ZX14 vs ZX9R around Pukekohe

[Biggles08]

If you can afford two bikes why not get a proper sports bike, and a proper tourer?

I will if I can afford that when the time comes.

[MVnut]

Not according to the poll!?I would actually think that too (the 14 being quicker) but its an interesting debate.

Maybe I should take them both round Puke.........been round there once or twice I reckon the 14 would be quicker in the wet too

[Biggles08]

Maybe I should take them both round Puke.........been round there once or twice I reckon the 14 would be quicker in the wet too

Whats the power to weight ratio on the 14?

[beyond]

Having ridden a ZX14 a couple of times and one time a three hour test demo, they handle great in the tight stuff and and love sweepers.
I havent ridden the 9 but have ridden the latest K7 GSXR1000 and in the tight stuff I much preferred the ZX14.

I ride nakeds though and find my GSX1400 a good handler in the tighter stuff. The ZX14 is every bit as good in the twisties but heaps of straight line grunt at higher speeds of course. Throttle on too hard coming out of a corner on the ZX and you don't get a second chance.

In my opinion the ZX is a great all rounder and would lap quicker on the Puke circuit.

[orangeback]

buy my zx10 an you bet them both

[Coyote]

The ZX14 has too many headlights

In my vain opinion...

[BarBender]

I havent ridden the 9 but have ridden the latest K7 GSXR1000 and in the tight stuff I much preferred the ZX14.

Yeah Paul - I remember you saying that and thought about that when I test rode a k7 recently also. My conclusion was that on the road - the 14 was better through the twisties.

But I wonder if thats because we both ride big bikes and our styles warrant a more upright riding style? While the k7 is 'slightly' more upright than the k5/k6 I still didnt feel comfortable being hunched over......too much bodyweight contributing to the front end compression if you know what I mean.

[Hitcher]

Around Pukekohe seems a strange comparison, given that you appear to want two different bikes to do two different jobs. Auckland to Wellington with a pillion and only one fuel stop allowed would be a good comparison too...

[zzrriders]

Hi i have a zx14 and its an awesome bike in every respect ( im not skiting, its just a fact) but its not a racer, as our friend pointed out.It eats miles in a fun way , handles very very well for a big bike. If you use it to join the cafe racers on the coromandel loop it wont serve you well and you would miss the point of the beast. Its hard to classify what the damn thing is but we love it.
We have put a custom seat on it to make it better for two up touring and a double bubble screen is going on soon . hope this helps

[Biggles08]

If you're thinking about a next bike...you should also consider a 12. I owned a B4 12 before the 14 and I consider it the superior bike...because it covered that sportsbike/sports tourer gap better than the 14. I still miss it...

Thats a fair point actually BarBender...funny enough, your the second to suggest that in the last few days. I hadn't really even considered the 12. Still not sure but I think I'll hold on to the 9 for a while until I can afford a 10 and a 9, 12 or 14. I think I need two bikes, racer and tourer....honestly honey... its the most sensible optionLOL

[Big Dave]

Ummm - I don't think the ZX14 is a very good tourer. If you are over 6' anyway.

It is remarkably fast and tractable and has one of the most amazing engines I've ever ridden.

But I didn't find it all that comfortable - the seat to peg height is litre sportsbike standard and it's got drop bars - and I don't think it handled the twisties particularly well either (that isn't to say badly at all - but there are more nimble bikes). High speed stability is its forte. Probably the best there is, but in light of some of its competition I've tested since...

Also no luggage.

Haven't tested a 9 - have done a ZX10 - I would kill me on the 14 around Puke riding the ten.