Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: Mongo on April 20, 2006, 10:00:57 PM

Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 20, 2006, 10:00:57 PM
Well guys the ZX 14 finally hit the dealerships on the left coast and I'm happy to say I got ride it! My buddy Bob got the call this morning from the local dealership and he could not get off work fast enough to go pick it up!

I went over after work and after about an hour of BS ing he finally handed me the keys and his helmet! Every thing they said in the magazines is true I can't wait to get out this weekend and leg it on some good open roads or take a quick trip up the canyon!


(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14011.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14010.jpg)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14006.jpg)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 20, 2006, 11:15:44 PM
Sweet!  :bigok: I'm hoping the rumor/photoshop in Cycle World is based on fact. I'd love to have one with taller bars, bags and shaft drive... I think that'd bump the FJR from the top of my wish list.

 :motorsmile:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: ant_129 on April 20, 2006, 11:24:27 PM
Do I see heresy on the Bandit Forum?  Shouldn't this be posted on some Kawi forum?


JK :monkeymoon:

Glad you had fun riding
 :motorsmile:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 20, 2006, 11:43:38 PM
A Suzuki will suit me fine, too... If Hammamatsu would kick out a bike with a Busa lump, full fairing with good looks, better ergos, bags and a shaft.

No rumors of anything like that though, so my lust has to wander to other camps.
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 21, 2006, 09:35:47 AM
Quote from: "Red01"
Sweet!  :bigok: I'm hoping the rumor/photoshop in Cycle World is based on fact. I'd love to have one with taller bars, bags and shaft drive... I think that'd bump the FJR from the top of my wish list.

 :motorsmile:


I can see it now the ZX 14 Concours! :duh:  :duh:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Desolation Angel on April 21, 2006, 09:35:58 AM
Another wildlife enraging monstrosity!  :grin:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: mike on April 21, 2006, 10:27:22 AM
Awesome! give us a good updte after your ride...  I've been waiting on someone to get one.  

Here's some ZX14 links guys:

Nice Drag Video:
http://www.scootplace.net/temp/ZX14-9_17_at_152.mpg

Press:
http://www.superstreetbike.com/releases/pr_zx14/

Review Article (11 page pdf):
http://www.bikeland.org/misc/articles/sincityreview.pdf
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 21, 2006, 11:57:58 AM
In case you haven't seen it, the rumored Kawi GTR: (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif) (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif) (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/ride200mi/e3b2a1f9.jpg)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Desolation Angel on April 21, 2006, 12:34:56 PM
Quote from: "Red01"
In case you haven't seen it, the rumored Kawi GTR: (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif) (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif) (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/ride200mi/e3b2a1f9.jpg)


Yeah, but I can tell by looking that is gonna be a whole order of magnitude more expensive than the Concours!  Will it be worth it, for the money?
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 21, 2006, 12:42:45 PM
More than the Connie? Sure! I'm guessing it'll be in the price range of the Honda ST & Yamajammer FJR.

Remember, if you can remeber that far back, when the Connie made its debut and was a cutting edge piece of Sport-Touring equipment. It wasn't the inexpensive option it is today. That's only come about because it's tooling costs were paid for long ago.
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Desolation Angel on April 21, 2006, 12:58:20 PM
Well, I'm all for advancement, though the prices on Wings, St1300, FJR-AE, and other makes does rather offend me!  :grin:

I hope this clean, lean, classy machine stays around...

(http://www.kawasaki.com/kawasaki_main/images/products/MOTORCYCLE/2251_800.jpg)

