Kawasaki ZZR1400 Review (2020) | Saying Sayonara To A Legend | Visordown.com
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2020
- As the Kawasaki ZZR1400 is in its swansong year, we thought it only right that the iconic sports tourer had a proper Visordown send-off.
Granted the H2 SX is a more complete machine, with more advanced electronics, lighter weight, and just as much power. But Toad seems to be getting a bit attached to that monster 1440cc inline four-cylinder engine.
Do you agree, or is change always a good thing?
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Visordown.com is the #1 online motorcycle website for news, reviews, and all things motorbike with 1 million monthly users and growing.
We’re best known for covering all the latest motorcycles launches and bike industry announcements, breaking motorbikes news, first ride, and road test.
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This is not just a review, it's a tribute to the zzr,it respects the bike,the King is not dead...long live the King!
😭😭
Έτσι!
You’re forgot that the King is still produced in North America
Thank god we have Euro legislations to take the joy out of everything we enjoy doing...
If anyone is thinking of buying one, don't be scared. These are much easier to ride than any litre class or 600 super sport bikes. Just try one, you will be amazed at the stability and comfort. Also much easier handling. The only thing to look out for is slow turning in corners. If you are going in fast, you will have to use a bit more muscle to send it around.
Changing the back tire to a 55 series makes a huge difference. The bike handles much more neutral and the slow turn in goes away.
Very true, I bought my Zx-14 when I was 19 with previous dirt biking experience. I was terrified when I bought it, but got comfortable quickly.
Just got a new 2019 model. Kawasaki has to DESPERATELY reconsider discontinuing this bike. This is the best bike on the road!
14 years ive had 2....they are fantastic. i also bought a f6b wing recently and after a few rides i cannot wait to get rid of it...compared to the kawasaki the honda is a pos ripoff from Asia.
I bought a 2020 (70 plate) and since I had it A) I have not been able to get out as I caught the poxy virus, and B) it hasn't stopped raining since I recovered..(add angry face here)
That bike has street presence that no other can match. It will sorely be missed.
Still alive and well in USA 🇺🇸
no....H2 and Busa and V4s Ducati all have better street presence
😂😂😂@@atillaadn
Done 200,000 miles on these. On my 3rd one now. I love them.
Once you get a zzr thats it ur spoiled for life its a fact.
ZZR 1400 is a legend 💚🖤
Supercharging is all well and good, but there is no replacement for displacement.
I Love the ZZR1400.
My dream bike. My ZX10R is killing my spine, the 14 would be the weapon of choice for my 120km highway commute
where u commute to?
I own a 2018 ZX-14R ABS SE. Best bike I ever owned. I use it as a daily rider. This bike rules.
Cheers, same model and year!!!!
I imagine u have develop strong arm and leg muscle
I imagine you are a weak man @@polong99
If all of us zx 14r lovers and owners mail kawasaki we can actually get them to reconsider the discontinuation of this amazing motorcycle
True
You just can't and won't ignore the fact that you'll be dreaming this bike one night when they are discontinued, it's an embodied forget-me-not wild thing. Thanks Toad, the review is full of respect to the quiet but proud legend.
I got my 2022 a little over a year ago and I absolutely love it. Can only ride about 8 months a year because of the winters here in Michigan and that makes me sad because riding this beast puts a huge smile on my face every time. It's big and powerful and butter smooth, it's a shame that it was discontinued everywhere but the USA.
Love the way you describe an intuitive connection between the bike’s engine and the rider, through a cable operated throttle.. Nailed it 👍
Want to own one. I don't care what most say about it's looks, it is beautiful to me. So sad they're gonna discontinue this.
I have an 08 midnight sapphire blue metallic. Beautiful bikes great running !
I have a 2017 and love it. Ivan's Performance ECU flash made a huge difference. Check out the testimonials on his website, everything they say is spot on. Not only does it make great power now everywhere (including down low) it actually feels like an even safer bike because it is so completely predictable and smooth. Also, if you see reviews about sluggish handling IMO it's the tires. I can't speak to other tires, but when I changed the stock tires to Michelin Road 5s the handling was night vs. day. Effortless turn-in now while still feeling likes it's on rails. Black Path bar risers (1.25" really help too). I absolutely love this bike. Honestly before the ECU reflash I didn't. Way too much big brother restriction. Stock the bike is not the bike the Kawasaki engineers built. Also, for me a Power Commander was useless. If it were me, I'd get one while I still can. My 2017 is not on the market though (and won't be until I need a walker to get around) ;-).
It looks a million times better than the H2 that's for sure.
