Kawasaki Concours Forum
Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: jayke on October 02, 2012, 01:56:03 PM
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http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx)
I've had a great 40K on my '08 C14 but time for a new bike. Cruise control is a must for me. My local Yamaha / Kawasaki dealer is trying to either find or order one for me. They just came out today.
Had a '05 FJR before the C14 so I know what to expect. Around 2018 I'll be buying another C14 with factory cruise :)
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$15,890 and one color choice, Stone gray. Boring :o
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Maybe now that the Feejer has cruise control as standard mama Kaw will add this for the 2014 Connie... :-\
I thought I heard rumors that the new Feejer was gonna have a bigger engine? Isn't that the same size as before? :-\
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I hope you enjoy the bike. My impression is a big yawn. I don't see this being a competition beating bike. Did anyone else notice the 4 into 1 into 2 pipe setup? Screams of unneeded weight for looks alone. I'm also saddened that it is still a 5 speed. What I see as potential is the cruise, it will probably chase Kawi to do the same for 2014. Saddly for me, I don't ever see Kawi offering another C14/15/16 of any kind without unswitchable traction aides (ABS and KTRAC). I do like the color, almost as sweet as Silverdammit ;D
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My impression is a big yawn. I do like the color, almost as sweet as Silverdammit ;D
Double yawn.......... :P
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Double yawn.......... :P
That color would be known as GD-Graydammit ;D Washing is only required during periods of maintenance activity ;) More time riding, less time washing :o
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Pretty nice, but not quite 3 year warranty nice. I'd try one, but I need the warranty.
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They left it a 5 speed ???
6.6 gallon tank ;)
I like it, but I don't like the color either
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My dealer ordered it this afternoon. Due in January, Feburary, or March.
I'll put another 2K on the C14 before then.
Totaly forgot about the warranty. Never had a bike that needed repaired under warranty anyway. I hope that continues.
Probally miss the TPS system though.
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I had a 2006 FJR and put 44,000 miles on it. I don't consider it quite as good of an all around package as the current Concours, but frankly it will go down as one of my all time favorite bikes. The point of that is that I expect a new bike to have better technology, so I'm saying I liked the FJR better at that point in time. Would I buy the 2013? I like what they have done, but I have a problem investing in what is still 10 year old horsepower and five speed transmission that should have been updated. This reminds me of the 2012 Goldwing. They updated it, but on existing mechanicals. But if I had to have one bike and I had to replace the Concours I would think long and hard about the FJR. There are several things I like better about the FJR.
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My dealer ordered it this afternoon. Due in January, Feburary, or March.
I'll put another 2K on the C14 before then.
Totaly forgot about the warranty. Never had a bike that needed repaired under warranty anyway. I hope that continues.
Probally miss the TPS system though.
No ya won't. ;) Must admit I was hoping for a bit more from Yamaha, especially upgrading the 5 speed tranny. O2 sensor in the exhaust.....closed loop FI system by chance?
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I must admit I do like the updates and styling refresh Yamaha did, & the dash is down right beautiful! But like others have stated, the chassis, engine & tranny are all 10yrs old. I think Yamaha should have at least added a 6th OD gear. Good job Yamaha, now it's Honda's turn.....
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Going backwards sux. Good luck with that. ???
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Congrats. Enjoy your new ride. I wonder if Yamaha will ever update the Royal Star Venture. Still has carbs. I think it still has a cassette player.
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I had a 2005 FJR and it was my first Sport Touring bike. Like many of the firsts in life, ;D I wll always have fond memories of her. But I have never regretted the upgrade to my C14. I really do like the addition of cruise, the new body panel design, and the new instrument panel........ but as others have said, the 1300 engine is in need of an update to stay competitive and the fact that they did not update the tranny is just a complete FAIL on mami yammi's part. Mine needed it then, and 8 years later, it still isnt there.
Sadly, until the moto and tranny are updated, if I were to replace the Connie, I would look at the Beemer before the FJR. Hopefully, by the time that bug starts to bite, there will be a C15 / C16 with factory cruise.
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Congrats. Enjoy your new ride. I wonder if Yamaha will ever update the Royal Star Venture. Still has carbs. I think it still has a cassette player.
I admit I had to look it up to see if you were right. It really does still have Carbs!!! I had no idea that anything bigger than a weed eater still had carbs.
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I admit I had to look it up to see if you were right. It really does still have Carbs!!! I had no idea that anything bigger than a weed eater still had carbs.
There are still ATV's out there with carbs as well.
