Calling ZX14 owners in & around Hamilton

**purplekatipo** · 12th April 2015, 12:54

I'm looking for a current 2013/14 ZX14 owner who might be willing to let me ride their bike... to help me decide if I want to buy one! Demo bikes are scarce. I have an 06 CBR1100XX (with 22k) on the clock. It's my third Blackbird and it was to be my last bike but the ZX14 is still tempting me. You're welcome to follow me on my Blackbird, I'll pay for fuel - what little i'll use - and might even pay you $50 and buy you a coffee!! Ideally the ride will replicate my commute between Te Awamutu and Hamilton to compare... but any ride would be appreciated. No racing. No speeding. No stupid stuff. I'm genuinely interested in buying a ZX14 but don't want to shell out heaps of moolah before buying. TradeMe is as option but there are no ZX14s "close-by"... and dealers won't look at me without "committing" to purchase.

If you're keen, send me a PM and we'll go from there. Thanks.

Oh, should point out... it's my 3rd Blackbird not because I crashed them! I'm in my mid-40's and will treat your bike as if it were mine. And like I said, happy for you to ride my bike while I'm riding yours...

**Blackbird** · 12th April 2015, 14:30

I can't help you with a ZX1400 test ride but was also a long term Blackbird owner. It was only a combination of advancing years and being a relative shortarse which persuaded me to get something lower and lighter after the 'bird which had raised ride height for quicker handling. The only thing I can add is that a friend of mine in the UK has had both a 'bird and a ZX14, and has recently gone back to another 'bird. He says that the performance of the '14 is superior to a 'bird but the build quality (and suspension) is nowhere near as good and the finish deteriorated quite quickly. That may be a UK issue with salt on the roads.

Good luck in your search!

**mossy1200** · 12th April 2015, 14:57

Originally Posted by Blackbird

He says that the performance of the '14 is superior to a 'bird but the build quality (and suspension) is nowhere near as good and the finish deteriorated quite quickly. That may be a UK issue with salt on the roads.

Good luck in your search!

Maybe he was having you on. Having had both idd say the statement about suspension and finish was the opposite way around.
Blackbird 2 up scrapes fairing in corners if you travel trough a hollow and struggles to hold a line at speed.

**Blackbird** · 12th April 2015, 15:21

Originally Posted by mossy1200

Maybe he was having you on. Having had both idd say the statement about suspension and finish was the opposite way around.
Blackbird 2 up scrapes fairing in corners if you travel trough a hollow and struggles to hold a line at speed.

Well, we might not be comparing apples with apples. He's been a long term bird owner so it's likely that they had the usual suspension upgrades to forks and shocks that mine had. As the OP correctly says, you have to try them for yourself as emotional appeal is at least as important as technical specs. I never thought I'd end up with a Street Triple until I actually rode one

**mossy1200** · 12th April 2015, 15:30

Whats wrong with the Hamilton bike dealerships.
If they have a previously ridden zx14r but wont let someone ride it idd say they will struggle to sell it.
Turn up on a big bike looking to buy a newer big bike sounds like a great customer.
Maybe you need go for a ride to another bike shop.

**purplekatipo** · 12th April 2015, 16:37

thanks guys. I'm probably being selfish and don't appreciate what I've got. But won't know til I try. After a few years without a bike, I bought a new 04 blackbird. Felt guilty as didnt ride it so sold it. Regretted it so bought the cheapest blackbird (00 import) from a dealer on trademe with 37k on the clock. loved it, upgraded to Hyperpro suspension and raised the rear. After putting on 40ks decided to look for my last bike and decided it was time for a change. Tested the Hayabusa but didn't like it - windscreen prevented me seeing the entire dashboard and it had really (really) loud thumping after-market exhaust which put me off. But the $$ to upgrade was too much.
I test rode the previous ZX14 a few years back but it was on unfamiliar roads so couldn't "relax". Was lucky to find a near immaculate blackbird and jumped at it. I love my blackbird (been a honda man most of my life (mvx250, vt250, cbr600, cbr1000, cbr1100xx...) . And had suzuki gsx1100f for a while. But I love the look of the ZX14. And in green! Anyway, we'll see...

**Blackbird** · 12th April 2015, 16:43

Originally Posted by purplekatipo

decided to look for my last bike

Your last bike???? Really??

At 67, my knees are knackered but couldn't imagine being without a bike at present!

Anyway, good luck in your testing if you find one!

**insomnia01** · 12th April 2015, 17:48

Got 2 birds 99 is getting a make over having done 237000km 2nd is a 2000 that has 114000km & is my winter ride, k purchased a 06 zx14 in november & did the TT2000 in feb then spent 9 days in the south isld 2 up without issue. Did @ 6000km over that period & loved the zx as did my pillion, they are worlds apart & love riding them both, i would offer you a trial ride but rego is currently on hold & looking at adding some goodies for next summer before heading south again

but personally i would just buy one they are a great bike....

**R650R** · 12th April 2015, 18:48

Originally Posted by mossy1200

Blackbird 2 up scrapes fairing in corners if you travel trough a hollow and struggles to hold a line at speed.

Hell when they came out I decked out the demo bike within ten minutes riding, no luggage and never normally scrape anything on the road. Current bike at the time was GSXR1100L.

Back to topic I've only ever test ridden bikes before the sale to check they were straight and not knackered etc, I tend to dial into what ever a bikes style is after.
Don't be afraid to bullshit a dealer a bit to ride one if you feel you must, their only used vehicle salesmen after all...

Dissappointed this wasn't a wind up, was going to say theres a fella in Waiakto that will meet you for test ride, just take lots of cash lol....

**awa355** · 14th April 2015, 02:21

I have a mate in Hamilton with a ZX14. Have emailed him. He's about your age, very experienced rider. He will probably understand where you are coming from. He is a member here but doesn't bother with the site much.

Just realised, Donnys bike may be older than what you're looking for.