Jack Reacher: don’t be sad get the h2
I've seen it right next to a H2, and in my opinion the ZZR wins on aesthetics hands down! It's absolutely stunning
The ZX14R as it's called here in the US is imo basically the Dodge Viper of motorcycling. Big old school analog power. It's not the most sophisticated thing, but god damn does it haul ass and more nimbly than might be expected in the hands of the capable.
Please dont compare a good bike to a pos dodge.
Vipers were junk. Handled like crap , and broke down dodges signature specialty. Always hate working on a dodge you can never fix them just patch until the next failure.
@@CaptainDayne ah yes, I'm sure that's why the Viper had a reputation for reliability and in its later versions sat lap records all over the world. What a junk car.
Funny you compare the two. I do as well, and own both a zx14r and Gen V viper😂 I’ve always felt the are similar in their own categories. As for the reliability issues, *knock on wood* no issues with the viper yet and no issues with the zx14r.
Dayne Wilson no one ever said that about the viper... loo
I’d buy it. All day. Always loved them.
Picking up one of these very bikes on Wed , as a complete package I can’t see past them and with them being discontinued it was a no brainer !!
Buying it new and I will never sell it , may add another bike but will always keep this one - end ov 👍🏻
Exactly what I did,welcome to club 👍future classic probably enjoy
Yep, me too, bought 2020 a couple of months ago, yep, it's a keeper, so it looks like it may become a classic, hey, I also own a blackbird, what do I care.. 😀
Got mine about 8 weeks ago. Great decision.
What price did you pay? In his other review posted 6/20 he states £13,999 for the performance Sport. As I seriously consider buying one only a few months later 9/20 the price has jumped to £15,999. I am swithering between a low milage used model, but at the same time sort of thinking the final model is the one to buy. Any feedback much appreciated!!
@@michaellilley6725 I paid 10.5k for mine it was 18mths old with 2700k never missed a beat,save your 💰 👍
I'd own one, they are going to be icons of a bygone era
I agree, that’s why I just bought a 2021: most likely the last year offered
I love mine. In almost 40 years of riding, it has been the best bike I've owned.
I've had two, a 2007 and a 2012 and I'm considering buying another. I prefer this bike for many reasons over the H2.
I've been riding 40 years and have had all different kinds of bikes from my first one, an RD250LC. I'm now 56 yrs old and own a 2014 ZX14R and boy does it still give me a thrill. Love it!!! And no, I'm not afraid to open that bad boy up...lol. Kawasaki, do yourselves a favour, don't discontinue such a superb bike.
I rode one at a Kawasaki event. Expected heavy and scary. It wasn't, not at modest speeds anyway. Once I cracked that throttle though... I couldn't stop giggling.
Wanted to get one but I knew it would kill me. The velocity it builds so effortlessly, waves of thrust that just keep coming, I knew I simply would not be able to resist riding well beyond my skill.
@Perpetual Grin I'm not the same. I have the ability to control my right wrist and as such I feel sorry for you both as you are missing out on such a fabulous experience...but respect for being honest.
So long big guy. . . . you will always remain one of the best of all time in my book.
Was anyone else smiling at the way his mic kept picking up all the 'leather squeaks' when he moved his arms? 😂 Go back and listen. It's like a mouse trumping in the background 😁
From the 2020 zzr1400, which is an amazing bike, to the 1996 zzr250 that I still own at 68000kms, the Kawasaki styling has been a really mouth watering design language, that sweeps cleanly.
Will be sad to see her leave our dealerships, but they will be always in our hearts ♥️
I recently sold my CBR1100XX and bought a ZX14R (ZZR1400) and absolutely love it! scares the crap out of me some times but I love it....
Your Honesty , it one Very powerful
Bike , you owned one and it not just
The power , add this wave of Torque
This bikes has , that what makes it
So Quick , catch you out , thank goodness
For the Handling and Brakes this has
Saved me as well
I'm just gonna keep riding my 2012 SE until I can't ride anymore. It's literally near perfect.
I loved my '92 ZZR1100 C3 back in the day and can only imagine how much stronger this bike is
Them old zzr1100s were seriously fast with the carb tops done. Ive had both and i think me blue 93 zzr1100 was the quickest bike out of the two but not as refined as the zzr1400 is though.
@@paulstephenson5220 Yeah carb caps from a ZXR750 made a helluva difference. Loved that starship
Them were the ones. 50 wuid well spend
Good news is she still around in the USA. The 2021 color is sweet!
I have a 2018 ZX-14R. Of all the bikes I've owned this one is by far my favorite. It is my daily commuter. I have a smile on my face every time I ride it.