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I just read that it also has adjustable seat and handle bars. High end touring bikes should always have that.
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I just read that it also has adjustable seat and handle bars. High end touring bikes should always have that.
Sounding better and better, but why in the hell they kept the 5 speed is beyond reasoning.
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Good luck with the new ride.
Yamaha was smart to change what they did on the '13 models- a great return for the investment on their part. Changing the engine or any significant part of the driveline would have been far more expensive for less return IMO (and apparently their opinion as well :-) ). I think it is a nice, reasonable update to the model and probably what should be expected in this soft economy; introducing new models or major changes to the chassis / powertrain is a lot to expect when motorcycle sales are not great, especially in the sport touring segment which has never been the main line of almost any motorcycle manufacturer (BMW excepted).
It is amusing to me to watch some of the improvements though- the first FJR's had windshields that returned to the bottom of their travel when the ignition was shut off and some owners found out how to outsmart that as it annoyed them. The first C-14's had windshields that did not change position unless the operator moved a switch but the second generation C-14 also included that automatic retract feature. The factory page for the FJR mentions that the new model does NOT have the windshield move when the ignition is shut off- perhaps in a year or two Kawasaki will change the windshield on the C-14 to copy the new FJR.... and act the same way it originally did? :)
Brian
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx (http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx)
I've had a great 40K on my '08 C14 but time for a new bike. Cruise control is a must for me. My local Yamaha / Kawasaki dealer is trying to either find or order one for me. They just came out today.
Had a '05 FJR before the C14 so I know what to expect. Around 2018 I'll be buying another C14 with factory cruise :)
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I admit I had to look it up to see if you were right. It really does still have Carbs!!! I had no idea that anything bigger than a weed eater still had carbs.
The OP's listed website says it's fuel injected.
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Money.
It would be a substantial cost to re-vamp the crankcase / transmission on that bike with a very limited return- after all, how many people are really going to buy an FJR just because it sports a new sixth gear? I am not saying it would not be an improvement, only mentioning the actual return on the actual cost to the mfg. will be relatively small. New electronics are relatively inexpensive; especially things like a new dash layout and give an excellent impression of 'newness' even if there is little improvement. There are severe limits on what can be done with a $16K product in the way of changes and all of them cut into profits.
Another problem Yamaha has is that any and all of the investments on the FJR have to be returned from that model alone. At least Kawasaki can split investments to major changes on the C-14 or ZX 14 between those two models. An example is the major engine change in the ZX 14 for 2012- it is most likely to show up on the C-14 and that had to be a major consideration which Kawasaki factored into the initial estimates. By comparison, Yamaha cannot spread the costs of anything done to the FJR with any other model they make because it is the only model that uses that powerplant drivetrain.
Brian
Sounding better and better, but why in the hell they kept the 5 speed is beyond reasoning.
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The product mentioned that was still carburated was the Royal Star Venture from Yamaha, not the FJR. The FJR has always been fuel injected.
Kind of amazing that any road vehicle can pass the latest emission standards with carbs. But they really do have carbs. per Yamaha's own web site. http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspecs/586/0/specs.aspx (http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelspecs/586/0/specs.aspx)
Brian
The OP's listed website says it's fuel injected.
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I just read that it also has adjustable seat and handle bars. High end touring bikes should always have that.
If memory serves me right, I do believe the FJR has had adjustable handlebars & seat since the beginning??
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My condolences. ???
Lack of cruise control won't get me off my C-14.
But if we all liked the same thing life would be pretty damn boring. And as long as it has two wheels it is A-OK by me.
I hope you enjoy many great miles on it.
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I don't understand the 5 speed comments. It has a gear indicator on the dash, if you hunt you should just look down and see it if you can't tell from the current performance and tach what gear your bike is in. You can't compare the first generation FJR to our current C14, but with the gearing of the '06 and on FJR's th gearing is very good, very rider friendly, gets better fuel mileage than my 2 C14's have. I really like my '10 C14 with the changes from the '08, but my 3 Feejer's were damn good bikes as well! The adjustable seat, which my last standard Bandit even had is nice, but we don't spend much time on that subject with the connie... the adjustable bars are nice as well, along with 6.6 gallons of fuel for the guys that like to ride far between stops! I am a 11 year cogger, so just letting people in on more of the good parts of the FJR. Some are missing a good ride if it's only because it is a 5 spd. I am proud to see an updated version coming again, maybe they will make a 20 year run as our C10 did! :)
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From Cadman
If memory serves me right, I do believe the FJR has had adjustable handlebars & seat since the beginning??
