Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: mtrhead on January 16, 2013, 12:27:30 PM
-
Hi All:
New to forum. Looking to make big trip this summer to West Coast. Now have Road King & Speed Triple - looking to purchase a Kaw C14. Found nice 2008 with 15,000 miles - like new - $7,000. Have shot at 2012 new one with 36K warranty and 3 bags for $12,500.
Do you suggest buying the new bike vs the 2008? Thank you for your comments & suggestions!
Mtrhead
-
The warranty that comes with the new bike is 3 years unlimited miles. Just depends on if you want to spend an extra $5000. I have the 2012 so can't speak to the 2008.
-
I have a '08 and love it to death. You can't go wrong with a C14. It just depends on if the improvements to the newer models are worth the extra cash to you or not. I personally like the way the '08/'09s look better then the newer models but that's just me.
The '08/'09s are faster than the newer models too. That's not just BS either. 8) The newer models are speed limited to 154 the 1st gens are not. :)
-
2012
-
I personally like the way the '08/'09s look better then the newer models but that's just me.
:battle:
Get the newer one, especially if its BLACK ;D
-
I have a 2009. No linked brakes. Check the warranty on the 2008. Many folks have purchased an additional 3 year unlimited warranty while the bike was under the original warranty which is transferable and gives you 6 years of warranty. You can't go wrong with either bike, but the 2008 will save you $5500 that can be spent on farkles. Good luck
-
It all depends on what you are looking for. To me the amount of money difference is not worth it. Along with the fact u will lose even more money if and when you think about selling it. These bikes are awesome, but their value drops dramatically when they become used bikes.
-
I have a 2009. No linked brakes. Check the warranty on the 2008. Many folks have purchased an additional 3 year unlimited warranty while the bike was under the original warranty which is transferable and gives you 6 years of warranty. You can't go wrong with either bike, but the 2008 will save you $5500 that can be spent on farkles. Good luck
Some of us even have/had 9 years of warranty. I reuped twice on the extended warranty.
-
Jay will be along soon with his 09 to let you see how nice the Gen 1 is....for 5500 the 08 hands down
-
I have an 08 and was faced with the decision to go with a 2012 for about 5k more and my decision after allot of thought and weighing all the facts were to keep the 08. I have the extended warranty until 2017 unlimited mileage on my 08 and it has over 50k that I put on it but runs like a dream. Just was not worth the extra money and down grade of the warranty in my case to go with the newer one. I would buy the used 08 for the money...
-
Some of us even have/had 9 years of warranty. I reuped twice on the extended warranty.
Whatt?? Lets see. I would think that the earliest that you could have purchased a 2008 would have been in the fall of 2007. Hmm 2007 plus 6 would be the fall of 2013. When did you re-up your extended warranty and how much was it? and from whom did you buy it? Are you putting us folks on? ;)
-
Conrad? He's a good guy and tells you likes it is....that is except for the Bears thing he has. Other than that he is ok. Oh, and there is that VW he drives as well. He can't be expected to be perfect and drive a Prius.
I bought my 08 in Aug of 07 and I've reupped the extended warranty twice. I'll probably be retired myself before it expires. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
-
You have more choices this time of year. I like the newer ones over the 08 and 09s. I put 44,000 miles on the 2008 I had. And 38,000 on my 2010. The 2010 was way better in every aspect besides the linked brakes. I just found a 2011 new for $12,500 OTD. My 2010 is on consignment at the dealership.
If I were you, I would lean toward the newer bike if it is "new". If not I would find a new one for that price and buy it. Either way you'll love the C-14. They are great machines. Good luck!
-
Hi All:
New to forum. Looking to make big trip this summer to West Coast. Now have Road King & Speed Triple - looking to purchase a Kaw C14. Found nice 2008 with 15,000 miles - like new - $7,000. Have shot at 2012 new one with 36K warranty and 3 bags for $12,500.
Do you suggest buying the new bike vs the 2008? Thank you for your comments & suggestions!
Mtrhead
First off welcome to the forum MH! :chugbeer:
Do you plan on keeping it stock or doing some mods? If you're gonna do some mods then the 08 will give you the extra $ to do that... ;)
If you're gonna keep it stock.... well then what's the point of even being on this forum, you should go over to COG. ;) ;D :rotflmao: j/k...
