I've owned a 2017 ZX-14R for the last 6 months... and it takes getting used to, this is the type of bike that you gotta ride 1,000 miles to really learn.... it pulls hard to 180mph, I've been riding since 1996, this is FIRST bike I've owned that has more power on tap than I've ever needed.
They are "Stupid Fast". I wanted to get something else but I just love having the most powerful thing on public roads. Nothing can touch it. Well, maybe the BMW 1K. I wonder how that one handles.
My first bike was a 2012 ZX-14R. I had ridden other people's bikes quite a few times before buying it. I decided I wanted to get the fastest/most powerful bike and didn't want to have to buy multiple bikes over time. No matter your experience, you don't have to be afraid, just don't go full throttle until you're comfortable. I now have a 2020 ZX14R.
I have a 2011 C14 and on the street it's great. Going to get a ZZR just for fun. A pair of Aces. The 1400's are heavy at a stop, but at 5 mph it's nimble and light to handle. Fun, fun, fun.
I’ve been riding my MT-07 for a while now, purchased as my first street bike. My buddy let me take his ZX14 for a spin and now I really want one. Super comfy, easy to ride, and just insane power. I’m going to sit on it for a while but I really do like the ZX14.
You hit the nail on the head. I purchased mine specifically for sporty highway cruising to and from work (75 miles one way). Yet it's still nimble on the back roads close to my house. I absolutely love everything about this bike.
Just got mine (2018) for the same reasons. I commute and get around town primarily on the highways. I traded in my ZX6R which I LOVED, but this really suits 90% of the riding I ACTUALLY do. So I'm super excited I have the bike now, and it has been a total sweetheart so far. This video pretty much nailed most things I would also say! Super nimple for its size and so smooth and comfy to ride while still being a beast and fun as heck to ride.
I'm 10 years and 50k+ miles on zx14s. My first one had 25,000 miles on it when a deer jumped a guide rail and landed on my chest while I was in a 50mph curve. My second is still going strong at almost 30k. I had a 110 mile daily commute for work, and the ninja was great for that. I have also done 2,500 miles in 12 days up into Canada and it was surprisingly comfortable. I have the akrapovic titanium 4-into-1 which is super light and sounds great. I've had it over 190mph and best e.t. 9.54@152. I also have a Duc 748, Honda vfr and goldwing, and a couple old Suzukis. The ZX14R is my favorite by far.
I bought a Zx14r as my first bike in 2015. Best decision I ever made. I bought what I wanted and not what everybody else suggested. If you have common sense you can buy and ride whatever motorcycle you want. Remember, you control the motorcycle and its speed. Play stupid games... win stupid prizes.
I’ve got a 2007 Ninja zx14 with 38k on the clock. I love it as much as I did 5 years ago. Super fast, smooth and comfortable. I’ve owned a few 1000cc super sports and none of them are as enjoyable as the 14.
I was looking for one because I'm getting old but still love to ride, so I wanted something sporty/fast but not hard on my aging back. And since I'm fat I needed a lot of cc's to still be able to play. I found a first gen in good shape with yoshimura exhaust and changed nothing but a touring windscreen and bar risers and I couldn't be happier with it.
I really appreciate that when Chase does these videos he wears a full set of gear with the jacket, helmet, gloves, boots etc. It is setting a good example for the younger riders, or people just trying to get into riding (people like me), and really is awesome to see. It kinda shows the younger people that even cool guys like Chase wear the appropriate gear, and honestly that example he is setting could make an impact and maybe one day even end up saving someone's life. Thanks, Chase!
I started riding about 4 months ago and I am considering the ZX-14R. I am 6'0" with a huge frame and about 320lbs. My current bike is a 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie, the stripped down sportier version that still had the same 1832cc engine and weighs about 750lbs. I live in Rural South Texas and people drive VERY fast. Insanely fast if you live most anywhere else. I wont go into specifics, but I have had the Valkyrie up to 120 passing groups of cars on rural highways, and while that top speed was enough, a bike that was able to get there faster would be REALLY nice, and make maneuvers like that faster and safer. I would probably still keep the Valkyrie for cruising, but for sportier riding for a 320lb guy I don't see anything that looks like it compete with the ZX-14R.
Same here. 6 ft a little over 300lbs and currently riding a 06 Suzuki Boulevard M109r. I love sports bikes but the riding position is so uncomfortable. The ZX14R looks like a great option. I'm curious how the power delivery differs from an 1800cc muscle cruiser.
@@michaelalexander8501 As far as I understand it the 01-17 GL1800 engines had 0 cam overlap, and relatively low 9.8:1 compression with only 118 hp 123 ft/lbs of torque, with a significant portion of that torque available from idle, out of an 1,832cc engine with a redline around 6,500 and a fuel cut around 7,200 if I remember correctly. Basically all low/midrange torque and it is quickly gasping for air. In stock form my bike on flat ground you can literally just slowly let out the clutch when idling at a stop with no throttle input in 5th gear and slowly pull away. That engine is basically a small tractor engine in a motorcycle. It is my understanding the M109R engine produces power pretty much the same way a GL1800 engine does, with very similar hp/torque, except I imagine the GL1800 does it a little better/smoother at very low RPMs, as 6 cylinders are just going to produce torque more consistently than 2 cylinders at very low engine speeds. I imagine the ZX14R engine has much less torque down low, and a LOT more power up top than either of our cruiser 1800 engines.
@@idk_bud Man I keep trying to avoid it... And keep thinking do I REALLY want a sport bike? Even a sport touring bike? But man I really think I might...
Had my zx14 for 2 years and it's the best bike I've owned. The power modes could use a bigger gap though your right. The handling is something that nobody ever believes because of the size. One thing though, traction control lvl 3 kills the power delivery you needed to try 1 or 2 its not vicious but 3 really holds the bike back.
It needs wheelie control. That way you can leave it in KTRC 1 but still wheelie. As it is, you need to ride it in KRTC O to wheelie and have full power which is a bummer.
my first bike was a gsxr 600. my second bike was a zx 14R. and that was after 1 year of owning the gsxr. maturity plays a big part of owning a zx14r. the bike will make you respect it and you won't grow out of it. its a shame they are discontinuing it.
Just found your channel today because of a "ZX14R" search. I was really excited to see a new video on this fantastic bike and thank you for making it! I love your enthusiasm and the on-coming camera & side angles of the bike are so cool! I own a 2017 ZX14R (love it!) and I think I can provide some useful feedback to you and your viewers on some of the issues and questions you brought up. First on the nimble handling. Yes the bike handles great with effortless turn in, but I promise those tires are a big factor. At the 22:03 mark I can tell 100% those are Michelin Road 5 tires. I put those on my bike and the handling vs. the stock tires was light years better. It's like those tires are a perfect match for this bike because stock there was much more turn-in effort but virtually non at all now, yet it's still "on rails" for stability. There are videos of both the Busa and the ZX14R by "ItsMeEricB" and he says the Busa handles effortlessly and the ZX is a bit sluggish. Well guess what, at the beginning portion of both of his videos when he does a walk-around you can see the Busa tires are the Road 5s and the ZX tires are stock. If he road a ZX with the Road 5 tires I know he would gush about the great handling (just like you did). At the 5:45 mark you asked us to comment about the "Sunken Down Triples". Stock those are not sunken down, so the bike you rode definitely has bar risers. It's hard to tell, but it seems like there is still some extra clearance between the brake fluid reservoir and the windshield. I put on 1.25 inch risers and the reservoir still clears the windshield but no extra clearance, so 1.25 inch is the max rise without changing the bars altogether, etc. I haven't had any issues with junk building up in the sunken down area, but the bar risers added significantly more comfort to a bike that was already much more comfortable then the liter sports bikes. Bar risers usually come with caps, but I like the look without them much better. One of the things you didn't like so much was the "twitchy throttle" (10:10 mark). This is where I have a request. I wish whenever anyone posts a review on a bike they would find out if the bike has been flashed and very importantly tell us who did the flash. Could you find out about the bike in this video and pin it in your top comments? My bike was flashed by "IvansPerformance" and there is no twitchiness whatsoever in the throttle. It is almost unbelievably smooth (full power mode) and I can ride around all day like a Town and Country mini van if I want, but everywhere in the rev range in any gear there is bullet-train like acceleration when I want it. It really is the best of both worlds and Ivan prides himself in providing great street riding flashes without compromising on power. I get no compensation whatsoever by saying that, but I love everything about his flash. I also have Akrapovic headers and Two Brothers Carbon Exhausts (with the "X" version of DB killers installed) and love the setup. Hope this is useful and thanks again by making my day with your ZX14R video!
