Moving from a 01 VFR to an 08 ZX14

Hi all, I thought I would share my experience from moving from a 01 VFR800 to the 08 ZX-14.

In the early 00's I returned to motorcycle riding after quite a few years absence. After much deliberation I settled on a sexy red 2001 VFR800. As befitting a VFR I immediately replaced the OEM pipe with a staintune hi-rise and added a double-buble screen. Without a doubt the VFR was one of the most versatile and fun bikes I have ever owned - it could do everything. For 60k I toured, fanged, commuted and generally enjoyed it - never failing to enjoy the great V4 symphony of sound from my staintune.

However, in 2007 I was up for a change. Not because there was anything wrong with the VFR, but just cause I wanted a change - maybe a bit of eyeball tearing power I heard that Honda were going to release a new 1000cc VFR with lots of goodies....but come 2008 all we got was a black model. I started to get concerned that simply put there was not modern offering worth upgrading. But I still wanted to try something new. So off I went with my short list of: Triumph Sprint ST; Busa; Blackbird and ZX-14.

Blackbird: smooth power but something unexpected was the ride position - way more cramped than my VFR. Decided not to go the blackbird as they were being run-out in Oz.

Busa: Yep its true about the power. But jeee the riding position was most definitely not a good one for me (6'2"). I figured if I'm crouched over may as well get a gixxer 1K - but I do like to tour! so I said goodbye to mr busa.

Sprint ST: Yep lots of good reviews, but somehow the sprint seems souless to me - not much of a WOW factor when compared to the VFR. However, the deal breaker for me was the horrible spongy brakes!!! Maybe this was a demo model problem but boy was I sooo glad to jump back on the VFR with its EBC HH+ pads!

Last ride was the ZX14- riding position was still a wee bit more cramped than the VFR but the handling and feel of the thing was right on the money. I slowly pottered around town: roundabouts, etc and the power was easy to control, then onto the highway for a blast....gave it a bit o stick and shiiiiii#$##@@ off it went with the front wheel easily coming up. I was also really really happy with the brakes - very strong and progressive!

I've had the ZX14 for 8 months now and clocked 6000k. If you think the blackbird is smooth try a 14...its defines smooth. The same goes for the transmission - really really good. To me its kinda like a more power VFR without the V4 sound. However, with a good set of pipes on it the 14 "sounds" powerful. Handling wise it took me a while plus a change to tyres Michelin Road 2 dual compounds to really get a good feel and I have to say its kinda like a bigger more powerful VFR. Pity you can not really unleash that power but it IS fun on those occasions when you can

First mods was a set of Genmar risers, a RAM mount for GPS and Oxford hot grips. Now, I used to do my own serving on the VFR and I have to say that the 14's fairing/tank removal etc is more hassle than the 01 VFR. I'm a BIG fan of the single sided swingarm - yep small things but they do matter.

Do I miss the VFR - yes. Am I happy with the change - yes, the sheer thrill of the grunt the 14 has is addictive. Plus it seems to do all I did with the VFR However, if you are happy with the power of the VFR it is still one awesome machine and prolly not worth the change to a machine like the 14.

Cheers
RobM
Oz

 

When it was released thought the ZZR14 had the most VFR like riding postion of the Hyper bikes so can see why it could be a natural progression. Had an all Black 14 drift by me just the other night looked great under street lights and with duel Carbon Akrapovics sounded nice but while I could see myself tempted think would miss my VFRs grin inducing whine with growl on my slow city commutes to and from work.

 

Thanks,
I always enjoy the comparison writeups!

 

Thanks for the write up. I've been thinking of going this route as well. I commute on the freeway and 140 just isn't cutting it anymore. lol J/K. IMO (for what its worth) the hyper bikes are ugly when left stock. I have seen a zx14 with custom plastic/fiberglass that looked HOT though... but the guy told me that it was 3 Gs worth of fiberglass and paint... OUCH!!!

 

Nice info - thanks

Good right up. I've had a hankering for a bit more straight line power as well, so thanks for the reviews. How is the projected reliability of the ZX14? Also, how's the insurance?

 

Well another 2000Km later and the bike is really nicely run in. I've been pretty tame cranking the power on, and only now really started to do some mad hammering and all I can say is wooooooaaaah!

Maintenance: reports from fellow 14 seem to indicate the bike is holding up well with few dramas. There were a few problems with 06/07 models which is why I opted for the 08. Mine has been fault free. I bunged on some staintunes and the bike does sound nice - some VFR mates of mine also commented on the "nice note".

Insurance - not too bad. Definitely more than the VFR but not by much. As I am a 'casual rider' ie non commuter, my insurance is lower.

I recently saw the new pictures on the VFR1200, looks interesting. I also read some good reviews on the BMW K1300S so it looks like there is plenty more choice in the hypersports market. Mind you I have to say I really REALLY like to style of the new K1300S - very nice.

It's great to have such choice and quality - you cannot really go wrong.

Cheers

RobM
Oz