200 hp zx14 lunch date

[Quasievil]

FAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKKK
Now I got that off my chest, I rode the ZX14 at lunch time, I went out to Raglan and back, here are my thoughts.

First thing I noticed when I sat on this bike was how nice everything seemed, nice seat, nice reach to the bars, nice leg room......it was all so nice and comfy.
I fired her up and was greeted with a nice engine tone, starting off I though mmmmm this is quite light, let see how it goes through town. Pulled up at the lights and enjoyed a nice look behind with the great mirrors, no vibration at all, I gunned it....no vibration at all, loverly, off I set.
Around town I thought the bike was very very agile, it had no problems cutting through traffic, I tried a tyere type warm up techiqne, very nice, no problems in that department but I thoughh I would hold my decision unitl I had her out on the open road.
I did notice a bit of a flat spot around 4000rpm, it quickly disappeared but this bit surprised me, as I thought it would rev well at this rpm's it wasnt a major nor did it cause any isses and was me being a bit picky maybe.

I left the city limits and started my ride through some nice corners, if any off you know this road it is full of nice corners long and tight, it handled them with predictable ease, very comfy ride, the riding position would be perfect for long distance touring. I entered the domain of the DIVI, time for some fun, I took it easy for the first set of corners but found I was doing it to easy, I opened her up hitting the tight corners with a fair bit of speed, the bike bloody loved it, I had her right over and it held line well, took mid corner bumps with ease sticking to the line, It was absolutely amazing, I forgot I was on a 1400 200+kg bike and thought I was on my 636 (well kinda) the bike loves corners!!!!!
I enjoyed that so much I did it again.
The bike cruises at 100kmph at 3000rpms mostly at about 11 litres per 100km I know cause it tells ya.
the other fantastic thing about this machine is the absolute outstanding acceleration, its awesome, 3rd gear behind a line of 3 cars pull out and hit it hard, you are doing some seriously illegal speeds in a instant, the buzz from 0-100 is the same as the buzz from 100- 200 its so fucken quick.
other things about this bike, was comfort, excellent fit for me, loved it
The ground clearance must be ok, I had her a fair way over and didnt have a problem at all, in fact once leaning it just wants more, it is a awesome cornerer for a bike this size.

Okay I know all you suzuki boffins are thinking it is inferior to the busa, fair enough, but this bike is a serious contender for the top bike crown, it does everything well, okay its not proven cause its new but its got the credentials upfront right now, for $21500 I couldnt imagine a better bike in this class of Hyper tourers.

I bloody love this bike, its awesome................fuck now Im going to cry

go and ride one everyone, you will like it

[terbang]

Fwoooaaar I think I just might..!

[sAsLEX]

I did notice a bit of a flat spot around 4000rpm, it quickly disappeared but this bit surprised me, as I thought it would rev well at this rpm's it wasnt a major nor did it cause any isses and was me being a bit picky maybe.


Dirty greens are the cause of that, a Power Commander would fix it right up!

Oh and nice write up!

[2much]

11L/100kms cruising!? Fark me that's one thirsty bitch! How big is the tank?

[sAsLEX]

11L/100kms cruising!? Fark me that's one thirsty bitch! How big is the tank?

Thats the same as a Crummydore!

[Quasievil]

11L/100kms cruising!? Fark me that's one thirsty bitch! How big is the tank?

Thats an average so given I was riding it hard slow hard slow etc its not a good indicator, I worked out on figures from the states that you would get about 330 out of a tank, I would be interested to see what the actual is.

[gamgee]

hmmm might upgrade my wee ninja to a big ninja, if they are that good, sounds like they might just be a good step up from the 250 :doobey:

[Madness]

I watched the Motorad boys in Welly unload what I suspect was their first shipment of the 14 yesterday. They uncovered a black one while I stood there in an ever-increasing pool of drool. The black one hides the side fin styling and the dark gold rims ...... Ooooh
..............
..............
.................
...........
Sorry, I had to go to the bathroom.

[boomer]

Nice Quasi..next bike perhaps?? ( i'll take teh Duke! )


Thats the same as a Crummydore!


Nah my 6 Litre does 19... but then again i am a Nana :blip:

[Clivoris]

Ta for the review Q. Looks like there are going to be a few KBers trying to get a fang on one. Two many cylinders for me and if I don't ride one I wont be tempted. Made the mistake of riding a Gixxer thou once and needed a professional to remind me I didn't really need one.

[marty]

as a busa owner i'm neither intimidated nor worried by the 14. hey, they're all big fun bikes that'll trake to warp speed and back without working a sweat, and frankly, a coro loop with a bunch of mofo big bikes is great fun - each to their own. personally, i'll take the 14 for a ride, and i may even like it, but it's not my busa, and i won't be parting from it.

