3Boysand3Bikes
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posted December 15, 2009 09:05 PM
I am sure that Kawi has done some market research and felt that there would be some buyers for the bike without any real power. Probably if they loaded it with power most of us would talk about it but not buy it. I have seen a TON of newbies over the past few years and they are riding the Buell(s) and the KTM(s) etc... I think that they are 'yuppy' commuters. They like to tell everyone they ae green (The truth is... they are....) So most people that will actually buy this are probably oblivious to the actual 'numbers'. The BK sold what, 10 bikes?? (That is known as sarcasm) The big motor isn't a selling point for this bike. They are going after a certain market and therefore we will not see it pushing 150hp. I think it looks like a fun hop around bike that is simple yet stands out. It reminds me of the radian of the 80's. When there were ninjas out, there were still poeple who wanted the 'regular' bike. I for one don't see myself buying this bike but it would be fun to take out for a quick blast. LASTLY, I don't think steve is living in the 70's... he just didn't see all of your comment because his mullet blew over his eyes while he was reading...
  
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SteveWFL
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posted December 15, 2009 09:47 PM
 Edited By: SteveWFL on 16 Dec 2009 05:52
quote:
I am sure that Kawi has done some market research and felt that there would be some buyers for the bike without any real power. Probably if they loaded it with power most of us would talk about it but not buy it. I have seen a TON of newbies over the past few years and they are riding the Buell(s) and the KTM(s) etc... I think that they are 'yuppy' commuters. They like to tell everyone they ae green (The truth is... they are....) So most people that will actually buy this are probably oblivious to the actual 'numbers'. The BK sold what, 10 bikes?? (That is known as sarcasm) The big motor isn't a selling point for this bike. They are going after a certain market and therefore we will not see it pushing 150hp. I think it looks like a fun hop around bike that is simple yet stands out. It reminds me of the radian of the 80's. When there were ninjas out, there were still poeple who wanted the 'regular' bike. I for one don't see myself buying this bike but it would be fun to take out for a quick blast. LASTLY, I don't think steve is living in the 70's... he just didn't see all of your comment because his mullet blew over his eyes while he was reading...
yes sir, we'll see these Z1000's all over the streets. they'll sell like crazy 
maybe they'll sell so many Kawi can afford to get back into World MotoGP racing?
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'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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Bawls
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posted December 15, 2009 09:51 PM
If kawi had done any kind of market research, they would have made the zx14 with removeable cylinders. They also wouldn't have a zx10 with a ridiculous engine that is so ugly that no one wants it.
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SteveWFL
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posted December 15, 2009 09:55 PM
Edited By: SteveWFL on 16 Dec 2009 05:56
quote:
They also wouldn't have a zx10 with a ridiculous engine
Right now the Aprilia V4 is on top of the litre bike class by a margin, but its rumored for 2010 BMW is going to knock them off their pedestal with the new 1000 cc bike. If the MCN dyno numbers are accurate, even you straight liners will be surprised. The jury is still out.
But yeah I hope Kawi sells a lot of these Z1000's!
____________
2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
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3Boysand3Bikes
Expert Class
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posted December 15, 2009 10:25 PM
I didn't say they were right.... I didn't say I agreed... I just don't see them selling more z1000's with a monster engine... even though many of us that have a zx14 obviously pay attention to the performance. Kawi has done things that we all wonder about... but then again they are the company and we are a 'select' market that wants bikes made for our personal likes. We all have different priorities that we would like to see from the companies but there are a lot of people out there that don't fit into our particular market. I didn't buy a buell because it is not my choice. I also didn't buy an intercepter... but that doesn't mean that there isn't a market for those bikes. It makes sense that Kawi made this bike to sell... so they made it a certain way so that they would sell as many as possible. Are they right...??? Not by our personal wishes... but we are not exactly 'main stream' either. How many 14's sold? What if they never made the 14 and just made the concours... how many of us would be 'wishing' for a concours 'sport'... but yet they would have sold a lot of concours. They can't make every bike to be a performance king. I am not backing Kawi... but I also believe that they made the bike the way that they thought it would sell.... Again, I wouldn't buy it even if it was 200hp. I am not disagreeing with anyone... I am just trying to offer a middle of the road opinion rather than one that is strictly performance based. People also buy mopeds and scooters.... and they sell well. Stupid scooter companies... underpowered junk will never sell.
