Clash of the Titans | Kawasaki's ZZR1400 / ZX-14r *Vs* Z H2

[@johnadams7402]

I've a 2013 ZX14R, turns head everywhere. Passion Red... Rode 1400 miles in two and a half days. Running ahead of a storm, handed beautifully. Great bike.

[@andiebaz93]

I had the Z H2 when it came out in 2020 and thought it was epic, couldn't stop grinning when hearing that supercharged chirp. The downside is servicing costs, £1865 for the 30k service is ridiculous.....the ZZR14 is a brilliant bike, handles better than it has any right to, covers miles like nothing else though I do have a top yolk conversion on it to take the weight off my wrists, downsides are no quickshifter or cruise control. Both stunning bikes 😁

[@andyninja949]

Andy get that carling down ya mate 😂

[@andiebaz93]

@@andyninja949 I intend to mate 🤣🤣🤣

[@Fearless154]

But it's so fucking boring to ride. I own a 2014 SE model. That is legit one of the most soulless motorcycles ever made.

[@killernugget97]

@@Fearless154 different strokes for different folks i guess but im curious as to what about the 14 makes it boring/soulless to you. Im riding a 2007 atm and while calm its anything but boring (to me).

[@Fearless154]

@@killernugget97 I find the power very predictable, and the bike is very docile unless you poke it with the stick, and the aerodynamic build makes you not feel the sense of speed. I have multiple times been cruising down the highway, thinking I'm doing 80 mph, then looking at the speedo and it was 120 mph. I understand that for some, it is a huge benefit, but for me, if I want a superbike, I don't want a bike that can just go fast; I want something wild and breath-taking.

[@florme6494]

The looks of the zx14r is perfection. Such presence. Probably my favourite looking bike. It’s like the world stops as one passes me. I’ve owned a couple, and looks is its biggest thumbs up for me. The actual riding you can find better elsewhere. In my opinion.

[@hatorihanso1238]

I have a ZZR1400 just love it, ❤❤❤❤

[@Jeremiah_Johnson139]

The ZX-14R has a much less aggressive seating position than the Sport & Super bikes, which is one of the reasons I bought mine. I can regularly ride around 3 hours without a break. If you're getting pain in your wrists, you need to grip the tank with your knees, dont lock your elbows, and use your back muscles to support your weight.

[@custommotor]

I have ridden both these bikes I actually prefer the zh2. My buddy has a 14 and the position is just a little bit further forward, but the seat makes up for it by being a little bit more comfortable. The zh2 you set a lot more upright though so you never have wrist pains at least in my case. My only problem with it is even with a aftermarket seat it's too narrow at the front and doesn't hug your thighs the way it should.

[@MrBrentles]

I just did 900km on my 2018 zxr in 2 days. Hard to stop riding. Great video.

[@andyninja949]

Absolutely fantastic review 👏 love my ZH2

[@dupajasiu920]

Great vid. One thing I would not agree with - the throttle response in ZX14R. It is twitchy as hell, in my view. I have also Versys 300 and to open it up, my wrist has to travel twice the distance or more. I would appreciate it in the ZX14R. Going around the town, I have the impression, I operate the throttle in a range of minimeters, which is quite stressfull. You have to control your right hand all the time. Other than that, thank you for your work. Finally, we have a "ZX14R" dedicated channel on YT. I absolutely love this bike too.

[@bignig2278]

I take it, you get sand in your vagina when you go to the beach too, and complain about it.

[@pauldark3044]

Since having 3 ZZR1400's (last 2014 model ) i feel i know what im talking about: 1. Looks/sound is of course individuell but with right colours and seat cowl it turn heads everywhere, the sound if you take out the db killers on the akras is the best sound i heard from a motorcycle. 2. Rideability, it's aggressive especially the knee angle, i also bought bar raisers but didn't put them on, i get a sore bum after 1 hour (so thinking about another seat) don't agree about the clutch, have an Ninja H2 and that's a heavy clutch. 3. Motor/Performance, agree they should haved released more torq down low but what a smooth motor it is, so easy to launch as well, and the build up to max rpm is wow! 4. Overall, i normally don't keep bikes longer than 20000 km but with the zzr1400 it's nothing in the market that can replace it ( was thinking of an h2sx se but no), and feeling getting in that saddle with that motor underneat makes you feel like a King! And by the way your 0-60 runs we're not good😉

[@DsCheng81]

I add a raiser and tour around 1200km touring trip. Around 12 hrs journey. No issue at all. What a great motor.❤❤

[@estevangarcia2690]

Zx-14 all day

[@andrewgrindrod1292]

Had a zzr1400 since 07 and turbocharged it in 10 comfort speed and just love it still have it.....rode a zh2.....it was alright but havent found anything to match it...been across europe on it a number of times.......it is a sport tourer!