[Smokin]

Damn, Looks as tho I'll have to book a test ride now. :blip:

[Marmoot]

Same here, Marty.

Based on Q's description of everything, it sounds exactly like a Busa.

For me, both are beautiful bikes, but I loved Busa since I first saw it. Not for performance, but for the Busa.

Cheers Q. May I borrow one day?

[sAsLEX]

Same here, Marty.

Based on Q's description of everything, it sounds exactly like a Busa.

For me, both are beautiful bikes, but I loved Busa since I first saw it. Not for performance, but for the Busa.

Cheers Q. May I borrow one day?

Something about the name as well, はやぶさ - peregrine falcon, a bit more appealing than some letters and numbers, plus the shape is nice

and it appears here as well <img src=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Manx_coat.PNG>

[Lazy7]

yeah. sounds good - its just a pity its got 8 too many headlights in the front and a funny ass.

sounds bloody good though

[Hitcher]

There's this little voice in my head that's saying: "Hitcher. Buy a Kawasaki."

[WINJA]

yeah. sounds good - its just a pity its got 8 too many headlights in the front AND 100HP TO MUCH AS WELL AYE , DUMBEST THING YOU EVER SAID LAZY7

[WINJA]

There's this little voice in my head that's saying: "Hitcher. Buy a Kawasaki."WHY BOTHER YOULL JUST RUN IT INTO THE BACK OF A PARKED CAR

[Edbear]

WHY BOTHER YOULL JUST RUN IT INTO THE BACK OF A PARKED CAR



Should cope almost as well as an ST, though...:yes:

[Madness]

Hitcher. Buy a Kawasaki.

[Hitcher]

WHY BOTHER YOULL JUST RUN IT INTO THE BACK OF A PARKED CAR
The little voice says: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Prick."

[bugjuice]

so gonna sell the Duc for the kwak, now it's here? What does Fembot think of being on the back of the Duc vs being on the back of the 14...???

[igor]

The Waikato districts internal police staff driver tester is using the raglan road for testing the boys. He is out there most days and ya head across the divi. its all microwaved up and he gets lots while out assessing the boys.

beware

[sAsLEX]

so gonna sell the Duc for the kwak, now it's here? What does Fembot think of being on the back of the Duc vs being on the back of the 14...???

V twin rumble or sewing machine whine??

see http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=656702

[sAsLEX]

The Waikato districts internal police staff driver tester is using the raglan road for testing the boys. He is out there most days and ya head across the divi. its all microwaved up and he gets lots while out assessing the boys.

beware

I smell a challange brewing! Gold licensed commodore drivers vs no license gsxr riders!

[bugjuice]

V twin rumble or sewing machine whine??

see http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=656702
lol.. had thought about that..

[Quasievil]

I sticking with the Ducati 999, I love this bike, I aint goin to sell it for a common jappa.




I didnt really mean that, I loved the ZX14 absolutely stunning machine, but I made my bed and very happy to sleep with a nice italian beauty for a while

[Lazy7]

AND 100HP TO MUCH AS WELL AYE , DUMBEST THING YOU EVER SAID LAZY7

thanks for reminding me. yes thats right. waay to fast. rediculous.

i love kawasakis - but its an ugly bike.

i'm sure its great for aero dynamics and i am positive the engine is pure magic and for a big bike i am sure its wicked in the corners.

but for a poser like me it just dont do it for me in the looks dept.

the perfect bike would have the 06 R1 front, the Gixxer 06 ASS, honda engine and running gear, in green white and black with a big fat Ninja ZX sitcker on the side.

bite me.

[beyond]

Thanks for the review Quasi.

I'm real keen on picking one of these up myself. They were being unpacked at Mt eden the other day and they look real good in all three colours. I have one tentatively booked for a demo run in three weeks so I can take it on some of my favourite roads to see what it handles like.

You answered some questions I have not seen in online reviews like ground clearance and cornering ability. Most review are on about straight line performance which is not where it's at for me. The thing is posting 8.2 on the 1/4, strapped, with after market can and PC3 .

Corners are where its at for me. Like a bigger bike and something for two up, long distance if necessary and good cornering and ground clearance. Sounds like this might be the one.

I like my GSX1400 but ground clearance has always been an issue, though it handles real well. If the ZX14 handles better and has the clearance should be good.

[Quasievil]

Thanks for the review Quasi.

I'm real keen on picking one of these up myself. They were being unpacked at Mt eden the other day and they look real good in all three colours. I have one tentatively booked for a demo run in three weeks so I can take it on some of my favourite roads to see what it handles like.

