Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hi Guys,

I came VERY close to upgrading from my ZRX1200 to a new ZX14 in January this year. I had a buyer for the ZRX and I had a sweet deal for the ZX14. Chickened out at the last minute.

The ZRX is my first road bike and it's helped me to see what I want in a bike. A fairing for protection. A tank that gives more than 250km range. And little things like a clock.

The concern. What's the ZX14 like as a long distance tourer?




PAH

I think it's perfect for long distances, it definitely does more than 250 kms to a tank (around 350 for me, sometimes a little more), I've done two trips from Canberra to Phillip Island and it was smooth and comfortable.
It has more than just the clock as well, fuel economy in either L per 100 or km per litres, air temp, volt gauge, Fuel range....you won't go wrong with a ZX-14R

awesome bike for touring, loved mine

Very nice bike on a longer ride

How tall are you?

Ive ridden both (6'1) and thought the 14 was ok but nowhere near as comfortable as a zrx. Riding position wasnt as upright. But thats just my opinion. The 14 was a rocket ship though Have you ridden one?

I am 6'2 and found I go alot further on my 14 than my zrx1200. Better seat and way more fun

Hi Guys,

I read somewhere that the ZX-14 riding position puts weight onto the wrists and that a more upright position would make it better for long distance rides. I note the comment above that the ZRX has a more upright riding position. But you say the ZX-14 doesn't cause wrist ache?

Yeah seat comfort is the issue I forgot to raise. The ZRX seat is an utter SHOCKER! When I rode to Melbourne, I started out cursing the 220km - 250km range. It did take too many kms before I was wishing that the tank would run dry sooner so I could get off for a break. On the run home, I had to stop in an M7 rest bay and walk around for 10 mins - even though home's only 15 - 20 mins up the road! So increased seat comfort would be high on my list of needs. No I have not sampled a ZX-14 and the short test ride would be unlikely to show seat issues so thanks for the feedback the ZX-14 seat is an improvement. I now tape high density Clark Rubber foam onto the ZRX seat for long distance rides.

Yeah I have no doubt that the ZX-14 has heaps more gadgets. The ZRX is a naked bike. I had a quick look at the GTR but it's a bulkier bike than the ZX-14. It's hard enough standing up a ZRX when it falls off the stand.

The green bike above looks nice - ZX-14 ? Colour variations when I looked extended to little more than variations in stripe colours.


PAH

I put 20mm risers on mine and that fixed the wrist issue for me. I only found it an issue around town but nevertheless an issue on the highway

I havent ridden it long distance to know about wrist ache but if as MKY suggests, maybe risers help??? I found it a surprisingly forward position so Im not surprised people have wrist issues but each to their own.

Plenty of seat options out there for comfort!

I have Genmar risers on mine and the difference between stock and not is amazing.

Rode the long way to Jindabyne - Wollongong to Bega then across to Jindabyne without a problem.

A good couple of hundred klms around the mountains the following day and then hammered home on the slab on the 3rd day.

A good mix of different roads and riding conditions and no pain at all.

I'm a tick under 6' so for a taller rider wouldn't think it would be a problem.

I do have a Corbin seat for the ZX14 that is surplus to requirements if you find you want a change.

And +1000 - rocketship with a distance to empty feature on the trip computer.