For real though, if you're going to keep it stock then the 08 has pretty much already taken the depreciation hit for the most part, so if it's a runner you'll be happy for a long time to come and have extra $ to do something else with. The $12.5 price on the new one is a good price, but pretty much right in line with other good prices I've seen for new left-over 12's. Even at that good price though it will take a couple grand value hit though after you ride it for a year...
In the end you really can't go wrong, so have fun hunting, they are both great bikes, it just really depends on your funds and what you want to do to it and with it. :)
I bought my new left-over 09 ABS for $10.6 OTD and by doing that I didn't feel guilty about throwing a couple bucks into some mods (farkles) here and there... :)
Jay will be along soon with his 09 to let you see how nice the Gen 1 is....for 5500 the 08 hands down
;D
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10019.150 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10019.150)
-
I bought my new left-over 09 ABS for $10.6 OTD and by doing that I didn't feel guilty about throwing a couple bucks into some mods (farkles) here and there... :)
??? ::)
Who you trying to kid? ;D
-
First off welcome to the forum MH! :chugbeer:
Do you plan on keeping it stock or doing some mods? If you're gonna do some mods then the 08 will give you the extra $ to do that... ;)
If you're gonna keep it stock.... well then what's the point of even being on this forum, you should go over to COG. ;) ;D :rotflmao: j/k...
For real though, if you're going to keep it stock then the 08 has pretty much already taken the depreciation hit for the most part, so if it's a runner you'll be happy for a long time to come and have extra $ to do something else with. The $12.5 price on the new one is a good price, but pretty much right in line with other good prices I've seen for new left-over 12's. Even at that good price though it will take a couple grand value hit though after you ride it for a year...
In the end you really can't go wrong, so have fun hunting, they are both great bikes, it just really depends on your funds and what you want to do to it and with it. :)
I bought my new left-over 09 ABS for $10.6 OTD and by doing that I didn't feel guilty about throwing a couple bucks into some mods (farkles) here and there... :)
;D
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10019.150 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=10019.150)
a link Jay...really?
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG_5716.jpg)
-
It is like they took K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and transformed it into a motorcycle. The C-14 that costs more than the BMW 1600 GTL, and the Goldwing.
-
a link Jay...really?
(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/IMG_5716.jpg)
Sorry bro, was too busy with work today and was just in a hurry... :-[ :(
Thanks for having my back! :chugbeer:
??? ::)
Who you trying to kid? ;D
It is like they took K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider and transformed it into a motorcycle. The C-14 that costs more than the BMW 1600 GTL, and the Goldwing.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :battle:
-
2012
-
Whatt?? Lets see. I would think that the earliest that you could have purchased a 2008 would have been in the fall of 2007. Hmm 2007 plus 6 would be the fall of 2013. When did you re-up your extended warranty and how much was it? and from whom did you buy it? Are you putting us folks on? ;)
I bought my bike in May of 2009, it came with the standard warranty of 3 years. I bought the 1st extended warranty right off the bat then purchased the 2nd extended warranty right before the initial warranty ran out. I'm covered till May of 2018. :)
The cost for the 2nd extended was just a hair over $300. See this for more info. http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0)
from the Kawi site...
2008 - CONCOURS 14 ABS
Warranty Status
Vin: JKBZGNA178A0xxxxx
Your warranty expired on 05/22/2012.
Your Good Times Protection Plan expires on 05/22/2018.
No outstanding recalls for this unit.
-
Conrad? He's a good guy and tells you likes it is....that is except for the Bears thing he has. Other than that he is ok. Oh, and there is that VW he drives as well. He can't be expected to be perfect and drive a Prius.
I bought my 08 in Aug of 07 and I've reupped the extended warranty twice. I'll probably be retired myself before it expires. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
Why thank you Sparky! I was thinking the same thing about you except for that Prius thing. ;)
-
2012
+1
But I might add, it depends on what you are going to do with it. If you just ride it, never wash it, and let the dealer do all the maintenance, the 2008 will be just fine, you won't notice much difference, except the heat on your legs that was fixed in 2010.