You answered some questions I have not seen in online reviews like ground clearance and cornering ability. Most review are on about straight line performance which is not where it's at for me. The thing is posting 8.2 on the 1/4, strapped, with after market can and PC3 .

Corners are where its at for me. Like a bigger bike and something for two up, long distance if necessary and good cornering and ground clearance. Sounds like this might be the one.

I like my GSX1400 but ground clearance has always been an issue, though it handles real well. If the ZX14 handles better and has the clearance should be good.

Yeah I think this will be a good option.
The DIVI over raglan has some tight corners on it and I was leaning a fair bit over, one up of course , two up I guess will change the config a bit however with the right suspension set up I reckon it will be fine.
I was amazed how well the bike does lean, it loved the corners and I really felt comfortable cranking it over, it wanted to lean more I reackon, the balance was perfect.
One thing however this thing has got huge power, I noticed that you have to be careful with exit throttle control, as you could spin out the rear if not careful, especially in the wet. I dont think a experienced rider will have a problem, but this is seriously NOT a newbie bike or a bike for the inconfident rider

[terbang]

One thing however this thing has got huge power, I noticed that you have to be careful with exit throttle control, as you could spin out the rear if not careful, especially in the wet. I dont think a experienced rider will have a problem, but this is seriously NOT a newbie bike or a bike for the inconfident rider
I find this one of the challenges on riding a Busa that I enjoy is keeping the monster under control and unleashing power in a controlled fashion. Keeping in mind that what will do a lot, will also do a little with the difference being between your ears being good advice when riding these big uns. I think that it will be a huge success in the hyper tourer class like the Busa and ZX12R before it.

[John]

thanks for reminding me. yes thats right. waay to fast. rediculous.

i love kawasakis - but its an ugly bike.

i'm sure its great for aero dynamics and i am positive the engine is pure magic and for a big bike i am sure its wicked in the corners.

but for a poser like me it just dont do it for me in the looks dept.

the perfect bike would have the 06 R1 front, the Gixxer 06 ASS, honda engine and running gear, in green white and black with a big fat Ninja ZX sitcker on the side.

bite me.
Sell your bike to someone who doesnt think gay thoughts.

[Lazy7]

Sell your bike to someone who doesnt think gay thoughts.

haha. there are two kinds of forum users.


The guys that call people gay.

and

The guys that only have sex with woman.




... see what i did there? :nya:

[Blackbird]

This is a post from the Australian Blackbird site from someone who has just ridden the Kwakka.

Pro's
Torque from wo to go. Get it up to 60km/hr in 6th & no more gear changes req'd. Even through roadworks at 40km/hr(Toodyay Rd).

Get up & go , awesome . I will say that mine is more "throw u back in ur seat) , but no comparison after the initial hit though, th Z just goes & goes.

The digital dash has all the km/l , ditance till mt etc which was a buzz(just like a car).

Planted planted planted , also very very throw around able, more so than my bike (which is also 215kg with the 4/1 system).Like the ZX12 it is very easy to drop into a corner.

Con's
Firstly & definately the biggest critism that stopped a sale..U form an intergral part of the fairing with your legs. Yesterday was 2degrees first up ,at 8:30 going there , mmm nippy. On the ZX-14 my legs froze as the are totally exposed.The wind lash is terrible (I am 5'8").

The fluid resivoirs are plastic bottles on Super Cheap auto's Brackets.

The steering head nut (double) is staring at u as if say "couldn't be stuffed making a cover) Mitch is right , the build quality is streets behind.

$19019....... I would buy a Busa before a ZX-14/

Conclusion..
Awesomely powerful SPORTS BIKE....NOT SOMETHING TO RIDE ACROSS OZ ON.

[WINJA]

the perfect bike would have the 06 R1 front, the Gixxer 06 ASS, honda engine and running gear, in green white and black with a big fat Ninja ZX sitcker on the side.

bite me.
BETTER KEEP THAT QUIET OR TRIUMPH WILL MAKE ONE , IE THE 955 TRUMPY WAS BITS OF DUCATI AND BLADE AND OTHER STUFF

[APPLE]

hmmm might upgrade my wee ninja to a big ninja, if they are that good, sounds like they might just be a good step up from the 250 :doobey:
hahahahahahaha.....you hav to be joking man?

[Hitcher]

The fluid resivoirs are plastic bottles on Super Cheap auto's Brackets.
All sprotsbikes seem to like having little urine-sample bottles on Super Cheap brackets for fluid reservoirs. Why? There can't be that much more weight in a nicely-integrated unit. And so what if there is?

