'08 Connie Burned my inside thighs after 45 minutes in 95° TX heat

[Zixxer10r]

I did TONS of research on the bike before I bought it, I even took a "test drive" (and by that, the dealership took me around the block at speeds under 40mph, barely 2nd gear needed...so not a good test), i read every single professional review on the bike i could find, multiple posts here, complaint report aggregators and the like.  I was convinced that with the Zteve foam blockers, the flaws that Kawi fixed in 2010 were not going to be an issue.  Never once did i come across any information that said people were getting burned by the area just below the gas tank, wouldn't have given a second thought to buying the Sprint ST that i was considering as well had I run across information about burning. 

So i buy the bike, finally get some quality saddle time and then i get burned.  Never once was this an issue i'd heard of before i bought the bike. 

[sherob]

I live in Denver, I ride all summer long... it's 95+ everyday... yesterday it was 105*.  Try riding with some mesh overpants... and if you're not riding with boots, those too.  Huge difference than just tossing on some jeans or slacks.

Red 09 C14 33k+ miles.

[Zixxer10r]

Don't think I don't appreciate all this advice, and especially since I appear to be against it all.

It's just that I JUST bought the bike, it shouldn't require anything more than the essentials (fuel, oil, a rider) to run great from the factory.  I always wear boots too, I suspect i'd be complaining about my ankles being burned if i didn't.  There is no way i'm going to wear another layer just so I can ride a bike that was designed to be ridden. 

[sherob]

Good luck.

[Zixxer10r]

I certainly appreciate that.  Here's hoping the dealership makes all the upgrades necessary, or let's me return the bike and get something else. 

[jayke]

If you end up getting something else,  stay away from pre-2006 Yamaha FJR's and Honda ST1300's.  They are just as hot.

If you buy used,  I'd strongly suggest a long test ride in what you normally wear.

Good luck.

[rush2112]

I've got the 09, and the heat was unbearable! Bought a set of Zteve's foam inserts a couple weeks ago and it has completely taken care of the problem.

I have always thought my bike ran hotter than normal since the fans would kick on almost immediately when stopped, even in mild weather. I worried that Zteve's inserts might hinder the evacuation of heat from the motor, but I think it's quite the opposite. The fans are not coming on as often now and I'm completely happy. It was 102 here in Houston that last few days, and no problems at all! 

[Zixxer10r]

I've got those panels from Zteve now, i'll probably run them up to the dealership and tell them to install them since they'll already have the bike in pieces.  I really hope they can get this bike cooled down, the bike makes me wanna get on it and ride somewhere for the weekend.  My vulcan didn't do that. 

[jamiemac]

I need a set of those too. So many farkles...so little cash.

[Zixxer10r]

Well folks, the dealership got back with me and told me the system was working normally and within spec perfectly so......it's going on consignment there.  I just can't stand to be on a 150° bike when it's over 100° for months at a time. 

Someone tell me the good news that the newer Connies don't have massive heat issues in the same areas as this!  I really liked the bike for the short amount of time i had with it!  Also, big props to Cycle Center of Denton for bending over backwards to accommodate my wishy-washy transaction. 

[Zixxer10r]

I need a set of those too. So many farkles...so little cash.

I'll shoot mine over to ya for the same price I paid, if you want them.  I (obviously) won't be needing them any longer. 

[VirginiaJim]

You'd really have to hear from the '10 owners on up that had 08/09 bikes but as far as I know, Kwak did extensive heat mods on those bikes.  Can't say that I've heard any complaints on heat from them.

[Kinetic1]

I bought an 2011 because I rode the 09 and the heat was a serious issue for me. The 2010 and newer bike has no heat issue. The linked brakes take some getting used to though. Overall I love the C14 and am very very happy with it.

[stevewfl]

You'd really have to hear from the '10 owners on up that had 08/09 bikes but as far as I know, Kwak did extensive heat mods on those bikes.  Can't say that I've heard any complaints on heat from them.

Actually the my '10 is the coolest bike I've ever ridden, or sat at scorching FL red lights on. I can't compare it to the earlier models, but I can say heat is a non-issue for me on this bike.

[cltsig]

I went from an '08 to '11 and it's night and day regarding heat.  Many other nice upgrades too - outside temp, useful (kinda) glove box, etc. but the heat is non-existent.  Make no mistake, though, that riding a bike with a fairing like this blocks wind and you'll have heat but it's not anything like the 08/09 but more like a normal motorcycle experience heat.  Trust me, it makes the bike usable during the summer months.

[rush2112]

Why not try the Zteve inserts first before getting rid of it?! Makes a world of difference and simple to install!!!

 

[Zixxer10r]

Mainly because that's not where the burn marks happened.  I have those panels, but to be honest, since i wear boots with everything, it didn't really effect me like my thighs were affected. 

[Fretka]

When I turboed my 09 I had a good opportunity to see how Kawasaki dealt with heat problems. It appears to me that they ducted the rads properly and then sealed all airflow to the engine proper. There is even a plastic dam above the radiator in addition to all the foam rubber found elsewhere. BandAids.

Clearly they did not take engine heat into account (or accord enough importance) when they designed the frame. I suspect they knew full well that this was an issue at a late stage in design but could not make changes until the next re-design.

What I found was that engine heat was soaking the frame backbone and then the tank above it with no way to supply and vent cooling air due to the close clearance and sealing panels and foam.

This whole idea of a backbone monocoque frame has some very serious drawbacks when it comes to heat and serviceability.

Anyway, I used the 2 air intakes located below the headlights normally used for engine intake and directed them to the area between the motor and frame and let it exhaust at the back bottom of the gearbox area. This fixed the issue by about 80%.
I realize that this cannot be done to normally aspirated bikes but it gives you an idea of what is going on design-wise.
I agree with the OP in returning the bike, it should function correctly right off the showroom floor. On the other hand it is also one of the reasons that brand new 09's can be had for a deep discount.

What we see here is an early decision to go with a frame that offers narrowness and airbox integration and then let the follow-on engineers try to deal with the negative issues that this design causes.

The loss of the current backbone frame would be a large improvement IMHO.


Fretka

[jamiemac]

I'll shoot mine over to ya for the same price I paid, if you want them.  I (obviously) won't be needing them any longer. 

Someone will buy them From Ya. I can't swing it though. Just too many irons in the fire right now. Thanks for the offer.

[texrider]

Mainly because that's not where the burn marks happened.  I have those panels, but to be honest, since i wear boots with everything, it didn't really effect me like my thighs were affected.

Boots may not go with everything. Try pantyhose.