I am still at war with myself as to what I want, and what I need/what is reasonable.

I think these two bikes are both the two apex predators at what they specialize in. Our two (maybe more) members who have both bikes......................Sheeesh, what a combination.

carabuser that metallic blue is a sweet colour too. Just love the look of this bike, it looks mean, like a barracuda on steriods. The yeara 06-11 light clusters, ie the round seperated light clusters are definately my favourite. But, yah, that green up close and personal was like wow! I think the bmw 1300s is in its last production phase. BMW had a bike called the concept 6, that I would guess is intended to replace the big 1300. That too my friend will be well beyond my price point. I didn't mention this in the previous post, but I also felt the s1300 was at the end of its production schedule and I didn't want to dole out that kind of cash for a bike soon to be discontinued. I must say, everytime I see my ZX and think to myself, "damb good decision."
PS up here the BMW's are in the mid 20's too. It's insane, but those who own them swear that they feel that price tag is well worth it. On this I have no experience. I've owned Honda cbr 2006, zx6r 2010, 06 yamaha r 1 and a very disappointing suzuki bandit 650. Had a few dual sport yamahas too. The ZX is miles beyond...

hey guys, i am new here. i have a bunch of bikes and can tell you that obviously the ZX14 is the quarter mile King. Around town tho, (not at the drag strip) the BMW 1000RR is a monster when you get the revs up, very strong acceleration, with lots of mechanical noise. (1000cc with BIG HP) The BMW seems faster but maybe it was the Akrapovic exhaust sound. My Hayabusa seems to have a stronger mid range, with more rush but what do i know as my ZX14 is just barely broken in. The Busa does goes about it's business in a powerful way, not bad for old technology. . The stock ZX14 is like a very smooth, QUIET jet. (i might even keep the exhaust stock)

Keep in mind that the BMW is a TRACK bike and a good one at that. A very capable motorcycle at a FAST track like Road America. I wouldn't compare it to a ZX14 as it's apples and oranges and yes, i like the ZX14 better, probably cause i'm getting old. (ZX14 is FAST, more comfortable, quieter engine noise and runs cooler)

* Last updated by: JR on 3/31/2013 @ 3:10 PM *

I'd love a BMV too, but alas, college funds and a thankless job etc. I think the BMW has the balls to take the King, but unfortunately I feel like a Gorilla on a tricycle riding her. She just does not fit my large frame. The other sad conclusion I drew about the HP series I had eyeballed was the price point is clearly beyond what I can afford. The BMW and King, Busa combination you have sound wonderful. What a privledge to own such great bikes. Enjoy them my friend. Like you, I'd take the BMV to the track, exploit the King on the drag strip and commute or boot around on the Busa (or vice versa).

Thanks for the input, JR. Now that makes another member that has both (and you even have a Busa, too. And you don’t have the *mere* RR, you have the HP4! )

The RR is wicked fast, and yes that speed and light weight comes at a cost, that of comfort.

What a collection you have. Nice!

@ ZX14man64.. like i said i have a bunch of motorcycles BUT the Ducati Desmo and HP4 aren't mine.. my friend and his wife stopped over. we switch bikes all the time. riding the Desmo is like riding a jackhammer especially with that exhaust! the HP4 is state of the art in terms of technology. i took the pic cause the colors were cool.

here's another cool pic.. i am not an big MV fan, even after riding the F4RR.

* Last updated by: JR on 4/1/2013 @ 11:34 AM *

JR, your like the dude who shows up to a party with two hot girls on each arm. Each female is out of reach for us mere mortals and the babe on the right is sexier than the babe on the left! Yet both chics are way more into you, than you them.
Thanks for the pics man.
W

Yeah but some of these gurls ain't mine.. but they are FUN to ride !!

i figured that i had better start a thread..

https://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=FBBC818C-1372-66AE-3BF878B722B82D86&page=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cRNba6ZcYg

2012 zx14r vs s1000rr
I Don't know what they are saying but long live the king!

* Last updated by: jdw8xb on 4/5/2013 @ 4:53 PM *

From what I gather, they switch riders and the mighty 14R still takes it.

Never saw that clip before. Thanks.

An S ten thousand RR should easily beat any 1,400 cc bike.

ZX baby, I am not laying down a challenge, and forgive the imposition, but it's the rider and never the bike that wins the race. I've seen smaller displacement machines eat bigger bikes. I'd say I agree with your snyopsis, ie the 1000 has the power to weight to challenge and take the ZX, but I'd also be tempted to say, it depends on who is in the saddle.

Translation on the posted vid:

Person 1 - Wholly shit that bike has almost 200 lbs on the BMW

Person 2 - Yeah, my boy on the German machine is going to eat you

Person 1 - Ha ha, I told you the ZX is still king of the strip in a straight line

Person 2 - I'm shocked

Person 1 - Don't be we are both privately sponsored by Kawasaki

Person 1 and 2 - (in the background laughing) HAHAHAHAHAHA

Person 2 - But the facts are the facts, the BMW got eaten

Person 1 - Ya, totally awesome!

Person 2 - Shit I guess this means I'm buying the Sapporo tonight...

* Last updated by: Wolfman on 4/6/2013 @ 12:37 PM *

I found a killer deal on a 2012 with VERY few miles on it. Close enough for me to go get, too.

Still at war with myself over this.

Need and sound reasoning, vs Want and Desire............

#$@#@#@#!@#!@

Want and Desire, YOLO!