I have a ZX14R. I am 67 years old . I love it. I also have a 1500cc bagger and several muscle bikes from the 70's and 80's. This is a more comfortable cruiser than my big bagger. Unreal handling too as you described exactly. Good review.
Hey Gary!! I’m glad I’m not the only 60 plus year old on this bike...though I’m still a big kid at heart!! I have other bikes as well!! Great choice n ride safe Brother!!
@@LawnboyFanatic I have a 2019 ZX14R....just bought it before the snow flew up here in WI!! It only has 965 miles on it. I’ve ridden many other fast bikes as well..last year of the Blackbird as well...
Hi, isn't as comfortable as the 1100 Suzuki katana...I'm 6-2 tall...I have both bikes right now but for ride all day long I rather my katana if I ride ninja for one way to work (1 hour)... I got neck pain...
I bought my first ZX-14 in college. It was my first motorcycle and when I walked into the store to get a 600, I fell in love and bought the ZX-14. I wouldn't recommend it as a first bike. I drove it off the lot the weekend after taking my licensing course lol. Man, those were wild times. Now, I have a 2017 ZX-14. And I actually bought it from the same dealership that you just bought this bike. Let me know if you ever wanna go for a ride.
I'm a 300+ pound guy and purchased a ninja 400 as a first bike. Got my class M on it and it taught me the basics but was way too small. 2nd bike was a 2021 zx-14r and I love it! Perfect big boy bike for a big boy. Bought it roughly 2 months after owning the 400. Cruise control is definitely a must for it. Also following for the first time with this video. OC!
@@gabeballinger375 Yes - Worth it - got a set of 1 inch (25mm) risers fitted to mine, more comfortable riding position and some how easier to manoeuvre in slow traffic.
I owned a ZX10r and had a serious accident, breaking bones, fracturing L1 thru L4 a few years back. It was hard on my back to lean over after the accident but with my 14r I can ride for a lot longer, most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Plus I'm 57 and getting on the old fart side of life now lol, but I love this bike and will ride it as long as I can. Great bike!!
I've owned a 1st gen ZX14 and bought a 2nd gen in 2012 when they first came out. It is such an easy bike to ride. Never felt big to me. It handles, is comfortable, and hauls ass when you need it too.
I bought my ZX14R 3 months into riding. Started on a Yamaha FZ8 a month later got an MT-09 then I got the ZX14R. The MT-09's throttle felt too finicky compared to the ZX14. I've been riding for 3 years now and I'm still completely in love with my ZX14R. I rode it from Orlando to Tennessee and put it on the dragon and it was a blast and ridiculously comfortable the whole time. I recently got it tuned with just an exhaust and it now makes 204whp and is a completely different animal. Not a whole lot of bikes have impressed me as much although I have been eye balling the H2 SX
I would say the previous owners mods caused the twitchy throttle. Have owned 2 and the throttle is really smooth and there is a big difference in modes this one is tuned.
I just bought a 2018 zx14r last month , put an M4 full exhaust, had it dyno tuned and all I can say is that I don’t want to get off the bike …. I did 200 miles last Sunday and Monday going to work weather was beautiful so i took bike again … enjoying every second … one thing I gotta say speed on this is not noticeable… triple digits speeds come quick so please ride as safe as possible…
OC. I suspected you would like the ZX14 a little more than the 'Busa. The ZX14 has always been designed to be more of a big sport touring bike, which is very ridable. The Hayabusa is also supposed to be a sport tourer, but only in theory, it really is more of a sport shaped muscle bike and a show piece than a bike that is meant to be ridden long distances. The ZX14 was definitely designed to target some of the same buyers as the 'Busa, but clearly tried to stay more on the "rideable" side of the fence.
Chuck a 55 series tyre instead or the standard 50 and that ups the agility another step without upsetting the rock solid stability too much and pop 20mm bar risers on it and you’re golden. I had racetech springs and valving in the forks and an ohlins shock all of which was set up for me and style and skill level and it was more of a weapon in the corners than it had any right to be, an amazing bit of kit.
My ‘07 ZX-14 was my only way to get around for 6 years, you get used to it. I loved it, I miss it,. Smooth is the word I used to describe it, the twitchiness of the throttle is probably the tune, because the same thing happened when I got mine tuned. I want to get another one. It was also my first motorcycle, but I’m 6’8” and 300lbs, I’m probably an exception, but I grew into it, and learned as I went.
I own a 2015 ZX14R and I will tell you the brakes are fantastic. Being used I wonder if those brakes are worn. I do not agree with your assessment about twitchy in town. It is very smooth for me. The fact that your test bike had options I wonder if it had the ECU re-mapped for the exhaust. That makes a BIG difference in the twitchiness and acceleration. At Low it has about 150 hp and at Full if has around 200 hp. I always keep the traction control on 2. It is extremely nimble at most speeds and can be an all day highway cruiser- at least that's how I ride mine. Get out of town and enjoy the open highway at speeds from 45 to 80. Curvy roads are an absolute hoot on this this! I would also like to have cruise control but It is a bike not a Cadillac so I won't complain- I didn't buy it to be a pampered little girl. It is a man's bike and you have to deal with the weight and cumbersomeness at low speed but it is well worth it to me. I am 5'9" and about 165 lbs. and 60 years old.
I've never owned a motorcycle but plan on getting one. I have gone and set on one and they are huge. Even though it's not a good idea I wanna get one. Just love how they look.
I rode a cruiser for a year and then moved to one of them, very forgiving in my personal opinion, but so darn easy to get in trouble, especially when you look down and hit 5k and it feels like it went from 50% to 100% throttle, gotta love the power band. Feels like a harley down low, and a 1000 up top
A ZX 14, liter bikes even 600 super sports are not a learning platform. A good starter bike would be the 600 series ninja or MT7, even the 400 ninja or Z400.
@@chasefreedom5178 my friend has a z400, great bike, lots of revs, love the seating postion, I rode it back from the dealership for him since he didn't have a license yet, good pickup at highway speed, fun in the turns, he just recently finally tried to max the speed out and he is about 5 foot 8 and 160 pounds, I think he got up to like...110ish? But that's plenty for a beginner, its reliable, great on gas, looks good, good ergonomics and gauges, headlights are nice and bright, I can hear him ride past my house, almost sounds supercharged, has a nice little whine to it, but otherwise sounds like a high revving dirtbike. Other than exhaust note, cant speak enough on the bike. Id assume the full fairing 400 is the same but a little more aggressive seating and styling. If you really want the speed and the added bonus of it being a bit quicker so you don't get too bored too quick and outgrow the bike and you're responsible and have self control, I can agree with the 600 ninja or mt7/fz07. Can get all of these very reasonably priced too. All good choices.
