How much Power do you "Really" Need on a Motorcycle? 

I bought a ZX 14 mostly for the ease of freeway riding , you can effortlessly cruise at 95/100 mph at below 5000rpm ..and when you see an open road ..open up!

I’ve had my zx14r for two years now and I love it. I’ve get through rush hour traffic with ease. It is so comfortable and there’s no need to down shift to pass. Just give it a twist and hold on. If you twist it too far, triple digits here you come and that’s just second gear. Mustangs, chargers, challenger, corvettes, bmw m series Porsche don’t stand a chance without dropping serious money into the engine and transmission.

I remember the day I picked up my zx14r from the dealer, the salesman told me to kiss my license goodbye 😳

I have a Suzuki B-King, I put off buying it because the thought of the power scared me but now I daily drive in town traffic. It's effortless to ride anywhere, hills don't exist, lane split too. Absolutely love it.

“How much power do you really need?” That’s easy……. MORE!!!!! 😁😎

I Ride A 1977 Kawasaki Kz1000 For 46 Years And I Love It 🤐😎🏍

My first zzr1400 was a 2006 Gen 1. Fell in love instantly with that bike! I now have a 2016 Gen 2 with 10k miles on it. Just bought some GPR exhausts that will go on soon and getting it flashed at BSD in Peterborough. Not after any power gains as that's not what I have the bike for, just getting the euro 4 emissions shite turned off and a smoother more rideable bike. Keep the content coming!

Just bought a 2013 ZX 14 R and I totally love it. Power is shocking. 😃

Love my ZZR1400 Makes my daily 80 miles round trip to work far more enjoyable than a car or my 749S Plenty of torque makes munching up the miles a doddle. And as I travel to work at night it's a lot quieter than a high revving smaller capacity sports bike. Not just a one trick pony.

This is where I ended up after years of research and limited chances to ride the bikes I was interested in. This will be long- I went from a 50cc to a 1000R and now the ZX-14 (or ZZR as it's know in other parts of the world 😉) which is the third street bike that I've owned. No kill like overkill as they say, and I feel like a 600 will kill you just as fast.. My first bike was a 50cc "moped" called a Rieju RS-2 (Aprilia RS-50 knockoff) and I loved it. I could whale on it anywhere and everywhere, without even going over the speed limit. I did just about everything to it (75cc big bore, pipe, reeds, clutch, carb etc.) before I sold it. I got a beautiful K5 GSXR 1000 last summer and it's great at being a Gixxer, but I really wanted a better daily and long trip rider without any compromise, so I rolled the dice on a 2010 ZZR-14 (sorry, I just can't, it's a ZX-14R) and I think its the perfect choice. It's so much more comfortable than the SuperSports that I've ridden or sat on and the best part, in my opinion, is the glorious amount of torque, not horsepower (it has plenty of that too), that's always on tap. I personally never liked 600R's and felt like they're too "picky" when you ask for full power, like "I don't want to, maybe try a different gear. Do I have to? Ok fine, get ready, I'll do it". 1000R's are much better, like "Ok I'm ready, let's do this" and the ZX-14 is like "I already gave you everything because you had that look, hope that's what you wanted", and I'm like YES that's exactly what I wanted, thank you! If you understand any of that then you get it too. If not, I'm saying that it's very fast at all times yet it's still easy to ride. From my limited experience, it's both faster and easier to ride than a 600R or 1000R, from city to highway and everything in between, and I'm always much more comfortable too. It's a fantastic bike that I plan to keep as a daily, barring any unforeseen issues (or death) that might occur. Don't get me wrong, I don't think there's anything wrong with smaller displacement bikes, the ZX14 just does almost everything better. Now I can let that K5 stay low miles and clean indoors, and ride the ZX up and down the east coast US. If you're thinking about getting one (and actually know how to ride, of course) I would say ride one if you can, if not it's probably worth rolling the dice to find out. The only downside is the weight, which doesn't really bother me because I'm not going to be dragging my knees on the street around every corner. It might pose a problem if you are a bit smaller and need to push it through grass or uphill every day. I really hope that helps someone because I was banging my head for a long time trying to find the "perfect bike". I think this is as close as I'll ever get. Feel free to ask questions if you want and I'll try to help out.

