Looking around for an additional ride

[dynajohn]

I have the itch again for something different. Well not really different because I have owned both before. Either a 2003 Honda XX Blackbird or a 2012 Kawasaki ZX14R. Had both a XX and two ZX14's and both were excellent bikes. A lot older in the tooth now so no pure sport bikes for me. Going to keep the 2015 K1300HP, can't part with that one.

[aviator]

Time to venture onto the dark side.
Try a 1250 GS/A???

[EricM]

Yeah, what Mani said.

[802Mike]

I may be thinking something smaller and lighter like the Wee Strom next.
This shoulder has made it difficult to move the bike around. Riding it is not
a problem though.

[EricM]

You'll have to start thinking about where you are going to park it in advance and minimize the <<moving it around<< part of the equation...I think you would miss the GSHey if you got the Wee.(not that there is anything wrong with a wee...)

[802Mike]

I have three, yes three 750w Fat Tire e-bikes now.
Two standard and one step-through.
Maybe I'll go into the rental business.

[Bobby]

Then there is the RELAXED sport bike.....

https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles...-ar184885.html


https://youtu.be/Xdop7g_AeHw
???????

[Rob]

[Bobby]

I haven't ridden any other similar bikes. Can only say it's a blast. But it's definitely not for all day riding. Rider magazine has an article this month about the Ninja 1000sx. Now that looks like an awesome sporty touring bike. Visually it looks a bit like a k13s. Has all the current high tech electronics. Anyone ridden one?

[dynajohn]

Well could not find a good used 2003 Honda BB so I am buying a used 2012 Kawasaki ZX12R with 8,400 miles today.

[Bobby]

We need pics.

[aviator]

Like this one? Nice.

[Bobby]

That's a beauty. Always like black and gold combo. Had a Norton Commando in that color scheme.

[Loggiebone]

Pretty but the swing arm looks primitive or home made...IMHO

[dynajohn]

Found and bought a 2012 ZX14R. Owned by a old guy like me with 8410 miles and in perfect condition. He was the the original owner and just as anal as I am about his bike. All the origin parts replaced were carefully wrapped and stored and came with the bike. I will take pictures and post when I figure out how on this site.

Nice ZX12R. I had the first year and had a ball with this bike.

[dynajohn]

This is very preliminary as I don't have enough time on my new to me 2012 ZX14R as I have on my 2015 K1300HP. As oem equipped the ZX14R is a little more radical (seating position) than the 2015 K1300HP. But this comparison is evened out with the instillation of heli bars on both bikes. Both bikes have 4/1 Akra exhaust systems and the ZX14R has Buell foot pegs installed which are 1 inch lower. Both bikes have had their ECU's reflashed. The final gearing on the K1300 is considerably lower than the stock final ratio on the ZX14R. At 60 MPH the 14R is turning nearly 450 RPM's less in top gear. Just sitting on the two bikes and taking both off the side stand the 14R feels a lot lighter which it is but riding both I don't feel the extra weight. I don't have a dyno graph on the 14R yet but the K1300HP fells much torquier Than the 14R in the 2 to 6 thousand RPM range. A lot of this is due to the lower gearing on the K1300. Above 6000 RPM is entirely another matter where the 14R is a rocketship. As far as handling I don't have enough back to back seat time to draw any conclusions but I suspect that for most riders (not the road racers among us) the difference is insignificant. The 14R engine is smoother and the trans shifting is also better. Seat comfort and riding position I will give to the K1300HP with heli's on both bikes. There is likely about 40 to 45 RWHP difference between them with the 4/1 Akra's and both bikes tuned which both are.The K1300HP is not slow by any comparison and has more usable torque where we ride 95% of the time, at least with stock gearing. I love the extra features the K1300HP has (suspension, heated grips, quick shifter) but I am not sure I would miss them that much. One thing that is a lot better, at least for me, is the instrumentation on the 14R. Much easier to read when really using all the power. I have a lifelong relationship with fast bikes and cars that I am still exploring at 77 years old.

[Bobby]

Has anyone had the opportunity to ride the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX? There is a good write up about it in Rider magazine this month. Seems like a very good replacement for the k13s. Kinda like all the things we were hoping BMW would have put on S.

[dynajohn]

Update on the Kaw 14R. As usual with me I modify everything. The 14R now has a set of BST carbon fiber wheels, a set of bar end mirrors, carbon fiber front fender & chain guard, lighter weight sprockets and misc. titanium fasteners. It is up on stands now doing winter maintenance (new plugs, oil & filter, air filter) & installing a electric quick shifter. Waiting on the mount kit to install my steering damper from my old Honda VFR1300F. Promise when I get all this stuff done I will post some pictures.

[MattB]

Time to venture onto the dark side.
Try a 1250 GS/A???

You think that he can handle all the power? You GS/A guys talk about tearing up sportbikes all the time, sounded like he was wanting to calm things down, not climb aboard a MotoGP bike.

[MattB]

Doug, I use BDBEM and BDMEM rather interchangeably, but they initially showed up here... before Joe had officially joined the Geriatric GS/A club.

https://youtu.be/CMNmiLASh0U?t=116

More at 8:13 in the video.

[justjoe]

[EricM]

Cold Joe....even on Canadian standards lol!

[dynajohn]

Rider, rider, rider that's what makes the difference. 99% of street riders can't get near all that is available from either a GS or especially a modern sport bike (that includes me)

[docsevicz]

[dynajohn]

I really tried to go with a 2003 BB but just couldn't find one in good shape at a decent price. I found my 2012 ZX14R in Georgia with only a little over 9000 miles in perfect condition and went for it. Great bike but a PTA to do change spark plugs on. I had a 99 BB and it was probably my favorite bike out of the 50 or so I have owned since 1965. When Honda decides to build what I call a halo bike they usually hit it out of the park (69 750 four, CBX, 900RR, Blackbird).

[MattB]

I really tried to go with a 2003 BB but just couldn't find one in good shape at a decent price. I found my 2012 ZX14R in Georgia with only a little over 9000 miles in perfect condition and went for it. Great bike but a PTA to do change spark plugs on. I had a 99 BB and it was probably my favorite bike out of the 50 or so I have owned since 1965. When Honda decides to build what I call a halo bike they usually hit it out of the park (69 750 four, CBX, 900RR, Blackbird).

Damn, this little testament has me angry that I never tried one out myself years ago when access wasn't such an issue.