@@Timman57 I have lost 2 friend's because they had to have hyper bikes. Starting with 200 hp machines just isn't a good Idea. My wifes Ninja 400 with exhaust has made 125mph. Two brothers slip on and flash. Canyons have never been the same since my first ride on it. A blast to ride.
@@chasefreedom5178 I agree mostly, Ive had friends die as well, but all but one of them was deer or drunk driver related. Life is short, stay smart and do what makes you smile, all I can say. As for the original post, yeah probably don't buy a zx14 as your first bike, but life is about the choices you make and the consequences that follow, wouldn't hurt to ride a smaller bike first, everyone thinks they need to buy one bike and be prepared to own that bike and only that bike forever. Get the smaller bike and find yourself an adventurous girlfriend, get the bigger bike and let her ride the smaller bike haha. I'll still throw a leg over a 250cc bike any day, even with the zx14 in the driveway. 3 constants in this world, Death, taxes and you'll always end up owning more than one bike 😂
17:05 in and I had to stop and comment, I own a gen2 zx14r and it was my first motorcycle ever (with basically no experience on 2 wheels), I rode it for a few months on low power and ktrc 3 then took it to the drag strip and let it rip on full power. Haven’t ever dropped it or laid it down. Respect it and you’ll be fine.
I own a 2023 ZX14r as a left over this year. I’ve been riding my whole life, owned 2 Hayabusas. The Hayabusa was better looking, still is, and the Hayabusa is better in the tech department, plus comes with quick shift. The ZX14 is more comfortable if you are taller, has more power than the Hayabusa, in turn makes it more street able. I was surprised just how amazing the ZX14r was when I first rode it.
Having Gone From a CBT to an A2 then upto an A it's a long process. The thing most people fail to realise is the price for all these tests. So in the 2 years it took me, it cost well over £1500. Thats not including, riding gear which you also need to provide for the tests.
I rode hayabusas and zx14s. The 14 is the most comfortable bike I have ever rode. I rode both bikes from Raleigh, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC. That is a 3 hour trip within it self. The 14, I rode that bike there, around, and back. My body didn't hurt or anything. The hayabusa on the other hand, my hands and wrist was hurting me. I didn't ride it back home.
I just got a 06 busa, transitioning from 2014 gsxr600, I love the busa, its comfortable to me, and I'm only 5'6 I couldn't get a zx14r because that bike is huge, riding position has me stretching more. Nice bike, good content. 👍
I have loved the zx14r since the time i had a CBR150R and almost bought it as my next bike! But i realised, that would have been a bad decision. i got a cbr650, did my rider levels and recently got a 2017 ZX14R which i absolutely LOVE! This bike has a soul...
They are a fantastic bike, im pick up my new zx this Friday, my 2013 is gone one year ago, but miss her to much. They are fine in city's really, but no Brock performance clutch upgrade, but easy to install for hit back roads and highways. Once you having confrontble, just keep it in high F mode all the time. Put on Sargent seat and bike bars on her, that when you can love it all day and night, makes sitting more upright hitting corners is fantastic, after riding her on race trake, knee dragging elbow scrapper when loving one day time out. Iv ridding H2R but me being 6.1 foot tall, the Zx14r is perfect on all levels for me.
I have zero riding experience and im looking at this as my first bike. I talked to multiple people and they all said that if youre gonna get a bike, dont get a pssy bike for your first one. They said to just go for it and get the 14r because your first bike is what you learn to steer and balance on, so you want a fast, heavy bike so that when you get a different bike, its not as heavy or as touchy. And i want a fast, but comfortable bike for rides to and from school :).
I tested the ZX14R back In 2018 and I couldn't believe how capable it was for its size. At the time my ride was a 2002 Honda Fireblade and what a great difference.
Honestly i did start on a Zx14R, for me it was easier and comfier to ride i liked how heavy it was during a traffic stop i know that is strange but i like it and you could argue that it is kinda safer during a crash since its big and heavy ?, Also after i got some experience riding i tried many other bikes like CBR 1000, Kawi Zx6R, Hayabusa, Ducati panigale v4(which was the worst bike i have ever ridden in my opinion 🤣) and many other bikes in the end i would still choose the Zx14r as my top bike to choose. This and a Yamaha R1.
I love my 2014 ZX14R, I've put on aftermarket handlebars so I'm a tad more upright and a bit less weight on my wrists. I can literally ride it all day. And the face melting torque still makes me smile. YEs I agree the look of the bike might not be everyones taste, but it still instills fear when you pull up alongside another rider.
The good thing about the weight is that you get off it, get on a 2006-2007 ZX10R and it feels like sitting on a BMX. Also: lol @ 6:35, I always thought the same of the ZX12R - any motorbike on a movie or whatever needed the ZX12R exhaust note to sound like "how a bike should sound". That's something Kwak always did spot-on.
I owned 3 ZZR1400 and never had a twitchy throttle on them so most be something wrong on the one tested, great review though, they are really easy to ride, many even use them as a track bike, it's like a Swiss army knife this bike
I ride a blackbird. These bikes have alot in common. Big motor. But pretty comfortable and controllable. Awesome on the highway. Really wanna ride one of these and concours 14
I’ve driven many bikes, this bike is from outer space. This bike is like riding a race couch on two wheels.. at times it’s twitchy and you cannot get too comfortable or it will throw you off at high speeds. Skills and experience are needed to ride this effectively. I’ve gotten my knee down as well pot it up.
Spent the last year riding a zx14, just got the handlebar risers, shorty exhausts, double bubble windscreen since I'm like 6 foot 2, and a non locking gas tank cap because mine always corroded and wouldn't open without bending the key.
I started on a ZX 1100. 1998. As my first motorcycle and first time ever riding. Knowing what I know now I probably should not have started on that bike however, it was all I knew and it was the most comfortable bike to this day. Even with all the power that bike had taught me how to maintain control of my wrist, throttle and clutch with the friction zone. Something about the size of that bike for me made me feel safer on it than a smaller sports bike. I am 6 foot two and at the time close to 300 pounds so the bike felt right for me. For some reason a smaller sports bike just feels like a toy and unsafe when I pick my feet up and find myself looking damn near down the front of the motorcycle.
It's comfortable and it's pretty much the only option if you are riding with a pillion and want sportbike performance. The Hayabusa is a great option too, but its ergos are a lot less forgiving. Pegs are considerably higher, clip ons are really far from the rider's seat. It's not by chance that you see a LOT of people using bar risers on their busas.
Man I miss mine. Had a 2009 zx-14. Rode that thing everyday as my commuter vehicle. Loved it. Gave up the bikes a little while back but you make me wanna ride again. It's a super versatile bike that really is an all-arounder rather than a nimble sport bike.
Been riding a ZZR-1400 (European version of the ZX-14) for 10 years (2009-2019). Never felt like the throttle was twitchy, brakes stopped the bike on a dime (just don't stamp on the rear, it'll block immediately, needs a soft touch). I rode about 90% within heavy traffic and my bike didn't have TC and powersettings. Only with flies open in all gears (short ECU with a resistor) it was difficult to keep the front on the road. I rode summer and winter, rain and snow. Never surprised me. So, either they've changed the bike for the worst later on, or you just can't handle the bike.
OC: I've heard other people react similarly to the two bikes. zx-14r is the more sportbikey; while being at least as comfortable, if not more comfy than, the 'busa. If I were going to do 98% freeway miles it might be tempting. (Where the Hayabusa's main value is as a turbocharged meme.)
I am planning on perhaps getting this as my first bike. Am I crazy? Maybe, but I’m in my mid 20’s and I have been riding ATV’s, snowmobiles and other motorised stuff since I learned to walk. The reason i want this bike is because I think it looks amazing, sound amazing, and I want something that is also comfortable yet fast and sporty.
