I have ridden the 14R.
I wrote a review for another site I frequent:
I have owned many big bikes, including a 2008 ZX14, a B-King and currently, a 2010 Busa.
Today I was offered the keys to a new ZX14R. Of course, I said yes...
Is the new big Kwacka a Busa beater? Read on.
The old model ZX14 was a nice bike, but it lacked grunt in the low/mid range compared to the mighty Busa. The Busa is also a much sharper handler than the ZX.
My test route took me up and down the Kuranda range, with a mixture of tight twisties, sweepers, big roundabouts and 100 km/hr sections.
Engine
OK, first to the most obvious question – how does she go, Mister?.
Low and mid range are much improved – better than a stock Gen 2 Busa. The power is beautifully linear up to about 8000 RPM, where things get exciting.
The top end hit is just fantastic - I wasn’t able to really open her up in traffic, but I had things spinning up rather well….as the goose in the WRX found out…
The fuel injection is perfect. Not a glitch or hiccup anywhere – even applying the torture test of slowing to 35 km/hr in top and winding it on created nary a problem – just smooth, turbine like thrust.
The engine is a lot smoother than the Busa. There are no annoying vibrations anywhere below 10000 RPM. Above 10000 it is all academic anyway….as you are too busy hanging on to care….
The gearbox has not changed from the old model – it is agricultural compared to the Suzuki, with a distinct CLUNK into 1st – regardless of how long you hold the clutch in...
It shifts OK, though. No false neutrals, etc.
There is a lot of engine under those farings, and you sure know about it…the bike gets hot in traffic – it is better than the old model (more fans on the new bike), but you feel the heat. It wouldn’t be a problem in cooler climes, though.
Handling
The first generation ZX was somewhat of a barge in the twisties – especially with the awful stock rubber. Moreover, the front end geometry made tyre pressure very important – let the front get below 35 PSI, and she handled like a truck.
Kawasaki have fiddled with the geometry, lengthened the wheelbase by 10mm and stiffened up the suspension. The result is a much sharper handling bike – better than the Busa, in fact. It tips in well, and doesn’t feel heavy. Direction changes are very easy – the bike is agile for its size.
The downside is that the ride can be a little harsh over bumps.
The brakes are as good as ever. Lots of bite, yet still progressive. Much, much better than stock Busa brakes – which really are crap, in retrospect.
I fiddled with the 3 level traction control. On level 1 it is not noticeable. I managed to make it cut in on level 3, but I was trying hard. The TC can be changed on the move as long as the throttle is closed. Very convenient.
Living with it
The riding position is much more civilised than a Busa. The ZX’s bars are at least 50mm closer to you than a Busa, and the pegs are probably 20mm lower.
Although the reach is good, the bars are too low for my taste – they could do with a 25mm lift. This is easily done with a riser plate available from the US.
Ergos are a personal thing – if you are used to a sport bike, the ZX feels like a lounge chair. If you ride something more upright, the big Kawasaki is a torture rack.
The dash is improved over the old model. There are readouts for the TC, the power level (why would you bother…?), ambient air temp, engine temp, economy mode (ha ha ha!), distance to empty, trip meters, etc.
All of these functions are accessible from a rocker switch on the left hand bar - no more reaching into the dash. Very nice….but it really needs an electronic cruise control!
The mirrors are the best I have used.
Do we have a new BIG dawg?
Above 200 km/hr, the ZX and the Bus are much of a muchness – they will sit on 200 km/hr+ for hours at a time, with lots of mumbo still to go.
Below 160 (100 MPH), the ZX has the edge. It pulls harder, it stops better and it turns sharper than the Busa.
The ZX and the Busa are both magnificent mile eating, hypersonic interstate mega rockets.
But if you want the biggest, baddest and yet the most refined of the two, get the ZX-R.