This is true for the Gen II but I don't believe that is true for the Gen I.
My opinion only as I believe the C-14 is an upgrade over the FJR overall, but I think the Yamaha 5-speed makes sense. Going 75 or 80 mph my memory was that the Yamaha would be turning around 4000 - 4100 rpm. With the C-14 I am turning something like 3800 rpm, which is not that big of a difference. I rode with a guy who had a '03 K1200GT and I think in sixth gear that engine would be turning something like 4500 rpm at 80 mph. (Keep in mind that these are not exact rpm numbers). Although I am a big fan of both bikes I don't think the FJR 5-speed is a big downgrade over the C-14.
My option for the FJR was downgraded significantly from a dealer who after I dealt with over many years gave me a lousy experience on a new purchase of the 2009 FJR AE model. I was never so glad to get rid of that darned AE model which rode like crap in town, for a C-14!!! Both the C-14 and FJR are great but I am darned happy with my Kawi and my new dealer!!
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The FJR is a classical example of squeezing a (once) good project till the last drop. ;)
The project is old and only restyled during the years.
5 speed gear is out of date nowadays, though if you stay in the speed limits the difference with a 6 speed is negligible.
The look of the bike is stylish, sign of an outstanding initial project.
As I already posted some time ago, I recently discovered that you cannot mount at the same time the bags and the top case, that is an important limitation for a touring bike.
This is because the rear part of the frame doesn't grant the necessary sturdiness when vibrations and vertical accelerations arise.
Yamaha warns about this and prohibits it so if something happens while mounting everything they cannot be considered responsible.
It's also true that few FJR owners I talked to say they always mounted both, well loaded too, and nothing happened.
In my opinion too, the FJR is a backwards move from the C14...
... but if you like it, go for it! ;)
It's a matter of passion
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I have had both the FJR(s) and the C-14 and ugo is correct on the step backward :). Both are great bikes 8).
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Here's why I ordered the '13 FJR:
1) 40K trouble free miles on the C14, If it don't trade it soon it won't be worth anything.
2) My local dealer sell Kawasaki / Yahama... no trips out of town for service
3) My wife has a heck of a time getting on the C14, the bags are too high. She has bad knees and I'm tall.
She gets on first, then I have to drag my leg over. This is getting harder as I get older. On my '05 FJR she
got on second. I hope she can do the same on the new one.
4) Cruise control - I'm not puting cruise on another bike - I don't have the time.
5) After 5 years wanted something different for a while.
The C14 is the better bike but the FJR isn't that far off.
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She gets on first, then I have to drag my leg over. This is getting harder as I get older.
Sad to say, I know what you mean. :(
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Here's why I ordered the '13 FJR:
1) 40K trouble free miles on the C14, If it don't trade it soon it won't be worth anything.
2) My local dealer sell Kawasaki / Yahama... no trips out of town for service
3) My wife has a heck of a time getting on the C14, the bags are too high. She has bad knees and I'm tall.
She gets on first, then I have to drag my leg over. This is getting harder as I get older. On my '05 FJR she
got on second. I hope she can do the same on the new one.
4) Cruise control - I'm not puting cruise on another bike - I don't have the time.
5) After 5 years wanted something different for a while.
The C14 is the better bike but the FJR isn't that far off.
General question for the group: Is this common practice? I've never let my wife climb on the back seat of a bike without me already being astride the thing for stability. She has no chance of reaching the ground in event of an inadvertant lean from back there and on many bikes I'd have no way to stop it if she did.
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General question for the group: Is this common practice? I've never let my wife climb on the back seat of a bike without me already being astride the thing for stability. She has no chance of reaching the ground in event of an inadvertant lean from back there and on many bikes I'd have no way to stop it if she did.
I don't carry passengers much but when I do, I get on the bike first. Also I have no problem throwing a leg over but I almost always hit the right side case with my boot. Assuming the bike is on level stable ground I now step on to the left peg with my left foot, make sure I have my weight over the center of the bike then throw the right leg over. Much easier and no hitting the left side case. I can also do this when on the center stand.
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I'm always on the bike first, mama just puts her left foot on the left passenger peg and then swings her right leg up and over the passenger backrest, works like a charm and when she has a short skirt on the folks behind us always enjoy... :o ;D ;)
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I've got a Shad 46 Liter top case with one inch spacers under it to move the backrest up for her. No way she can get her leg over that with a bum knee. She's only 5'1" anyway.