Although I agree with the Aprillas... I just can't afford to ride one in this day and age...
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3Boysand3Bikes
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posted December 15, 2009 10:44 PM
quote:
If kawi had done any kind of market research, they would have made the zx14 with removeable cylinders. They also wouldn't have a zx10 with a ridiculous engine that is so ugly that no one wants it.
Once again Bawls... I don't disagree with you... but I don't drag race and I am plenty happy with the motor of the 14. It seems that the 'removable cylinders' would be a good idea but it makes no difference to me. I wonder how many of everyone that bought a 14 really cares about the '1 piece cylinders'. If there were that many complaints you would think that they would have changed it?? I know there were a few on here that went back to Busas because they wanted to do motor work... but did it really effect their sales... I don't know. Most of this forum drag race, so most of the opinions on here have to do with drag racing. That is one aspect of the 14. Therefore a lot of what we read on here is more about drag racing. We don't hear from all 14 owners. In other words... for many of you, if the bike came with an extended swing arm, lowered, with different gearing you would be very happy... but that wouldn't fit everyone that would buy a zx14. I wouldn't have been interested in one. I also wouldn't complain because I would buy what fits me best. I am looking forward to the next few years when (and if) they come out with the next zx15,16 or whatever. I do hope that it is not underpowered and I hope it handles well. Peace
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Compton
Zone Head
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posted December 16, 2009 04:21 AM
nobody will buy this garbage, unless they are blind to the HP numbers
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b.w.
zx14, little longer, little louder, little lower.
08 Busa, just a little longer and louder and lower than the 14
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SteveWFL
Moderator
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posted December 16, 2009 01:38 PM
quote:
nobody will buy this garbage, unless they are blind to the HP numbers
reality has returned to this thread
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2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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worm~hole
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posted December 17, 2009 09:03 AM
quote:
ok Gabe you're right.
But this Kawi is a seat sniffing poser bike night ride. Period.
Or lets hope, because looks is all it has. And as I said in post 2 its beautiful.
....so,,,are you saying people who will buy the 2010 Z1000 are poser bikers?...what if people who buy the bike buy it because they just like it for what it is?...a good-looking street-oriented bike?...(maybe its the marketing division's fault, then....maybe marketing should do more hype up its street capabilities and ergos....or are the readers of the ads too thick headed and narrow-mided and not paying attention to what the bike is and what its target audience is?)
...what if some of these riders buy it for its form and function and for commutes and trips?...and not a track bike?...
...why do owners of pure "track-ready" sportbikes think all other forms of riding and non-track-ready specific bikes are inferior to them and their bikes?...whether or not these dissenters themselves actually have the sper talent to extract their sportbike's track capabilities to the nth degree on the streeet?... without endangering themselves or others?
...just because dissenting rider's favorite pro rider wins on their favorite sportbike on the track doesn't mean dissenting riders themselves are better street riders than others on any bike on the streets, thus could even quantify or qualify that their sportbike is better bike than a "street-fighter-type" bike on the street....would any dissenting rider care to match their rtalent against a pro rider on a Z1000 on the street or track?...I imagine few would...hell, I imagine King Kenny on a "lesser bike"would humble most if not all here on "superior bikes"...
...sure, there are always better designed bikes for specific types of riding...and...most of us own only one bike, but I gotta ask: unless the rider is riding for a living, since when was it a sin to race on a race-prepped "commuter bike" and tour on a tour-modded "sportbike"?
...not calling yyou or anybody out cuz lots more than you opine the very same way about lots of different bikes out there....you just reminded me of a few things: we're all riders...and we ride for our own reasons on whatever bike we happen to own...more than not its the rider, not the bike...even when its a Harley 
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Shane661
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posted December 17, 2009 09:07 AM
quote:
....so,,,are you saying people who will buy the 2010 Z1000 are poser bikers?...what if people who buy the bike buy it because they just like it for what it is?...a good-looking street-oriented bike?...(maybe its the marketing division's fault, then....maybe marketing should do more hype up its street capabilities and ergos....or are the readers of the ads too thick headed and narrow-mided and not paying attention to what the bike is and what its target audience is?)
