Just wanted to chine in here, my 2008 ZX-14 was my sport-touring ride before the FJR, and still does a lot of my solo trips for me. Here's a few pics of the bike, both empty and loaded for a 700 mile one way trip to Holden Beach and back.
Mods are bar risers and a stock Concours seat. They share the same seat pan, just have to switch out the brackets. 4 Bolts, one wrench, 5 minutes. The soft luggage works OK, but it sags a bit and tries to hit the exhaust. It works great when fully loaded and the top bag is on, but you have to really watch it when it's empty.
The bike itself is great for long hauls. It's hot in traffic, even compared to the FJR. Handling and power is better, not quite as comfortable, and not nearly the wind/weather protection. I try to stay off the highway for long periods, my head is right in the buffeting zone since I did the seat and risers. Next mod will be a bigger windscreen I think, but I'm not in a hurry for it.
My girlfriend is pretty comfy on the back with the new seat, but I don't take her on long rides much. Without having a backrest she has to lean foreword to hold on, which hurts her back some, and my shoulders from holding her up while braking.
On the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia
Tent set-up, ready to relax a bit and call it a night.
Sand road in North Carolina. Great fun riding through sand with PR2's.
Somewhere in West Virgina
In front of the garage right after installing the seat