You make some pretty good points. Power you have vs power you can realistically use aren't the same things. My fz6 is too fast for the city but if I was on a 250 or something similar I could ride its nuts off all day every day!

I have a 750 Katana and love it. Just spent this afternoon riding it. It has more than enough power and still I am starting to crave for a ZZR1400. You don't buy this kinda bikes bc you need them, you buy them bc you feel like it.

5:14 Sends chills down my spine... lol Can't wait to get mine at the end of the year.

Driving a ZX-14 around the city? WTF man, what kind of a revue is that????

I absolutely love winding it out in 2nd gear at full throttle. You must hang on tight and be ready do add some rear brake because that wheel can come up quickly.

As a current owner of a ZX14R... 2016.... I have 15K on the clock. This guy is just blah blah blah.... I do everything with my bike... love it and everything it will do and out perform... PERIOD.

Had a Super Blackbird for nearly 8 years a fantastic bike.

When I had a 600cc it tempted me to much I would take more risks getting the most out of each gear and speeding around in town more in n out of traffic, because its light ,, but then I bought GSXR 1000 I respected the power more and took less risks ,, I now have a ZX10 R on an 09 moded, the last of the true inline fours before the ABS and traction control came into play, so you need to be on your game . im at 53 degrees on lean from my tire indicators.. living on the edge,, on surfaces I know and trust .but any bike can kill you regardless of power and skill.....but If your not a rider ,, you have nt lived..

What alot of people don't realise is that bikes like this only produce 200+ hp at full welly which you would or could very rarely use. Most of the time riding around in traffic as in this clip shows how much power do you have at the rear wheel, probably not much at all, maybe as much power as a 650 Kawasaki ER6 😄 , which makes for a very easy, tractable and torquey ride. Big bikes are relaxing and less frantic to ride than smaller bikes but then smaller bikes also have advantages especially when it comes to tighter roads. It really depends on the type and style of riding you intend doing. I had the Kawasaki GTR 1400 for a few years and it was the best bike I've ever owned though not necessarily the best for the type of riding I prefer so I ended up going down in weight and power to a 1200 aprilia 🤣. Buying bikes is not really about what you need but rather about what turns you on. What ever you decide on you have to enjoy it or the whole process is a waste of time.

Love the music of that engine btw. Sublime!

Your content is so good man so in depth you deserve more subscribers 🙌

I have one, I need the power, just love it❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I have a zzr 1100 goes like stink love her to bits

There is nothing wrong about the clutchless shifting. This is the correct and safe way of changing the gear up and very natural for the sequential gearbox. I'm surprised why people argue that...

i've owned 10 motorcycles and ridden probably hundreds more (worked at a shop) and i really need 198hp/118 lb ft tq at the rear tire. oddly enough that is what mine has. (whew). love my 2019 zx14r. only performance mods are a K&N air filter, Delkevic exhaust (18" oval with DB KILLER REMOVED) and a Moore Mafia Dyno tune. for comfort i went with a zero gravity touring windshield, roaring toys lowering links, 1" bar risers.

Hi there British man. I am Australian and I am 57. I do love your review on the big bikes. I love the ZZR1400. But if I should choose to buy the ZZR 1400, Bar risers and get those pegs lowered. In its standard form its simply not comfortable at all. I just don`t understand why Japan does not seem to think that older riders like speed with comfort? Come on Japan. The world has an aging population. We still like to go fast.

