The ZX-14 has reached legendary status as a bike that every type and style of rider knows. It rolls down the street, and there is no mistaking it for another model. Even non-riders turn to look as it commands attention from everyone around it. It even has an epic rivalry with the Suzuki Hayabusa, with owners endlessly debating over which bike is better. The Kawasaki ZX-14 is the ultimate motorcycle in design, style, function, and performance. These ten reasons will prove once and for all why the ZX-14 will always hold a special place in history as the ultimate motorcycling machine.
10 Beautiful Design
Sport bike design means having fairings that cover the majority of the bike’s body. The ZX-14R is no different, with plastic fairings from nose to tail tip. The ZX-14 has a unique design that features gills on each side of the bike. It also has a unique headlight design that features four individual lights. Two are the low beams, and two are the high beams. The seat is a classic design with a single piece for the main and passenger seats. A cowling piece hides the passenger half of the seat for riders that don't have passengers.
9 Attractive Colorways
When it comes to color, Kawasaki sticks close to its traditional colorways. The ZX-14 is no different, with the primary colors being black and green. However, Kawasaki has done a beautiful job of keeping the design cohesive yet fresh. Unlike other bikes, this one uses colors to complement the body shaping and design. This only enhances the overall look. Some special edition colorways stand out from the rest of the lineup. For example, the 2015 30th Anniversary Edition is bright red. Then there is a smoked-out carbon grey special edition from 2016. If you find none of these colors appealing, endless aftermarket options let you quickly and easily customize the color of your bike.
8 Powerful Engine
The ZX14 not only has one of the most powerful engines on the market but it is tuned for performance. The bikes from 2006 through 2011 boasted a 1,352cc engine. Then it jumped to 1,441cc for 2012 through 2022 bikes. That large engine is capable of rocketing the bike from 0-60 in about 2.5 seconds. This made it the fastest street-legal production bike for several years. Its only competition was the Suzuki Hyabusa. For riders that don’t want the ZX-14R’s full power, there are two ride modes, low and high. The low mode helps to prevent wheelies by reducing the amount of power the engine produces and transfers to the wheels.
7 Refinement
It is easy to build a fast bike. It isn't easy to build a bike that is also elegant to look at and comfortable to ride. The ZX-14R has a refinement about it that gives the bike a sophisticated feel. This isn’t a bold and brash bike for young riders looking to show out. This is a bike that appeals to an older and more mature crowd. One that understands and respects the bike’s power. This bike fits in just as well on the city streets as the track or remote open road. This refinement is what has allowed the bike to become one of the most coveted.
6 Comfortable
Sports bikes get a bad reputation for being uncomfortable. The tucked-up legs and hunched-over back make people cramp up and get uncomfortable. This is one of the least ergonomic riding positions. However, the ZX-14R does not suffer as badly from this affliction. Those who ride the bike will tell you that it is much more comfortable than other smaller sport bikes. Its large size becomes an asset, allowing you to stretch out a bit more and feel more comfortable on long rides. Combine that with the wide cushioned seat, and your rear end will be feeling great.
5 Mode Selection
Multiple modes come preprogrammed in the bike. The first set of modes is for the amount of power the engine produces. Kawasaki has made use of the same engine in the ZX-14R and the Concourse. The difference is the engine’s tuning. The ZX-14R is tuned for maximum power and speed, while the Concourse is tuned for long-distance stability and smoothness. A low and high power mode lets the rider tailor the throttle experience for safety and ability. Then there is a three-mode traction control system. Turn it on and adjust it to match the riding conditions. Mode 1 is for dry roads, Mode 2 is for light rain, and Mode 3 is for extreme low-traction conditions.
4 Record-Setting Speeds
People spend big money to modify their motorcycles for top performance. With the ZX-14R, they don’t have to. The stock engine rolling off the production line can achieve a top speed of 186 miles per hour. This made it the official fastest production motorcycle in 2006 and 2007. The official record states that the bike could achieve 60 miles per hour in 2.6 seconds. It could travel a quarter-mile in 9.47 seconds at 157.83 miles per hour. These times can easily be improved by modifying the bike with aftermarket parts and tuning.
3 Sounds Appealing
Fire the bike up, and you hear the pleasant throaty growl. Even with the stock exhaust, the bike produces a sound that matches what you would expect when looking at the bike. It isn’t too high-pitched or faint. It also isn’t overly obnoxious and “look at me!” the way a Harley rumbles down the street. Punch the throttle, and the bike roars to life. However, you won’t have that annoying high-pitched screech that some smaller bikes produce. For those who aren’t fans of the stock sound, replace the exhaust with a Two Brothers aftermarket setup. It only improves upon the sound.
2 Intuitive Gauge Cluster
When riding a motorcycle, you must keep your eyes on the road. Unfortunately, the longer you look down at your gauges, the more dangerous it becomes. Kawasaki took this under consideration when designing the gauges for the ZX-14R. The early models had large white gauges that stood out to make reading them easier. Newer models switched to digital displays. Riders can switch through multiple displays to have different types of information shown when needed. It can tell you the essentials like speed and RPM. It can also tell you detailed information like fuel economy and mileage range. The screen is bright and easily read in all kinds of weather and sunlight conditions.
1 Responsive Handling
Despite the ZX-14’s heavy weight of about 600 pounds, it is surprisingly nice handling. While it has more heft than the lighter and more agile liter bikes. However, compare it to other 600-pound bikes, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Kawasaki took great care in balancing the bike. The majority of the weight is from the engine, which is placed low and close to the rider. This lowers the bike’s center of gravity and combines it with the rider’s weight. This makes leaning through the curves nicer. The moved back weight also takes the pressure off the front wheel. As a result, you won’t feel the same struggle as with heavyweight cruisers and choppers where the kicked-out front wheel feels heavy.