ZX14MAN64

Are you going to be doing a lot of twisties and or racing ? if so I know you know what bike you should get,
I have never ridden a 1000RR, would love to, but some say the ride is a little harsh compared to the 14, I battled back and forth, just like you, and in the end, the BMW would cost me about $5000 more, and for me, I needed a more comfortable bike, BUT the Beemer is one of the more comfortable 1000's out there, I dont think you will be dissapointed either way, if the kawi is a lot more cheaper, then, that might sway you ?

On a side note, I just got my 14 suspension setup today, it turns really good for a big bike, and once I get some different tires, I think it will be even better ...

Thanks for the input, guys. Carabuser, I have a 14R and would not part with. It even sleeps between my fiance' and I.

But the possible RR would be a second bike. Something to *augment* my riding schedule.

Yes, the RR has quite an aggressive riding position. Almost to the extreme, but the bike is such an amazing machine. The power, unique asymetrical styling, electronic features. It sounds kinda goofy to say, but the bike has an aura about it that none of the other liter bikes have. And it backs it up with peformance. Its not really what I'd call even reasonably comfortable, but its not meant to be. It is what it is; a racing bike that is street legal.

Last weekend I went on a ride for a few hours with about a dozen other bikes, most of them sportbikes, and while the 14R is a monster on the straights, its a bit hard to roll around corners like I could the Z1000 I had last year.

But an RR would really have been nice to have had that day.

THe 14R I will not part with, as its a dream machine for me...............But I still hope to get an RR as a second bike, at some point.

But, as for now..........not quite yet.

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 4/9/2013 @ 8:26 PM *

BMW this year has pulled out all the stops with this HP. I have not rode the HP, but I'm sure it will be insane. As a posted in another thread, if I was 150 lbs and 5 9, that bike would fit perfect. Unfortunately I'm 6'3 and 230 so for us, it's an icecream bike. Good for a short rip, but definately not compensating for day-to-day street fighting. Now the track, or sole purpose track use, would be delicious. All the bikes here folks are beautiful, the R1 in the red aniversary colours are a beaut!

Enjoy!
w

The electronic suspension is the big deal with the HP4. The motor is unchanged, although you get an Akra full system with the higher spec version HP4, rather than the Akra slip on with the "regular" HP4.

That suspension must be very nice, skyhook it's called if I remember properly. My only complaint is my size and the fit of the Beemer, but that's not the bikes fault. Beautiful machine though. Wheb I sit on all the litre bikes cbr, yam. Kawi. Suzi, aprilla, ducati bmv and MV the only bike that fits tolerably for the 6'3 200lbs and up crowd is the dated GSXR 1000. Dated as a word is laughable as it is such a nice ride. By dated I mean it needs an update on styling . But man, does that bike ever fit well and the performance characteristcs awesome. I will never ride with enough talent and skill as to explore the stress limitations of these bikes anyway, but they are sure fun to ride . . .
.

* Last updated by: Wolfman on 4/13/2013 @ 4:03 AM *

The motor is unchanged, although you get an Akra full system with the higher spec version HP4, rather than the Akra slip on with the "regular" HP4.

Oh and the carbon bits and styling upgrades such as foot pegs and levers make it quite nice too. I wish it came in other HP colours beyond just blue and white. This years bm1300 s HP comes in a very sexy red and white.

* Last updated by: Wolfman on 4/13/2013 @ 4:11 AM *

Just foolishly stopped by the nearest BMW dealer and noticed a couple things, and was reminded of others....

-My desire to get one,........... still hasn't changed. That RR bas**ard is still calling my name.............

-I now think the red and white, or tricolor are the best looking on this particular bike. The black seems to blend in with any number of other common liter bikes........whereas the tri color screams BMW to all who see it, even from a distance. I like that........The red and white is almost as nice as the tri color, as well, but not quite.... This bike in the flat gray has lost some ground with me.

-The RR looks tiny compared to our big ol honkin' 14R. Seems like a toy you'd put on top of your desk when compared to the massive 14R.I realize our bike has a projecting nose cone and longer wheelbase, but the RR seems almost comically small now, since I am used to the big Ninja.

But the smaller size is the point of getting one, really. A smaller nimble bike with cutting edge features and handling, top of the line power, and a bike with an aura about it that people notice when they first see it..........an aura much like the 14R has.... Both seem to have a reputation that precedes it, when you come rolling up on one.

I didn't test ride it again, as I'm afraid I'd have been signing my name shortly thereafter. LOL
And so it goes.................

* Last updated by: ZX14MAN64 on 5/11/2013 @ 3:36 PM *

But the smaller size is the point of getting one, really. A smaller nimble bike with cutting edge features and handling, top of the line power, and a bike with an aura about it that people notice when they first see it..........an aura much like the 14R has.... Both seem to have a reputation that precedes it, when you come rolling up on one.

My assets just do not fit on that machine. I love the look of it too, that's why I bought a five inch model of it. I gaze at one and ride the other.

But ZX I know what you're saying, just a sexy ride!!!!

Since we are talking BMW, anyone consider the 1300 S. I almost bought one. Put a deposit on one at Open Road BMW.

I am glad I went with the 14r!

Cheerio!

Honda is supposed to be coming out with a new v4 "superbike", for the street, but from what I hear, it is going to be very costly, honda has the money to make such a bike, but they never really seem to go all out to have the "fastest" bike, dont get me wrong, honda makes quality bikes, and many are fast, but they get so much of the asian market share, they seem like they really dont have to make the "fastest" bike, to get the sales ....