Thank you so much! I'm thinking about a zzr1400 and this is the first video that answered my question: how is it if I get in to heavy traffic and have to filter! The performance and power it's obvious and all the videos only talk about that

I'm a proud owner of zx1400r for more then 6 years. IT took me over a year to understand what limits this machine really has. I love windy roads with her, to play around 4 to 8 rpm hitting apexes with smallest twist of the wrist decompress into the corners then winding out of corners is just a rush. It's a must to do all upgrades on her. Some guys drop a tooth on the front sprocket or go 2 up on the back. Trust me there's no need what's so ever. Truly there's no need. I'm not a small guy, I'm 100kg guy as hitting a straight run, it tells you without a doubt, hang on with life and limb. Fantastic bike wanting to live in the moment

I do agree I had a sv650 fully faired so looked good to I had few hair raising moments on that being such a light bike even my vfr800 was nice around town but I wouldn't go back from my current zzr1400

In Wyoming a 50mph head wind it felt sluggish + fuel gets cut back due to thin air , but mileage went up

I used a zx12 then a 2009 zx14 on to a gen 2 Zx14 for a daily driver and it’s awesome! It can get you out of a pinch really quick. Keeps you safe because it brakes quick and accelerates quickly too.

You are in control of twisting the wrist and clutching every shift....always nice to have to much then beating the piss out of what is there

My first ZZR1400 was a 09 Gen1,kept it for a year and a half and in May PX it against a 2015 ZZR1400 Performance Sport.

I commute on mine. It’s a nice ride thru the countryside and some time on the highway. It’s pretty enjoyable. If I was in stop and go traffic I would agree with you tho.

You can ask any owner of a 14 and all of them, myself included, will tell you how awesome these bikes are and the power is a big part of the appeal.

I don't need the HP in my car!! But, I love it. I get my ZZr1400 in a week!

Great video mate , I live right by there and was only riding that same route myself yesterday 😆

I have this bike and it's is like having everything in a motorcycle had Iver 50 bikes from peds to blades this thing does it all Drag racing. Trackdays touring or popping to work and in comfort. Plod around at under 7k and its quick over 7k and its a time machine and makes me smile everytime.

I’m wishing i still had my 1986 Kawasaki Z-1300-6Cyl EFI Best all-round bike I’ve ever owned. Been riding since 1975 and got my learners permit on a Honda 750-4cyl and now ride a Ducati 996 V-Twin Sport-Touring. I love its stump pulling torque and sound etc, but the 6 cylinder Kawasaki made me feel like i was at home - hard to explain! Safe, smooth, fast, capable, comfortable. And all the women i met wanted to hop on the back - for me to take them for a ride anywhere. Had lots of fun afterwards too 😅

Had a couple of 1100,s - always a blast to ride and absolutely reliable. I’d get a 1400 but feel I ought to get something less thirsty especially as I’m burning fuel unnecessarily 👍

Looking good, I did 195mph on my stock 2021 Kawasaki zx14r. What ram mount are you using?

“There’s no such thing as too much power… just not enough traction”- Carroll Shelby I think

Beautiful bike man... Yea I bought the Mt 10 this week.. had a z750r but the difference in just astonishing lol.. full on power house ... But still as I ride daily and all through the year.. it's alot better for me.. but can still have amazing fun on weekends

i ride a 2022 Kawasaki 1000SX everyday to work. I love it. The wieght is no problem and I am not a tall guy. 166cm everytime Im riding I love it.

That’s what I thought when I bought my CBRXX🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊😊

Great video, im happy with my GSX650F

The 14R is for me.

I'm 28 and I never learned how to drive a car. I've drove 20+ bikes. Bottom line is get a bike and forget everything else people say. Every machine has something soothing in them. Appreciate it. Also, cars sucks.

Awesome sounding bike, do you still have the baffles in the Akrapovics? Also are you recording exhaust sound separately as you have the perfect mix of voice to exhaust without wind noise. Perhaps your title should be on a commuter motorcycle. I did my test on an ER6 plenty power but a little cramped for long distance, also have to take your eyes off the road to see the Speedo. The Rocket 3R has way more torque, I think 220Nm/165ftlb, the FZ1-S in my opinion is the ideal commuter with enough power for blowing away the cobwebs. Maybe I'm a bit biased though, as I happen to own probably the most desirable Custom model. Soon I take delivery of a ZZR Performance Sport, the last of it's kind in this part of the World, specked up for touring...Each to his own.