If, however, you constantly wash, wax, and try to keep it at it's best, I would get the new one. That will also help you avoid the gotchas you are gonna have with a 6 year old bike--like, the tire pressure sensors likely are going out, the battery is due to be changed, I'll bet if you take the seat off you will see some rust on the gas tank. The seals in the forks and rear drive are 6 years old, too.
-
+1
But I might add, it depends on what you are going to do with it. If you just ride it, never wash it, and let the dealer do all the maintenance, the 2008 will be just fine, you won't notice much difference, except the heat on your legs that was fixed in 2010.
If, however, you constantly wash, wax, and try to keep it at it's best, I would get the new one. That will also help you avoid the gotchas you are gonna have with a 6 year old bike--like, the tire pressure sensors likely are going out, the battery is due to be changed, I'll bet if you take the seat off you will see some rust on the gas tank. The seals in the forks and rear drive are 6 years old, too.
:o So you're saying we first gen owners are unworthy.
-
I bought my bike in May of 2009, it came with the standard warranty of 3 years. I bought the 1st extended warranty right off the bat then purchased the 2nd extended warranty right before the initial warranty ran out. I'm covered till May of 2018. :)
The cost for the 2nd extended was just a hair over $300. See this for more info. http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0)
from the Kawi site...
2008 - CONCOURS 14 ABS
Warranty Status
Vin: JKBZGNA178A0xxxxx
Your warranty expired on 05/22/2012.
Your Good Times Protection Plan expires on 05/22/2018.
No outstanding recalls for this unit.
Wow! Now call me educated. I did not realize that you could re up the extended warranty. I have never heard of this. I wonder how many times you can re up it ( that is if you wanted to keep a bike for decades).
-
Wow! Now call me educated. I did not realize that you could re up the extended warranty. I have never heard of this. I wonder how many times you can re up it ( that is if you wanted to keep a bike for decades).
Dunno. I do know that you had to have purchased any and all extensions before the initial 3 year warranty ran/runs out. At least that was the case when I bought mine. For more info you'd have to contact Pete, http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0)
-
+1
But I might add, it depends on what you are going to do with it. If you just ride it, never wash it, and let the dealer do all the maintenance, the 2008 will be just fine, you won't notice much difference, except the heat on your legs that was fixed in 2010.
If, however, you constantly wash, wax, and try to keep it at it's best, I would get the new one. That will also help you avoid the gotchas you are gonna have with a 6 year old bike--like, the tire pressure sensors likely are going out, the battery is due to be changed, I'll bet if you take the seat off you will see some rust on the gas tank. The seals in the forks and rear drive are 6 years old, too.
There's a long list of items the 2010+ include that the 08-09 models exclude.
my favorite one is the mirrors are raised 50mm or so. not only do they see over the panniers but they keep the wind rain bugs off my gloves/hands for the most part.
-
C 14 2008/9 / used, with a few dollars you have a great bike, MY 2010/13 / have always been a great bike in the most updated, but your wallet is crying. :stirpot:
MGvalerio. 8)
-
Love my 2009... changed the screen for a Calsci large... Top Sellerie seat ( French) Remus Okami..... It's got heated grips ... don't have a problem with the mirror position, and its cold most of the time here so the heat from the engine thing isn't a problem, more a blessing.... ;D
-
Love my 2009... changed the screen for a Calsci large... Top Sellerie seat ( French) Remus Okami..... It's got heated grips ... don't have a problem with the mirror position, and its cold most of the time here so the heat from the engine thing isn't a problem, more a blessing.... ;D
I love my 2009 as well, which I bought over the 2010 back in 2010, since it didn't have ABS and linked brakes. :doublepuke:
-
Dunno. I do know that you had to have purchased any and all extensions before the initial 3 year warranty ran/runs out. At least that was the case when I bought mine. For more info you'd have to contact Pete, http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0)
Thanks for the info. Here is what I got back from Pete:
Yes, we can do another 3yr extension for $339.00. Just send me all required info , name , address, contact phone for me to call you, vin# and mileage of bike and we will get it done for you. Its also transferable to other owners for free!
Pete
804.330.4800 ext 110
ultimateCycle
-
Thanks for the info. Here is what I got back from Pete:
Yes, we can do another 3yr extension for $339.00. Just send me all required info , name , address, contact phone for me to call you, vin# and mileage of bike and we will get it done for you. Its also transferable to other owners for free!