I came jumping from two zx11 in sequence and, since 2011, to a black ZX14. I hv baptized it as "The violin", reached the perfection and stop evoluting. The "modes" is a unnecessary luxury in my view. No problem besides sample maintenance, but the horn that died at 20000km. 16km/L with 95 octanes gasoline. Awesome breaks, much lighter weight than the 11. Every weekend a small 100km trip at 160km/h to the countryside to compensate a tough working week of this 70yo in São Paulo, Brz.
I own a 2019 zx6 and an 03 sv1000 and I'm looking at getting a zx14 solely because the SV isn't comfortable to me, but the zx14 is way more comfortable with gobs of power on tap if I wanna use it while still being capable AND comfy. Its a great all around daily riding bike for my use given that I ride on the highway most of the way to work
I have this exact bike aside for the exhaust and bar risers. I cannot stress this enough, tires change this bike more than any other mod. I went from the stock tires to the michelin road 5s and it completely changed the turn in capability. You wont really see a difference in power settings until about 7k rpms. Also with the traction control turned up it really muds up the difference. It does start hurting after about 200ish miles straight through but you can move around on the acre of land that is the seat. Also a quirk with newer kawis like this is the anti wheelie throttle which brocks performance can actually show you on the dyno. If you smack it open it does cut the power a fair bit a opposed to rolling into it. I prefer my bikes twitchy for avoidance but freight train when rolling down the freeway. Plus with being a fairly large guy the 1000 class bikes just looked odd with me one it. The torque though it what sells this bike as it will pull around freeway traffic with ease without bothering to change gears. You can actually stay in first all the way to highway speeds but I really dont recommend it as it will try to throw you off at the hint of giving it some go hand. All said and done I plan on moving to an h2 at some point but if you do have interest in getting one of these check around for insurance first. Nationwide wanted 1k a month with no accidents and no tickets where I live. I do recommend this bike if you're a bigger guy/girl and want something that has the torque to move you around without any issues but, you also want the top end to fight off the SS bikes. The only caveat as with any motorcycle is that respecting the fact that it will kill you for any reason at any time if you act like its a toy.
I learned on a 91 Yamaha XT225 in the 9th grade, I was the only freshman to have a motorcycle license in 93. After that I was riding a 96 CBR 900RR, Suzuki RMX 250, Honda XR650L, then stopped riding after my dad died in 97...
This bike is the express trains to long haul, and yes it’s big and heavy, but as soon has you go 3mph you forget that it’s that big, it rides like a 750 in the handling department, had 2010 and a 2013 absolutely loved that bike 2013 was tunned and had 210 HP at the back wheel and 126 lbs of torques, 😍😍😍😍😍
It’s in my opinion the perfect motorcycle, at least for what I want. It’s beyond comfortable, fast as hell, looks amazing, great mpg even at extreme speeds, and great for two up riding
Chase, ive had 2 and although my first zx14 was not my very first bike it was my second. My very first bike was an 05 Harley Davidson Heritage Soft tail when I was 23 sold that and bought a brand new 2007 ZX14 loved it. It was fast but no where near as defined as the 2014. Then I bought the 2014 that was insanely powerful even over the 07. Here is the reason I like these bikes. I'm 6"5 and weighed 300 lbs when I graduated high school. I'm huge. 300 lbs is a healthy weight for me. There isn't much out there that can handle me except the zx14r! I resprung and valved the bike and it does extremely well on the mountain corners, straits will rip your face off.. and I make the bike look normal size.🤣 your twitchy throttle seems like a tuning issue, Both my zx14's were/are super smooth. Same with the quick shifter. Got to remember most of these bikes are used for drag racing.
You should do a first ride on my concours 14. It's a zx14 based sport touring bike. It's basically a zx14 tuned for more low end torque, saddlebags, and an upright sitting position.
I noticed the forks seemed kinda low in the tree as well! I thought about making or finding some inserts/covers just to keep the adjustment screws clean of water/dirt.
my first bike a 97 zx750R. No such thing as a beginners bike, choose the bike you like and practice on it. I've seen people fall on 250"s. It's all about how dedicated the person is
![2019 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R First Ride Review [Huge Surprise]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ola7O5rP-5o/mqdefault.jpg)
I've owned a 2017 ZX-14R for the last 6 months... and it takes getting used to, this is the type of bike that you gotta ride 1,000 miles to really learn.... it pulls hard to 180mph, I've been riding since 1996, this is FIRST bike I've owned that has more power on tap than I've ever needed.
They are "Stupid Fast". I wanted to get something else but I just love having the most powerful thing on public roads. Nothing can touch it. Well, maybe the BMW 1K. I wonder how that one handles.
The 14 is the most comfortable sports bike I've ever ridden..
Yes...
I fully agree. 500 mile days are almost effortless
GSX1250F > almost anything.
My closest friend said he'd take it over his cruiser. That blew my mind.
H2 SX more comfy
Is it comfy like a naked bike? Like a z900
My first bike was a 2012 ZX-14R. I had ridden other people's bikes quite a few times before buying it. I decided I wanted to get the fastest/most powerful bike and didn't want to have to buy multiple bikes over time. No matter your experience, you don't have to be afraid, just don't go full throttle until you're comfortable. I now have a 2020 ZX14R.
Be real with me bro. How many times did you drop it?
@@morganmitchell4017 Only once and it was because a car cut me off and slammed on their brakes. Totaled the bike unfortunately 😕
@@savageyoutube Ouch, that sucks. RIP ZX-14R. Gone but not forgotten :v
I’ve been thinking this. I’ve been looking at Hayabusas. They’re the same bike, different brands.
The throttle doesn’t twist itself
I have a 2011 C14 and on the street it's great. Going to get a ZZR just for fun.
A pair of Aces.
The 1400's are heavy at a stop, but at 5 mph it's nimble and light to handle.
Fun, fun, fun.
I’ve been riding my MT-07 for a while now, purchased as my first street bike. My buddy let me take his ZX14 for a spin and now I really want one. Super comfy, easy to ride, and just insane power. I’m going to sit on it for a while but I really do like the ZX14.
You hit the nail on the head. I purchased mine specifically for sporty highway cruising to and from work (75 miles one way). Yet it's still nimble on the back roads close to my house. I absolutely love everything about this bike.
Yea, they are really nice bikes
Damn 75 miles one way to work
Just got mine (2018) for the same reasons. I commute and get around town primarily on the highways. I traded in my ZX6R which I LOVED, but this really suits 90% of the riding I ACTUALLY do. So I'm super excited I have the bike now, and it has been a total sweetheart so far.
This video pretty much nailed most things I would also say! Super nimple for its size and so smooth and comfy to ride while still being a beast and fun as heck to ride.
I'm 10 years and 50k+ miles on zx14s. My first one had 25,000 miles on it when a deer jumped a guide rail and landed on my chest while I was in a 50mph curve. My second is still going strong at almost 30k. I had a 110 mile daily commute for work, and the ninja was great for that. I have also done 2,500 miles in 12 days up into Canada and it was surprisingly comfortable. I have the akrapovic titanium 4-into-1 which is super light and sounds great. I've had it over 190mph and best e.t. 9.54@152.
I also have a Duc 748, Honda vfr and goldwing, and a couple old Suzukis. The ZX14R is my favorite by far.
I mean your body literally hit a deer at 50mph?? You shouldn't be alive according to laws of physics
I bought a Zx14r as my first bike in 2015. Best decision I ever made. I bought what I wanted and not what everybody else suggested.
If you have common sense you can buy and ride whatever motorcycle you want. Remember, you control the motorcycle and its speed. Play stupid games... win stupid prizes.
I’ve got a 2007 Ninja zx14 with 38k on the clock. I love it as much as I did 5 years ago. Super fast, smooth and comfortable. I’ve owned a few 1000cc super sports and none of them are as enjoyable as the 14.
