I'm past the looks of the 14, I don't think it ugly, but different. I think it will be hard for ANYONE to overcome the pure viewing pleasure of a 12(for me anyway.)

For a bike that has been 'marketed' as a hyper-tourer, I wasn't expecting the radical bend in my kneecaps, or the tiny screen, or the fact that my knees ride on the top of the tank indention. With that said, the windscreen is an easy upgrade, maybe even the pegs could be lowered just a bit(they do look like the buell-mod would work). I just don't think that I could get past the knees outside the tank indention--feels like I'm riding on top of it). Even the busa that I recently rode accomodated my knees...with the same harsh bend on my knees. I cannot get past the fact that it just doesn't 'fit' me.

Thinking back to my 12, I didn't like the bars and the seat that squished my balls. Those were relatively easy fixes. So what I'm hoping is that I will be able to pick up a 14 after you 14 gurus start modding the shit out of them....and updating all of us 'on-the-fence arm-chair quarterbacks' like myself.

The only other thought is a drag-bike...which a bus will work fine, especially when comparing the costs and availability of aftermarket parts and turbos.


thanks for the input fellas.

 

Hey Jeff, like I said before, my buddy has been trying to talk me into trading my 12 in on a 14, well yesterday I went to the dealer and sat on a 14, I always liked the looks of the 12 much better, but I was surprised that the 12 was also more comfortable and semed to fit me better as well, the bars and pegs just fit me way better on the 12 and were more comfortable.

The 14 is kind of appealing because of the extra 150cc and the clutch and brakes are aparently much better( the clutch and brakes are the only things i'm not realy crazy about on the 12), my buddy is putting stainless steel lines on the back brake, we'll se if that improves the braking any. but being that the 12 is paid for and i'm real happy with it, I dont think i'll sell it or trade it in on the 14.

 

I posted in another thread, if you are a big tall guy, the 12R definitely is more comfortable. Seat to peg is closer on the 14 and the whole bike is lower. You have to honestly weigh the benefits of the 14 over the 12R, they aren't that big. Of course I don't think you will see large leaps in performance/improvements with a normally aspirated new model in the future. Stricter Euro and soon to follow California noise and emission rules are making it tough. The fact that the ZX14 performs as well as it does, is as smooth as it is, AND meets Euro 3 rules is what makes it amazing.

 

Well, put 200 miles on the new 14 so far. I have to say I am completely happy with it. Yes, I would agree with everybody. My 2004 Candy Thunder Blue ZX-12R was by far a much better looking bike. Just like somebody else said. To me the 12 is just what a sport bike should look like. Better than the R-1, all the other ZX's, just all of them. But in this case I will have to take function over form. Then I am vertically challenged, lol!!! So I don't have the fit problem with the 14. Fits me better than the 12 ever thought about. Again like others have said, the 12 always felt like I was perched up on top of it. This 14 feels like I am inside it. For me it just makes it so much better to ride. So, am I disappointed I sold the 12??? No!

 

I spent a little more time at the dealership today...I gotta have one. I know I said I'd never part with the 12....but...

It fits me a little better than I thought. I also have to remind myself that my 12 is Far from stock when it comes to comfort. If I can swing keeping the 12 I will, if not....a black 14 is in my future(hopefully near).

 

L2M - Ya gotta do what moves you.

SITW's right on the money when he says that a motorcycle is a very personal choice - it only matters what you think, not what anyone else thinks...

 

May have to go without a ride for awhile, but the 14 does move me....and I really want it to move me faster than my 12 :wink:


I'm gonna try and sell the 12 this summer and pick up the 14 this winter. Hopefully all 4 of the 14's at my local stealer will still be sitting there when I decide to buy.

 

Lie
I am certainly not trying to talk you out of a 14, but be sure to really evaluate the seat to peg distance. It is closer on the 14 and I don't think the 14 will be as comfortable for someone really tall. I hate to see you get it and that end up being an issue.

 

It's purpose in life is the dragstrip...and some moderate cruising. My back has deleted any thoughts of long distance. The first time I sat on the 14, I thought it didn't fit right, but I was also wearing my really thick soled Army boots. It felt just as good as the 12 with my regular riding boots. Thanks for the heads up, all the info I can get before throwing down the cash. Trust me, it will be very well thought out before I actually get a new bike.

 

My birthday's tomorrow, June 29. I decided to get myself a nice present, so, I went to the Kaw shop and bought a pretty red ZX14 8). I'm picking it up on my birthday and I'm really looking forward to riding the new bike. I'm keeping my 2000 ZX-12R. It would be too hard to part with.
Your turn lie2me.

