Who's bailing on Honda and getting a ZX14/Concours?

Mikey

So my 97 is getting a little worn out. I decided 2 years ago I was going to buy a new XX. Uh, oops, my fault I didn't realize you can't get a new XX, so I waited a year....then...nope, then waited a year...then...nope. So I decided I'm going to get the Concours. It just makes sense. What are other peoples thoughts on this? I mean, when your XX wears out.

XXMAN

Enjoy let us know what you think.

tripledigits

I'll be waiting at least a couple years to see what the durability of the bike is, and for resale prices to come down. I never seem to be able to bring myself to pay for a new bike, unless it's a closeout. The depreciation factor steers me to used bikes. There are so many little things that Honda does right, and other manufacturers skimp on, that I feel I need to have a good history on a bike model before I'll buy it.

I think the Kawasaki is likely to be pretty heavy, and pretty expensive. Looks like a nice bike on paper, for sure.

Hobicus

I for one will be sticking with the XX for the foreseeable future.

3 reasons:

1) It's unique. Not many of them out there.
2) There's a gazillion 'busas, and will there will be just as many 14s. Rumor has it that the new late release 'busa will blow away the 14.... whatever.
3) I really can't afford a new bike right now. And I have no reason to replace the one(s) I have.


Say Hi to Tina for me, Mike!

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MrBadExxample

Not me. I can barely justify having the XX. But if I win the lottery, yep I'd get a GTR.

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Warchild

While I looked long and hard at the GTR, I decided won't be going after one anytime soon....

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WILLSXX

Define "worn out"?
My 2K has 57K on it and its far from "worn out" at least in my book.
I would like to see 200K from it and I don't think it's far fetched.
New bikes are great if you have the money and your not real happy with what you have then more power to you.
But as far as I'm concerned right now I'm not even looking at a new bike.

flitemdic

I looked at buying something different awhile back. I agree with Will, define "worn out". (not a dig, just trying to find perspective). I have 41K +/- on a '98, (there was a dashboard issue at one point). I had thought to buy a '03 XX or maybe a -14. Went through all the pluses and minuses and decided to paint and refresh the '98- professional engine tuning, sprockets, chain, farkles, wheels and then use the difference to buy something completely different- a Motard or Dual use bike. I'm at the "looking to buy dual use" point right now- probably in the spring. The money you save is tremendous, you end up with two bikes that cover everything, and for me, I can't see the 'bird dropping dead for a very long time.


my , (jeez we have great emoticons here!)

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Logoman

It will be a dark day in hell before I buy ANY Kawasaki, but that's just me. Has nothing to do with the bikes per se. I just prefer Honda's fit, finish and designs and Honda parts support.

My plan is to keep the Blackbird as long as that's reasonable. It does everything I need from a motorcycle in that category.

I WOULD consider a road-oriented "dualsport" of some sort, though, and that would mean leaving Honda's fold. The V-Stroms are a bit ugly, but I could do one of those. Actually, the new Triumph Tiger makes me sweat the most. Just different enough to push my buttons and the triple has turned out to be a great engine.

2equis

I bought my 98 new in 99 and while at 25+ k she has plenty of life left in her, I'm looking for something new. So far the both the ZX14 and GTR have my interest. But right now i'm so busy I don't really have time to ride. I also have to pick up my 4yo from daycare/preschool so I can't even justify either bike as a "commuter". My guess is the GTR will sell for about 14k, whick I cannot justify. The ZX14's are selling for around $8900 +TTL locally which would be easier to justify. We'll see I suppose

iXXion

Who knows?

Nobody has worn one out yet.

Mikey

Yah good point. I suppose I'm just getting annoyed at a lack of a new model :]. Not that I would be able to afford one anytime soon.