Pete
804.330.4800 ext 110
ultimateCycle
There you go!
-
Life is full of trade offs - as pointed out previously the 08 is six years old so expect an investment of maintenance. The new ride will have to be broken in, so 600 miles of reduced adrenalin. I had a similar choice and went with the new ride - first service done yesterday ;D
-
Hi All:
New to forum. Looking to make big trip this summer to West Coast. Now have Road King & Speed Triple - looking to purchase a Kaw C14. Found nice 2008 with 15,000 miles - like new - $7,000. Have shot at 2012 new one with 36K warranty and 3 bags for $12,500.
Do you suggest buying the new bike vs the 2008? Thank you for your comments & suggestions!
Mtrhead
the resell price of a bike has never influenced my purchasing decisions, but not only you'll pay 5500 more for the new one, you'll loose an extra 2000 as soon as you get out the door. The 2008 will loose maybe another 500 in a year. If the 08 look well mantained, I'd take it.
The 12 is no upgrade whatsoever over the 08. The raised mirrors on the 12 free up the visibility as much as rotating the ones on 08 a little. Grip heating costs 50 bucks plus half an hour work. I'd love to have the black rims, but not for 5000. The larger screen costs 170. Other than that... The glovebox on the side would be nice if a) the locking solenoid was reliable, and b) if Kawasaki used the half gallon freed from the top of the tank for fuel.
-
The glovebox on the side would be nice if a) the locking solenoid was reliable, and b) if Kawasaki used the half gallon freed from the top of the tank for fuel.
I prefer the tank top glovebox the older model has. It is more convenient to me, especially when getting money out for a toll. I have a tankbag on mine as well, it doesn't block the glovebox, but the glovebox is still more handy to me for toll money.
-
The 12 is no upgrade whatsoever over the 08.
I totally disagree with that statement, but we are all entitled to our opinions :) Plus you did not list even a quarter of all the differences (and I will not list them all here again).
-
dont think those differences alone are worth half the 5500, however condition of the 08 would dictate my thought process. Maint. records etc. Good luck with your quest.
-
If the '08 was ABS and very clean, I'd go for it 'cause it's less buck$. I like my '09 ABS, but I've ridden a '12 and find it to be a totally fine bike as well. The small gizmos don't mean squat, as long as it's got ABS. Have fun!
-
It looks to me that you have decided on the C 14, (that's great) now you have to decide on which year and if you want a new one or used one.
Any decision made is yours to make, my advise is to do your research.
I had a C 10 1986, (loved it, great bike)with 80 + miles on it when I decided I wanted a new one.
I found that dealers here, in Alabama would let me have a new 2011 for 13,000.00 OTD
I did all my research on this site, talk with several friends and decided that I wanted a used 2010.
I found a 2010 after months of looking, it was on the other side of the world, but it came with extended warranty a boatload of farkles.
I new I had the money to buy new, but the fact would be that, if I did that, I wound have to wait for maybe a long time to get farkle up.
I got a 2010 with 7000 miles. I am very happy.
Good luck, there's no bad decision.
-
80 + miles eh, didn't want to wear it out? ;) Hope you put more on the C14 while you have it in your possession.
-
The 2008 for me.
I've ridden a 2011 and it's nice but the linked brakes DO interfere with how I ride.
I have no need for traction control and the "taller" screen is nowhere near tall enough for me.
So, about the only things I would like to have on my 07 (08 bought August 2007) are Heated grips and the Thermometer.
I can fit those for under $100.
Now, others will feel differently (some quite vehemently as they try to justify their purchase ;D ) but what it comes down to is what do YOU want.
I paid full price for my C14 brand new without having taken a test ride. I don't regret it at all. 8)
I was going to buy the FJR1300 but hesitated for a week and then Kawasaki announced the C14, so I waited.
