Greggy
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Posts: 150
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posted January 06, 2012 05:34 AM
Done geal guys!!! I've been out riding it here and there since 6:00PM and I've just got home.
Quick summary before I do my 'Full Oz ZX-14R ABS review' on the weekend with pics...
Looks - I love the black 14R... I think it looks very smart. Its better than the older 14 for sure. However the stock mufflers are huge and IMO very ugly but like I've said, a pair of Yoshi stainless/stainless TRC mufflers will be on order as soon as they are available for the 14R
Engine - massive torque on tap here guys. It's ultra smooth and quiet which often deceives you as I've been almost caught out a few times when I've grabbed a bit of throttle and the bike has lunged forward with ferocity... I've not even gone over 6000rpm yet and I'm a bit scared with what is to come... Definitely not a bike for beginners.
Brakes - They are still running in but they are getting stronger and stronger with each stop. Having ABS there is comforting, and I can use the rear brake alot more than ever before without fear of it locking up. I think they will be the best brakes I have ever used on a street bike.
Handling - Once moving it really doesn't feel as big as it actually is. I think the lighter wheels have helped somewhat as once you are moving it flicks and moves exactly as commanded. It's no track weapon that will defeat a BMW S1000 RR or anything, but for street use the handling is great - it really feels 'glued' to the road.
Tyres - We get the Bridgestone Battlax tyres here in Oz and they seem to be AOK so far... no complaints.
Electornics/Dashboard - I'm glad KHI stuck with analogue dials for speed and RPMs and the little LCD display is full of useful information.
Fairing/Heat Control - KHI have done an excellent job of routing the engine heat away from the rider. It was a cool evening here in Perth which likely helped alot, but in terms of heat/comfort I was not even aware I was riding a 1441cc sports bike!!! I literally never felt ANY heat of any kind on my legs or body during the entire ride. All the heat is pushed sideways by the front fairing 'channels' that flow cool air form the front of the bike and interrupt the flow of hot waste heat by pushing it wide of your legs. I can't see this bike ever being a problem even in 40C plus riding conditions. Its really amazing how good the heat control is for such a big engine and is a massive improvement on the old 14. Twin electric fans take care of engine heat when you are not moving.
Comfort - I love the riding postion... you could ride all day, stop for meal and then ride all night if you wanted to. Wind from the front fairing hits about where my chin is, a double bubble screen would raise this somewhat and is something I am considering. Overall its very comfy, the seat is very good. If you are tired of the race replica bikes being cramped then the 14R is definitely for you.
So far I'm 95% impressed... I only took 5% off for the ugly stock mufflers ;-)
Thank you KHI !!!
Roll on Saturday morning, when I'm heading out to scratch with my two good mates Snakey and Ebbsy (2011 ZX-10R and 2009 CBR1000 Fireblade)
Greggy
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2012 ZX-14R ABS - Spark Black - Two Brothers V.A.L.E. Carbon slip ons P1X tips - Powerbronze DB screen.
1990 ZX-10 Ninja - Megacycle stainless steel mufflers - gear-sack rack - tinted screen.
  
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robrooter
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Posts: 178
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posted January 06, 2012 06:15 PM
happy for ya mate
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cruiserman_83
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted January 06, 2012 06:34 PM
Bastard!! :-)
Now I really cant wait 7 more days. Best thing is its nearly 400km from dealership to home :-)
Look forward to a full review
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robrooter
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Posts: 178
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posted January 06, 2012 06:35 PM
greggy what was the ride away price my dealer didn't even know they where out.So i told him an he told me 19,990 just trying to see what there going for now.
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cruiserman_83
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Posts: 144
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posted January 06, 2012 07:12 PM
same as previous model. 19999 pluc orc
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robrooter
Expert Class
Posts: 178
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posted January 06, 2012 09:35 PM
i got a price of 19990 ride away plus on roads cost is usally $ 15-1700
so i have a great deal when i get it an greens ones are in at brisbane.
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cruiserman_83
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Posts: 144
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posted January 06, 2012 10:27 PM
Who said green was in brissie? I got told not till march
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Greggy
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Posts: 150
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posted January 06, 2012 11:26 PM
Guys I've just got back from a 100Km ride and I have a few updated comments to add regarding my new ZX-14R now that it has about 160Km (100 miles) on the clock...
