Gruntle
Parking Attendant
Posts: 28
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posted February 07, 2010 09:13 AM
Got rid of my 14 & I coudn't be happier!
It was a 2007 Atomic Silver ZX-14 that I purchased used (4200 km) a year and a half ago. It was in perfect condition. It had Akapovic CF slip-on pipes, and CF hugger and sliders. Last year I added a high performance air filter, Throttlemeister, PCIII, custom tune, and most importantly about 6500 km onto the odo.
I had some reservations about buying it in the first place since I had been away from biking for almost 20 years. I had to give it up when I was young to start a family and save up for a house. No doubt some of you had to do the same.
For years I didn't give biking much thought, but when some friends who were into biking talked about it, I got the bug again. They wanted me to join them. The problem was that they all owned cruiser bikes. If I were to fit in, I would have to do the same. So I went out to buy a suitable bike, but I just couldn't bring myself to getting a cruiser. I just felt so wrong. If I was going to do it, it was going to be my way. It had to be a sportbike. So the day I spotted that silver 14, I knew that beast had to be mine. Imagine my friends' surprise when they learned what type of bike I bought myself.
The bike served me extremely well, and proved to me that 14's are among the best bikes anyone could own. Along the way I made some great new friends who share my love for sportbikes. There happens to be a fair number of 14 riders in my area, and they like to ride together.
But I gladly sold it last week. Why am I happy about that? Because, as much a I loved it, it wasn't entirely my personal version of the bike. I wanted to start from scratch with a brand new bike. So I'm thrilled to say that the '07 was sold as a trade-in for a new 2010 candy persimmon red ZX-14. This is my fifth bike, but my first new one.
Now I'm going to customize it exactly the way I want. I don't know what I'm going to do yet. It's going to be a street bike. It's not likely to see much if any drag racing or track time, so my choices will be based on that. I'm having a hard time picking pipes; I can't decide what I like best. The same goes for tires. Suggestions are welcome.
Anyway, that's my story. Pictures to come as I add items. It will be at least another month before biking season starts. BTW, my personal opinion is the 2010 red is the best colour scheme to date for the 14.
  
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Shane661
Needs a life
Posts: 11494
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posted February 07, 2010 09:17 AM
Congrats!! I'd love to see some pics of the 2010, bone stock! 
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masszx14
Pro
A mind beside itself!
Posts: 1806
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posted February 07, 2010 09:19 AM
Congrats!
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universal@mind
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LOCK 2121
Expert Class
Posts: 160
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posted February 07, 2010 09:38 AM
Congrats! like to see photo's, wanting to do the same,that story put a smile on my face!!
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Gruntle
Parking Attendant
Posts: 28
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posted February 07, 2010 09:46 AM
The bike's still at the dealership. I will take snap pictures when I take delivery.
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Hellmutt
Needs a job
Posts: 2013
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posted February 07, 2010 09:51 AM
Congratulations on the new purchase -- and an excellent choice! Not sure what you're after as far as exhaust tone / looks / full system or slip-ons, and is price a decider as well? If you want something unique for the street - I'm always partial to Brocks systems, he has a lot of choice ways to outfit your ride with great looks and awesome sound......but of course it's all about what YOU want.
For years I rode the trusty '97 YZF1000R ( U.S. version Thunderace ) and at first, I spent the better part of a summer talking to other litre-bike owners trying to decide what I should get. I ended up with a Yosh as I'd spoke to a several R1 owners that had 'em and they were all pleased, but this pre-dated my knowledge of Brock and what he'd done for the big bore bike community. In retrospect, I definitely wish I'd made a different choice for originalities sake, as it seemed like every bike night I attended there were a pant load of Yosh fitted Yammies......but that bikes sold and gone and water under the bridge now.
I've discovered that no matter where you ride your ZX14, If you want great tone and awesome performance enhancement, go Brocks! Just know that whatever you buy, be prepared to add on a Power Commander and get re-mapped so she runs to the best of her ability. Happy Shopping!!
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British flying couch with endtables and an orange thumper
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jarhead
Expert Class
Posts: 418
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posted February 07, 2010 11:31 AM
If you are going to ride on the street I say the Stainless oval Muzzys, your dealer should be able to get you into it for 650.00 or so. I know I am probably starting another pipe war here but for that kind of money it is a great pipe. I bought my 06 new and started with the Muzzys stainless and have it on there again after a brief stint with a Brock's Sidewinder.
