I've recently purchased the 07 Kawasaki ZZR1400 ABS model with low mileage and I'm absolutely thrilled with the bike. I ride everyday for commuting and also use my bike as a true card substitute and do a number business trips to the contient a year. I also love to jump on the bike and just ride when I have time off. So I needed a versatile all-rounder that is also fun.

I had been looking to get a new bike after several years living with a BMW. I wanted something with good value for money and more fun than my BMW. Since this was my first foray into the sports bike world I read a lot of reviews and the MCN review of the ZZR1400 (or ZX14 Ninja as its known in the US) really sold it for me.

In about a month's ownership I've already clocked around 3k miles and have made a trip to Paris and also one up to the lake district in addition to my daily 35mile commutes into London.

The bike is fantastic. It has massive power but is refined and well-behaved if you want it to be with very smooth roll on. But like all Kwackers it has a crazy side and this bike is wild if you are in the mood for it. Just twist right hand hard in any gear and hold on. Remember in Star Trek when they go to warp speed and you see the stars come towards you? This is what its like on the ZZR. You will feel the nearly 200hp and 0-60 2.4sec potential of the bike. With experience you will learn how to do this without ripping your arms out of their sockets.

Having said this, its a very refined ride with comfortable riding position and fantastic handling. Does very nicely in traffic although the long (anti-wheelie) wheelbase does make the turning circle a little big. Lovely handling on country twisties. I would never have guessed it weighed 215kg. The aerodynamics are great with surprisingly low buffeting at speed. Having said this I've ordered a double bubble screen to give me a little more headroom on long-distance rides. Coming from a comfy BMW touring saddle, the seat on the ZZR does get me sore after hours of riding and the riding position is not as comfortble as the totally upright BMW, but this is an acceptable price for me to pay for the sheer fun of this bike, which my old boxer, much as I love it, can never approach. (Boxer is fun in its own way, see my other review). The position is not the foetus like positions on the true race bikes. I've never owned a Hayabusa, but in my opinion this bike is more comfortable and better suited to everday use.

Engine is brilliant. I understand from other owners of this bike that it is possible to get up to 45-50 mpg out of the bike, but I must caution you that this would require a discipline beyond my abilities. I just can't stop twisting the throttle hard whenever there is a break in traffic or an empty motorway straightaway. Its like flying a jet fighter. Of course this is bad for fuel economy (I'm getting around 30-35 in city and 40 on motoways). Also discovered that fuel economy rapidly tails off at higher speeds (no numbers will be cited here but this bike will effortlessly cruise at any speed you want it to). I do the London - Paris route regularly and noted that the bike is capable of cruising at a higher speed than the Eurostar. I did not attempt this, but its good conversation piece.

Twisting throttle hard is also bad for tyre life (my 'new' BT104 rear tyre I put on a few weeks ago just might make it to 3000 miles if I take it very easy from this point on). I've also been kind of surprised by the oil consumption on the bike. So far I've had to top up about 1.5 litres, but the dealer asured me that this its normal for the bike to consume up to 1L per 1k miles. Also informed me that this may be related to my driving style and tendency to (you guessed it) twist throttle hard. All things considered, although rational brain says twisting hard won't get you to work faster, its just so much fun to do!

Luggage possibilities are limited, and the Kawasaki dealer told me that Kawasaki themselves officially do not allow panniers to be installed on the bike as these apparently interfere with the aerodynamics at speed and are potentially dangerous. Anyway trust me if you get this bike it would be a terrible mutilation to put panniers on it, its just too good looking as is. Its like putting a cart onto an Arabian horse. The tiny top box officially avaiable from Kawasaki was too small to be of use and also not flattering for the bike. My solution was to buy a set of Kreiga tail and tank packs that has served well on my two long distance rides this month.

As alluded above, this bike is stunning to look at and all kinds of people will stare at you. Bikers, pedestrians, envious cyclists, truck drivers, everybody. The other day I was stopped at a red light and a young girl in the car beside winked at me. This didn't happen on my BMW. The distinctive lights on the front will cause fellow bikers in oncoming traffic to identify you from far away and this may cause your head to get tired of returning constant nods of 'respect'. HINT: flick your high beams instantaneously instead, this will save you the nodding and also earn you additional 'respect' as everybody loves to see the whole concert of 4 front lights come on -- I think its unique to the ZZR). The clocks are lovely too with a great LCD display. Mine has a problem with the gearshift indicator, but apparently this is a known fault and Kawasaki will replace on warranty.

Bought a 08 model, toyed with the thought of the ZZR two years ago but bought a ZX-10R instead(Mistake for me). Real world all rounder, will not be a star on a track day but will hold it's own but on the road it is a pleasure to consume every mile with ease. Kawasaki have re-awoken the ZZR legacy and added a new future classic to the great history of Kawasaki Motorcycles.

Bought my Kawasaki ZZR1400 new in August 2006, replaced a Harley! It does everything you ask of it. I find it more comfortable than the ZX12R I had before, with less vibs. Engine not as responsive low down as the 12 but get it above 5000rpm and boy does it fly! Has done 4500 miles now. First back tyre at 2000 miles before a trip to France, will shortly need new tyres front and back. Fuel consumption miles better than the ZX12 and matchs the Harley. I have had nothing go wrong with it and the finish is holding up well, I ride all year round when work allows. I use throw over bags and they fit no problem, can't use tank bag as magnets have nothing to stick to! I have been toying with the idea of replacing it with the touring version but apart from the shaft drive don't see what it offers over and above the ZZR.