Perfect learner bike 😍
Stretched turbo busa is the only correct learner bike
@@bennettfriesen33 this guy gets it 👏🏾
Bruh
@@bennettfriesen33 bruh the h2r is just the best of the best so forgiving for the rider the best beginner bike out there
Hanks! I might get one for my second bike. I’m currently on a z125. 😂
I have a 2013 ZX-14R. It is my first bike. I have had zero regrets with it.
I was looking for one because I'm getting old but still love to ride, so I wanted something sporty/fast but not hard on my aging back. And since I'm fat I needed a lot of cc's to still be able to play. I found a first gen in good shape with yoshimura exhaust and changed nothing but a touring windscreen and bar risers and I couldn't be happier with it.
I really appreciate that when Chase does these videos he wears a full set of gear with the jacket, helmet, gloves, boots etc. It is setting a good example for the younger riders, or people just trying to get into riding (people like me), and really is awesome to see. It kinda shows the younger people that even cool guys like Chase wear the appropriate gear, and honestly that example he is setting could make an impact and maybe one day even end up saving someone's life. Thanks, Chase!
No! Be like gixxer brah he is the moto god
We all do.
@@skylinesquid he is the moto god
I started riding about 4 months ago and I am considering the ZX-14R. I am 6'0" with a huge frame and about 320lbs. My current bike is a 2014 Goldwing Valkyrie, the stripped down sportier version that still had the same 1832cc engine and weighs about 750lbs. I live in Rural South Texas and people drive VERY fast. Insanely fast if you live most anywhere else. I wont go into specifics, but I have had the Valkyrie up to 120 passing groups of cars on rural highways, and while that top speed was enough, a bike that was able to get there faster would be REALLY nice, and make maneuvers like that faster and safer. I would probably still keep the Valkyrie for cruising, but for sportier riding for a 320lb guy I don't see anything that looks like it compete with the ZX-14R.
Same here. 6 ft a little over 300lbs and currently riding a 06 Suzuki Boulevard M109r. I love sports bikes but the riding position is so uncomfortable. The ZX14R looks like a great option. I'm curious how the power delivery differs from an 1800cc muscle cruiser.
Zx-14r is what you want I think
@@michaelalexander8501 As far as I understand it the 01-17 GL1800 engines had 0 cam overlap, and relatively low 9.8:1 compression with only 118 hp 123 ft/lbs of torque, with a significant portion of that torque available from idle, out of an 1,832cc engine with a redline around 6,500 and a fuel cut around 7,200 if I remember correctly. Basically all low/midrange torque and it is quickly gasping for air. In stock form my bike on flat ground you can literally just slowly let out the clutch when idling at a stop with no throttle input in 5th gear and slowly pull away. That engine is basically a small tractor engine in a motorcycle. It is my understanding the M109R engine produces power pretty much the same way a GL1800 engine does, with very similar hp/torque, except I imagine the GL1800 does it a little better/smoother at very low RPMs, as 6 cylinders are just going to produce torque more consistently than 2 cylinders at very low engine speeds. I imagine the ZX14R engine has much less torque down low, and a LOT more power up top than either of our cruiser 1800 engines.
@@idk_bud Man I keep trying to avoid it... And keep thinking do I REALLY want a sport bike? Even a sport touring bike? But man I really think I might...
Had my zx14 for 2 years and it's the best bike I've owned. The power modes could use a bigger gap though your right. The handling is something that nobody ever believes because of the size. One thing though, traction control lvl 3 kills the power delivery you needed to try 1 or 2 its not vicious but 3 really holds the bike back.
TC levels all hold the bike back. TC Off makes a huge difference in a race or top speed pull
I mostly leave it in 3. Saves the tyres a lot. I ride in Low and tc 3. Bike still goes bullet fast.
It needs wheelie control. That way you can leave it in KTRC 1 but still wheelie. As it is, you need to ride it in KRTC O to wheelie and have full power which is a bummer.
Safe for a beginner then lol
@@ralphwarom2514 What’s the point? Just get a different bike dude.
my first bike was a gsxr 600. my second bike was a zx 14R. and that was after 1 year of owning the gsxr. maturity plays a big part of owning a zx14r. the bike will make you respect it and you won't grow out of it. its a shame they are discontinuing it.
It’s coming back for 2022. Red and black paint.
I bought a zx 14r as my first bike and I love it! had it going on 5 years now its all about that throttle hand! and respecting the bike.
Just found your channel today because of a "ZX14R" search. I was really excited to see a new video on this fantastic bike and thank you for making it! I love your enthusiasm and the on-coming camera & side angles of the bike are so cool! I own a 2017 ZX14R (love it!) and I think I can provide some useful feedback to you and your viewers on some of the issues and questions you brought up.
First on the nimble handling. Yes the bike handles great with effortless turn in, but I promise those tires are a big factor. At the 22:03 mark I can tell 100% those are Michelin Road 5 tires. I put those on my bike and the handling vs. the stock tires was light years better. It's like those tires are a perfect match for this bike because stock there was much more turn-in effort but virtually non at all now, yet it's still "on rails" for stability. There are videos of both the Busa and the ZX14R by "ItsMeEricB" and he says the Busa handles effortlessly and the ZX is a bit sluggish. Well guess what, at the beginning portion of both of his videos when he does a walk-around you can see the Busa tires are the Road 5s and the ZX tires are stock. If he road a ZX with the Road 5 tires I know he would gush about the great handling (just like you did).
At the 5:45 mark you asked us to comment about the "Sunken Down Triples". Stock those are not sunken down, so the bike you rode definitely has bar risers. It's hard to tell, but it seems like there is still some extra clearance between the brake fluid reservoir and the windshield. I put on 1.25 inch risers and the reservoir still clears the windshield but no extra clearance, so 1.25 inch is the max rise without changing the bars altogether, etc. I haven't had any issues with junk building up in the sunken down area, but the bar risers added significantly more comfort to a bike that was already much more comfortable then the liter sports bikes. Bar risers usually come with caps, but I like the look without them much better.
One of the things you didn't like so much was the "twitchy throttle" (10:10 mark). This is where I have a request. I wish whenever anyone posts a review on a bike they would find out if the bike has been flashed and very importantly tell us who did the flash. Could you find out about the bike in this video and pin it in your top comments? My bike was flashed by "IvansPerformance" and there is no twitchiness whatsoever in the throttle. It is almost unbelievably smooth (full power mode) and I can ride around all day like a Town and Country mini van if I want, but everywhere in the rev range in any gear there is bullet-train like acceleration when I want it. It really is the best of both worlds and Ivan prides himself in providing great street riding flashes without compromising on power. I get no compensation whatsoever by saying that, but I love everything about his flash. I also have Akrapovic headers and Two Brothers Carbon Exhausts (with the "X" version of DB killers installed) and love the setup.
Hope this is useful and thanks again by making my day with your ZX14R video!
love zx14r
I just bought the 2022..... Butter smooth, easy to ride and stupid fast. I can't believe I didn't buy one sooner
I have a ZX14R. I am 67 years old . I love it. I also have a 1500cc bagger and several muscle bikes from the 70's and 80's. This is a more comfortable cruiser than my big bagger. Unreal handling too as you described exactly. Good review.
Hey Gary!! I’m glad I’m not the only 60 plus year old on this bike...though I’m still a big kid at heart!! I have other bikes as well!! Great choice n ride safe Brother!!
Your 1500cc bagger is the valkyrie I'm 99% sure
@@LawnboyFanatic I have a 2019 ZX14R....just bought it before the snow flew up here in WI!! It only has 965 miles on it. I’ve ridden many other fast bikes as well..last year of the Blackbird as well...