[@cramalnig]

Nice vid to watch, thanks! The Z H2 is nuts, these super-naked's really are becoming a mark in their own right, what a brilliant machine. And it was only the other day when looking at one in a dealership that I noticed it's its own bike in its own right, and not just an undressed H2SX like I assumed it was - but for me, what the heck were they thinking with designing its nose like that?? 😕 As for the run times, I've read articles in the past that certain riders, when testing, have notched up 2.1 seconds to 60, and each one of them all made the same comment referring to the riders ability with the clutch at the right point in revs. I've tried it on my ZZR, learning its response, by holding the revs up around 7k at standstill, and on different runs, varying my engagement of the clutch, to just dumping it - I was gobsmacked just how fast and brutal it took off when I'd got to grips with it 😧

[@nasto19nj]

I’ve had a 1st gen Zx14 and a 2nd gen z1000. Never would I have thought to compare them. A comparison to the Z1000s cracked out bro, ZH2 is not something I knew I needed.

[@psycotria]

I never owned an original 1970's H2 2-stroke, but I did get to ride them. They would bog down until ~6K RPMs then hit the power band hard. Kawasaki in Miami sold their old 1973 stock of two strokes cheap. The KH500 was $395 and the KH750 was $495 in 1974 (or even 1975) dollars, if I remember correctly. (I was 11 or 12 years old.)

[@kellygrant4964]

am so happy to live in Canada. No yearly "checkup" to go thru. I have a yosh racing prpe with no cats. That sound from the ZX14 is astounding.

[@davidmckendry5551]

Well I owned and toured on a zzr1400 , I’m 6’1 I had no problem fitting into it, fabulous machine I wish I still had it. As for the h2 I’ve road tested it, it’s ok but far too much tech on board plus I can’t imagine the service cost of it especially with it having a super charger. It depends on what you want and what you like styling wise. Personally I’ll be buying another zzr1400 soon.

[@charlesferrell4341]

Great review, however, your 0 to 60 was very flawed in favor of the h2. 5hank you for your time doing the comparison, I enjoyed it

[@vikenlink]

I had 3 western ZX14R’s 2009-2014- 2016 the 09 was called a ZX14 without the R…. Definitely should have had a quick shifter, heated grips, and cruise control. As for the instrument cluster, it would have been excellent if Kawasaki added a Fl PTF screen for the speedometer in the centre screen instead of just the analogue gauges. When you’re going at warp speed, you don’t have a lot of time to look down to see how fast you’re actually going with a nice big PTF screen in the middle with big digits second glance isn’t necessary.

[@bignig2278]

That's because the 09 was NOT a zx14r. Not rocket science.

[@richardcerritelli9657]

I would take the zx1400 any day over the zh2

[@Floyd-df2uq]

I used to own a Zzr1400 and currently own a Z-H2. Once you flash the zh2 it is miles ahead of the Zzr1400. More power and torque everywhere, and much more nimble.

[@richardcerritelli9657]

@@Floyd-df2uq I I'm getting ahead of myself I'm thinking of the future zh2 it's going to cost a fortune to maintain that's why I don't mess with superchargers I'll take the zx1400 any day old pure muscle displacement can't beat it for maintenance and performance.

[@Floyd-df2uq]

@@richardcerritelli9657 No wrong answers mate 🙂. The zx14r is an absolute beast with a stonking engine. I owned one for 3 years and used it for commuting and touring. Zero issues. I got the ecu flashed and the bike made 206bhp at the rear wheel. It was very fast. My zh2 in comparison is an animal predominantly because it is short geared and is a naked bike, so you feel the speed compared to the zx14r. Reliability has been just as good and there are plenty of people on forums who've done 50k or more miles. The engine is solid. I'd suggest taking a look at the new Busa also in case you're interested in a sports tourer.

[@spencersmith7266]

It's very difficult to launch bikes like this precisely unless you are particularly experienced at doing so. I sensed that you may have held onto the clutch a little too long on ZX14 which hindered your take off slightly - nevertheless, an admirable attempt.

