Bought the 14R, still have the busa

Mythos

Mythos

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I know I've mentioned it already and a discussion recently started over on another thread so why not show it here? I bought it May of last year, 2024 Kawasaki ZX-14R. I put 350 miles on it. I don't get a lot of seat time these days. I'm a night dweller due to my new job. The bike is still exactly stock, stickers and everything.

I still own my wrecked Gen1 ZX-14 and my minty Gen2 Hayabusa with 16,000 miles on it.

Why did I buy a Gen2 busa in 2009 if I already bought a ZX-14 in 2008?.....it was the hp/tq numbers that got me. I just couldn't get that out of my head nor could I deny my envy of the side by side shots with the busa doing a big wheelie (remember those? :laugh: ). It wasn't just hype either. The Gen2 Hayabusa does feel stronger than the Gen1 ZX-14. That extra couple ft lb of torque IS definitely noticeable.

So "why not a Gen3 Hayabusa this time?"....same thing, it was the hp/tq numbers. Seventeen years ago, after buying buying the ZX-14 and feeling pressured to turn around and buy the Gen2 busa just so I could compare them, I didn't want to go through that again. Besides, I already have a Gen2 Hayabusa.

Ah heck, I'll buy all of them if I can. Right now the focus is repairing or replacing that beloved old 08 ZX-14, turboing the new 14R and finishing all the plans I had for my Hayabusa. Maybe that TTS supercharger for the busa? It all depends on what disposable income I have which right now, ain't much to brag about. LOL that's why I only have three bikes in 17 years. Otherwise, I'd have at least six or seven.

busa.06.20.jpg


tankpad.gastank.treecover.hforkcaps.handlebars.LHcontrols.instruments.reservoirs.updates.ZX-14R.jpeg


new.14R1.jpg


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new.14R3.jpg
 
A local guy has that color zx14, I've seen him about 3 times now(just never when I'm on a bike), and I've seen one zx10 in that color...and I love it, it really takes me back to the mid/late 90's, early 2k's.
I've always like Kawasakis too, and they nailed it with that color scheme!
I prefer my bikes black, not only because it's my favorite color, but because it blends in, and there are black bikes everywhere..."it wasn't me", the hoon factor, lol...but I would really like to have a zx10 or zx14 in that color(you have to catch me first)
Now I'm all teary eyed and nostalgic...lmao
 
WuzzaCBXRider said:
Congrats! With just 350 miles it must still have that new bike smell… :)

Are you running comp slicks on the Busa on public roads? With oil spots, coolant drips, diesel leaks…you get where I’m going?
Click to expand...
I've run nothing but slicks since 2016. I've sought out those recommended for cold tracks without tire warmers. I don't remeber if the Metzlers on the Hayabusa met both criteria. In any case, no problems with cold tearing or grip. I don't ride unless the weather is hot hot and dry and I stay away from dusty roads. Slicks look cool and they last as long as a DOT tire with similar composition. I don't think they provide any advantage in grip for my riding but I love the look and they generally cost a bit less than the comparable DOT tire.
 
Bumblebee said:
An awesome set of bikes.....it's not the quantity of bikes that counts....it's the quality and you have that in spades.....

I really like the ZX in those colors and if I were you, I would leave it like that......but........a owner's vision is a great thing too.....

Honestly I like the grey frame too....
Click to expand...
Right, it's not quantity but I'll still take as many bikes as I can afford in this lifetime. :D
 
WuzzaCBXRider said:
Congrats! With just 350 miles it must still have that new bike smell… :)

Are you running comp slicks on the Busa on public roads? With oil spots, coolant drips, diesel leaks…you get where I’m going?
Click to expand...
Actually, they all have the new bike smell when I first fire them up. The sweet smell of exhaust never goes away. I think it's octane but it's the smell I associate with a new bike.
 
sixpack577 said:
A local guy has that color zx14, I've seen him about 3 times now(just never when I'm on a bike), and I've seen one zx10 in that color...and I love it, it really takes me back to the mid/late 90's, early 2k's.
I've always like Kawasakis too, and they nailed it with that color scheme!
I prefer my bikes black, not only because it's my favorite color, but because it blends in, and there are black bikes everywhere..."it wasn't me", the hoon factor, lol...but I would really like to have a zx10 or zx14 in that color(you have to catch me first)
Now I'm all teary eyed and nostalgic...lmao
Click to expand...
Same here it's absolutely gorgeous color scheme but I would get in a ton of trouble lol. I need blend in as well
 
Mythos said:
I know I've mentioned it already and a discussion recently started over on another thread so why not show it here? I bought it May of last year, 2024 Kawasaki ZX-14R. I put 350 miles on it. I don't get a lot of seat time these days. I'm a night dweller due to my new job. The bike is still exactly stock, stickers and everything.

