[ejis]

So basically, you want a ZX14 that looks... good??? Sign me up! Single shock for mine please, I'd prefer a linkage for a better ride. And no fake cooling fins. The engine can look sexy all smooth like. And if they can keep the price around, say, $8k I'll put down a deposit now.

 

[36219]

12k is far to high when the latest greatest liter bikes can be had for less. Or more importantly a Duc hypermotard. $8999 would be about the most it would be viable at.

 

[60043]

I agree with ejis--no fake stuff! Strip the body cladding, keep the horses, the 6 speed, and definitely keep the single-shock! And for me, trash the pillon. Love the agressive pricing!

Sign me up!

 

[BrowningBAR]

I'd settle for the old one to be put back into production. Everyone that ever owned one seemed to enjoy the hell out of it.



In fact, I think Seruzawa owns one and has nothing but kind things to say about it.

 

[39328]

I wouldn't necessarily need the cooling fins (kinda cheesy) and would not be picky about dual or single rear shock. But how about the shaft drive from the Concours 14! Bikini fairing, upright position, and shaft drive - comfy and maintenance free. Strap on a duffle bag and you have a weekend tourer.



I think Kawasaki would have a tough time pricing this thing to be competitive.

 

[55418]

You're selling us short!

Only 130 RWHP???? Only if it makes eleven MILLION foot pounds!!!

Rob

 

[longride]

I'd say for 12G you would need a six speed, 160 rwhp, and 175 mph top speed. Style is cool and it MIGHT bring a few customers. It's all about the numbers game with Japanese motorcycles. Charisma and retro doesn't sell many.

 

[sarnali2]

Dr. Seruzawa has one because the mighty Bandito Grande` is too much bike for him. He settled on the Z-Rex because it's so much more tamer.



Jokes aside, Kawasaki is nuts for not making a new version using a ZX14 engine, or even a single shock 1200 engine version to compete with the 1250 Bandit. The new Bandit is getting some pretty solid reviews here and in the UK while the Z1000 is not really in the same market niche.



I think Suzuki is bonkers for not giving us the GSX1400 as well for that matter. We do get a dandy selection of 8000 lb poop-barge cruisers though...........

 

[seruzawa]

I'm very pleased with the ZRX. Any supposed weaknesses in handling, weight, etc are academic on public roads IMHO and really only show up on a track.



I stuck Givi boxes on it and use it for solo sport touring. It seriously out-powers VFRs and leaves FJR1300s and ST1300s in the dust on twisty roads. And the Yoshikmura can sets up such a nice howl at 7000rpm.



Naturally Americans wouldn't like such a bike. It's not narrow-focus enough.

 

[sarnali2]

Chain drive is much lighter and better power transfer, plus you can change the gearing to match your riding enviroment. Modern O ring and X ring chains are good for 20 k with proper care and feeding. I agree with you about the bolt on fins though, cheesy as a frenchmans ****

 

[longride]

"We do get a dandy selection of 8000 lb poop-barge cruisers though..........."





That's cause they ummmmm.........sell?

 

[sarnali2]

True they do sell but that's usually whats available besides full tilt sportbikes. Up here Vstroms are really strong sellers as well as Bandits and SV's. Why not give us the 1400 as well?



One more standard bike in the line up won't kill their cash cows and it gives those of us who actually ride the things another option.

 

[longride]

Well, I don't think the manufacturers are as stupid as people make them to be. They know what sells, what doesn't, and who is full of hot air. Everyone is going to buy everything until it actually gets produced and then they usually find a reason to buy something else. Standards don't sell. They haven't since the 80's really. I suppose they could produce one, but if you were in business to make money, would you make one? I know I wouldn't. Time for Harley to make that long-awaited sportbike yet?

 

[earthspirit60]

With Ohlins suspension? Quality workmanship, not cheesy like the ZX14. What I am thinking is a High Quality bike along the lines detail-wise of the Harley CVO and MV Augustas, not built to a price but built as a corporate statement, not a competitor for the Bandit or FZ, but the Monster S and Brutale R.



Many people are looking for this.

 

[earthspirit60]

Carry a passenger or ride 4-5 hours on a Hypermotard?!?!?

 

[earthspirit60]

Re: You're selling us short!

My current ZRX has 122 RWHP with the stock pipe...OK, maybe 140 RWHP might do...

 

[55024]

Had a ZRX1200. Great bike. If they'd do it right, I'd throw $12K at it w/o a blink. If they'd do it right...Make mine w/the 14 engine, around 500 pounds wet (Tops!) w/6 gallons of gas, 6 speed, FI, and some actual wind protection. Now we're talking. I'd have saved a good hunk of money on the Super Duke I just bought.

 

[sarnali2]

You're right of course, they're not stupid by any means. It just annoys me to see rows of cruisers when I know they're making models I'd love to have that aren't availabe here.

 

[seruzawa]

Yeah, but since apparently you and I are the only people who like big standards it's probably not profitable for the manufacturers to compete for one used bike sale every few years.



(swiftboaters..........nibble nibble)

 

[sarnali2]

So you've got a Yoshi can on your Rex? I was looking at them for the Bandit but I leave for work @ 0500 and I'd just as soon be on good terms with the neighbors. Holeshot makes a 21in street can that's supposed to ad 5 or 6 horses and be deeper but not overly louder than stock. I had their 17in race can on my last Bandit which made the same power and sounded good but was too loud.



I think the 21 will work for my situation and it ways about 20 lbs less then the stocker, in fact I just ordered one about 5 minutes ago......we'll see how it works in a few days