They just should bump it to a 1200, like the Bandit.
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 21, 2006, 01:05:33 PM
I wanted one real bad - about 20 years ago. While I think they're a great bike, they're getting pretty dated now. The Connie is lacking in many areas compared to more modern examples, and slumping sales is showing most folks are willing to pay more to get those extras - or go buy a clean used one and save even more jing.
Title: concours
Post by: tacoman on April 21, 2006, 02:18:01 PM
The Connie is like the KLR 650, it continued to sell and had a good following.  I'm sure new sales are slumping and the Connie did need several mods (usual: jetting, fork work, shock, exhaust) to get up to snuff.  With tighter emissions I imagine you'll see most carbed bikes gone in the next few years.
Title: Connie
Post by: fritobandito on April 21, 2006, 02:46:59 PM
I owned a 1987 Connie a few years back. It was comfortable to ride with the Corbin seat, and had great wind protection with my Rifle aftermarket shield, but the extreme weight of the beast coupled with the rediculously low gas mileage made it unworthy of keeping, er, at least in my book. I would go through all of my 7.5 gallons of gas faster than my bud would go through his 6 gallons on his 1995 GPZ. How stupid is that. You would have thought by now that Kawasaki would have scrapped that ZG1000 engine for the 1100 that was on the GPZ. Go figure. And don't get me started on engine vibration. Whole other issue, at least on the 1987. Maybe they corrected it - I don't know. I wouldn't even consider another one. But hey, that's just my stinky opinion. :wink:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 21, 2006, 09:13:11 PM
Quote from: "Red01"
In case you haven't seen it, the rumored Kawi GTR: (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif) (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif) (http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/images/smilies/drool.gif)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/ride200mi/e3b2a1f9.jpg)


I guess I missed that one, I've got say I really like it I'm not a big fan of riding that far over the tank with the current configuration!
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 22, 2006, 10:27:19 AM
They could loose the Testarossa/RF900 looking strake panels and I wouldn't complain a bit though.  :motorsmile:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Desolation Angel on April 22, 2006, 01:31:20 PM
Quote from: "Red01"
They could loose the Testarossa/RF900 looking strake panels and I wouldn't complain a bit though.  :motorsmile:


Thank you!  I was trying to figure out what was familiar about the bodywork.  Testarossa!

(http://www.iupui.edu/~scholars/2001/matt_/84_testarossa_r.jpg)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: jbrough7 on April 22, 2006, 01:50:38 PM
What  a cool name for a car!  It just kinda rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?

Jim
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 22, 2006, 01:56:48 PM
And in case you don't recall Suzuki's RF900:

(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1994/1994_RF900R_500.jpg)

There were also similar looking RF600 & 400 models.

The RF600:

(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1995/1985_RF600R_blue_450.jpg)

The RF400 (not sure if it's just a JDM bike, but it wasn't available in the USA):
Possibly the same motor as the 400 Bandit VVC?
(The numbers match anyway)

(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1996/1996_RF400R_500.jpg)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 23, 2006, 03:50:16 PM
Off with the stock exhaust on with the new four into one! That and new clutch and brake lines!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14-1001.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14-1004.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14-1005.jpg)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 23, 2006, 04:37:15 PM
:shock: WOW! That didn't take long!

I've always wondered why the Japanese could just put stainless steel lines on from the factory - like Triumph does. Especially on top line macines. I doubt it would cost them more than a couple of bucks extra, if that.
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 23, 2006, 09:26:12 PM
Quote from: "Red01"
:shock: WOW! That didn't take long!

I've always wondered why the Japanese could just put stainless steel lines on from the factory - like Triumph does. Especially on top line macines. I doubt it would cost them more than a couple of bucks extra, if that.


One thing I've learned about Turbo Bob no matter how fast it is out of the box he will find some way to make it bigger, bader, faster at some point!

Now all we need to do is figure out where to mount the nitrous bottle!

I'm kind of puzzled too as why the manufacturers don't use braided lines from the factory!

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14-1008.jpg)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 24, 2006, 10:24:51 AM
Quote from: "Mongo"
Now all we need to do is figure out where to mount the nitrous bottle!


Why not off the passenger peg on the left? Afterall, there's no muffler hanging there anymore.
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 24, 2006, 08:45:47 PM
Ahhhhhh brilliant minds think alike powder coat the bottle black (try to keep as stealth as possible) then have the boys at ATP construct a bottle bracket then place it behind the peg bracket under the frame there's enough room so the tire won't hit it and the chain guard should clear during upward travel of the rear suspension!

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/mongo995/thgotnos.gif)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: turbo-bob on April 25, 2006, 10:25:55 PM
O.K.

