Got the opportunity to swich bikes with a buddy who has a ZX14 the other night. Unfortunately it had been raining and the roads were still a little wet, so I went easy on it, but thought some of you may be interested to hear about it if you haven't had the chance. Keep in mind, these opinions are mine alone, YMMV.

Very smooth engine. I've really never liked the feel of an inline 4, which is why I haven't owned one in years. However, this thing is smooth. I could really see doing some miles on that thing.
The riding position isn't nearly as stretched out as I would've thought. Not a bad reach to the bars, and I actually think the pegs are lower than the SH. Or at least they feel it.
Handling is slow and heavy. It seemed to require constant pressure on the low grip to hold a line in corners, as if it wanted to stand up all the time. Seemed quite secure leaned over, yet it just didn't seem like it wanted to go over. The SH is quite flickable by comparison. BTW, both bikes are stock suspension and factory adjustments.

My friend's observations on the SH: He said he was afraid to rev it, since it was a twin he didn't think it could handle it, although he noticed the red line on the tach. He said he thought the motor would come apart if he worked it hard. After riding the 14, I kinda see what he meant. Between the vibes and the noise from the carb slides and misc. gear noise, it probably did seem a little like a hand grenade with wheels.
He also commented on how tall it feels from the saddle, and thought it would be very top-heavy in the corners, and was surprised to see that it wasn't. Also, he really liked the initial turn-in.

One final note, this was the first time I'd seen my bike ridden and had a chance to follow. I'm very happy with the Clear Alternatives light, and was pleased to see that the integrated turn signals really are distinguishable from the brake light, as I had always wondered about that.

FWIW, it was nice to get back on the SH, but I would like to quiet some of that mechanical clatter. Oh, and the 14 has a real seat that a human can actually sit on.

 

Just so happens that I have a vtr as well as a 07 zx14. To be a big bike I was very suprised how well it handles, as well as how smooth it is. There is no way that it can turn like the hawk though. I would suggest the zx14 to anyone wanting a big comfy bike that hauls a**. Just spend the money for a TRE and all is good.

 

I would love to see it with bags. I think it would be an incredible sport tourer. After my short ride, it makes me look forward to the new Concours.

BTW, what is TRE?

 

The TRE is a plug in unit that makes the bike think it is in 6 gear. The 14 is restricted in 1st thru 4th gear and only makes full power in 4th over 8 grand. The Timing Retard Eliminator or TRE allows the bike to make power earlier.

 

Ok, thanks. I'll pass that along.

 

Too bad your friend didn't feel good opening your SH up. That's what sold me on the Hawk on my test drive. What a (torque laden) motor! And it ain't no sewing machine! But I'm also guessing that he never had a rev-happy bike before. I remember the first time I bounced off the rev limiter on my old 500 Interceptor. That thing SCREAMED! Addictive wails of locomotive expression. My kinda sounds.