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Flame On
Needs a life
Fuel Air & Spark
Posts: 17104
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posted February 07, 2010 11:45 AM
I like the silver one but that candy red one is sweet looking congrats
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77 RD 400
80 GS1000 GT
06 ZX14
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Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted February 07, 2010 11:48 AM
carbon fiber gen3 shorty...
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Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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Flame On
Needs a life
Fuel Air & Spark
Posts: 17104
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posted February 07, 2010 11:52 AM
nice
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77 RD 400
80 GS1000 GT
06 ZX14
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oilfieldtrash
Zone Head
Kawasaki enthusiast
Posts: 506
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posted February 07, 2010 12:33 PM
Do you ride with your cruiser buddies? I bet it's cute whenever they give their bikes some throttle.
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'09 zx6r lime green bone stock
'07 white S.E. ZX-14 sold
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epd345
Pro
Posts: 1494
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posted February 07, 2010 01:29 PM
Congrats on your 2010!
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2012 ZX14, Ceramic Coated Brock's CT Meg, PCV, throttlemeister
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted February 07, 2010 01:55 PM
Gruntle, congrats on the new 2010 Red. The local dealer has one here and I think it's a good looking bike.
Being a street rider, not a track rider, I can understand your perspective. That being said, I am happy with my Brocks. I love its looks, sound, and power. But I have to admit, Brock keeps sending me emails of all their stuff and I'm starting to fall for the CT SERIES DUAL FULL EXHAUST SYSTEM. I'd love to hear them first. I have the 08 SE, and to me, I don't like the way chrome looks on the bike. Any chrome. I like it on all the other 14 schemes, but the matte black doesn't shine so why should the pipe?
So someday, maybe next winter, I'll look into selling my SMEG system here, and use the cash toward the new CT Series. I would do it for looks and power and the ever-present need to change things up a bit.
In the end I will stick with Brocks because I love the reputation for their service. I haven't needed it yet, but it's nice to know it's there if I do need it.
Or I may just follow your example and just sell my 08 for a newer 14. I've already put 19,500 miles on it, so that may be the thing to do. Like you, I hadn't bought a new bike, (for myself), for over 20 years. Now I know what I like and why I like it, so the next time around will be fun too.
Be safe!!
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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zx14fan
Zone Head
Posts: 547
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posted February 07, 2010 02:03 PM
There are endless ideas as to what to run on the street but keep in mind most guys on this site are into drag racing.I also ride on the street mostly on the twists and what you might want to keep in mind is the noise.Some of these pipes can drive you crazy after a 100 miles or so.There are some sound bites online but they really dont tell you much in the real world.try to ride a friends bike or listen in person before you by.Just my thoughts.I did waste 700 on some very nice carbon muzzy slip ons.They would buzz my helmet to the point where i had to sell them.
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Gruntle
Parking Attendant
Posts: 28
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posted February 07, 2010 03:35 PM
quote:
Do you ride with your cruiser buddies? I bet it's cute whenever they give their bikes some throttle.
Yes, I have ridden with my cruiser buddies. Nobody really cares who's riding what, which is the way it should be. And when we do roll-ons, such as when passing traffic, it's laughable how much slower they are.
Thanks for the suggestions from everyone. Lot's of good ideas. I'll keep all suggestions in mind.
For the pipes, I'm looking for ones that look good and sound good, but are not too loud. Beyond that, I don't know.
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dakota9498
Pro
Posts: 1181
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posted February 07, 2010 03:43 PM
 Edited By: dakota9498 on 7 Feb 2010 23:44
quote:
Brock keeps sending me emails of all their stuff and I'm starting to fall for the CT SERIES DUAL FULL EXHAUST SYSTEM. I'd love to hear them first.
