The Kawasaki ZX-14 was born in March 2006. At first glimpse at the 2008 ZX-14 you say, "Wooooo, that's the world quickest sport bike. The ZX-14 monster I've heard so much about. Ooooh, I'm scurred." Once you hop aboard this beautifully sculpted artwork exhibition, you quickly notice the comfortable riding position. It feels like a sport-touring bike. Also, the first time you give it gas you will notice that it is as gentle as a kitten. In fact, if you were blind folded and stuck in traffic with this bike you wouldn't know you had 1352cc under your leathers. I was more afraid of the Urban Legend than was necessary. What I'm saying is that this bike is as easy to drive as your sister's 600. You can't feel the extra weight (485 lbs dry). The acceleration is gentle and seamless; it's not hard to keep this bike within the speed limit or deal with Los Angeles traffic. It has a digital on-board computer that displays your current and average MPGs. The bike sports a huge 5.8 gallon tank and I still can't fit 20 bucks of 91 octane in it.

After two days of getting used to the idea that this bike can be handled with ease I took it to the Angeles Crest Forest for some real riding. I unleashed the Urban Legend and quickly found out how this bike has been clocking 9.9 second 1⁄4 mile races at the track. 80 mph feels like 50 mph and so on. The ZX-14 takes the curves like a more nimble dual sport bike. Its high sitting position allows you to just point your head in your desired direction and the bike just seems to know where to go. A beginner could ride this bike, but I wouldn't suggest it until he or she gets a few gray hairs and years of maturity to respect the power of the Urban Legend-Kawasaki ZX-14. (MSRP $11,999.00) www.kawasaki.com