$5500 buys a lot of farkles and warranties, but it also buys a brand new bike that nobody else has farted on. <LOL>
-
Life is full of trade offs - as pointed out previously the 08 is six years old so expect an investment of maintenance. The new ride will have to be broken in, so 600 miles of reduced adrenalin. I had a similar choice and went with the new ride - first service done yesterday ;D
Yeah +1, and extended warranty warns about maintenance and "have receipts" from where you had it serviced or you serviced it yourself. Buying used one may want to see this from owners manual:
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12334.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=12334.0)
-
I paid full price for my C14 brand new without having taken a test ride. I don't regret it at all. 8)
I was going to buy the FJR1300 but hesitated for a week and then Kawasaki announced the C14, so I waited.
$5500 buys a lot of farkles and warranties, but it also buys a brand new bike that nobody else has farted on. <LOL>
I got $500 off out of the chute but I would have paid full price. I also did not test ride it. I don't regret it at all...
I never thought about the 'F' factor but that does seem reasonable to me. :rotflmao:
-
I totally disagree with that statement, but we are all entitled to our opinions :) Plus you did not list even a quarter of all the differences (and I will not list them all here again).
I agree that it is my opinion, but it is a well documented one. I have an '08 and drove a couple of times an '11, and those differences that you refer to are less significant to me than if I had to choose between a silver and a black '08. If you enjoy your bike, then we are 2 happy campers :chugbeer:
-
I agree that it is my opinion, but it is a well documented one. I have an '08 and drove a couple of times an '11, and those differences that you refer to are less significant to me than if I had to choose between a silver and a black '08. If you enjoy your bike, then we are 2 happy campers :chugbeer:
Well, when you add up all the differences, they are all still relatively minor when you compare how much is the same between gen1 and gen2. But I would still call it "significant". All depends on how important each thing is. For example- having white backlighting on the instruments, higher mirrors, taller screen, exhaust heat shield, and nicer (to me) fairing design, are probably more important to me than many other people. Having the handlebar control is very important and so is traction control and factory variable heated grips. But the glove box thing doesn't matter to me, nor the one or two-tone seat, the bag paint differences, the passive RFID, the linked brakes, and several other things.
-
I've got about 65k on my '08. Other than brake pads, oil, bulbs and one valve inspection...I've not done anything. It's been a superlative machine. Flies out, PCIII, AreaP slipon...150rwhp.
IMO, one of the best used bike bargains around...I've owned it since new.
(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/moto/i-btCrhxD/0/L/Zero%20miles-L.jpg)
I've not ridden a "2nd gen" C14....I can't imagine that it would be worth 5k more. YMMV.
(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/HNBAS-Tour-2010/i-JQc7MpT/0/XL/IMG_0069-XL.jpg)
(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/HNBAS-Tour-2010/i-JMwtVHF/0/XL/IMG_0153-XL.jpg)
-
I jsut bought a new 2012, but if the condition of the 2008 is what you said and it had been maintained, I'd probably pull the trigger on that one. The only I might be conscious of is that I'd heard of some heat issues with the earlier versions, meaning you could feel the engine heat more than you'd prefer. I don't know if that affected the 2008s, so it may be a moot point. Other than that, that's a lot of money to save. And you didn't say if that was an out the door priced or not. If tax and other costs were on top of that, there would be no question to me. 2008.
Good luck either way!
-
The '08/'09s are faster than the newer models too. That's not just BS either. 8) The newer models are speed limited to 154 the 1st gens are not. :)
So what is the ungoverned top speed of '08/09 models? 156 MPH?
-
So what is the ungoverned top speed of '08/09 models? 156 MPH?
156.63 ::)
Some claim to have had their bikes over 165. :-X
-
My guess is that like me, you are cheap. If you weren't you would not be considering the older bike. Over the years I have found that the best bikes are a combination of engineering and cost. The more you pay the higher the expectations. I have purchased a couple new / expensive bikes, and neither measured up. Perhaps my favorite all time bike is an old '91 Honda NH 750 that I still own. I gave $600 for it because of some very fixable issues. 20k miles later it purrs like a kitten, and I almost feel like I cheated every time I ride it. I bought my C14 at an auction 3 seasons ago for a bit less than you are talking. It is pretty easy to put up with hot shins and a few other quirks when the deal is right. By now I have it sorted out with appropriate farkles, and am pretty happy. It is fast, comfortable, and like the old NH, makes me smile when I think about the deal. Go cheap, buy farkles, ride a lot, and smile. 8)
Dave