Hi, isn't as comfortable as the 1100 Suzuki katana...I'm 6-2 tall...I have both bikes right now but for ride all day long I rather my katana if I ride ninja for one way to work (1 hour)... I got neck pain...
I bought my first ZX-14 in college. It was my first motorcycle and when I walked into the store to get a 600, I fell in love and bought the ZX-14. I wouldn't recommend it as a first bike. I drove it off the lot the weekend after taking my licensing course lol. Man, those were wild times. Now, I have a 2017 ZX-14. And I actually bought it from the same dealership that you just bought this bike. Let me know if you ever wanna go for a ride.
Man really started on a ZX14, no wonder america motorbike riders have like a 13% fatality rate lol
Most accidents are not the rider’s fault. An old lady will pull out in front of a zx6 just like they will a zx14.
I'm a 300+ pound guy and purchased a ninja 400 as a first bike. Got my class M on it and it taught me the basics but was way too small. 2nd bike was a 2021 zx-14r and I love it! Perfect big boy bike for a big boy. Bought it roughly 2 months after owning the 400. Cruise control is definitely a must for it. Also following for the first time with this video. OC!
I love my 2014 ZX14R, still makes me smile twisting the throttle in 3rd gear.
3rd gear IS the best gear. I agree!
Yep, 3rd gear - smile from ear to ear.
I put a LSL bar riser kit and that made the bike 10x more comfortable than stock. You can go to the moon and back once the bars are raised
so worth it?
@@gabeballinger375 Yes - Worth it - got a set of 1 inch (25mm) risers fitted to mine, more comfortable riding position and some how easier to manoeuvre in slow traffic.
Yep,I've ride one with the kit installed:night and day difference,way more confortable,way more nimble.
If you go up with the bars, you may as well have gotten a Concourse. It's pretty much the same bike with a Tuxedo on. :)
@@gabeballinger375 Absolutely
5:50 *Helibar bar risers* installed (makes it that way). 👌👌👌
_Brings bars slightly closer for slightly more upright position._
LOVE my Heli Risers!
I bought an 06 zx14 for my first bike with no experience. It came flashed, tuned, and stretched...yeah I'm not normal bur I love it!!!
Those headlights look super cool. It's so commanding and aggressive.
People move over in a hurry lol
I owned a ZX10r and had a serious accident, breaking bones, fracturing L1 thru L4 a few years back. It was hard on my back to lean over after the accident but with my 14r I can ride for a lot longer, most comfortable bike I've ever ridden. Plus I'm 57 and getting on the old fart side of life now lol, but I love this bike and will ride it as long as I can. Great bike!!
I've owned a 1st gen ZX14 and bought a 2nd gen in 2012 when they first came out. It is such an easy bike to ride. Never felt big to me. It handles, is comfortable, and hauls ass when you need it too.
I bought my ZX14R 3 months into riding. Started on a Yamaha FZ8 a month later got an MT-09 then I got the ZX14R. The MT-09's throttle felt too finicky compared to the ZX14. I've been riding for 3 years now and I'm still completely in love with my ZX14R. I rode it from Orlando to Tennessee and put it on the dragon and it was a blast and ridiculously comfortable the whole time. I recently got it tuned with just an exhaust and it now makes 204whp and is a completely different animal. Not a whole lot of bikes have impressed me as much although I have been eye balling the H2 SX
Also the difference between FULL and LOW mode is the power is cut down to 75-80% which you wouldn't feel unless you actually got on it.
I remember some guy turning my bike off at a light..... I think his name was 2009 Chase!!!!!
I would say the previous owners mods caused the twitchy throttle. Have owned 2 and the throttle is really smooth and there is a big difference in modes this one is tuned.
I’m pretty sure with the Brock’s exhaust the ECU has been flashed also.
Yeah. Him saying theres not a big enough difference in power modes had me asking wtf? It cuts 50 hp lol
@@jbrosupraecu tune probably changed that too.
I just bought a 2018 zx14r last month , put an M4 full exhaust, had it dyno tuned and all I can say is that I don’t want to get off the bike …. I did 200 miles last Sunday and Monday going to work weather was beautiful so i took bike again … enjoying every second … one thing I gotta say speed on this is not noticeable… triple digits speeds come quick so please ride as safe as possible…
OC. I suspected you would like the ZX14 a little more than the 'Busa. The ZX14 has always been designed to be more of a big sport touring bike, which is very ridable. The Hayabusa is also supposed to be a sport tourer, but only in theory, it really is more of a sport shaped muscle bike and a show piece than a bike that is meant to be ridden long distances. The ZX14 was definitely designed to target some of the same buyers as the 'Busa, but clearly tried to stay more on the "rideable" side of the fence.
OC, not my kinda bike because that kinda power = me dead on the side of the road with a big smile on my face
Chuck a 55 series tyre instead or the standard 50 and that ups the agility another step without upsetting the rock solid stability too much and pop 20mm bar risers on it and you’re golden. I had racetech springs and valving in the forks and an ohlins shock all of which was set up for me and style and skill level and it was more of a weapon in the corners than it had any right to be, an amazing bit of kit.
My ‘07 ZX-14 was my only way to get around for 6 years, you get used to it. I loved it, I miss it,. Smooth is the word I used to describe it, the twitchiness of the throttle is probably the tune, because the same thing happened when I got mine tuned. I want to get another one. It was also my first motorcycle, but I’m 6’8” and 300lbs, I’m probably an exception, but I grew into it, and learned as I went.
I own a 2015 ZX14R and I will tell you the brakes are fantastic. Being used I wonder if those brakes are worn. I do not agree with your assessment about twitchy in town. It is very smooth for me. The fact that your test bike had options I wonder if it had the ECU re-mapped for the exhaust. That makes a BIG difference in the twitchiness and acceleration. At Low it has about 150 hp and at Full if has around 200 hp. I always keep the traction control on 2. It is extremely nimble at most speeds and can be an all day highway cruiser- at least that's how I ride mine. Get out of town and enjoy the open highway at speeds from 45 to 80. Curvy roads are an absolute hoot on this this!
I would also like to have cruise control but It is a bike not a Cadillac so I won't complain- I didn't buy it to be a pampered little girl. It is a man's bike and you have to deal with the weight and cumbersomeness at low speed but it is well worth it to me. I am 5'9" and about 165 lbs. and 60 years old.
The ideal starter bike
That bike definitely has risers on it. That’s why the triple tree looks sunk in. The previous owner more than likely put one inch risers on it.
it actually doesn’t i have an 07 and the forks are sunk in just like that bone stock
I've never owned a motorcycle but plan on getting one. I have gone and set on one and they are huge. Even though it's not a good idea I wanna get one. Just love how they look.
I rode a cruiser for a year and then moved to one of them, very forgiving in my personal opinion, but so darn easy to get in trouble, especially when you look down and hit 5k and it feels like it went from 50% to 100% throttle, gotta love the power band. Feels like a harley down low, and a 1000 up top
A ZX 14, liter bikes even 600 super sports are not a learning platform. A good starter bike would be the 600 series ninja or MT7, even the 400 ninja or Z400.
@@chasefreedom5178 my friend has a z400, great bike, lots of revs, love the seating postion, I rode it back from the dealership for him since he didn't have a license yet, good pickup at highway speed, fun in the turns, he just recently finally tried to max the speed out and he is about 5 foot 8 and 160 pounds, I think he got up to like...110ish? But that's plenty for a beginner, its reliable, great on gas, looks good, good ergonomics and gauges, headlights are nice and bright, I can hear him ride past my house, almost sounds supercharged, has a nice little whine to it, but otherwise sounds like a high revving dirtbike. Other than exhaust note, cant speak enough on the bike. Id assume the full fairing 400 is the same but a little more aggressive seating and styling. If you really want the speed and the added bonus of it being a bit quicker so you don't get too bored too quick and outgrow the bike and you're responsible and have self control, I can agree with the 600 ninja or mt7/fz07. Can get all of these very reasonably priced too. All good choices.