I own a Yamaha Vmax Gen 1. An old gal! That I take out on the weekends. Its obviously not my commute bike. The problem is, that as much as I have appreciated my commute bikes, my Vmax's power and especially torque, always create a void when I'm on any other bike..

I'm pretty happy with my 54HP on my CBF500. It's faster from 0 to 100 km/h than most of the cars on the road. It needs just 5 liters/100km. And it's cheap.

It sounds great, not too loud. unlike crap bands who hide behind volume to make up for their lack of talent, translated to motorcycles has me thinking of an overpriced american/thailand made machine that is stupid loud. I like stupid quick myself! Some like to be seen and pose and others like to be overtaking so fast that we are not seen but briefly heard like a swarm of bees! I agree about sportbikes on the road. They look great but a street fighter/naked/hooligan/sport tourer bike is far more comfortable and practical for everyday riding and look pretty good in their own right. My old 2009 FZ1 suits me just fine.

A good commuter bike is one that make you happier when you ride it to work then if you took your regular vehicle. Power that your really need.... My thoughts are if you can't control yourself and especially the bike then you have to much power. Some people have to much power when riding little mopeds.... others a turbo busa is "just enough". You have to know your limits and pick that bike that both makes you happy and fits your personality and intended biking style. Know yourself and ignore the naysayers.

Anything over 500cc is unnecessary, but no matter what bike you ride even the zx14r we’re all still getting better gas mileage than any car and less maintenance and cost etc. so can’t go wrong what bike you buy if you really want it. A car to compare to a 1000cc bike would cost $70k and upwards very often

Hayabusa , Zzr 1400 and Fireblade XX can not be replaced. All these new crazi Hp, unconfortable, very very expensive bikes, won’t be so memorable as the first 3 mentioned. History can not be forgoten. Over the years, people will remember Busa and zzr1400. All the rest looks the same….R1, M1000rr, Panigale and so and so…..

Happy with 40hp and a steady 70mph with 70mpg.

i have commuted with both Concours 14 and the ZX14 lane splitting the whole way at least 7 miles of stopped traffic, check out the Tijuana border crossing , people wait on average 4-8 hours to cross the border to California because of the hundreds of thousands waiting to cross 24 hours to go to work the pandemic was just as bad

How much power? ..... ALL THE POWERS!! 😂

clutchless shifting is fine i do it on every bike from my honda shadow to my honda blackbird

I agree with everything you say; I have a 2020 ZZR1400 - INSANE power as you say (a lot lol) but, it’s the feeling of superiority that overrides all logic - knowing that you’re riding something that quicker than almost everything else on the road. Also, it makes my penis ever so slightly bigger! 😂.

I had a Yamaha FS1e. Beast of a bike.

Yes it's the real sport tour bike! And must stay disciplined on every ride with no matter how much power has or doesn't have.....live in western Wa. Always it's being invisible to anyone else that takes out most of bikes

The power isn't just for going fast. It's so you can go uphill, against wind, with a passenger and luggage, and be well within the capabilities. I have a >1000cc superbike, and I don't have any problem with restraint.

As much as you desire, that’s how much.

My zzr1400 has way way too much power, it's not often you're red lining it, 2nd gear you're into 3 figures! It's the beauty of not having to drop a gear to overtake, absolutely effortless. Great review 👍

70cc Honda moped to a CB125J - it was so much better .. then 550 to 800s - so much more fun. But the first ZZR 1100 - whole different ball park. My Paneuro 1100 has served me perfectly for 8 years - but a ZZR 1400 is calling 👍😎

you need ALL that is available!

