I Ordered a New Bike Today

**FailSafe** · 27-03-2013, 06:44 PM

After months of deliberation, I settled on a 2013 ZX-14R with ABS (there are a couple of 2012 models available immediately and a bit cheaper, but the ABS option is only offered on the '13- I was convinced of its value on a BMW test-ride a few years ago) and put a deposit on one today.

I also wanted a bike with a decent electronics package- it's got three TCS modes (or the TCS can be turned off completely).

I considered all the liter-bikes and almost got an S1000RR (which is an amazing bike) but I kept coming back to the 14R- I've owned a few bikes over the years and the one I most enjoyed was my 2000 Hayabusa- I considered buying another one, but the Kawi surpasses it across the board- I'm just not built to get comfortable on a 1000cc sportbike (and I don't enjoy having to stay above 9K to get to where the power lives).

Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue (which looks black in anything but direct sunlight):

Maximum power- 147.2 kW {200 PS} / 10,000 rpm
Maximum torque- 162.5 Nm {16.6 kgf•m} 119.8 ft/lbs /7,500 rpm
Maximum power with RAM Air- 154.5 kW {210 PS} / 10,000 rpm

At 585lbs (266kg) it's a bit porky, but once I get rid of the two pontoon boats and add a single-sided Yoshimura or Akrapovic exhaust (which will add 5-7 ponies and drop about 30lbs) and add a new FI map with a PC-V, it will be where I want it.

I know it's a bit of a beast for Thailand, but I'll be picking my spots pretty carefully.

I should have it in 45-60 days.

**Norton** · 27-03-2013, 06:49 PM

Looks brilliant. Enjoy it.

**Necron99** · 27-03-2013, 06:56 PM

Nice looking bike.

**Loy Toy** · 27-03-2013, 07:04 PM

Terrific bike mate.

What colour helmet will you be wearing with that beast?

**FailSafe** · 27-03-2013, 07:09 PM

^

I bought this Shoei RF-1100 long before I knew what color bike I was getting.

**brisie** · 27-03-2013, 07:20 PM

Just in time for the wet season.

**slackula** · 27-03-2013, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

At 585lbs (266kg) it's a bit porky, but once I get rid of the two pontoon boats and add a single-sided Yoshimura or Akrapovic exhaust

I always think bikes look better with twin exhausts but each to their own.

Damn nice looking machine though, congrats and have fun and stay safe.

**FailSafe** · 27-03-2013, 07:27 PM

^

If I could dump 30lbs and stick with two pipes I would, as I agree it looks better (and the footpeg hanger on the left side always looks weird when it's not supporting anything)- that's just too much of a weight-savings to pass up, though- there are a few dual full-systems and slip-ons available, but they're nearly twice as expensive as much of the cost is in the can rather than the header, and the weight difference is only about 10-15lbs.

**terry57** · 27-03-2013, 07:40 PM

Nice looking bike. I want to buy one to cruise around the north of Thailand.

A 250 cc will do me.

**Eliminator** · 27-03-2013, 08:02 PM

It's a beautiful bike and best of luck with it, just watch out for the idiots on the road. At the speed you can ride on that bike, it's going to be hard to keep an eye on everything going on around you.

**Marmite the Dog** · 27-03-2013, 08:17 PM

Sweet. Ride safely.

**FailSafe** · 27-03-2013, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by Eliminator

It's a beautiful bike and best of luck with it, just watch out for the idiots on the road. At the speed you can ride on that bike, it's going to be hard to keep an eye on everything going on around you.

Yeah, that's definitely a major concern- I'm pretty good about keeping myself in control- for the things I can't control (like the idiots on the road

) I've got some really good gear that I won't ride without- while that's not a guarantee against anything, it at least ups the odds of walking away from disaster.

The bottom line is that you can get into trouble on anything with two wheels- you need to be careful no matter what you ride- I've been hurt worse crashing a scooter (due to lack of gear) than crashing a GSXR-1100R at a much higher speed (clipped by a truck in Tokyo) as I was geared up.

**slackula** · 27-03-2013, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

that's just too much of a weight-savings to pass up, though

On a 1400cc sport bike putting out circa 200 HP will it make much difference? Especially in road use. I am quite happy to be proven wrong but I think the stock version looks great.

**Jesus Jones** · 27-03-2013, 08:41 PM

Nice, but I'd shit myself riding that in Thailand.

**FailSafe** · 27-03-2013, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by quimbian corholla

Originally Posted by FailSafe

that's just too much of a weight-savings to pass up, though

On a 1400cc sport bike putting out circa 200 HP will it make much difference? Especially in road use. I am quite happy to be proven wrong but I think the stock version looks great.

It's not really a power issue- it's more of a handling difference.

My Hayabusa was ~560lbs stock- I dropped about 25lbs off it and it felt like a new bike in the twisties as it took less effort to toss it around- at 585lbs, the 14R is a pretty heavy bike- I'd really like to get it into the 550-560lb range (dropping more than that gets expensive with carbon fiber parts and wheels made from 'unobtainium'

).

I can't leave anything stock.

**Gerbil** · 27-03-2013, 09:14 PM

Nice, I've been thinking of getting the 250cc version, but I'm also tempted by the Honda 250R ABS.....

**Necron99** · 27-03-2013, 09:14 PM

No one has asked the delicate question.
How much and how long?

**draco888** · 27-03-2013, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by Jesus Jones

Nice, but I'd shit myself riding that in Thailand.

i think i would shit myself riding it anywhere

**draco888** · 27-03-2013, 09:25 PM

Originally Posted by Gerbil

Nice, I've been thinking of getting the 250cc version, but I'm also tempted by the Honda 250R ABS.....

Kawasaki also do ABS as well.

**Kurgen** · 27-03-2013, 09:26 PM

That's a beast, enjoy.

**TonyBKK** · 27-03-2013, 11:01 PM

Congratulations! The fastest most powerful street legal motorcycle on the planet- WOOT!

Are you getting it from Kawasaki, Thailand (restricted) or from Red Baron, Full Power US Spec?

Let the Good Times ROLL!
2012 KAWASAKI NINJA® ZX

**TonyBKK** · 27-03-2013, 11:04 PM

Kawasaki ZX-14R vs Suzuki Hayabusa! - Head 2 Head Episode 2 - YouTube

**Marmite the Dog** · 27-03-2013, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by Gerbil

Nice, I've been thinking of getting the 250cc version, but I'm also tempted by the Honda 250R ABS.....

The Honda is a miles better road bike as you don;t have to rev the nuts off it to hustle.

We've just had a look at the Kawa range again. The Er6N is the pick for me, but I just don't like Kawasakis (the Ninja 1000 does look good though).

The Midget has gone to make a cuppa, then we'll oogle the Hondas again.

**Gerbil** · 27-03-2013, 11:21 PM

Yeah, I'm strongly leaning towards the Honda. Would like to do a road test, but the closest dealer near me is a bastard and said they would only let me run it around their carpark. Looking for another dealer who isnt braindead

**Marmite the Dog** · 28-03-2013, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by Gerbil

Looking for another dealer who isnt braindead

I doubt any will let you take one out on the road.

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