Greggy
Expert Class
Posts: 150
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posted January 12, 2012 07:31 PM
Greggy's impressions of the 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R ABS !!!
Welcome to Greggy's impression of the Australian 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R ABS !!!
Australians had to wait a little longer than riders in the biggest motorcycle market of the world (the USA) however the wait has been worth it. What we now have available down under is the highest specification 2012 model Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R ABS, un-restricted and un-apologetic. KHI have been teasing riders the world over since last September, and then on October 10 they released details of their updated flagship to the world. Fans of the previous model ZX-14 were rejoicing whilst no doubt loyal Suzuki Hayabusa fans held their breath and braced themselves for the inevitable news... The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R is now the undisputed performance king of factory motorcycle performance.
But does this prestigious title make the 2012 ZX-14 difficult to ride, scary or just plain dangerous? Not at all, and to understand why you'll have to read on.
But wait... how did this Aussie come to be in possession of the new 2012 Kawasaki ZX-14R? Well, I've always been a loyal Kawasaki fan myself, having started with a 1989 GPX250 way back in 1990, then moving onto a 1989 GPX600R in January of 1992. Following late in 1993 I just had to have an as-new 1989 ZX-10 (below) which to this day is still probably my favourite bike of all time and it totally broke my heart the day I sold it in April 1995.
I'm still not sure how I ended up purchasing so many bikes made in 1989, but hey, that’s just the way it turned out! So after a few years of torture not being on two wheels, I went back to my roots and in the year 2000 I picked up an as-new 1991 ZZR-1100 (ZX-11 for those of you in the USA). I'm sure you will all agree that the 'curves' of the C model ZZR-1100 are hard to knock back as being very, very sexy... yet in a moment of weakness I sold her in 2005 
Ever since then I've been kicking myself about not having a mistress err I mean a motorbike of my very own. Whilst friends kept up the loyalty to the two wheel brigade and have been upgrading their machines every few years, I sat on the sideline dreaming of the day I could join them once more. 2012 was that year and the ZX-14R was the bike!!!
I watched the Internet with much anticipation of when this new King of performance motorbikes would be released. All the local dealers could tell me was that it would be some time in January. I decided I had to have one, and went and paid them a deposit of AUD$1000 - this they said would guarantee me the 1st ZX-14R bike they received. Well the months and months of waiting for January turned into weeks and finally into days when I got the call from my local Kawasaki dealer that my Black 2012 ZX-14R had landed and they had the crate at their workshop. They even sent me a photo of her when they opened the 1st ZX-14R crate from KHI...
I went down to the dealership later that day to collect my very own ZX-14R ABS and what a site for sore eyes she was! I must say the wait was worth it as the feeling you get throwing your leg over a brand new motorcycle of this calibre and firing it up for the 1st time is something you'll remember for the rest of your life.
I took it very carefully on our 1st ride... the brakes needed to bed in and the tyres were waxy. Slowly but surely the brakes seated and went from feeling like wooden anchors to Moto GP stoppers. In fact after I spent some time using the brakes to wash off some speed then throttling it up to make up that lost speed and repeating the process about 20 times the brakes (both front and rear) are without doubt the best feeling brakes I have ever used. The power and feel from these brakes is magnificent and you can brake with a single finger if that’s what you want to do - they are that powerful. This is where the ABS feature might come in handy because I'd say with those two big callipers grabbing at 310mm semi-floating petal discs locking the front end would not be impossible in an emergency. But thankfully KHI have got us covered in this respect and the ABS system will intervene and prevent the brakes from locking up in case that happens for any reason. So far I have not had a single glitch or issue with the ABS and I've done some fairly aggressive stops during testing on some back industrial streets not far from home on the weekend. I've not had the need for ABS so far, so I can't actually say I've experienced ABS in action, but for now I simply trust Kawasaki that ABS will come to the rescuer as and when required. And speaking of braking power, the powerful brakes are just what is needed to pull the ZX-14R up from the speeds this machine is capable of doing, which brings me to that incredible 1441cc engine...