I own one. The 2012 model that hasn’t changed much since except for the front Brembo brakes, colours and ohlins. The 2012 to 2016 was the most powerful versions as standard. I put a full Yoshimura single muffler race exhaust on and lost over 12kg from the weight losing that chunky exhaust. (Didn’t need more power just weight loss :-) as I believe that is this bikes biggest issue) I then put in a lithium battery when it needed replacing and lost another 4kg. So you can lose 16kg which is massive. The exhaust makes a big difference to its handling/agility and probably gives a bit more power. I do wish Kawasaki had kept evolving this bike lighter and more agile. Dyno test showed 187 rear wheel hp with no ram air happening. I have ridden many other bikes (have a ZX10R as well) but nothing is as smooth or grunty as this. When you rev it out holy shitballs does it try to rip your arms out. You shift up and up, by third or 4th it delivers even more power as it has been looking out for you and not giving the full berries in the first couple of gears. It excites as well as cruises. It has ruined other bikes for me as once you are use to having smooth low down torque on tap, riding a big chunky twin feels agricultural and a smaller 4 cylinder (which they all are) sluggish down low. It is the best two up bike I have owned and my girlfriend has only found an old VFR800 more comfortable as it didn’t take off so quick, had side grab rails so was easier for her to hang on to. This is a bike for two up rides and holidays but also high power fun. This was the fastest production bike in the world for a while there at a clocked 335kph. Not sure if that has been beaten either yet.
Great comment.
Lots of info..
Absolutely. Change the exhaust, I put twin Yoshi r77's. Perfect tone. Add bar risers, trust me. Customize seat, take an inch or more foam out of the extra plush seat. It helps seat you "inside" the bike. Again, trust me here. Lower the pegs an inch or so. Add a taller screen. And rear tire 55 height for turn in. Sit inside your rocketship with basically no wind perfect ergonomics.
Steve I felt it did because the weight is so wide from those standard mufflers.
T Patrick I did put in the inch riser blocks as well. Tried custom higher adjustable clip ons from Apex for a while but went back to the one inch risers in the end.
Ive had 2 over last 14 years. yes mine too has spoiled me for any other bike at least in the motor power area.
I just bought one and it is a fantastic bike to ride. I wish it had more power. hahahahahah.
Power, comfort, range and although looks are subjective I personally love the look.
Between 2010 and 2020 I had 2 zzr 1400 un very nice bike to cruise to go fast and to travel, I love this bike with his big motor power ❤️
I have owned..two ZX14's. My last one (2012 ZX14R) logged 47,000 miles including twice cross country here in the US. In the western half of the US, you..REALLY can use its abilities. Riding mine in California, Arizona and New Mexico in particular was a sublime experience. properly adjusted the suspension is phenomenal. A set of sticky tires, a pipe with proper tune and the bike is exquisite. Miss mine terribly (stolen and never recovered in 2016)👍👍👍👍👍
Just bought the standard version, not as plush on the suspension side ( understandably ) but a fantastic smooth engine even from zero miles on the clock. I struggled with comfort as im a big lump so fitted some lower pegs, which helped, and some 30mm risers which look a bit shite but again help me fit.cant wait until its run in.
Have a beautiful black 2007 zx14. Just turned 75,000 kms and still grin every time I fire it up.
Rolling on the throttle is as smooth as glass. Knowing you have more power than you will ever need. You dont sit on this bike you sit in this bike.
4-1 full leo vince exhaust sounds fantastic too.
If you find one dont hesitate to own a legend. Sad to see production cease but so glad I have one.
EPIC…..so now and then a motorbike appears..that will bever be forgotten………most beautifull bike ever
cracking tribute, I have just bought my 4th One, after a 3 year Hiatus of riding a tiger 1050 then Tiger 1200 and a few others, purchased my 1st ZZR in 2009 then 2013,2017 but call me sad I have gone back to the best bike I have ever ridden a 1 owner 6000 mile 2019 performance sport and I should never have sold my last one, long live the King..
I feel bad for a bike's production ending that I can never have.
Last reign of the emperor. Long live the mighty ZZR1400.
I own both - the one you have been riding and h2sx - both are excellent for solo riding and zzr1400 is best of the best for two up
Again great! The stability of this thing is also from another world and so easy to launch fast as well
This thing is a piece of art!
It constantly amazes me that this bike does everything you realistically want it to do with the proper modifications. Guess that's why it's my second one.
Have 2017 model in Pf Sp package . Best bike I ever ridden on.
the best review i have ever seen you have done justice to the bike thanks for the review
Thank you very much
Own a 2012 Green/Black ZX14R as it is known in the land of “OZ.” My bike has the full Akrapovic 4-2-1-2 system. 2 years ago I fitted the forks and entire Brembo brake system and the Ohlins rear shock to the bike. Bike has been “Woolich tuned.” The KING still lives
Awesome video bud. I rode one in South Africa and it was one of the greatest days ever. Such an amazing bike.