I still own my wrecked Gen1 ZX-14 and my minty Gen2 Hayabusa with 16,000 miles on it.

Why did I buy a Gen2 busa in 2009 if I already bought a ZX-14 in 2008?.....it was the hp/tq numbers that got me. I just couldn't get that out of my head nor could I deny my envy of the side by side shots with the busa doing a big wheelie (remember those? :laugh: ). It wasn't just hype either. The Gen2 Hayabusa does feel stronger than the Gen1 ZX-14. That extra couple ft lb of torque IS definitely noticeable.

So "why not a Gen3 Hayabusa this time?"....same thing, it was the hp/tq numbers. Seventeen years ago, after buying buying the ZX-14 and feeling pressured to turn around and buy the Gen2 busa just so I could compare them, I didn't want to go through that again. Besides, I already have a Gen2 Hayabusa.

Ah heck, I'll buy all of them if I can. Right now the focus is repairing or replacing that beloved old 08 ZX-14, turboing the new 14R and finishing all the plans I had for my Hayabusa. Maybe that TTS supercharger for the busa? It all depends on what disposable income I have which right now, ain't much to brag about. LOL that's why I only have three bikes in 17 years. Otherwise, I'd have at least six or seven.

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Click to expand...
It would be nice if Kawasaki would do more with the ZX14R than just different paint jobs year after year, CC would be nice as well as better looking exhaust.
 
wellcraft said:
It would be nice if Kawasaki would do more with the ZX14R than just different paint jobs year after year, CC would be nice as well as better looking exhaust.
Click to expand...
Well, if you have a gander at the Gen1 exhaust, they made a big improvement with the Gen2. They copied the Gen2 busa exhaust. A couple other things about the bike are interestingly busa-esque.

I'd like to see them increase the engine displacement. ...but if they do that, heck, I have to buy another one! :laugh: I'd like to see a factory supercharger like the H2 too. I don't think they'll do any of those things. They'll phase out the ZX-14 to pursue the supercharged liter bike. It's not the same though so I am told. A liter bike wakes up at about 6000 rpm. These hyperbikes are awake at 3000 rpm. You throw boost on them, the boost wakes up at the same time. There will be no replacing hyperbikes. Back in the day, Beta videos were replaced by inferior VHS because VHS was cheaper and more practical. Same will go with hyperbikes.
 
WuzzaCBXRider said:
I saw a 30th anniversary model in the wild a couple years ago. Around the same time the local dealer had two in this color. They were 2K cheaper than the Hayabusas
Click to expand...
Depends on what you're looking for I guess. I just cannot get past the hp and tq figures but I must admit, not too many of us linger in those upper revs for very long....not out on the public roads. YES, low end performance is where it's at but can you turn your back on the peak performance figures? Sure the Gen3 Hayabusa will be gone before you get into third gear as @Bumblebee astutely mentioned but I can't get past the peak hp and tq numbers. From past experience, yeah, you definitely do feel that extra couple torque. It's been a few years since I rode a bike fast but riding the 14R, WOT second gear, accelerated hard like I expected up to 6000 rpm and then I almost crapped my draws. I think the TC was intervening as I had forgotten to shut it off but when I hit 6000 rpm, all the sudden I heard the stock exhaust and felt the engine and the bike actually scared me. I rolled out of it by 8500 rpm. There's no denying the 14R isn't all that pretty. It's ok I guess. It's a big sport bike. My gawd it looks bulky and it sure is but when it comes time to do business it delivers. New experience from the Gen1 ZX-14 and the Gen2 Hayabusa? yes. Same thing at normal speeds but when you get on it, it's a whole new game. Gen3 Hayabusa .......could they please have given us improved low end along with a bigger motor? I would have bought it. The Hayabusa IS a better bike. It's smoother and it's more refined. I buy these bikes for super speed though. There was no reason Suzuki couldn't have given us better low end and at least comparable high end. They outdid the ZX-14 with less displacement with the Gen2 but this time around, they chose not to. It is a simply beautiful bike, the Gen3 Hayabusa but it needs more hp not less. Just MHO but the reason I don't own it, I've just explained. All this said without ever riding a Gen3 Hayabusa but if you publish lower hp specs......? I just went with the 14R and have no regrets. Kind of a rant here Wuzza but I was really not enthused with the Gen3 busa stats. It disappointed me because I really believe the Hayabusa is a better bike when you look at the whole ball of wax.
 
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