@@Timman57 I have lost 2 friend's because they had to have hyper bikes. Starting with 200 hp machines just isn't a good Idea. My wifes Ninja 400 with exhaust has made 125mph. Two brothers slip on and flash. Canyons have never been the same since my first ride on it. A blast to ride.
@@chasefreedom5178 I agree mostly, Ive had friends die as well, but all but one of them was deer or drunk driver related. Life is short, stay smart and do what makes you smile, all I can say. As for the original post, yeah probably don't buy a zx14 as your first bike, but life is about the choices you make and the consequences that follow, wouldn't hurt to ride a smaller bike first, everyone thinks they need to buy one bike and be prepared to own that bike and only that bike forever. Get the smaller bike and find yourself an adventurous girlfriend, get the bigger bike and let her ride the smaller bike haha. I'll still throw a leg over a 250cc bike any day, even with the zx14 in the driveway. 3 constants in this world, Death, taxes and you'll always end up owning more than one bike 😂
I've always loved the zx14. Maybe one day.
You said you feel like you are on a touring bike... because you are.... the hayabusa and the zx-14 ARE sport-touring motorcycles.
😂so surprised that it is so comfortable
Yeah it's a sport touring bike... Lol
Hyper bike
Hyper touring is what I call them.
Pretty sure the conqours is the touring version?
I have purchased a 2010 ZZR1400 (UK) and I absolutely LOVE it! This bike is totally AWESOME and pulls like a train in every single gear!
17:05 in and I had to stop and comment, I own a gen2 zx14r and it was my first motorcycle ever (with basically no experience on 2 wheels), I rode it for a few months on low power and ktrc 3 then took it to the drag strip and let it rip on full power. Haven’t ever dropped it or laid it down. Respect it and you’ll be fine.
I in the market to buy a ZX14 as a first bike.... respect the bike
When i was on one, it looks HUGE when off of it, but it SHRINKS as soon you sit on it, probably the most comfortable bike ive been on
On a serious note- that is a gorgeous machine. It looks amazing and acts perfection.
Was he running low or high beams? And how many lights does that thing have?
I own a 2023 ZX14r as a left over this year. I’ve been riding my whole life, owned 2 Hayabusas. The Hayabusa was better looking, still is, and the Hayabusa is better in the tech department, plus comes with quick shift. The ZX14 is more comfortable if you are taller, has more power than the Hayabusa, in turn makes it more street able. I was surprised just how amazing the ZX14r was when I first rode it.
just watched your reaction to UK bike laws, As a Englishman i loved it!
Having Gone From a CBT to an A2 then upto an A it's a long process. The thing most people fail to realise is the price for all these tests. So in the 2 years it took me, it cost well over £1500. Thats not including, riding gear which you also need to provide for the tests.
@@samgardner2584 most riding schools in the UK will lend you gear for the test at no extra cost
@@samgardner2584 I went through my DAS last year, having riden a 125 for a year or two, and that was expensive enough! The full process is mad.
@@samgardner2584 I just waited until I got old and did my DAS anyway
Don’t even it’s a load of bollacks
Finally got my 14 for my BIRTHDAY I so enjoy it, love the review, came back to watch it after taking ownership of mine 👍🏾
I rode hayabusas and zx14s. The 14 is the most comfortable bike I have ever rode. I rode both bikes from Raleigh, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC. That is a 3 hour trip within it self. The 14, I rode that bike there, around, and back. My body didn't hurt or anything. The hayabusa on the other hand, my hands and wrist was hurting me. I didn't ride it back home.
I just got a 06 busa, transitioning from 2014 gsxr600, I love the busa, its comfortable to me, and I'm only 5'6 I couldn't get a zx14r because that bike is huge, riding position has me stretching more. Nice bike, good content. 👍
The beautful thing about this bike there are nobells and whistles.
I have loved the zx14r since the time i had a CBR150R and almost bought it as my next bike! But i realised, that would have been a bad decision. i got a cbr650, did my rider levels and recently got a 2017 ZX14R which i absolutely LOVE! This bike has a soul...
They are a fantastic bike, im pick up my new zx this Friday, my 2013 is gone one year ago, but miss her to much.
They are fine in city's really, but no Brock performance clutch upgrade, but easy to install for hit back roads and highways.
Once you having confrontble, just keep it in high F mode all the time.
Put on Sargent seat and bike bars on her, that when you can love it all day and night, makes sitting more upright hitting corners is fantastic, after riding her on race trake, knee dragging elbow scrapper when loving one day time out.
Iv ridding H2R but me being 6.1 foot tall, the Zx14r is perfect on all levels for me.
I have zero riding experience and im looking at this as my first bike. I talked to multiple people and they all said that if youre gonna get a bike, dont get a pssy bike for your first one. They said to just go for it and get the 14r because your first bike is what you learn to steer and balance on, so you want a fast, heavy bike so that when you get a different bike, its not as heavy or as touchy. And i want a fast, but comfortable bike for rides to and from school :).
The first bike I've ever been on was the kawasaki concourse 14, I love it and I'm trying to get a zx14r as my second bike. I just love the platform.
Best bike ive ever owned 2018 zx14r se.
I tested the ZX14R back In 2018 and I couldn't believe how capable it was for its size.
At the time my ride was a 2002 Honda Fireblade and what a great difference.
This bike was my second bike. First being a gixxer 600. Loved every bit of owning it. Definitely a bike for a seasoned rider. Must be respected.
Eh. Its very approachable. Just gotta respect it. Even in full power.mode its easy to manage.
Honestly i did start on a Zx14R, for me it was easier and comfier to ride i liked how heavy it was during a traffic stop i know that is strange but i like it and you could argue that it is kinda safer during a crash since its big and heavy ?, Also after i got some experience riding i tried many other bikes like CBR 1000, Kawi Zx6R, Hayabusa, Ducati panigale v4(which was the worst bike i have ever ridden in my opinion 🤣) and many other bikes in the end i would still choose the Zx14r as my top bike to choose. This and a Yamaha R1.
I don’t believe you at all.
I love my 2014 ZX14R, I've put on aftermarket handlebars so I'm a tad more upright and a bit less weight on my wrists. I can literally ride it all day. And the face melting torque still makes me smile. YEs I agree the look of the bike might not be everyones taste, but it still instills fear when you pull up alongside another rider.
Goldwing for me and the wife, my 21 ZX 14 r is just for me. The ZX rocks, it’s iconic
Finally....must have made a request for this ride 2 years ago...
The good thing about the weight is that you get off it, get on a 2006-2007 ZX10R and it feels like sitting on a BMX.
Also: lol @ 6:35, I always thought the same of the ZX12R - any motorbike on a movie or whatever needed the ZX12R exhaust note to sound like "how a bike should sound". That's something Kwak always did spot-on.
I owned 3 ZZR1400 and never had a twitchy throttle on them so most be something wrong on the one tested, great review though, they are really easy to ride, many even use them as a track bike, it's like a Swiss army knife this bike
I ride a blackbird. These bikes have alot in common. Big motor. But pretty comfortable and controllable. Awesome on the highway. Really wanna ride one of these and concours 14
Blackbirds are awsome, I got rid of mine 2 years ago, had the original 1997, fantastic bikes..
I’ve driven many bikes, this bike is from outer space. This bike is like riding a race couch on two wheels.. at times it’s twitchy and you cannot get too comfortable or it will throw you off at high speeds. Skills and experience are needed to ride this effectively. I’ve gotten my knee down as well pot it up.