They have videos of that exhaust on the Brock's website. I think they sound a lot like the 14" Gen 3's.
http://www.brockracing.com/Exhaust_Videos/CT_Series/Dual_and_Single.htm
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2008 ZX14
Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference. ~Mark Twain
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ZX11D
Zone Head
Internet Police
Posts: 674
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posted February 07, 2010 08:40 PM
For a while there I thought you jumped the ship Gruntle. But I managed to read the entire post. Sooo, congrats and ....welcome back
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'94 ZX-11
'07 ZX-14
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Some Guy
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted February 07, 2010 10:36 PM
Thanks for the link, but no sound on it. I haven't looked for one yet, but I will soon. I won't be able to fit in this year, which is okay, I like to plan ahead.
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'08 SE ZX-14
'14 1000r Ninja (wife's)
1985 900 Ninja
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Sticks_n_Stones
Needs a job
Posts: 3930
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posted February 08, 2010 07:20 AM
Edited By: Sticks_n_Stones on 8 Feb 2010 15:26
Decide for yourself: here's some miscellaneous videos of different 14's with different exhausts.
First minute or so is the comparison: can skip the rest unless you want to watch the dyno pulls and BS'ing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDwOPqgvTes
zx14 with Tsukigi exhaust (comes with race and street mufflers, this is the Race):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG5VzX6R9RA
My bike at same dyno shootout as the Tsukigi (Muzzy M14 header with oval canister):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFgeZKDjYGk
My Muzzy when i first put it on. Ignore what I say about the exhaust, its a M14 header with a oval canister similiar to the optional full sized muffler for the M10 system; a regular M10 exhaust is a megaphone style exhaust. if you order it, just order the M14 w/ SS oval canister. I paid $720 for mine, its now $689.98
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25CT2umjyu4
Star Cycle has the best prices that I've seen on Muzzy exhausts:
http://www.starcycle-usa.com/servlet/Categories
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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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Stevo13
Novice Class
Internet Police
Posts: 38
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posted February 08, 2010 08:37 AM
quote:
For a while there I thought you jumped the ship Gruntle. But I managed to read the entire post. Sooo, congrats and ....welcome back
+1
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'09 ZX-6R
'94 ZX-11
'07 ZX-14
'09 Ninja 250 (Jr's)
'08 Vino125 (her's)
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Gruntle
Parking Attendant
Posts: 28
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posted February 08, 2010 11:33 AM
quote:
quote:
For a while there I thought you jumped the ship Gruntle. But I managed to read the entire post. Sooo, congrats and ....welcome back
+1
Yes, I intentionally mislead you with the first part of my posting. Just having a bit of fun with everyone by using an attention grabbing subject title and throwing in a twist halfway through. Since the overall message is complimentary to the 14, I hope that I can be forgiven.
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SteveWFL
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted February 08, 2010 12:48 PM
that new red is sweet, congrats!
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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KikonZX14
Pro
Novice
Posts: 1813
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posted February 09, 2010 07:32 AM
Congrats!!!! 
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Feel the need for SPEED2007 ZX-14 Black with Red Flames (Helibars, Sliders, Yoshimura TRC Ti 4-2 Slip Ons, Fender Eliminator, Zero Gravity SR Windscreen, Custom Heel Guards , Speedohealer V4, Pazzo Levers -soon to come: Flies out / PCV w/A/T kit and later 16T sprocket)1990 Honda Steed (Japan model same as Shadow)1993 Kawasaki Vulcan EN 500 (gone as I trade it in for the ZX-14)Santiago, Chile, South America
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INTIMIDA2OR
Needs a life
RED rider!
Posts: 13081
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posted February 13, 2010 12:08 AM
Whew! You had me holding my breat with the title of the thread lol!
Congrats! You now own the fastest color around . Red rules!
I'd recommend the michelin pilot power 2cts. They are awesome tires!
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'06 Passion Red ZX-14
*Lee*
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Gruntle
Parking Attendant
Posts: 28
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posted February 13, 2010 06:19 AM
quote:
Whew! You had me holding my breat with the title of the thread lol!
Congrats! You now own the fastest color around . Red rules!
I'd recommend the michelin pilot power 2cts. They are awesome tires!
I've been leaning towards Pilot Powers because I keep hearing good things about them.
I agree that red rules! Did you notice that the 2010 red differs from 2006 red in that it's a deeper shade? Also the 2010 has the lowers in red, the 2006 are black.
A friend has the very first ZX-14 sold in North America, and it's red. I'm looking forward to putting his and mine beside each other and seeing what differences there are between the first year and the current year.
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