[@helsfury]

zx1400R every day, all day. Passion Red............it is a gorgeous bike. As far as Z H2, come down to State Capitol Raceway with that bike and see what happens to you up against the 14R. You will be smoked up in short order.

[@gdfggggg]

I’ve got a 1999 zzr1100 and it’s my baby.

[@warpig417]

I have a ZZR-1200 which was the sport touring precursor to the ZX-14R which I also own. I am 5'-8" and I find the ZX-14R to have a more comfortable riding position (legs, seat, and no wrist ache) for me without handlebar risers which I have on my older ZZR-1200 and always had on long trips. I sat on an H2 yesterday and found the seat harder, higher and the riding position not so much to my liking. As far as sport touring, you are leaving out two important factors: wind protection (none to speak of on your naked H2) which will tire you and seating for a passenger. My wife looked at the tiny pillion on the H2 and right away said, "No way." One more thing that probably should have been in your comparison was price. For my 2021 ZX-14R, I paid just over $14,000 USD and the price of the H2 is $28,000. That's a large chunk of change for and not getting 2x the performance. I have watched a few of your videos and like them very much. Keep making them and I'll keep watching.

[@EffequalsMA]

The zh2 tempts me but I would not give up my 14r for it. You can tune both bikes and that's always my standard of comparison. The zh2 can give you back more there being supercharged. The 14 r is transformed by a funk tune. The grunt increase is phenomal, to the point its almost impossible to wick it on fully at lower speeds and gears, I took two teeth off the back sprocket after this and didn't even notice.

[@grant31781]

Great video review. You need to work on your launch. I just review one of my videos of 0 to 60 mph on my MT07 and my former Z900. Both bikes are stock with no straps on the front. The have aftermarket exhaust but no tune. MT07 did 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and the Z900 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. The MT07 is hard to launch since it really like to wheelie. I try to find the right amount of revs that let me drop the clutch relatively fast. That gives a strong jump off the line. I also lean as far forward as I can to keep the front down. I am missing that z900 power now considering something with more.

[@daviddale423]

It takes a lot of bottle to do a fast 0-60. I owned a zzr1400 but had to sell it due to illness. I'm shortly going to get a second one. I looked at the Z H2 and every other bike, I even put a deposit on a BMW but couldn't pull the trigger, they all seemed like toys next to the zzr1400.

[@chadkline4268]

Thanks, I appreciated this comparison. Do you say the zH2 is better for 6'3, 6'4? 195cm? Interesting to hear that the 1400 is not really good for touring because it seems to be promoted as such. It's also listed in lists of bikes suitable for taller men. 15% of men in western countries are over 6ft, and I wish they would be addressed more than they are, which is never 🤔😁👍 Awesome, you're a MMA fighter and a biker too? Hehe. Badass 😎 Me too. It was nice to hear your free expressions as you rode. It's also ashame that ease of maintenance is never part of reviews. Thanks again. Good comparison.

[@snakeman9902]

Just out of interest and slightly off topic, what martial arts are you practicing? The thing is with the zzr1400, yes you like the h2 clearly, however, like most zzr1400 owners, you speak with real admiration and love when you talk about the zzr1400 and understandably so. It's like talking about an ex gf, she was real fine and lovely, however, the woman I'm with now is really fine. For the zzr1400 0-60. Put the power on full and turn the traction off, you will see the real power of the beast. Don't change gear, keep on first and snap those revs back hard.

[@motomallen]

OK, I gave this a like, but what is this Gas you keep referring to? I couldn't see a NO2 bottle and I'm pretty sure Kawasaki didn't make a hydrogen-powered version of either one of these bikes. Yes, I'm taking the piss, but I am a British biker who's nearly 60 years old and have been riding a ZX10r for the last 4 years.

[@boriskuryakintattooartist]

To be honest MAN, I see that the roads in the UK look so SHITTY.... man.... you can't really enjoy the ride compared with the roads here in the US...... i ride my zx 14r on the highways in the US and the feeling is insane...

[@Yii00T]

The ZH2 and the ZH2 SE I'd like to see the differences between them as these are 2 completely different bikes.

[@khichhivchhour2039]

That sound comparison wasn't so fair.

[@GeorgeFafa]

pc5 and dyno the 14....210bhp at the wheel and all the low torque youd want.

[@rabola55]

They way you ride and talk, riding in jeans and that helmet.... I think you would be happier on a cruiser bike. You talk about 200bhp power, wheelies, turning off traction control (really 😂) as if you are an expert rider.