After 5 years of ownership, i can only agree with all you said. This bike is a civilized Beast!
Had my eye on this bike for awhile now. Just more attractive than any other bike in its class to me. Here in the states it’s classed as a super sport even though it’s more sport tourer. Every winter I’ve been seeing for about 11-13k! Seems like a lot of bike for the money. Nice review.
I would say more supersport than tourer... ride it or the busa....
Then literally ride every other bike that they don’t even have to debate as sport touring.. you’ll notice the difference. The 14 is just a big bike and longer than the others...
Even most Kawasaki sites classify as supersports except the markets where gtr1400/concours14 was cut off ages ago.
I've seen the same thing in Aus, New-old stock is a bargain at the moment
@Texarmageddon I see what your saying and I know the differences but I when I think of a supersport I think track bike. Know a few people that owned Busas and they could ride em all damn day no problem. Only reason they went with the busa over zx14r was looks. But felt the 14r was more comfortable. I know not comfortable like a FJR1300 or concour but pretty. Going to see for myself this weekend. Going to look at a 2018. Hopefully they let me test ride.
Just Coolin lol well it’s a race bike, but I think people just forget it’s roots and it’s purpose. We forget the Busa and ZX-:14 both stemmed from being the fastest top speed bikes. They are basically your 1/4 mile top speed bikes. I remember when the 14 came out all you heard was it’s speed.
Perfect review! More Kawasaki please!
Great review,agree with everything you say about the bike.
Had a 2009 Gen1 for a year and a half,now riding a 2015 ZZR1400 Performance Sport.
Great review of a real man's bike 👍
Despite the noisy jacket 😬
Safe rides 🙏🏍
I recently bought a 2020 Ninja 1000SX after owning a 2010 ZX-14 for the last 8 yrs & I still can't get excited about the new Ninja. It has a lot going for it mainly cruise control & the quick shifter is a lot of fun. The added lockable panniers are very handy, look great on the bike & can hold my full face helmet. The riding position is not sporty but I can ride all day without feeling sore which is the main reason for trading in. So in my head I know it's the bike I should have yet I can't stop regret selling the old girl. I just have to see a ZX14R (ZZR1400) on the road or online & I'm instantly excited. So I'll give the 1000SX a year but everything's pointing towards getting back onto the big Ninja.
I’ve owned one of these for 10 years now and I can’t part with it. It’s magic to ride and a joy to tour on. If you ever get to ride one on the open road the smile with stay with you for hours after you get off it.👍😀
What a machine... WHAT A MACHINE.
I love the way it still has dialled speedo and Rev counter.....(love watching them dance together)
Where I live there are no freeways. We are lucky to have bitumen. The roads are patched and uneven. Yet the Kawasaki is comfortable and razor sharp . You can dial in 180..200 from a unstressed stroll of 140 in seconds when overtaking roadctrains or lines of tin boxes. Fantastic.
Awesome review as always
I have the 2018 standard model , always look forward to riding it .
Got a 2015 ps edition....just absolutely amazing bike...NOTHING else like it...and better than I'll ever need
Well done review and your passion helped the delivery. Good man.
Glad you enjoyed it!
2 bikes is all I need. This & a RSV4 factory... Pure delight.
I just purchased one a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier. Before I had the ECU flashed I thought it was amazing. Now with the flash, it's even better. If you're thinking about picking one up just do it. You won't regret it.
thumbs up, good review, wouldn't mind having one in my stable next to my Rocket 3
There are few bikes that draw the attention more than the ZX14. I have had riders of Ducati and Honda Superblack Brids pouring over my bike knowing how amazing this machine is. You are part of a special select group of people with this bike. Usually more mature and advance riders are found on this bike... a "higher class" if I would be so bold. Much better than being lumped into the gixer group for sure!
The ones they have sold will live on for decades to come. It's a Japanese bike. There will probably be more ZZR in one piece than Hayabusa.
love these sorts of bikes.. got a honda blackbird and its amazing. if I had the money I would have got a zzr1400.
Just bought one today 8/22/20 which is a Saturday but I have to wait until thoursday to come in...pretty damn excited to ride this bad boy
A set of bar risers make this even more comfortable and are a great improvement in my opinion. I think the 2021 paint scheme in the grey does it absolute justice and if I can I will be adding this to the stable not for a daily driver which would eventually end up in some extensive tickets but for really nice days to try and preserve the legend that this machine is and deserves
Congratulations for achieving 75k subscribers.