How much power do u really need ? Yes

I rarely do 250kmh , because there are no autobahns where i live. You need a good surface and filtered traffic as above 160kmh or the old Ton, it comes down to human body external reality processing.The risk on rubbish roads with road trains , City drivers on country roads still urban mode, combine harvesters....risk too high.I do use the torque of the Kawasaki to cruise at 140kmh , which it does in its sleep. You can do city riding on a cruiser, but it depends on traffic density. If the cruiser is well balanced even if its 1900 cc it will do traffic. Ive had lots of them, currently on a 1900 Yamaha. The zzr will live in the 3000 rpm range but its really an open road bike ....mine at 99% on open roads works in the 5000 to 6000. rpm range most of the time. No need to peak it, its a 1450 cc flat torque bike doing 100 mph at 5000rpm. Urban rides in a congested region like S England at 3000rpm is a waste really.

As to the bug eyed 1 liter bikes found out as I whooped em out a long road as the attempt to out run me . and the their surprise I was fully loaded

I’ve got a 2008 zx6r and for me personally it’s a good amount of power for the street, I mean if you pull up next to a litre bike you feel like your riding a 125 but I mean it’s not slow by any means

I'm the happy owner of 2 ZX14 : 2007 and 2017 : One sure thing : looking at this video and riding in such areas I'll sale them and go back to a little 600 or 100 roadster. For sure the reply is "no need for such bike and power here.... 😞

1st 10sec I guessed that's a honeycomb zx10R. But after 1:48 OMG! OK!

I am a fan of the title but I saw a cool looking green and I am a 14 owner haha

Zx1400HasFasterTopSpeed

I'd like to know why those arrows at 5:25 on were all pointing the wrong direction?

In my 30 years of motorcycling I've come to the opinion that 85 hp and 85nm of torque is perfect

All of it

"Power between youur legs" he gets it...

my dream bike ZX14R

The answer is no. I’ve never thought I need more power on my ZX14r, but I still put a full titanium system and an Ivan’s ECU flash on it to get more.

There is such a thing as not enough power. When a zx10 can out run a zx14r, then it's time for a supercharged zx 14r.

crazy !! inbetween the cars !!

Hello from South Africa 🇿🇦. loved your comments and thoughts. You say nothing like it, but was wondering if you tried the new Busa, and if so how you would compare the two bikes?...keep safe bud

Talking about most torque on motorcycle... Boss Hoss V8, Max power 355 hp / 264.7 kW @ 5250 rpm, Max Torque 405 lb-ft / 549 Nm@ 3500 rpm

You never rode out west in USA . There are places you can go as fast as you want . and 50mph cross winds are not an issue. I went 500 miles in 5 hours that's with 3 gas stops

Long live the king!

I have 20 hp air cooled 350cc single cyl and I wish I had 6 hp more.

What do you mean, how much?! All the power, of course 😆

Asking questions like, "Do you need power?" Is the reason why you don't get bikes like that. Same reason you can't have guns anymore. Its not about need. Its about want. Take big bites. Moderation is for monks.

I bought a 24yr. old ZX7R 122HP is sometimes enough

i put zx10 late model 3 spoke wheels on mine they are way better and 180 rear tire instead of 190 way better and a non o ring chain way better all of this makes bike run harder and a 37 tooth rear sprocket the bike actually gates harder with the taller gearing coupled up with all that stuff i mentioned bike is way faster and lighter

If you think it's got to much power..... you are on the the wrong bike !! 🤷‍♂️

I need about a zx14r worth.. 😁😁😁

I find a cruiser in traffic horrible, low seat means you have to lift your leg at the hip ,unlike normal bikes you just bend the knee .

here computer bikes are 100cc to 150cc only which makes up 80% of traffic. :D

Why does the gauge cluster look like it’s 20 years old

that Motorcycle is TOO much for you REALLY you should give it to me and lets get you one of those 110CC Italian Fancy Scooters. Cheeriohhhhhhhhhhhh

Is it me or a optical illusion? Is he hugging the center line???

Don't forget the zx12r. Personally I think zx12r looks better than zx14