Kaw ZX-14: K12S Killer?

motoman · motoman's Garage

The new Kawasaki ZX-14 appears to be the new Bad Boy on the block.

One way or the other, this bike will put out 200 documented HP.

And it still has more at the rear wheel than the K12S has at the crank.

Early reports say handling and comfort are good. Styling is controversial. Storage is nil. MSRP: $11.5

200HP appears to test the limits of tire adhesion. If you whack the throttle exiting a turn, the back end WILL break loose. Bye-bye rear end.

Once again, a better and cheaper choice than the K12S/R. BMW Incentives arriving soon at your local dealer.

Rattus · Rattus's Garage

I think "better" is a bit of a subjective term. I won't be selling my K1200R for this. It's so easy to blitz anything on the road already on the K1200R, I never feel undergunned

After a lot of riding with K1200R I feel the duolever front end is an excellent thing... I would really miss that.

Plus, to the casual observer, the Kawasaki just looks like any other bike. The engine power is impressive, but many buyers want more than just that. Not knocking it though, it will be a top bike - I am quite fond of Kawasakis. I believe ABS will potentially be offered, and I think this a good thing for enhanced safety generally. I like things that help ensure riders keep riding.

PS - It's good bang for buck... but who cares about "mere money"?

smallj · 03-08-2006, 08:06 AM

The Busa was already out HP'ing the 1200S bikes, the Kwaker is no different. I don't know that BMW really competes in the HP war. People who buy busa's based on the HP would never consider the S, but people who tour on the Busa might. I think that is the audience BMW chases, not the max HP crowd.

racegun · 03-08-2006, 03:10 PM

but it is still a COW-A-SOCKY!

JonyRR · 03-08-2006, 04:07 PM

If reliability is any indicator, a kawiie is more reliable than my R1100S. I've never had a shaft-drive motorcycle before that ate shaft-drive parts (paralever pivot bearings and xmission input shaft splines).
I DSO like the looks of the ZX14, but it has a fundemental flaw for me; it's too quick, too fast and has too much HP for me to be trusted with one. That's the reason I bought an oilhead twin...the preservation of my driving record.

DuckRyder · 03-11-2006, 12:25 PM

Workmanship is bound to be Shoddy, customer service nil in case of a problem.

Raging InfeRno · 03-11-2006, 03:50 PM

The ZX14 is too bloody heavy! It's physical size is not to be underestimated either; it's just too big.

smallj · 03-13-2006, 05:07 AM

I wouldnt trade my brakes for the kwacker brakes any time under any circumstance

Last time I checked, the K12 stopped faster in the wet than many bikes do in the dry.

DuckRyder · 03-13-2006, 06:02 AM

H_Kaltenbach This person is on your Ignore List.

sfarson · 03-13-2006, 10:56 AM

This new ZX-14 is for those who buy what they think they want versus what they really want. Sometimes I do the same, but not in this case.

I'm content with the 170+ mph of the KS. I'd be content if it was much less, as well : ).

Raging InfeRno · 03-20-2006, 09:09 PM

The K12S has a rev limiter in sixth, so its stop speed is governed. With it removed, it would hit over 186mph. There is a company that has released a disengager of the rev limiter.

http://bmwk1200s.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2261

Raging InfeRno · 03-28-2006, 11:27 PM

The R1100S. It just gives such enjoyment...That's all one can ever ask from a bike.

I think I might buy another R1100S(3rd!).