#1 I'm not sure if the dealer filled the tank with the correct (high octane) fuel, as I'm noticing the engine will ping (detonate) if you slowly open the throttle at around 90 or 100Km/h in 5th or 6th gear to accelerate. And I'm not talking harsh acceleration either... just gently rolling on the power at about 3500 to 4000rpms causes a jingling/ball-bearing rattling sound from the engine and you can feel its just not happy at all. This happens both in 'H' or 'L' power modes so I can only theorise that the fuel they used was crappy 92 octane they had in an old fuel can at the bike shop, and didn't use fresh 98 octane fuel from the petrol station like they should have  It still has about 1/3 of a tank of fuel left to go so I'm going to keep riding it gently until its almost empty then fill up on 98 octane unleaded and perform more testing.
#2 I've noticed that 5th gear doesn't sound smooth at all compared to the other gears. It has a very distinctive high pitced 'whine' all of its own, where as all the other gears are very quiet. Its very noticable to the point that when you are going through the gears and hit 5th your ears instantly let you know "hey you are in 5th gear now!!!" as its very audible. I'm not sure if this is a problem or not, or if it will go away by itself as the bike wears in properly. I will be calling the dealer on Monday to discuss it and find out if they have had feedback from other new 14R users (or their demo bike) about 5th gear noise and if its a problem. I sure hope it goes away as it doesn't sound right to me.
So thats two negative points I'm dealing with, both which might be sorted out with a bit more time, but for now I'm keeping a very close eye/ear on them. Hopefully a fresh tank of 98 octane will solve issue #1, and perhaps using 5th gear a bit more will bed the gears and and solve issue #2. The only other comment to make is that the brakes are REALLY good now - plenty of feel from both the front and rear brakes.
More to come!
Greggy
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2012 ZX-14R ABS - Spark Black - Two Brothers V.A.L.E. Carbon slip ons P1X tips - Powerbronze DB screen.
1990 ZX-10 Ninja - Megacycle stainless steel mufflers - gear-sack rack - tinted screen.
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robrooter
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Posts: 178
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posted January 06, 2012 11:50 PM
quote:
Who said green was in brissie? I got told not till march
team moto
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cruiserman_83
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Posts: 144
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posted January 06, 2012 11:54 PM
Might have to look into it. Thanks
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robrooter
Expert Class
Posts: 178
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posted January 06, 2012 11:59 PM
quote:
Guys I've just got back from a 100Km ride and I have a few updated comments to add regarding my new ZX-14R now that it has about 160Km (100 miles) on the clock...
#1 I'm not sure if the dealer filled the tank with the correct (high octane) fuel, as I'm noticing the engine will ping (detonate) if you slowly open the throttle at around 90 or 100Km/h in 5th or 6th gear to accelerate. And I'm not talking harsh acceleration either... just gently rolling on the power at about 3500 to 4000rpms causes a jingling/ball-bearing rattling sound from the engine and you can feel its just not happy at all. This happens both in 'H' or 'L' power modes so I can only theorise that the fuel they used was crappy 92 octane they had in an old fuel can at the bike shop, and didn't use fresh 98 octane fuel from the petrol station like they should have It still has about 1/3 of a tank of fuel left to go so I'm going to keep riding it gently until its almost empty then fill up on 98 octane unleaded and perform more testing.
#2 I've noticed that 5th gear doesn't sound smooth at all compared to the other gears. It has a very distinctive high pitced 'whine' all of its own, where as all the other gears are very quiet. Its very noticable to the point that when you are going through the gears and hit 5th your ears instantly let you know "hey you are in 5th gear now!!!" as its very audible. I'm not sure if this is a problem or not, or if it will go away by itself as the bike wears in properly. I will be calling the dealer on Monday to discuss it and find out if they have had feedback from other new 14R users (or their demo bike) about 5th gear noise and if its a problem. I sure hope it goes away as it doesn't sound right to me.
So thats two negative points I'm dealing with, both which might be sorted out with a bit more time, but for now I'm keeping a very close eye/ear on them. Hopefully a fresh tank of 98 octane will solve issue #1, and perhaps using 5th gear a bit more will bed the gears and and solve issue #2. The only other comment to make is that the brakes are REALLY good now - plenty of feel from both the front and rear brakes.
More to come!
