, with a few twisties but not many. I got a good feel for the bike by the time I got home though.
Hard to compare it to my 12, as it's really a different bike.
Honestly, my 12 still fits me better, but the 14 is obviously much more refined.
I like it.
My 12 is not stock, as it's set up for the mountain roads, Ohlins front, rear, Better brakes, full akro etc.
I'll probly take the 14 up tp the mountains in the next few days, weather permitting and I'll get a better feel for how it handles the tight stuff.
I'll post a few pics later.
Cheers
Bigbore
  
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted April 06, 2009 05:19 AM
Good for you. Now you just have to toss that rear and front springs, stiffen up the suspension settings, and put some real tires on it. Oh yeah, take it easy on the under 40mph corners until you are REALLY comfortable on it - it has a "dropping to the pavement" feel to it if you get to leaned over, and the only way around it is too lean off the bike alot at lower speeds in order to keep it more upright. Or just never slow down below 40mph. 
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
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posted April 06, 2009 06:25 PM
Actually, for " Normal" sized guys , the suspension is not bad. Saying that though, I haven't ridden it very aggressive yet.
I'm about 215 geared up and it seems reasonable.
My plan is to use this bike and a few other sportbikes in my Tour company in Thailand.
The website's not up yet, but will be soon.
www.superbiketoursthailand.com
I'll probabl;y leave the bike fairly close to stock, maybe a decent exhaust and a damper.
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted April 06, 2009 07:17 PM
give it a thousand miles.... it will feel like a marshmellow...
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
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posted April 06, 2009 07:40 PM
Dube,
These links are for you.
http://www.maicointernational.com/
http://www.twostrokeshop.com/
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted April 07, 2009 06:23 AM
Thailand roads actually suck pretty bad, so he's probably right in leaving the stock gear on. And if you're renting this thing out (dont. It won't end well), you definitely want to leave the flies in and stock exhaust on.
And put a cattle guard on the front, so you can push the jeepknees out of the way.
Man, I just cant get over the fact you want to rent out a 14 over there. I rented a GSXR 750 in Pattaya Beach back in '98 and drove it all around, even to Bangkok. Spent the whole time dodging potholes, people, and vehicles off all sorts (including a 69 camaro with a 4 cyl Subaru deisel engine in it - was speachless). Can't imagine the roads are that much better now. Do people finally know which side of the road to drive on now?? How about stop lights? lol had a blast though. Great country and people--- thought about going AWOL there actually lol
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
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posted April 07, 2009 02:42 PM
Actually, things have changed in the last decade in Thailand.
Although Pattaya still sucks, roads included, the North country is great, best roads anywhere.
I won't be "renting" bikes out. The Tour will be an all inclusive deal. organized, from 3 to 6 bikes per trip with a guide. Good bikes, good roads, food, lodging, the works.
Cheers
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted April 08, 2009 05:20 AM
Seriously, let me know when you got it up and running. Been wanting to go back there ever since I left the first time. Got some friends that just might be interested in going, too. Is there an international airport nearby? One of my friends happens to be a pilot with access to a twin engine that he has taken to Hawaii before: which is the longest stint of the trip.
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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Bigbore4
Zone Head
Posts: 806
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posted April 08, 2009 07:51 AM
Sure will! I'll let you guys know when the websites up.
International flights in to Chaing Mai and Bangkok.
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted April 08, 2009 09:01 AM
Not International flights, just a international airport. As in a airport with customs. Most of the paved ones in Thialand should be international I would think. Friends plane can land pretty much anywhere.
____________
'06 zx14
Muzzy M10/M14
PCIII w/ Muzzy map
Flies out K&N in!
bits n pieces...
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