Thank you!
I've got a 2019 ZZR-1400 and have driven a testride on the H2-SX-SE but the ZZR drives a lot easier, better throttle control and less "on-off" at lower speeds. It's just the perfect mix of sporty and tour. I don't think it's really a lot faster than the Hayabuse, but from 2012 up it sure as hell looks a lot better ;-)
look badass,and certainly my favourite of all time
My dream bike since it was released. If I could change my beloved Zx-11D, no doubt this would be the bike.
2:51 I have always loved the look of these, I love the headlights and the overall look. It's one of the few bikes I have never test ridden. I am wondering, you were talking about how it feels compared to other kinds of engine designs and layouts, how does it feel compared to a V4? We are a family of V4's wife has 2 I have 2, so we have moved away from inline 4's. So I was curious.
I had the first ZX14 on Long Island, NY. 2006... I bought it for the nice soft seat and riding position. But wow.... the speed! I put 45k miles in just 3 years on the bike. I am rather tall, 6'2" so it was a good fit.
I sadly had to sell it when I moved to Poland 9 years ago. The roads here aren't for this type of bike. They are getting there, but not quite yet.
ZZ TOP say no more I’ve just purchased one of the few left in stock legend ... I also own a fat boy for cruising so best of both
Thanks for this. I’ve gone from a Paneuro1100 to a GTR1400 expecting some of the joy of my previous ZZR110’s. Wish I’d chosen a ZZR1400 😢😎👍
I dont want to blow your horn.. but I find your reviews top notch. Well done my friend from across the pond.
You make a good argument for this bike. It's a worthy bike, absolutely, but not sure if I wanna take that step back in time; I really like the modern touches like IMU, RBW, TFT, etc.
I too, have been waiting to see if they were going to take some of the goodies from the H2 and add them to a new ZX14r. Suxs that it's coming to an end. But I am glad I purchased a 2014 model back in early 2015 brand new. All I did was add Yoshi slipons and ECU Commander. And it has to be the best sportbike I have ever ridden. And my GF loves it too as her back is not hurting after long rides, nor mine, and tons of torque and power from any gear. Long live the King.
I think the ZX-14R/ZZR1400 versus the H2 SX (SE) is a great example of how the technological progress of motorcycles has provided many things, but definitely not more bang for buck.
That’s my thought. I love the H2sxse. Dream bike. But it is expensive, and I will miss the idea of a big fast bike being available for 8000$ less
I love this bike so much that I bought 2. I have had 16 bikes and the 14 is my favorite.
Had one for 5 years all round best bike I've owns it's a fantastic bike
have a H2 carbon now
Who's the king out of the two?
@@gerasimosplus1 performance wise the H2 but the zzr1400R still a rocket ship and a fantastic bike
Love my 2019 zx14r. With only a k&n air filter, delkevic exhaust and Moore mafia tune it has 198hp/118tq at the rear tire.
What a monster, incredible
I've just traded a 1 year old sv650 that I've had from new for a ten year old gen1 zzr1400. The best stupid decision I've ever made this bike is almost perfect for me love it
Best bike I’ve owned. Got a 2017 PS. Annoying no cruise control, standard heated grips etc. But every time I think of chopping it in I can’t bring myself to do it.
I had an 08, and a slightly taller rear tire really helped the handling.
I have owned 4 of these bikes of which the last 2 were Performance sport model but at nearly 62 now I have changed to a new Goldwing but do miss this bike. Not many words describe it but “ Awesome”
I am 57. I owned a GW but got rid and bought the ZZR1400....
I have only recently become very interested in owning one of these. The US version is lacking some equipment but at least we get the Brembo M50 braking system. It may continue beyond 2020 in the US but we don’t know for sure yet. The H2 series is a different experience to large displacement sport bikes and in my opinion not a replacement for them. Not to mention the H2SX is significantly more expensive. I’d rather have the 1400. Hope to own one in the next year.
Best purchase I’ve made luv it
Cool Vid - Thanks!
Nice Test and Bike 👍
this should be the best starter bike right?
This bike is not and I repeat NOT being discontinued.
Brilliant. Do the 2020 Ninja 1000sx in depth, then a Zx14, H2SX SE, Ninja 1000sx touring comparison
There is no comparison.
Is the Corning abs just for the 2020 model or was it introduced previously?
With respect and appreciation for your fine knowledge of this icon l purchased a 2016 in 2017 new been riding since 72.last bike was 1985 v65 sabre Honda 105 hp.shaft drive .at the time a very respectful bike but this bike is my bucket list bike .No question kawasaki should reconsider discontinuing this Conquistador . Awesome presentation Cliff