Greggy
Greg hoping it is just fuel but it still should be able to use that fuel as well, 5 th gear i have not herd any one say anything about it so fingers scrossed make sure the mechanic takes it for a ride.
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cruiserman_83
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted January 07, 2012 02:18 AM
greggy, stuff the 1/3 tank. FILL IT NOW. Try loading in it 5th or 6th from 60km/h. If it still pings, prob is fuel. If not, might just be how the bike trims fuel to make the claimed consumption cuts while cruising.
Might just have to ride it like you stole it :-)........
@robrooter, Im going to chase up that roumor regarding green one in Brisbane. My deal still isnt finalised yet and I REALLY want the green. Was told repeatedly that green not available till march. Thanks for the info.
Im sooo jealous greggy
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robrooter
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Posts: 178
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posted January 07, 2012 05:42 AM
Team moto
Bowen Hills
39 Allison St
(07) 3666 2080
here is info willy is his name mate.
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cruiserman_83
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted January 07, 2012 05:18 PM
Thanks. Wasn't sure which store so I emailed all three! as well as emailing my sales guy at Pro Motorcycles to see what he can find out. I would be extremely pissed is I was told no green ones till march, buy my black one and find out I couldve had a green one.
I still think the black one is awesome, but green shows the lines better. That and It will match my new free genuine Ninja leather jacket..
Greggy, noticed you still seem to dodge the question on what you paid for it. Just curious as to wether im getting ripped off or not. If you want, shoot me an email to cruiserman_83@hotmail.com to keep it private. Cheers
Have fun riding it
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Greggy
Expert Class
Posts: 150
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posted January 07, 2012 05:25 PM
Sorry mate I've been too focused on other things. I paid AUD$20,500 for my Black 2012 ZX-14R on the road with 6 months license and a full tank of (crap) fuel. The delaer gave me a bit of discount as I paid a deposit for it a few months back - kudos to them!
Ok I've run the tank down to nearly empty with gentle riding and I'm now about to fill up on 98 octane - will report back later today.
Greggy
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2012 ZX-14R ABS - Spark Black - Two Brothers V.A.L.E. Carbon slip ons P1X tips - Powerbronze DB screen.
1990 ZX-10 Ninja - Megacycle stainless steel mufflers - gear-sack rack - tinted screen.
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robrooter
Expert Class
Posts: 178
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posted January 07, 2012 05:31 PM
quote:
Thanks. Wasn't sure which store so I emailed all three! as well as emailing my sales guy at Pro Motorcycles to see what he can find out. I would be extremely pissed is I was told no green ones till march, buy my black one and find out I couldve had a green one.
I still think the black one is awesome, but green shows the lines better. That and It will match my new free genuine Ninja leather jacket..
Greggy, noticed you still seem to dodge the question on what you paid for it. Just curious as to wether im getting ripped off or not. If you want, shoot me an email to cruiserman_83@hotmail.com to keep it private. Cheers
Have fun riding it
give me a call mate 0401338258
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cruiserman_83
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Posts: 144
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posted January 07, 2012 07:07 PM
Im paying 21 on road with 12months rego. Close enough I guess.
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robrooter
Expert Class
Posts: 178
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posted January 07, 2012 09:40 PM
 Edited By: robrooter on 8 Jan 2012 07:02
Greggy how did it go with 98 in it stop pinging. an 5th gear has it settled yet.
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Obba
Expert Class
Posts: 455
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posted January 07, 2012 11:31 PM
Edited By: Obba on 8 Jan 2012 08:02
So tempted here on the Gold Coast! Got Team (Kawa), Moto in Nerang...
Would go the Blue - like my eyes 
So, $21K on the road - that's with ABS right?
Not been down yet to see to see if they have stock, to check how good the Blue is.
Thinking about a double bubble also. I had a Black Bird to play with for 4 weeks and the wind drag was to much wind hassle.
The Brocks CT single, looks just great on Lucky's 14...
I'm going to hang on with that though and read what difference the maps do.
Not interested in top speed - only torque and raw power wheelies at various speeds (not the 11oclocks LOL!! Just the 2ft or 3ft lifts - on tap when i want to.
I'll keep watching how the gearings go.
@ Robrooter, You rode the bike on your first run without putting any fuel in it?
I'd drain it and put in fresh stuff.
As for the 5th gear: I'd be nervous as hell ridding a $20K machine for the frist time and i'd be listening to everything....