[@oshitt1]

7000 drop cluch full throttle, should beIn the 2's, head on the key, elbows as low as you can.

[@monkmoto1887]

They won’t make a new zx14r because they want to sell the new H2sxse or whatever it’s called over there

[@jaythomasni]

The Z H2 is missing an inch of Wheelbase and a good Subframe for seating two. for balanced ride as a real sport tourer. otherwise, excellent package. They made the seating look like Italian totally ignoring creature comfort instead they could have gone the Honda Cafe Racer CB1000R style.

[@russelldawnspencer9999]

You were not launching the 1400 hard enough you should be able to do 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds.

[@todayisagoodday5027]

The only thing the MT10 and ZH2 have in common is bad gas mileage. I have a 2020 and my buddy has an MT10. MT can't hold a candle to the ZH2. Get a comfort seat and your good to go. The super charger churp is enough by itself to get the ZH2.

[@richardcerritelli9657]

@@todayisagoodday5027 Until you have to go in and get service on that bike it's going to cost a fortune with a supercharger.

[@todayisagoodday5027]

@@richardcerritelli9657 28,000 miles on this bike and no issues yet. It is still a Japanese bike. These bikes are built to last just like the rest of the lineup. This is my 3rd Kawasaki.

[@evilwestsidefan9249]

Seemed like you were holding back on the 0- 60 runs, get the rpms up at launch so you are in the torque curve more. That is why a twin will beat you off the line, low rpm torque.

[@custommotor]

I completely agree. Just a few thousand RPM would help. But, I think that would give a definitive advantage to the ZX-14 then. I have ridden a couple zx-14s and recently I bought a zh2. The ZX14 is ridiculously easy to launch even in modified form. The zh2 though is a pain in the butt to launch without almost immediately popping a wheelie. My last bike was a BMW S1000RR and I can get off the line exceedingly quick with that. The zh2 is nowhere as docile. Then again I do have a stage 2 bren tune on it so that's probably my main issue. I really need to put it back to stock to see what it does.

[@samuraisteve2775]

Spoken like someone who has never ridden that wheelie machine. Thanks for the worthless advice. Launch the H2 harder…that will help. There is definitely better advice out there.

[@evilwestsidefan9249]

@@custommotor The h2 has a shorter wheel base for better track handling, the zx14 is longer so better for launching.

[@Popsm0ke]

considering I run the 1/8 mile in 5.76 seconds at 126 mph on my 14 I'm snickering at those 0-60 numbers

[@jpbsv]

Derestrict both bikes then run your test. That zh2 will absolutely shred the zzr14

[@michaelmurphy1028]

Wrong

[@jpbsv]

@@michaelmurphy1028 my zh2 makes 240hp. It's derestricted. Try again.

[@michaelmurphy1028]

@@jpbsv pre 2016 ZX-14Rs have more power period than the h2 Don't let the supercharger fool you I had 2 pre 2016 ZX-14Rs

[@michaelmurphy1028]

I think you guys who bought the h2 which is literally double the money are having buyers remorse You really don't get much more over the zx14r for $30000

[@killernugget97]

derestrict both of them and know them both well , and the zzr/zx14 will absolutely munch it from a stop or in a drag race. the zh2 just isn't made for launching.

[@JoolzThePirate]

Zzr14 is old and you should’ve not bothered

[@vinceroberts6529]

The zzr 14 is slower then the zx14r way slower atleast here in the USA the zzr is more of a touring bike that's just what I kno because the zx10r makes more HP then the zx14

[@samuraisteve2775]

Are you 12? Thanks for telling us what you “know” from stats. One day you will get your license and your opinion will BEGIN to matter.

[@jasoncook6177]

Lol Kwaka shit busa busa busa all the way lol 😆

[@hatorihanso1238]

😂No way hose, the ZZR is my favorite ❤ and I have one I give you a tumb up anyway 😂 Peace and love , ride safe man. Best regards from Norway

[@dennyurie4038]

Kawasaki makes the fastest bike's on earth man the busa is way played out my friend remember Kawasaki king of kings bud don't hate on the king. You like a little slower bike is all not a big deal. Ride safe but don't ever forget the ZX14R is most definitely faster then the suzuki 🚌 bus just sayingg☆

[@user-ge9mt2pu6p]

I already own first hypernaked - Honda x11. Now looking for nice zzr1400. Fairings on highway are needed ;)