Got it figured out .......

Need to order a new seat.   :beers:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: turbo-bob on April 25, 2006, 10:27:11 PM
Only one will be for two up.

 :wink:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 25, 2006, 10:57:56 PM
Quote from: "turbo-bob"
Only one will be for two up.

 :wink:


Gentlemen I would like to introduce you to the owner of that fine machine!

TURBO BOB or should we change that to Bottle Bob?  :beers:  :beers:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on April 26, 2006, 10:26:50 AM
Another slick method I've seen was putting a small bottle inside a small cooler style lunchbox and strapping it onto the seat. Looks like you're just doing the daily commute and no one suspects the NoS bottle hidden inside.

 :beers:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on April 26, 2006, 08:47:42 PM
Quote from: "Red01"
Another slick method I've seen was putting a small bottle inside a small cooler style lunchbox and strapping it onto the seat. Looks like you're just doing the daily commute and no one suspects the NoS bottle hidden inside.

 :beers:


Spoke with Bob last night and I think he came up with a better idea wait for the aftermarket seats to come out then take the stock one and hollow it out under the removable rear cowling!

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b393/mongo995/Einstein02.jpg)
Title: Just back visiting and ...........
Post by: turbo-bob on May 03, 2006, 10:21:59 PM
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/stirpot9qr.gif)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: jbrough7 on May 04, 2006, 06:40:51 AM
Quote from: "Red01"
And in case you don't recall Suzuki's RF900:

(http://www.suzukicycles.org/photos/suzuki-history/1994/1994_RF900R_500.jpg)


I've always been intrigued by the RF.  Still kicking myself for not going for one in michigan last year in a nice blue with really low miles.  Just didn't want the hassle of getting it across the border, I guess.
(http://www.bikepics.com/pics/pics/suzuki-rf900-95-bikepics-362669.jpg)


Seems like that bike was pretty sporty and yet could tour okay...was it the precursor to the bandit, sort of?

they're really rare up here as i've never even seen one on the road.

jim
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Bob Holland on May 04, 2006, 09:30:12 AM
Quote from: "jbrough7"
I've always been intrigued by the RF.  Still kicking myself for not going for one in michigan last year in a nice blue with really low miles.  Just didn't want the hassle of getting it across the border, I guess.
Seems like that bike was pretty sporty and yet could tour okay...was it the precursor to the bandit, sort of?

they're really rare up here as i've never even seen one on the road.

jim


Look at my Web Site, I won a lot of races on a 94 RF 900 with a 990cc kit and cams from a water cooled GSXR. Surprised a lot of ZX 9s and ZX 11s, at the track :motorsmile:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on May 04, 2006, 10:34:42 AM
Quote from: "jbrough7"
Seems like that bike was pretty sporty and yet could tour okay...was it the precursor to the bandit, sort of?

they're really rare up here as i've never even seen one on the road.


Sort of, I guess. A little sportier than the Bandit, but not as sporty as the race-rep GSXR. A GT bike, perhaps? They aren't real commonplace around here either and weren't ever a real big seller. I've only seen a few of them over the years. I think the last time I saw one was 3 years ago at a big sportbike ride one of the dealers put on around here - and a few oddball bikes you don't see too often showed up, like a Yamaha GTS1000 and a shiney chrome/polished out Ducati Monster
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on May 17, 2007, 12:54:16 PM
Quote from: "Mongo"
Quote from: "Red01"
Sweet!  :bigok: I'm hoping the rumor/photoshop in Cycle World is based on fact. I'd love to have one with taller bars, bags and shaft drive... I think that'd bump the FJR from the top of my wish list.

 :motorsmile:


I can see it now the ZX 14 Concours! :duh:  :duh:


 :stickpoke:  Yes, you can.  :wink:
So far, just pics, but Kawi should be shipping them out soon. Only difference is it'll be called the Concours 14 in the USA & Canada and the GTR1400 in Europe & Down Under.
Title: Re: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on May 17, 2007, 03:51:31 PM
Turbo Bob has been a busy boy since he purchased his 14 a little over a year ago. It went from Bone Stock to a Turbo Charged Monster with some trick Ohlin Suspension!