Lots of people complained about the Gen1 CCT - some said it was bad, some said it didn't happen.
On the GEN2 - Kawa fixed it!
As Cruiserman says, Ride it! No one has reported any 5th gear issues.
If you haven't read all the posts by Shane etc, most if not all the dyno runs are going through 5th - and no one - not even audio on the videos - is there any mention of a difference in noise.
I'd recommend changing the oil to the stuff that Smokin and Shane have used.
Congrats on the bike. I love seeing the few Gen1's we have around here - not that many here on the GC.
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cruiserman_83
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted January 08, 2012 12:43 AM
Bike comes with abs. Not an option. No blue in oz this year. Metallic spark black now. Orange blaze green not till march so ive been told, but roumors suggest green maybe available. Got concerns using the alsyn less than zero oil with addative. I dont drag race and dont think ill miss 3 or 4 hp from 205 due to using higher viscosity oil. 5w40 synthetic will do fine. Ive been dealing with steve at pro kawasaki in moss street. Great service.
Welcome to the thread. Good to c another aussie on here.
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fullzx12r
Zone Head
French Guy
Posts: 864
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posted January 08, 2012 01:58 AM
thanks Greggy for your REVIEW !!! 
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zx-12r 01'
zzr 1400 06'
hayabusa 08'
zzr 1400 12'
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robrooter
Expert Class
Posts: 178
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posted January 08, 2012 02:12 AM
obba how are ya wellcome, no blue's db is needed go to aj plastics in eagle farm they make them look at the one on my 08 great screen,waiting to hear what greg has done to day, good chatting with cruiserman_83
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cruiserman_83
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted January 08, 2012 03:02 AM
It was good chatting. usually get the "i dont care' look when I start talking to the missus, and it had been building up for a while.....
http://www.meanmachine.co.za/downloads/12_ZX1400E-F_1010.pdf
Don't know how to post links, but download this pdf. Very Good Document! 31 pages on the new ZX14R. Explains differences from US to EURO and ASIA and AUSSIE models.
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robrooter
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Posts: 178
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posted January 08, 2012 03:57 AM
what is the site where your getting parts from mate not brocks hehe
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Greggy
Expert Class
Posts: 150
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posted January 08, 2012 04:40 AM
Good news people!!!
The 98 octane fuel nailed the pinging/detonation problem... I can now roll on the throttle in ANY gear at ANY rpm and its smooth and silky. I think the shop must have filled the tank with regular 92 unleaded which simply isn't knock-resistant enough for a 12.3:1CR 1441cc mill under load.
Also, the whining noise from 5th gear is much better now that I've been going through the gears, sitting in 5th for a while here and there whilst riding around running this baby in. I'm up to over 350Kms now which was the best I could get away with this weekend. The 5th gear noise is still slightly apparent, but its getting/got a lot quieter. It's so much better that I've now tended to forget all about it whilst riding which means its gone off the 'ears' radar. I'd be very suprised if it doesn't settle down a lot more with a few hundred more Kms on it. 5th gear will probably be just as quiet as 6th with a bit more use.
The brakes are TOTALLY AMAZING for a bike of this size!!! Honestly they feel better than my mate's 2011 ZX-10R... don't ask me how that can be - they just do. I guess thats mainly because I've tried to run them in very carefully, not ever letting the hot pads hold onto the discs whilst sitting in traffic after a decent stop. And today once I passed 300Kms I've been doing many 120Km/h to 40Km/h slow downs under light to medium brakes, then hammering it back up to 120Km/h under full throttle in 3rd or 4th gear (to help bed in the engine's compression rings) and just kept repeating the process over and over around some industrial back-lots far away from unwanted traffic and police attention. I popped it into 'H' power mode on the way home today and power wheelies in 2nd gear are not a problem - the motor is getting stronger and stronger thats for sure. Overall the 14R is feeling/sounding better and better with every mile.
I've taken several photos today and will soon write up my "Greggy's un-offical review of the Australian 2012 ZX-14R ABS" - keep an eye out for it
In the mean time... stay riding and keep it shiny side up.
Greggy
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2012 ZX-14R ABS - Spark Black - Two Brothers V.A.L.E. Carbon slip ons P1X tips - Powerbronze DB screen.
1990 ZX-10 Ninja - Megacycle stainless steel mufflers - gear-sack rack - tinted screen.
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