I'll start at the start.
The new bike seems to had all the rough edge's knocked off while still keeping its very sporty personality..
Its more refined & more leaning towards the touring side than the sports side. [But not by much]
The Brakes are a world better than the 2011, even if they are a little bitey. But super powerful, true superbike brakes.
Traction control works well. All very easy to change on the run, by a switch on the left bar.
Mode 1 its imposable to wheel stand at all. Spin the wheel on gravel, in other words, it would be great in wet condition.
Mode 2 you get less intrusive wheelie control, so the wheel will hover for a while until it takes over, you can spin the wheel up a little, but as soon as it works out somethings not right, it takes control.
Mode 3 is almost not there, unless you do something really wrong. Mono's are controlled, & in this mode you really do most of the work with your right hand. Its pretty much for those that do something wrong, but mostly you control the bike. I give the traction control an "A"+
Power modes.
Mode "A" is full power.
Mode "B" feel like it numbs the top end power, up to around 6000rpm it feels like normal. After 6000, it feels strangled.
Do you need it? Probably for the less experienced rider I'd say yes. For me? no.
Suspension has been tuned up a bit too. the rear feels a little more compliant, while holding the rear up well.. Again "A"+
Front is also tuned up compared to my 2011. Again more compliant & just better control. Again "A"
Mirrors are better but dont look great. "B"-
Multi function dash is very good, but a gear indicator would be good. A+.[cant have everything]
Both bikes have a great ABS system.
Ok the bad points.
The seat is still shit [My OEM gels are way better.] The standard mufflers do drone a bit, easy fix, fit a better system. That's is all really.
Just a lot of little things make it a very good bike, not that there was much wrong with the old one. They still need 1 tooth bigger front sproket. Even with the higher internal gearing of the 2014. They still feel a bit busy.
The 2011 to 2013 are a little more edgie, a little more mongrel, but I doubt any faster or slower.
My bike has a full Akrapovic race system & a EJK so a drag race would amount to nothing.
My bike felt more willing to bite you than the new one. But thats how I like it.
So If you looking at a new bike & want all the electronics, go the 2014.
If you want to control everything go the 2011 / 2013. Its a little more ZX10r than Ninja 1000.. If you know what I mean? You will save plenty of dollars & You wont be unhappy with either ...