...what if some of these riders buy it for its form and function and for commutes and trips?...and not a track bike?...
...why do owners of pure "track-ready" sportbikes think all other forms of riding and non-track-ready specific bikes are inferior to them and their bikes?...whether or not these dissenters themselves actually have the sper talent to extract their sportbike's track capabilities to the nth degree on the streeet?... without endangering themselves or others?
...just because dissenting rider's favorite pro rider wins on their favorite sportbike on the track doesn't mean dissenting riders themselves are better street riders than others on any bike on the streets, thus could even quantify or qualify that their sportbike is better bike than a "street-fighter-type" bike on the street....would any dissenting rider care to match their rtalent against a pro rider on a Z1000 on the street or track?...I imagine few would...hell, I imagine King Kenny on a "lesser bike"would humble most if not all here on "superior bikes"...
...sure, there are always better designed bikes for specific types of riding...and...most of us own only one bike, but I gotta ask: unless the rider is riding for a living, since when was it a sin to race on a race-prepped "commuter bike" and tour on a tour-modded "sportbike"?
...not calling yyou or anybody out cuz lots more than you opine the very same way about lots of different bikes out there....you just reminded me of a few things: we're all riders...and we ride for our own reasons on whatever bike we happen to own...more than not its the rider, not the bike...even when its a Harley
Umm, I see your points..but the bike is hideous and underpowered. So, I won't be buying one. Is it wrong for people to chime in with their thoughts? I'm sure they will be chiming in via the lackluster sales as well.
If someone likes the bike, they should buy it. I would never let someone elses opinion of a bike decide my purchase.
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worm~hole
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posted December 17, 2009 09:10 AM
...true...most folks eventually buy what suits them whether its the right bike for them or not...of course we're all entitled to our pinions, right?
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who would do us harm.”
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Shane661
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posted December 17, 2009 09:16 AM
All this being said, I still would like to see one in person. I can find the good in any motorcycle...and there isn't one that I wouldn't like to ride...at least once!
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Shane661
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posted December 17, 2009 09:18 AM
Also, sometimes a small change can make a huge difference looks-wise.
For example. the CBR1000 looks 100x better to me with a Brock's CT. The stock Honda piece really makes that bike ugly!
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oldkawboy
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posted December 17, 2009 10:36 AM
Edited By: oldkawboy on 17 Dec 2009 18:42
Hey Bawls,
Trust me when I say that Kawasaki did alot of market research. Even I spent quite a bit of time with the lead engineer and his team that designed & built the 14 engine.
I complained about the cylinder / block issue and found out that since the 14 uses two counterbalancers instead of only one, the one piece unit was needed for strength. They wanted the bike smooth.
Back to the original post..........
The bike looks better in person and I've talked to a couple folks who has ridden them. They said the bike is stout and is a wheelie machine. The 6mm crank and downdraft throttle bodies really woke the bike up.
I liked it more after seeing it. I've always rode sportbikes but this one has gotten my attention.
Dan
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fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
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posted December 17, 2009 10:59 AM
though I have yet to ride it, I think it looks hot... but that's just me.
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Bawls
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posted December 17, 2009 11:22 AM
quote:
Hey Bawls,
Trust me when I say that Kawasaki did alot of market research. Even I spent quite a bit of time with the lead engineer and his team that designed & built the 14 engine.
I complained about the cylinder / block issue and found out that since the 14 uses two counterbalancers instead of only one, the one piece unit was needed for strength. They wanted the bike smooth.
Back to the original post..........
The bike looks better in person and I've talked to a couple folks who has ridden them. They said the bike is stout and is a wheelie machine. The 6mm crank and downdraft throttle bodies really woke the bike up.
I liked it more after seeing it. I've always rode sportbikes but this one has gotten my attention.
Dan
Knowing that the 14 would be the answer to the hayabusa, and that 90% of people in the market for these Big heavy "hypersport touring" bikes are buying them to drag race, you would think that smooth would be a little less important and modability would be more important. I like how smooth my kawasaki is, but the suzuki is just fine to me as well and you can have a big bore in a short weekend. It is what it is. I want to ride the z1000 and see how much fun it is. If it's not super powerful, but wheelies nice and gets decent mileage I may end up picking one up as a commuter/hooligan bike. The jury is still out on this one.