Great Bike. I bought a 2019 and love it. I rode coast to coast in Canada last summer.
Spent the last year riding a zx14, just got the handlebar risers, shorty exhausts, double bubble windscreen since I'm like 6 foot 2, and a non locking gas tank cap because mine always corroded and wouldn't open without bending the key.
I started on a ZX 1100. 1998. As my first motorcycle and first time ever riding. Knowing what I know now I probably should not have started on that bike however, it was all I knew and it was the most comfortable bike to this day. Even with all the power that bike had taught me how to maintain control of my wrist, throttle and clutch with the friction zone. Something about the size of that bike for me made me feel safer on it than a smaller sports bike. I am 6 foot two and at the time close to 300 pounds so the bike felt right for me. For some reason a smaller sports bike just feels like a toy and unsafe when I pick my feet up and find myself looking damn near down the front of the motorcycle.
Days..... I have ridden for days and loved it. Nova Scotia to British Columbia it was awesome
It's comfortable and it's pretty much the only option if you are riding with a pillion and want sportbike performance. The Hayabusa is a great option too, but its ergos are a lot less forgiving. Pegs are considerably higher, clip ons are really far from the rider's seat. It's not by chance that you see a LOT of people using bar risers on their busas.
Man I miss mine. Had a 2009 zx-14. Rode that thing everyday as my commuter vehicle. Loved it. Gave up the bikes a little while back but you make me wanna ride again. It's a super versatile bike that really is an all-arounder rather than a nimble sport bike.
Been riding a ZZR-1400 (European version of the ZX-14) for 10 years (2009-2019). Never felt like the throttle was twitchy, brakes stopped the bike on a dime (just don't stamp on the rear, it'll block immediately, needs a soft touch). I rode about 90% within heavy traffic and my bike didn't have TC and powersettings. Only with flies open in all gears (short ECU with a resistor) it was difficult to keep the front on the road. I rode summer and winter, rain and snow. Never surprised me. So, either they've changed the bike for the worst later on, or you just can't handle the bike.
I upgraded to a zx14 after only 10 months of riding and I absolutely love it.
My neighbor is selling his and I’ve never owned a bike. He and these videos have convinced me that this should be my first and last bike
OC: I've heard other people react similarly to the two bikes. zx-14r is the more sportbikey; while being at least as comfortable, if not more comfy than, the 'busa. If I were going to do 98% freeway miles it might be tempting. (Where the Hayabusa's main value is as a turbocharged meme.)
I am planning on perhaps getting this as my first bike. Am I crazy?
Maybe, but I’m in my mid 20’s and I have been riding ATV’s, snowmobiles and other motorised stuff since I learned to walk.
The reason i want this bike is because I think it looks amazing, sound amazing, and I want something that is also comfortable yet fast and sporty.
i put inch high handlebar risers that i got from aliexpress on mine and now its like a very fast
arm chair now.
I came jumping from two zx11 in sequence and, since 2011, to a black ZX14. I hv baptized it as "The violin", reached the perfection and stop evoluting. The "modes" is a unnecessary luxury in my view. No problem besides sample maintenance, but the horn that died at 20000km. 16km/L with 95 octanes gasoline. Awesome breaks, much lighter weight than the 11. Every weekend a small 100km trip at 160km/h to the countryside to compensate a tough working week of this 70yo in São Paulo, Brz.
I own a 2019 zx6 and an 03 sv1000 and I'm looking at getting a zx14 solely because the SV isn't comfortable to me, but the zx14 is way more comfortable with gobs of power on tap if I wanna use it while still being capable AND comfy. Its a great all around daily riding bike for my use given that I ride on the highway most of the way to work
I have this exact bike aside for the exhaust and bar risers. I cannot stress this enough, tires change this bike more than any other mod. I went from the stock tires to the michelin road 5s and it completely changed the turn in capability. You wont really see a difference in power settings until about 7k rpms. Also with the traction control turned up it really muds up the difference. It does start hurting after about 200ish miles straight through but you can move around on the acre of land that is the seat. Also a quirk with newer kawis like this is the anti wheelie throttle which brocks performance can actually show you on the dyno. If you smack it open it does cut the power a fair bit a opposed to rolling into it. I prefer my bikes twitchy for avoidance but freight train when rolling down the freeway. Plus with being a fairly large guy the 1000 class bikes just looked odd with me one it. The torque though it what sells this bike as it will pull around freeway traffic with ease without bothering to change gears. You can actually stay in first all the way to highway speeds but I really dont recommend it as it will try to throw you off at the hint of giving it some go hand.
All said and done I plan on moving to an h2 at some point but if you do have interest in getting one of these check around for insurance first. Nationwide wanted 1k a month with no accidents and no tickets where I live. I do recommend this bike if you're a bigger guy/girl and want something that has the torque to move you around without any issues but, you also want the top end to fight off the SS bikes. The only caveat as with any motorcycle is that respecting the fact that it will kill you for any reason at any time if you act like its a toy.
I learned on a 91 Yamaha XT225 in the 9th grade, I was the only freshman to have a motorcycle license in 93. After that I was riding a 96 CBR 900RR, Suzuki RMX 250, Honda XR650L, then stopped riding after my dad died in 97...
Here we goooo lets get these videos back.
Loved my 14. Perfect bike for Texas!
This bike is the express trains to long haul, and yes it’s big and heavy, but as soon has you go 3mph you forget that it’s that big, it rides like a 750 in the handling department, had 2010 and a 2013 absolutely loved that bike 2013 was tunned and had 210 HP at the back wheel and 126 lbs of torques, 😍😍😍😍😍
The forks have a one inch riser on them is why there like that. It’s never been a issue you get caps for it if it concerns you
Not going to lie this was my 4th bike and not even kidding by far my favorite bike I’ve ever ridden
It’s in my opinion the perfect motorcycle, at least for what I want. It’s beyond comfortable, fast as hell, looks amazing, great mpg even at extreme speeds, and great for two up riding
Chase, ive had 2 and although my first zx14 was not my very first bike it was my second. My very first bike was an 05 Harley Davidson Heritage Soft tail when I was 23 sold that and bought a brand new 2007 ZX14 loved it. It was fast but no where near as defined as the 2014. Then I bought the 2014 that was insanely powerful even over the 07. Here is the reason I like these bikes. I'm 6"5 and weighed 300 lbs when I graduated high school. I'm huge. 300 lbs is a healthy weight for me. There isn't much out there that can handle me except the zx14r! I resprung and valved the bike and it does extremely well on the mountain corners, straits will rip your face off.. and I make the bike look normal size.🤣 your twitchy throttle seems like a tuning issue, Both my zx14's were/are super smooth. Same with the quick shifter. Got to remember most of these bikes are used for drag racing.
No problem with dust in the triple tree. And that bike has 1/2” risers on it, which help with comfort.
Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes! Chase is on a roll. Back to the real bikes.
You should do a first ride on my concours 14. It's a zx14 based sport touring bike. It's basically a zx14 tuned for more low end torque, saddlebags, and an upright sitting position.
He has.....
I'll have to look for it. I guess I missed that one
I had 3 zx14r, and after what you are saying about the power/throttle its just so far from how they are originally, so 100% that bike is flashed
Great follow-cam coverage.
I noticed the forks seemed kinda low in the tree as well! I thought about making or finding some inserts/covers just to keep the adjustment screws clean of water/dirt.
Not for beginners I have one and love it such a nice bike !!!!
This bike is legendary!
my first bike a 97 zx750R. No such thing as a beginners bike, choose the bike you like and practice on it. I've seen people fall on 250"s. It's all about how dedicated the person is
Glad I came across this.. I’m looking at purchasing one myself very soon