Hobi, I'm starting to wonder about you two. :]

Para045

I will probably just get a 2007 one cheap - as they will be a bit long in the tooth by then

Mikey

The problem is that here in Canada and the US the last XX was...uh, what 2003? And that really was just a 2000 model cast. So ultimately, it doesn't matter how much we love our XX's (and we know we do), it WILL have to be replaced. It's a matter of course. Certainly there are those who will keep it just like you find good shaped interceptors etc out there...but then there is realism.

Para045

What about these http://www.motorcycledaily.com/013103top.jpg

haWHYnXX

I'd even buy my food used and chewed on if I could still get some nutritional value out of it!!

I really like that there aren't that many XX's around. Everybody always asks what it is that I'm riding.

I think next year I'm gonna pick up something affordable in the 750-900cc range for tooling around, but will still be using the XX as a daily rider.

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Hawaiian Island Stylin'

Sandman

Why don't you jump on a plane, fly to Aus, buy a brand new bird for about $13,000 Aus (which is about $50 US ) and ship it back??
Do it with a buddy and split the costs and you both could have new bikes for reasonable prices!

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davesxx01

I was going to get a FJR, even orderded one but cancelled. Now that this GTR is out I want to see them on the road and get some rider reviews before I make a decision.
I would like a little more protection and hard bags but not quite Gold Wing. ST13 would be nice but I need the power of the 'Bird.

r2t2

Upside... I can't afford a new bike... The other upside is... I don't want one. I'm plenty happy with the 'Bird. Besides, I spend way too much effort and time tweaking the machine to fit me... Why would I want to start all over again, after I've gotten the 'Bird pretty much spot on???

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RayK
aka MileHi

gourmet

After having said I hate Kawasaki's I can't believe that I am very seriously considering the GTR or the ZX14. The Bird is great. Just finished my 7th season with it and it is a great bike but something that has been designed and built 10 years later on does tweek my interest.

Probably like to go with the ZX14 as I feel at age 38 I'd like to have one more hyper tourer before looking at the GTR/ST/FJR in my mid 40's.

But then again I was seriously looking at a CBR1000RR but I like to tour too much to go that route. Sure I could add it to the garage but then I lose 1 wife. Not a good trade IMHO.

Garvey

airborneXX

I'm a loong way from wearing out my 97. If Honda doesn't have a replacement by that time I'll pick up a low mileage '03 or take the power loss and go to a Viffer

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sfarson

Upgrading the '99 here with new suspension, 4-2-1 exhaust, PCIII... I prefer it easily versus the ZX14. Admittedly, with only 25K on the odom it makes the choice easier.

The Kawaski's do not tug at my heartstrings. Guess when it comes to Asian bikes, I'm loyal to Honda... maybe to a fault. But they just seem a slight cut above when it comes to thoughtfulness, quality, and reliability.

Preceding noted, there is a finer bike than the ZX if one is willing to keep it under 175mph (Just about everyone). Every review notes it is higher tech, more refined, better handling, and certainly better looking (imo)...

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r2t2

Yeah... Yeah... yeah...
But what really gets me, is that you still take some of the finest pictures I've ever seen... And you can even make that Bavarian wiener-cycle look good!!!

I'm not that brand loyal, but the 'Bird still flips my switch and has proven to be THE KEEPER...

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RayK
aka MileHi

Logoman

Nice bike and I'd always prefer a Honda. Didn't think it was available here in the US.

Do you think you're going to be too old for the 'Bird at 45? (Or a bike in that category) That's the age most of us buy one. I hear of 70 year old guys riding 'Birds and you all know Doug. He's positively ancient at 63 () and he rides like the devil. I plan to ride something like this until I run out of life.

Remember that BMW's are for the well-heeled. I heard replacing that rear shock will set you back about 3 large. And you'll need to do it at 20-25K miles. I doubt I have my facts completely straight, but you get the idea. Very nice bike that doesn't offer a bunch more advantages over the 'Bird yet comes with more complication and bigger bills.

I'm brand loyal. More of a guideline than a