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oldkawboy
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posted December 17, 2009 02:04 PM
I surely understand what you're saying Bawls because I've got a 12 and had a 14 and I personally like the split set-up. But, I travel around the country working the IMS shows and demo rides and talk to a lot of folks and I can say that 90% of the people do not buy them for dragracing. Now 90% of the guys I ride with and probably you too do buy them for that reason but not nationwide.
I too liked the smooth engine of the 14 but the one piece would have kept me personally from going big.
I'm sure there would be a lot more big bore 14's if it was a two piece, I know there's a ton of big bore 12's running around.
Quite a few people have told me that the smoothness is what sold them on a 14 over a 'Busa. A ton of folks are happy with "only" 160 or so horsepower. If you or I was, we wouldn't even be reading this forum. :-)
Kawasaki wanted durability and tried several combo's but was not satisfied with two counterbalancers in a split set-up.
Now.........back to the regularily scheduled thread.
Dan
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SteveWFL
Moderator
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posted December 17, 2009 02:16 PM
quote:
though I have yet to ride it, I think it looks hot... but that's just me.
I agree, in post #2 or so I said "its a beautiful bike".
it'll look great at bike night. and yes worm, I'm sticking to my guns on this.
____________
2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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worm~hole
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posted December 17, 2009 08:21 PM
Edited By: worm~hole on 18 Dec 2009 04:27
quote:
quote:
though I have yet to ride it, I think it looks hot... but that's just me.
I agree, in post #2 or so I said "its a beautiful bike".
it'll look great at bike night. and yes worm, I'm sticking to my guns on this.
...hey Harleys and can look good at bike night, too....but the point being is why some folks look down on other bikers and their bikes just because they don't do the same type of riding or ride the same bike as they do?....
...of course we are all entitled to our own opinions, but I think slammin' other riders' bikes and chosen type of riding AND MEANING IT is the epitome of one's own ultimate self-consciousness and lack of self confidence about their current status as a rider of motorcycles, whether they fancy themselves as a "biker", "commuter biker", "touring biker", "adventure biker", "dirt biker", "dual-sport biker" or (ahem) a "sportbiker"...but that's just me
...at the end of the day, we're all bikers whether we ride Hyusongs, Hondas or Harleys...its what we do, not what we own....we ride bikes...and I'm going to guess that riders of each brand out there could give a rat's ass about what some folks think about their bikes or type of riding....and that would include the "starbucks" type...
...btw...I think its a good-looking bike, too, and it will serve its purpose well for those who buy it with their eyes open about what kind of riding the bike is bestt suited for...
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stand ready in the night to visit violence on those
who would do us harm.”
-George Orwell
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SteveWFL
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posted December 17, 2009 08:31 PM
mentioning "Harleys" with the bike was a great comparison, this Z1000 bike would fare well parked next to a Buell "Blast" at bike night, and I wish i was the one to ride and park the pretty thing there 
____________
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'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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oldkawboy
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posted December 18, 2009 06:50 AM
Well said Worm!!!
Dan
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jimmihaffa
Novice Class
Posts: 47
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posted December 18, 2009 07:02 AM
For about $800 more, I can get a B-King with full Akrapovic exhaust that will blow the doors off this poser. Don't get me wrong, I'm a dyed in the wool Kawasaki fan and have some issues with the workmanship on Suzuki bikes, but to me this is a no-brainer. This bike is putting out only marginally better numbers than my 85 zl900. I also think the B-king sans tacky pipes and with the Akrapovic units is a really sharp looking bike, better than the z1000 imho.
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Shane661
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posted December 18, 2009 07:18 AM
Edited By: Shane661 on 18 Dec 2009 15:19
One thing is for sure, this Z1000 will wallop the hell out of a stock ZL900. 
Those bikes were somewhere around 550 lbs, with under 100 hp at the wheel...
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Flame On
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Fuel Air & Spark
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posted December 18, 2009 07:27 AM
A friend has a older one from a year or two ago and its done nice very sharp and sleak looking the new one looks to bulky
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Ozzy
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posted December 20, 2009 04:18 AM
quote:
Terrible angular styling. Exhaust is horrible..especially the collector box. 138 hp = 120-125 at the wheel.
Barf.
+1
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