I wish I had that kind of Green.

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX14006.jpg)
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZX-14TC009.jpg)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Red01 on May 17, 2007, 04:31:45 PM
Must be nice to have that kind of green!  :bigok:
I guess he had to do that to keep up with your Bandit, right.  :wink:

If I had that much spare change, I'd probably use the money from the turbo mod for another bike.
Like women with purses & shoes, you can't have too many.  :motorsmile:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Sven on May 17, 2007, 07:43:29 PM
Quote from: "Red01"
Like women with purses & shoes, you can't have too many.


How many women with purses and shoes do you have?  Are they allowed any other clothing, or just accessories and the occasional pearl necklace?
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: ZenMan on May 17, 2007, 10:47:38 PM
Quote from: "Sven"
Quote from: "Red01"
Like women with purses & shoes, you can't have too many.


How many women with purses and shoes do you have?  Are they allowed any other clothing, or just accessories and the occasional pearl necklace?


He hee! Hell, just skip the purses and the shoes... unless they got them stocking's with the line up the back...  :evil1:
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on May 17, 2007, 11:04:22 PM
Quote from: "ZenMan"
Quote from: "Sven"
Quote from: "Red01"
Like women with purses & shoes, you can't have too many.


How many women with purses and shoes do you have?  Are they allowed any other clothing, or just accessories and the occasional pearl necklace?


He hee! Hell, just skip the purses and the shoes... unless they got them stocking's with the line up the back...  :evil1:


(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/02-mongo/CRAP/lapdance.gif)
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: smooth operator on May 18, 2007, 05:50:56 AM
You've taken that for a ride befor,havn't you Mongo? How much difference does 3K of Ohlin's make?(not that I can afford 3K in suspension)  
  Sweet bike! Looks good,comfortable ergos,all the power you could want,and the top of the line suspension.
             Dan
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on May 18, 2007, 09:57:05 PM
Quote from: "smooth operator"
You've taken that for a ride befor,havn't you Mongo? How much difference does 3K of Ohlin's make?(not that I can afford 3K in suspension)  
  Sweet bike! Looks good,comfortable ergos,all the power you could want,and the top of the line suspension.
             Dan


I've had the opportunity to ride that bike a few times but the last time on it I could not make it out of the parking lot for some reason the ride position put me into a severe amount of pain in my left hip! I mean it was deadly the joint felt like it was going to lock up, I guess I was not meant to ride sport bikes. I had the opportunity to ride Bob's Turbo ZRX 1200R before he sold it and that was a true kick in the ass (pulling the front wheel at 100 mph is nuts)

(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b22/02-trex/ZRX1200TURBOV7RGOLD_001.jpg)


Could you imagine an injected turbo charged 1400, not that I will not try it again it's only pain!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: dgc on May 19, 2007, 12:36:08 AM
sounds ridiculous...besides, i have no idea where would you take that beast of a bike anyhow.  not too many places to open it up around here.  from personal experience i found out that many (no, most) people cant ride a middleweight sportbike to its potential.
speaking of superpower, did anyone see (in magazines) that bike that a small company in CA (where else) builds, cusotmized streetfighter zx-10.  
this is the golden age for bikes, where do they go from here i dont know.  
but if they can extend the wheelbase an inch and produce zx-16 (mmm...), oh, im financing.
Title: Kawasaki ZX 1400
Post by: Mongo on May 19, 2007, 03:12:24 PM
Quote from: "dgc"
sounds ridiculous...besides, i have no idea where would you take that beast of a bike anyhow.  not too many places to open it up around here.  from personal experience i found out that many (no, most) people cant ride a middleweight sportbike to its potential.
speaking of superpower, did anyone see (in magazines) that bike that a small company in CA (where else) builds, cusotmized streetfighter zx-10.  
this is the golden age for bikes, where do they go from here i dont know.  
but if they can extend the wheelbase an inch and produce zx-16 (mmm...), oh, im financing.


Just get a 14 with a 12" over arm
(http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h300/iflyphi/SNC10170.jpg)