Without doubt this is the most powerful bike I have ever ridden, and possibly ever likely to ride. The 2012 ZX-14R makes my old 1991 ZZR-1100 feel like it was a 600cc weakling. Now I would not say that under say 3500rpms that it feels much more powerful than my old 1052cc ZZR-1100 motor, but from about 4000rpms onwards the new ZX-14R engine just spins up like a jet turbine and the bike goes into warp speed. Its very deceiving about how it piles on the speed, as there is no roughness or snarling or vibration of any kind... you simply twist the throttle grip and the engine spools up and you think you are going pretty quick with a big smile on your face and then you look down at the speedo and it's like WTF I am going straight to jail if I get caught doing this!!!!! The engine's ability to supply huge yet smooth and controlled torque to the rear wheel is truly impressive. This is not a bike for beginners. This engine has the ability to get you into all sorts of trouble if you don't respect it. Kawasaki Australia say the engine is good for 200HP (slightly more with RAM AIR) but I have a feeling they are being a little conservative to keep government officials happy. At least in Australia we don't get many restricted versions of motorbikes even though we pay a high price for the privilege... my ZX-14R cost AUD$21,000 less some discount due to me paying a deposit months ago (you guys in the USA should be smiling right about now).
The 2012 ZX-14R also has 4 modes of Traction Control and two engine Power Modes. First of all the engine can run in Full 'F' or Low 'L' Power Modes. Apparently the Low power mode crops about 25% power in the upper RPM range compared to Full power mode. Low power mode also softens the throttle action somewhat so that its an easier bike to ride, with less surprises in store, compared to Full power mode. I have tried both power modes and noticed the bike is slightly more 'lazy' in Low power mode, but don't be fooled into thinking that Low power mode turns it from a ferocious lion into a playful kitten... Low power mode still has plenty of grunt and you may even forget its not running in full power mode. The Traction Control is another good feature that will tame the engine to a point and prevent wheel spin in various situations. Traction Control can be Off (e.g. to do wheelies), mode 1 for race track or good road conditions, mode 2 for average road conditions or mode 3 for wet and/or slippery conditions. Personally I keep my bike in F1 mode (Full power mode with High traction) as you can see from my photos that we have terrible weather here in Western Australia and therefore need to be careful about power delivery to the ground... NOT 
Anyway, the ZX-14R needs plenty of power as it also has plenty of something else... weight. I understand the bike tips the scales at 268Kg when wet, and compared to the 2011 ZX-10R it's like having a permanent pillion built into the ZX-14R full-time. It seems to hide/carry its weight pretty well though, as once you are moving the bike flicks into corners very nicely and holds a good line. The suspension is fairly firm but not overly so, just enough so that you feel exactly what the road is doing. It's certainly up to the task but don't expect to keep up with a BMW S1000RR on the twisties or anything like that.
The ZX-14 has always been an easy bike to live with and the 2012 ZX-14R doesn't mess with what already works well. It's a very comfortable bike to ride, with the foot pegs, handle bar grips and seat in logical sport-touring dimensions so that your wrists, neck and backside all enjoy the ride as much as your brain does. The dashboard is easy to read, and I am glad they kept an analogue speedo and tachometer as for me I just find them easier/nice to keep an eye on. The LCD display is also full of useful information but I tend to keep it on Outside Temp as I could care less about the fuel economy I am getting from this monster.
I really only have one thing to complain about, and I think its an obvious one... those huge and ugly stock mufflers!
I mean, what were the Kawasaki ZX-14R design team thinking when someone came up with the idea of those massive and ugly mufflers? I understand that they needed to be fairly big to cope with the exhaust produced by this be 1441cc engine, but the size, shape and colour of these mufflers just defies logic. All I can do is assume that aftermarket exhaust manufacturers such as Akrapovic, Two Brothers, Yoshimura and all the rest of them begged Kawasaki to use the ugliest stock mufflers they could think of to give the after market guys a shot at supplying some really good exhaust products for the ZX-14R. I'm watching Yoshi's website very closely as those stock mufflers are on the endangered list that’s for sure!
So what am I planning on doing to my ZX-14R? Well I'm not into competitive drag racing like many of you guys are (don't flame me) but I am planning on taking it to the Perth Motorplex and see if I can break into the nines. I am going to make the following modifications in due course:
- 16 tooth front sprocket (as I don't need to do 300Km/h and more drive off the line has got to be a good thing)
- Zero Gravity tinted double bubble screen (to keep some extra wind off my helmet)
- High quality black anodised aluminium fender eliminator (I love the look)
- Fitting a pair of Yoshimura Stainless/Stainless TRC slip-on mufflers (for obvious reasons)
Overall I'm extremely pleased with my 2012 ZX-14R and I'm sure that those of you lucky enough to ride or own one will 100% agree with me.