[UrbanMyth]

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh man i wanna just see one in real life :(

[WINJA]

fucken idiots 200hp going thru a 250cc sized unbraced swing arm , the whole bike looked a little slapped together

[Quasievil]

fucken idiots 200hp going thru a 250cc sized unbraced swing arm , the whole bike looked a little slapped together

What are you talking about WINJA??

[WINJA]

What are you talking about WINJA??
I SAW ON CLOSE UP TODAY , THE SWING ARM WAS TOO SKINNY ITS LIKE ON OF THOSE BODY BUILDERS WITH SKINNY LEGS WHERES THE BRACE ?AND IT JUST HAD THAT SLAPPED TOGETHER LOOK TO ME .

LOOK AT THE PIC , THAT SWING ARM LOOKS LIKE IT WOULD BE AT HOME ON A ZXR250

[imdying]

Winja is right ya know... no stinking jap engineer with 3d finite model anaylsis could possibly put the right size/strength swingarm into their latest 200hp bike.

[The_Dover]

That's because their squinty eyes are no good for 3d software.

[WINJA]

Winja is right ya know... no stinking jap engineer with 3d finite model anaylsis could possibly put the right size/strength swingarm into their latest 200hp bike.
ENGINEERS CAN SAY WHAT THEY WANT ITS THE ACCOUNTANTS THAT GET THE FINAL SAY , AND I DONT GIVE A FUCK IF IT IS STRONG ENOUGH CAUSE IT LOOKS FLIMSY AND UGLY

[V Twin Raver]

Rode the Busa for the first time yesterday, booked a ride on the ZX14 for next weekend.............keen to see the differences..........at least you can be assurred an unbiased opinion from me on these two..........I am niether a Suzuki or Kwaka fan, however they are the only ones who build a HyperSports worth serious consideration.........and one of these could well be my next stead.

[Quasievil]

Hang on hang on, this isnt a K5 suzuki with multiple Chasis fractures, this is a kawasaki, and Im reasonably confident that they went to the trouble of figuring out the requirements of the swingarm.
Maybe you concerned guys should put up a model of how it should be engineered using your skills in this area and notify the kawasaki engineers of your improved version. Im sure they need a shuckle

[Hitcher]

Threw my leg over one of these yesterday. In black. Whoar! A very nicely set up piece of kit. I was impressed with the legibility of the instruments, and chuffed to note that the ferkin screen doesn't get in the way. Shame about the urine bottles though. And, they're "only" $21,000...

[The_Dover]

Hang on hang on, this isnt a K5 suzuki with multiple Chasis fractures, this is a kawasaki,

Oh, as opposed to the 04/05 ZX10 with frame cracking and failure? and front wheel recall?

Or the ducati recall for dodgy brakes?

[Cajun]

which you lot would stop with the this brand failed this this brand failed that, ever brand as problems/recalls.

But agree with winja that they could have looked at putting some sorta beafy swingarm on it, they know the yanks will drag it or simlar, they got a braced swingarm on the 06 zx10r. But you will only really noticed it not being braced maybe if you are racing,

I have heard from a few people, that these are awsome kids, one with a 04 busa, as traded up to one, another with a zx10r, said he can ride thru same road faster on the 14 than he can on his 10. (pyes pa road, for those who know it)

[R6_kid]

saw one out on the road yesterday, unfortunately the guy was looking after his new baby and passed us at legal speed in a 50kmh zone as we pulled in for gas, looked pretty mint though, better than sitting on a stand in a shop.

[WINJA]

and whats with the dozen or so head lights , were they trying to outugly the y2k turbine bike

[The_Dover]

I think they just wanted enough wattage for Quasi to illuminate your arse if he were to come across you at night on a Waikato back road.

[WINJA]

I think they just wanted enough wattage for Quasi to illuminate your arse if he were to come across you at night on a Waikato back road.
YOU REALLY THINK HE CAN CATCH ME , I WAS JUST TAKIN IT EASY WITH YOU DOVER

[Quasievil]

YOU REALLY THINK HE CAN CATCH ME , I WAS JUST TAKIN IT EASY WITH YOU DOVER

Mmmmmm sounds like a challenge to me. To bad I dont race on the road.......I mean lucky for you I dont race on the road:yes:

[WINJA]

Mmmmmm sounds like a challenge to me. To bad I dont race on the road.......I mean lucky for you I dont race on the road:yes:DONT RACE ON THE ROAD , SOUNDS LIKE YOUR A CHICKEN TO ME (INSERT CHICKEN SOUNDS HERE) LUCKY FOR YOU ID SAY