ZZR1400 first proper ride
Discussion
Dodging the cloudbursts on Saturday I rode the big double Z from Somerset to Dublin where I now live and work. Obviously it was built for this sort of trip so you won't be too surprised that I was rather impressed with it. But it is a sensational bit of gear. I owned a ZX12R for six years and have done quite a few miles on the brilliant hyabusa but this thing is a step up in all respects over both of them.
The performance is ridiculous but I was expecting that. The computer controlled throttle butterfly is a mixed blessing however and there's no getting away from its effects. The plus points are it definitely calms things down in the wet, it help reduce wheelspin to almost nothing so it acts like a kind of traction control and its remarkably effective at this. It also creates a very turbo or two-stroke like effect which is fun as the opening of the secondary throttle butterfly feels just like a load of boost swelling up. It's very, very progressive but when it goes, it makes up for the soft bottom end in no time at all.
The downside is that its effects are felt all the time. Even in 6th gear roll ons you can feel the torque swelling above 6k. The bike just gets relentlessly, eerily faster all the time but you just can't help wondering what it would be like without it. Monsterous I can only imagine.
I know it's the first thing tuners junk but I'm in two minds. It's definitely a good safety feature and I like the comedy two stroke powerband but it is a little bit wierd. I've never had a bike that does it's own thing with the throttle before.
The performance is ridiculous but I was expecting that. The computer controlled throttle butterfly is a mixed blessing however and there's no getting away from its effects. The plus points are it definitely calms things down in the wet, it help reduce wheelspin to almost nothing so it acts like a kind of traction control and its remarkably effective at this. It also creates a very turbo or two-stroke like effect which is fun as the opening of the secondary throttle butterfly feels just like a load of boost swelling up. It's very, very progressive but when it goes, it makes up for the soft bottom end in no time at all.
The downside is that its effects are felt all the time. Even in 6th gear roll ons you can feel the torque swelling above 6k. The bike just gets relentlessly, eerily faster all the time but you just can't help wondering what it would be like without it. Monsterous I can only imagine.
I know it's the first thing tuners junk but I'm in two minds. It's definitely a good safety feature and I like the comedy two stroke powerband but it is a little bit wierd. I've never had a bike that does it's own thing with the throttle before.
That's definitely under consideration. I had a powercommander play up on me at high speed which has put me off a bit but to be fair that was down to bad installation more than anything else.
However it might be necessary now as I fitted a pair of 'two-brothers' carbon cans at the weekend. They look fantastic but the noise is extreme - they're only slip ons but they sound as loud as a full race system. My guess is because the cats are in the cans on the ZZR14. Either way I was hoping a powercommander wouldn't be necessary but it does run very fluffy low down now. Lots of loud pops and bangs too which probably means flames!
However it might be necessary now as I fitted a pair of 'two-brothers' carbon cans at the weekend. They look fantastic but the noise is extreme - they're only slip ons but they sound as loud as a full race system. My guess is because the cats are in the cans on the ZZR14. Either way I was hoping a powercommander wouldn't be necessary but it does run very fluffy low down now. Lots of loud pops and bangs too which probably means flames!
I'd expect its mapped lean to comply with manufacturer emissions testing and for the health of the cats. This will get them through the stringent tests they need the bike to pass, but its bad news for us riders. A power commander to richen things up would no doubt get you better drive at low revs and smooth the transition from closed throttle. Looking at the PC website, it seems you can tweak the ignition too, although that might not be necessary.
it's pretty much full open after 6k and a quick downchange from 6th will get things moving along nicely. But sure, a wide open throttle in 6th at about 70mph (4k ish) will have you moving but not the way you'd expect a 1400 to pull from 4 grand.
As for comparing it with a Gixxer 'thou, I used to have one. This thing would leaving it standing over 120mph or so. I'm no barry sheene but down hangar straight at silverstone I used to pull 155 out of the gixxer. My ZX12r had a full system and powercommander so a bit quicker than standard but pulled 165 before braking for stowe corner. The big boys do get really quick when the speeds rise. But below 120 or so the gixxer has the edge. I expect the ZZR14 to pretty much slam into the limiter at 186 mph. The rate it gets between 120 and 150 is properly silly and that's rolling on in 6th.
As for comparing it with a Gixxer 'thou, I used to have one. This thing would leaving it standing over 120mph or so. I'm no barry sheene but down hangar straight at silverstone I used to pull 155 out of the gixxer. My ZX12r had a full system and powercommander so a bit quicker than standard but pulled 165 before braking for stowe corner. The big boys do get really quick when the speeds rise. But below 120 or so the gixxer has the edge. I expect the ZZR14 to pretty much slam into the limiter at 186 mph. The rate it gets between 120 and 150 is properly silly and that's rolling on in 6th.
Edited by The Pits on Tuesday 24th July 14:59
I had the original silver wheels powder coated before I picked up the bike when it was new. I really don't know why Kawasaki (or indeed any other Mfr) doesn't offer different colour wheels as an optional extra. They could make a good profit and it would be cheaper/less hassle to get them from new rather than have to do it after they arrive at the dealers. They would simply spray the wheels this colour or that colour in the factory. After all, I had to wait 3 months for an ABS model so why not add some factory options (as in top of the range cars) in the first place!
I'll also be installing the black M4 retro pipes at some point.I like instant torque so i'll also take the flies out when I get time
I'll also be installing the black M4 retro pipes at some point.I like instant torque so i'll also take the flies out when I get time
Edited by Silver993tt on Tuesday 24th July 18:46
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