When she gets on first, the bike is on the side stand. I put my foot on top of the side stand and hold on to the left handlebar while she gets on. I've told her not to lean to the right. That's the only way we can ride together.
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When she gets on first, the bike is on the side stand. I put my foot on top of the side stand and hold on to the left handlebar while she gets on. I've told her not to lean to the right. That's the only way we can ride together.
ditto
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ditto
Almost a ditto, mamas gotta lean right ;)
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I'm so scared of the bike going over that I always get on first, steady the bike, and have my babe get on second, reminding her to not stand up straight when on the pegs.
(I do the same with my wife.) ;)
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I'm so scared of the bike going over that I always get on first, steady the bike, and have my babe get on second, reminding her to not stand up straight when on the pegs.
(I do the same with my wife.) ;)
I just put it on the kickstand for stability, once she's on and planted on the seat I stand the bike up (with an easy mama lean to the right), works much better IMO. :thumbs:
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I step through the bike instead of trying to swing a leg over.
Then I steady the bike upright and lean forward.
My wife uses my shoulder and steps on the left footpeg with her left foot and then steps through and puts her right foot on the right footpeg and sits down.
The only bike I don't step through is the dual sport.
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I step through the bike instead of trying to swing a leg over.
Then I steady the bike upright and lean forward.
My wife uses my shoulder and steps on the left footpeg with her left foot and then steps through and puts her right foot on the right footpeg and sits down.
The only bike I don't step through is the dual sport.
I wish I could do that but would need longer legs and more flexibility. Something I'm not expecting in the near future.
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Between my 2 C-14s I've owned (2008 C-14 44,000 miles and 2010 C-14 38,000 miles. 82,000 miles total). My wife has never even asked for a ride. Two of my sons have taken short trips with me and they get on after me. I could get on after them with the bike on the sidestand, but it doesn"t really make much of a difference. Maybe my wife will take a ride on the new 2011 Silver I"m waiting to get assembled.
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What are they giving you for your trade. The dealers wouldn't show me anything positive for my 2010 as a trade, so I am keeping it for now.
I do still want the 3 year warranty that Kawi offers.
I buy a 5 year unlimited tire/rim insurance for $320 from Zurich. (bought it for my 2010 and got 4 free tires replaced due to nails.)
I have full replacement coverage for the first 2 years of coverage through Foremost. When I totaled my 2008 I ended up with a check for $12,300 instead of just $7,000 (ACV). It ended up being 110% of what I paid for the bike.
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I step through the bike instead of trying to swing a leg over.
Then I steady the bike upright and lean forward.
My wife uses my shoulder and steps on the left footpeg with her left foot and then steps through and puts her right foot on the right footpeg and sits down.
The only bike I don't step through is the dual sport.
This is the way my wife does it also works like a charm..I mount it like a horse on side stand left foot on peg center weight over bike and swing right leg over.
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What are they giving you for your trade. The dealers wouldn't show me anything positive for my 2010 as a trade, so I am keeping it for now.
$6K for an '08 Non-ABS with 40K miles. I think that's reasonable given the current used bike market.
With the savings in sales taxes by trading it in, I'd have to get at least $7K to come out ahead if I sold it.
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That sounds pretty fair. That is what they said they'd give me for my 2010 abs with 38,000 miles. I just kept it for now. It also has a lot to do with how much they are making you pay for the new bike. If it is a first year bike, you may be pretty close to msrp. I waited for leftovers.
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Sounds like you got a good trade value. I had an 07 FJR and it really was a nice bike. Post some photos when you get it, good luck.
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They left it a 5 speed ???
6.6 gallon tank ;)
I like it, but I don't like the color either
are you sure!? That blows chunks.
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Here's why I ordered the '13 FJR:
1) 40K trouble free miles on the C14, If it don't trade it soon it won't be worth anything.
Not knocking your choice of bikes as I like the FJR as well. But to think you are making a smart finanical decision to spend more now because your current ride will depreciate is just wrong on so many levels.
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Enjoyed this whole thread!
Currently bike-less but considering both. I was seriously leaning toward the FJR (even signed up on two FJR forums ???), but am now leaning toward the KawCon. I had an FZR600 and two CBR900RR's back in 90's, so I definitely tend toward sport; and the Kawasaki seems to fit that bill more-so.
For you dudes having trouble getting both you and your babe on your bike, I think I'll invent The Biker Plucker - A remote control crane-like arm similar to an engine hoist that can just plop ya'll down on your bike, and when you get back, pluck you off. You'll need to wear the required body harness, but I'll make it available in colors matching your bike.