Pros
+ Extremely powerful and smooth engine
+ High quality fit and finish
+ Traction Control
+ ABS Brakes
Cons
- Too much Weight
- Big & ugly mufflers
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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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smokinZX14
Needs a life
Posts: 10197
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posted January 12, 2012 07:39 PM
Nice write up .. Thanks ...
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Smokin Performance Cycles..
Tampa Bay , FL .. Brocks Performance Dealer ..
Gen 2 ZX14R Best ET 8.43 , Best MPH 164.95
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gremlin
Novice Class
Posts: 87
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posted January 12, 2012 07:51 PM
Greggy: Thank you for a fantastic write-up...very informative and entertaining. I agree with your assessment of the ZX10...very comfortable and brimming with character. Still have my original 93 ZX11 that I will never sell. The 2012 ZX14r will be joining it in the garage.
We live a world apart (i'm near Washington DC), but your write-up is proof that passion for motorcycles in general, and the ZX14r in particular, bridges distances.
Thanks too for the pictures that reinforce the words.
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cruiserman_83
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted January 12, 2012 08:27 PM
Ill be able to agree with you tomorrow. Mines been sitting there for over two weeks. Taking straight to dyno to run her in. ordered full system last night to get rid of the cans.
Nice write up
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robrooter
Expert Class
Posts: 178
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posted January 12, 2012 09:43 PM
Greggy great write up seeing your height what about healie risers for the bars they helped me on boath of my 14's so this is your first 14 great i would like to here from other 14 owners how the 16 tooth sprocket goes on the street compared to other 14's ,Mate that was a great write up well done.
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Ride it, Respect it, It can an will bite you when you least expect. /smilies/smile.gif" border=0>
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Seno
Pro
BANNED FOR LIFE!
Posts: 1230
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posted January 13, 2012 12:37 AM
Nice article, enjoy it!
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2012 Black 14R -> Completely done!
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fullzx12r
Zone Head
French Guy
Posts: 864
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posted January 13, 2012 12:39 AM
great review !! thanksssss
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zx-12r 01'
zzr 1400 06'
hayabusa 08'
zzr 1400 12'
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LeoVinceZX14
Expert Class
Thankfully...its paid for...
Posts: 386
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posted January 13, 2012 03:11 AM
Great feedback...
Greggy:
Your writeup captures the passion that defines why so many of us..ride. The photos bring the whole thing to life in combination with your commentary. Reading your words has me looking forward even more to getting my 14R later this year.
Well done bro,
Leo
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'12 14R SE
PC V
Custom map
BMC filter
Leo Vince 4-2-1 w/ carbon can
Sato frame sliders
Supersprox 42T
Cox radiator guard
DID 530 X-ring chain.
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shawnski
Pro
Posts: 1809
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posted January 13, 2012 04:19 AM
 Edited By: shawnski on 13 Jan 2012 12:40
Nice write up greggy.. congrats. On new bike.
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Rob7R
Expert Class
More balls than brains.
Posts: 190
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posted January 13, 2012 05:19 PM
Loved the write up... Makes me yearn for the day I decide to upgrade from my 07.
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Current bike- 07 ZX14 black with D&D cans, PC3, 43t rear sprocket, 6 inch extensions, roaring toys lowering links. Muzzy Bonneville Pro, TRE Velocity stacks, Puig DB windscreen, Sargent seat, Heli-risers, and throttlemeisters.
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Greggy
Expert Class
Posts: 150
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posted January 14, 2012 05:51 AM
Thanks guys (and gals if there are any reading this post/forum/website)
I hope you all got something out of it, a laugh at the very least... and seeing as though I've had such positive feedback I may just have to write a follow up post - Greggy's Review Part # 2 perhaps? Likely once I've run the bike in and taken it closer to its limits, as I'm going to be the limiting factor on the 14R thats for sure, not the bike itself.
Keep the reviews and experiences with the new 14R flowing, as I'd love to read a similar review from one of you guys from the USA, UK, Europe, South Africa or Asia, or ANYWHERE - come on and get typing people!
Cheers
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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cruiserman_83
Expert Class
Posts: 144
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posted January 14, 2012 02:08 PM
Too busy riding to type..... 560km on bitumen, in rain and gravel roads. Havent even owned it for 24hrs!
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ktm950se
Parking Attendant
Posts: 19
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posted January 14, 2012 06:10 PM
Maybe we'll get the ABS treatment here in the US next year.
'Sure hope so.
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