Rocket Touring Comparo
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17,448 Posts
Jeez. When is the last time Honda came out with anything that wasn't overpriced and boring? They've given up on the DP and sport V-Twin markets completely. No adventure tourers, the tired Shadow line, boring boring boring. They reduce the performance of the VFR with "VTEC" and call it an improvement. Then they push off a ridiculously overpriced scooter without any bodywork and call it innovation. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............. They've gotten as hidebound as Harley.
There hardly a single venue of motorcycling in which another manufacturer doesn't have a more attractive offering than Honda.
There hardly a single venue of motorcycling in which another manufacturer doesn't have a more attractive offering than Honda.
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55 Posts
Guys, I just got back for a 4 day, 1350 mile ride with some fellow big bore sport bike riders. Bikes included a blue ZX-14, 06 Hyabusa, many ZZR1200 riders (including me), a CBR1100XX, an 06 CBR1000RR and ZX10R, 06 BMW K1200S, and an Aprilia Mille. Almost sounds like one of your reviews. We certainly enjoyed the power and handling of these bikes through the West Virginia country side during our 4 day ride.
I got a chance to ride the ZX14 and can personally vouch for your thoughts and opinions in the test. The bike is super smooth, nimble, and is as comfortable as my ZZR1200. However, as great as the bike is I just cannot pull the trigger to buy one primarily because my ZZR1200 does everything (including some lofty top speeds) that the ZX14 does in normal riding with a more palatable insurance premium.
Believe me, I want a good reason to buy a new ZX14 But, I just do not see a tremendous advantage over my 04 ZZR1200 to justify the purchase. Help me will you? I really want a great reason to pull the trigger other than being able to lay claim to the most powerful production motorcycle in the world. I've even found a dealer who will sell it to me for $10,200.00 or #1,300.00 under list!
Great article though.
I got a chance to ride the ZX14 and can personally vouch for your thoughts and opinions in the test. The bike is super smooth, nimble, and is as comfortable as my ZZR1200. However, as great as the bike is I just cannot pull the trigger to buy one primarily because my ZZR1200 does everything (including some lofty top speeds) that the ZX14 does in normal riding with a more palatable insurance premium.
Believe me, I want a good reason to buy a new ZX14 But, I just do not see a tremendous advantage over my 04 ZZR1200 to justify the purchase. Help me will you? I really want a great reason to pull the trigger other than being able to lay claim to the most powerful production motorcycle in the world. I've even found a dealer who will sell it to me for $10,200.00 or #1,300.00 under list!
Great article though.
Joined
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1,538 Posts
WOW
171 Hp
105 LbFt
At the tire!
171 Hp
105 LbFt
At the tire!
Joined
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194 Posts
Re: $11.95?!?
I thought you were an electrical engineer, not a software developer. Embedded systems or something?
I thought you were an electrical engineer, not a software developer. Embedded systems or something?
I just picked up my red ZX14 and I have nothing bad to say about it at all. I traded in my FJR for it. I actually feel more comfortable on it than the FJR with its more upright position. I put 100 miles on it today and like the staff said a few bumps seemed a bit hard but I'm sure I can adjust it a bit. It was just a blast. I never owned a busa so I can't compare them. For me it is the best bike I have ever owned and I've owned quite a few in my 54 yrs.
Steve
Steve
The reasons are much better suspension and brakes. If that's worth the thousands you have to spend including the depreciation on your ZZR is up to you. As a cheap bastard no way will I trade up anytime soon . As an old bastard no way will I ever get a 14, probably. Especially because of the insurance thing.
Ive calculated that I have spent .0000002% of my 26K of ZZR seat times at WOT. Obviously I dont need more power.
Ive calculated that I have spent .0000002% of my 26K of ZZR seat times at WOT. Obviously I dont need more power.
The reasons are much better suspension and brakes. If that's worth the thousands you have to spend including the depreciation on your ZZR is up to you. As a cheap bastard no way will I trade up anytime soon . As an old bastard no way will I ever get a 14, probably. Especially because of the insurance thing.
Ive calculated that I have spent .0000002% of my 26K of ZZR seat times at WOT. Obviously I dont need more power.
Ive calculated that I have spent .0000002% of my 26K of ZZR seat times at WOT. Obviously I dont need more power.
I own a Busa and I test rode a ZX14. I wouldn't trade. The 14 is nice, but will certainly be limited with the frame and engine configuration for modifications. It looks kind of weird to my eye also. It is powerful and smooth, but we will see how the aftermarket makes the call. That will determine how many they sell.
Re: Memo to Honda
Maybe they could find a Japanese guy who studied in Italy, so as to save face. Maybe they could steal a Yamaha designer. As long as it doesn't have the skanky cbr cats eyes or the Kawi "junior designer gets ahold of the wind tunnel, then puts lights everywhere he can" look, I'll be happy.
Maybe they could find a Japanese guy who studied in Italy, so as to save face. Maybe they could steal a Yamaha designer. As long as it doesn't have the skanky cbr cats eyes or the Kawi "junior designer gets ahold of the wind tunnel, then puts lights everywhere he can" look, I'll be happy.
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