On the fence... (Buying a 14)

[scorpion1981]

Hey guys!

I'm contemplating on whether I should buy the new Busa or a 14. I've never been a Kawi fan but I've been hearing great things about the 14. I'm really feeling the look..... I'm not going to be drag racing, or trying to do the land missel deal, just want a bigger bike that's more comfortable to ride than the Liter bikes. Specially for 2 up rididng. My last ride was a 02 CBR 954 I bought new. Also, I'm in Mass and what are good OTD prices on a new 08?? Thanks in advance for all your input.
-M

[madmax2295]

welcome to the forum first off all

second- any pics?

third - the zx 14 was bike of the year in its class last year, its more comfy to ride, not everyone has one, looks better(imo)

the busa-has been around longer, more preformance parts available, inscurance more expensive


id go kwai

[scorpion1981]

I just called for an insurance quote--- it's gonna cost $475 for the year, full coverage and $500 deductible. I'm leaning on the 14. What are the deals right now? OTD??

[LOWFLYER]

I bought a NEW left over 07 CPB with 3 miles on the ODO for $8995.......... Go for the Kawi for comfort and some relative exclusivity. I say that, cause there are Busa's everywhere...... Performance differences are negligible. Very easy to get more performance out of these bikes too after taking the "flies out" and adding an aftermarket pipe w/pwr commander. My. $.02

[madmax2295]

Originally Posted by scorpion1981

I just called for an insurance quote--- it's gonna cost $475 for the year, full coverage and $500 deductible. I'm leaning on the 14. What are the deals right now? OTD??

buy A DAWGS 14< if im correct it has like 800 miles on it

[camperjohn64]

First check out real sports-touring bikes. The zx-14 is a sportbike and is leaning over.

VFR 800, ZZR1200, ZX1100 are sports touring bikes. The Concours, BMW and Yamaha FJR1200 are touring bikes.

Also test-drive what you want to buy. When I bought my ZX-14, I drove it around the parking lot, as well as the Busa. I liked the ZX-14 much much better. If you are serious about buying, the dealership will let you test drive a brand new one. If the dealership doesn't, go to a different dealer.

[A_DAWG]

Originally Posted by madmax2295

buy A DAWGS 14< if im correct it has like 800 miles on it

lol, thats a good idea

[scorpion1981]

Originally Posted by camperjohn64

First check out real sports-touring bikes. The zx-14 is a sportbike and is leaning over.

VFR 800, ZZR1200, ZX1100 are sports touring bikes. The Concours, BMW and Yamaha FJR1200 are touring bikes.

Also test-drive what you want to buy. When I bought my ZX-14, I drove it around the parking lot, as well as the Busa. I liked the ZX-14 much much better. If you are serious about buying, the dealership will let you test drive a brand new one. If the dealership doesn't, go to a different dealer.

I actually never thought dealers let you test ride bikes... I never looked into it.

And also, is there a huge difference between the 07-and 08. I mean, if I find a left over 07, should I save some $$ or should I do the 08. I hear that there is mechanical differences but wasn't sure if it's significant enough.

[LowCel]

Originally Posted by scorpion1981

I actually never thought dealers let you test ride bikes... I never looked into it.

And also, is there a huge difference between the 07-and 08. I mean, if I find a left over 07, should I save some $$ or should I do the 08. I hear that there is mechanical differences but wasn't sure if it's significant enough.

I went with the 07 and saved a couple of grand. I am very happy that I did. As far as the differences go take an hour or two, remove the secondary flies and install a pciii. You will have just as much power (if not more) and $1750 left in your pocket.

[scorpion1981]

I keep reading about these secondary flies..... To the average rider, is it a necessary mod? Does the bike feel slow with them on? Why did Kawi engineer them to begin with?

[camperjohn64]

I could not have handled my bike when I first took it out, if kawasaki gave it 100% power. It took me a few weeks before I could handle it, then took out the flys. That was better than me dropping it because of the insane power the bike has.

Tell me you have been riding for 15 years.

[scorpion1981]

I guess that's why Suzuki came up with the 3 way switch.
As for my history.......I've had 250 dirt bikes growing up, a 2001 GSX-R600 was my first street bike, and I just sold my 2002 CBR 954RR (which I loved)...... I won't buy a cruiser just yet, but I want something bigger that is more confortable for the wife. That leaves 2choices..... I'm starting to lean more on the 14...
Tell me some dislikes about the 14..... and the likes....

[LowCel]

Dislikes - not enough aftermarket goodies out for it yet compared to the hyabusa. My other dislike is every clueless wanna be saying "you should have bought a busa, they're the fastest bike available". You would be suprised how many times I have heard that. Most of them have never even heard of the 14. This is good though, the less clueless people we have riding them the better (for our insurance prices).

Likes - Power, handling (for a big bike), comfort, wife enjoys riding it, not seeing one everywhere I look. Insurance is also pretty reasonable for a bike like this. I'm paying $465 a year for full coverage. A busa was going to cost me $200(ish) more for an 07 and 300(ish) more for an 08.

[r1 daveone]

If ur looking for comfort this baby is as comfortable as ur blanky when u were just a baby LOL JK but it defenetly the best ride I've ever had on a sports bike (super sports) that is and as for the looks I love it!!! I was at the park with my cousin that has a 14 as well and it looked as Suzuki was having a buy get one free sale from the GSXR 600,1000 to the Busas and one in the crowd had the nerve to say Kawasaki's don't have balls, my cuz didnt feed into it but I couldn't help myself to drowning them in rubber and smoke the best part is they were cheering me on! I had a blast and parked up my bike after realizing I knew a few guys in the crowd. ZX14's rule this big bike sh!t LOL

[mcmmotorsports]

As mentioned above, find a leftover '07. I just bought mine last month for $8,500 from a dealer in Florida. You will NOT be disappointed.

[ZuluNinja]

on the leftover 07, got mine brand spanking new for 9k . Major difference is kawi messed with the exhaust for 08... as most people here will eventually do on their own maybe gaining even more performance .

[Troppo]

Buy the bike because you like it.

Test ride one.

Test ride the Bus.

Buy the one you like.

[uzimon]

i like the original busa. (this is my 3rd)

(this is an 07 i got for $10,200 otd, busas will never sell as cheap as kawi's)
i think the ass end of the 08 busa looks like something morphed from a 50's car.
actually i like the zx10 more than the 14 too, i just cant get past the george foreman grill look

[RedneckHillbilly]

http://www.zxforums.com/forums/buy-s...html#post68452

[needazx]

Ever looked into a Honda Blackbird? 1137cc fuelie, dual balanced engine so no buzzing (like a 14) Very comfortable. And no need to worry about seeing one at bike night due to the fact that they are very rare (especially in the metallic titanium color) only about 50 shipped to the US in 2000. Still 180MPH+ bikes and 164HP stock. Not too shabby for under $7K. Mine runs with my buddy's 06 Busa anyday. The unrestricted Busa in 99 only beat the XX by like 5HP and a whole 3 MPH top speed but it still stole all the limelight as the "world's fastest". Kinda like the talk about the 08 zx14? Who would notice 4 HP deficit and .2 in the quarter mile? I prefer the 14 for looks and comfort anyday out of the Busa and 14 but I love the reliability of the Honda. Most reliable sportbike engine ever!! Sorry Kawi guys!