 

Your turn lie2me

Actually July was my inteded monthof 14 purchase....but something came up, so I'm waiting for a few months...or more depending on how much my sons attorney costs. I may not be next, but I'm in line. :wink:

I also want to keep my 12...but time will tell.

 

My birthday's tomorrow, June 29. I decided to get myself a nice present, so, I went to the Kaw shop and bought a pretty red ZX14 8). I'm picking it up on my birthday and I'm really looking forward to riding the new bike. I'm keeping my 2000 ZX-12R. It would be too hard to part with.

Alright!!!!! Happy Birthday and let us know what you think of the 14!

Congratulations on both birthday & purchase.

 

Thanks a lot :wink: I'm just leaving to go pick up the 14. The first thing I'm going to do is cut off part of the ugly rear fender.
A 51 year old man riding a ZX-12R with nitrous and a zx-14. Will wonders never cease 8)

My birthday's tomorrow, June 29. I decided to get myself a nice present, so, I went to the Kaw shop and bought a pretty red ZX14 8). I'm picking it up on my birthday and I'm really looking forward to riding the new bike. I'm keeping my 2000 ZX-12R. It would be too hard to part with.

Alright!!!!! Happy Birthday and let us know what you think of the 14!

Congratulations on both birthday & purchase.

 

age is just a #, happy birthday, hopefully I'll get mine for Christmas. :wink:

 

A 51 year old man riding a ZX-12R with nitrous and a zx-14. Will wonders never cease 8)

I see nothing wrong with that. Everything has got a time and place. So long as you pick the right time and place to hit it, who are you hurting?

51, hey that's the prime of your life still. I am 47 so you aren't that far in front of me. Enjoy it cause when we get to 70 we may not be able to ride a 12. A 14 yes but a 12? :lol:

 

Hey go easy on us "seasoned" riders.
I'll be 51 in two weeks, have been 202mph at Maxton on my 12 and 187+ there last month on a stock 14.
I'm not 18 for sure but not ready for a geezer cruiser either!
BTW.......I'm currently installing a Turbotec turbo system on a ZRX that I recently bought.
Now if I can just remember where I put my keys.
Dan

 

Now if I can just remember where I put my keys.

:lol:

 

Hey guys I am 55 with my 03 ZX12R & red ZRX. My next cruiser bike will be either a ZX14 or Busa 1500. When Im 85 I hope to have nitrous implanted in all these bikes. The older I get these hot bikes and babes get better and better lookin. :twisted:

 

:lol: :lol: :lol:

You guys are funny!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

jimb - Congrats on the new 14!! :wink: :wink:

 

jimb - Congrats on the new 14!! :wink: :wink:

Mokaw got 1, not me. I have a 2005 12 and am very happy with it.

 

You guys that sell your 12s will live to regret that day. The 12R will be like the 72- H2 750, 73-Z1, 69 Honda CB750, The ZX12R will stand in history as a legend. Yea, it flopped at the dealers but history WILL be kind to her. Mine will forever be a trophy.

The "A" model 12 was designed with purpose. The 14 although a great bike without doubt was designed to appeal to a much larger crowd. There's already 14s hanging from the lamp post around my town. JUST LIKE BUSAs!!!!!!!! 12Rs will do nothing but get more and more rare!

 

I agree with you gunner. I don't think I could ever get rid of my 2000 ZX-12R. It just feels so raw with power, especially with the nitrous. It's a mans bike.
I just got home from riding my ZX-14. It sure is a smooth bike. You feel like you sit more into the bike. Tomorrow morning I'm getting onto the 12, getting the bottle filled, and feeling some of that raw power.

 

I somewhat regret selling nearly every bike or gun I ever had. But I just can't keep 'em all. When I knew I was getting a 14 I realized that the 12 just wouldn't get ridden much. I was lucky in that a buddy who I've known for years would love it as much as I did. It's kinda corny, but I'd rather have her go to somebody that would love and use her as much as I did than have it languish in an already overcrowded garage. I've never been a "collector", but a "user". That reminds me, anybody want to buy a lightly used Weatherby .460 Magnum? :lol:

 

jimb - Congrats on the new 14!! :wink: :wink:

Mokaw got 1, not me. I have a 2005 12 and am very happy with it.

Duh!! :roll: :roll: Sorry Larry!! Congrats all the same!!