Kawasaki Concours Forum

Mish mash => Open Forum => Topic started by: Pokey on June 12, 2013, 11:23:21 AM

Title: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 12, 2013, 11:23:21 AM
Well I did it, trading for the model of bike that I just loved to death when I owned it. Going back to the Vstrom 1000, I am more of the ADV style of motorcycle person. The C14 has been just a fabulous machine, and was all that I had hoped it would be. Less is simply more for me, and I love to explore the bumby rough roads too darn much. It is going to a real good guy, and I know that I will be seeing her again. He is excited to try the sport touring thing "as I was" and you just don't really know what ya like until ya give it a try. I will of course still be hanging around here, love this forum and the good folks that are on here. It is a very low mileage 06 and is nicely equipped for touring, I just have a few "must have" mods to do and then I will be good to go. Happy yet sad at the same time, I get attached to bikes.  :(
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: koval68 on June 12, 2013, 11:37:02 AM
Good luck and enjoy your V-Strom again Brian! Make sure to check in with us from time to time!
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: ZG on June 12, 2013, 12:00:01 PM
 :(
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Conrad on June 12, 2013, 12:07:19 PM
Ya gotta to what ya gotta do. Good luck with the new bike Poke!

 :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: stevewfl on June 12, 2013, 12:12:57 PM
Well I did it, trading for the model of bike that I just loved to death when I owned it. Going back to the Vstrom 1000, I am more of the ADV style of motorcycle person. The C14 has been just a fabulous machine, and was all that I had hoped it would be. Less is simply more for me, and I love to explore the bumby rough roads too darn much. It is going to a real good guy, and I know that I will be seeing her again. He is excited to try the sport touring thing "as I was" and you just don't really know what ya like until ya give it a try. I will of course still be hanging around here, love this forum and the good folks that are on here. It is a very low mileage 06 and is nicely equipped for touring, I just have a few "must have" mods to do and then I will be good to go. Happy yet sad at the same time, I get attached to bikes.  :(

Yo hope you still post here and keep in touch!  The ADV bikes like Rotella T6 flavor too  :D

Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 12, 2013, 01:29:15 PM
Ya gotta to what ya gotta do. Good luck with the new bike Poke!

 :chugbeer:


A man's gotta know his limitations.




(http://www.wearysloth.com/Gallery/ActorsE/5108-14413.jpg)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 12, 2013, 01:29:57 PM
Yo hope you still post here and keep in touch!  The ADV bikes like Rotella T6 flavor too  :D


Yes they do, all bikes except Hardleys like T6!  ;)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 12, 2013, 01:30:59 PM
:(


Happy face not a sad face, I am still gonna stay here and torture you guys.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: B.D.F. on June 12, 2013, 02:17:59 PM
Best of luck with the new bike Brian. I will say this much, the valves are MUCH, MUCH easier to adjust even with two separate heads to deal with. And fewer valves once you get in there too. A friend of mine has one and it is one of the smoothest riding V-twins I have ever ridden, vibration wise.

Brian

Well I did it, trading for the model of bike that I just loved to death when I owned it. Going back to the Vstrom 1000, I am more of the ADV style of motorcycle person. The C14 has been just a fabulous machine, and was all that I had hoped it would be. Less is simply more for me, and I love to explore the bumby rough roads too darn much. It is going to a real good guy, and I know that I will be seeing her again. He is excited to try the sport touring thing "as I was" and you just don't really know what ya like until ya give it a try. I will of course still be hanging around here, love this forum and the good folks that are on here. It is a very low mileage 06 and is nicely equipped for touring, I just have a few "must have" mods to do and then I will be good to go. Happy yet sad at the same time, I get attached to bikes.  :(
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 12, 2013, 02:55:10 PM
Best of luck with the new bike Brian. I will say this much, the valves are MUCH, MUCH easier to adjust even with two separate heads to deal with. And fewer valves once you get in there too. A friend of mine has one and it is one of the smoothest riding V-twins I have ever ridden, vibration wise.

Brian


Yeah I adjusted the valves in my 05 that I had, it was pretty easy and straightforward. Yeah it is a jewel of an engine, some can be a bit rough around the edges but this one seems to be pretty spot on. I typically would already be thinking of what dual race cans to mount, but I need to do a few things first before even considering that. Having to add a PCIII is not really something I feel like doing, the big Strom sounds pretty good with the twin bazookas anyways. I am very proficient with these bikes, held several techday/rides and I still do this day get asked questions. Thought I wanted the 650, but I changed my mind about that obviously. I feel really good about who is getting her, he doesnt live very far from me and he is a member of Ohioriders. I seem to switch bikes every 4 years, it would be 4 years next month.  ;D
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: twowheeladdict on June 12, 2013, 04:55:29 PM
Enjoy your ride.  I would trade the Concours for a full size adventure bike like a GS1200, Explorer, super tenere, but for now I am enjoying the ride.  Just rode the entire BRP, the Chesapeke Bay area, the New River Gorge, Cumberland Gap and back home.  Thinking about a coast to coast and the PCH.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Scaffolder on June 13, 2013, 05:03:35 PM
Good luck and keep in touch. I like the Super Tenre, Explorer, and The Stelvio. The Stelvio is my favorite, but not enough dealers.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 13, 2013, 05:21:35 PM
You  :censored: .  I'll get you for this!  :battle: ........ >:( ;) :)   I'll probably be coming round the beginning of October.  Have the beer cool.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 13, 2013, 05:38:03 PM
You  :censored: .  I'll get you for this!  :battle: ........ >:( ;) :)   I'll probably be coming round the beginning of October.  Have the beer cool.


I am taking beer requests now.  :)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 13, 2013, 06:42:22 PM
Michelob Lager..
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 13, 2013, 07:40:28 PM
Michelob Lager..


I said.......BEER, not crap like that!!!!!  :o
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: BruceR on June 13, 2013, 07:46:50 PM
A buddy of mine had the big Strom.  He seemed to like it a lot.  For unknown reasons he sold it for a ST1300 which he wrecked.  Then he got an FJR, sold it for a Nomad, sold for a Wee Strom the other day.  This all within 2 years.

I'd give a Strom a try before most any other bike.  And it just might be my next bike, ya never know.  Hope you enjoy your new ride Pokey.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 13, 2013, 08:37:29 PM
A buddy of mine had the big Strom.  He seemed to like it a lot.  For unknown reasons he sold it for a ST1300 which he wrecked.  Then he got an FJR, sold it for a Nomad, sold for a Wee Strom the other day.  This all within 2 years.

I'd give a Strom a try before most any other bike.  And it just might be my next bike, ya never know.  Hope you enjoy your new ride Pokey.


I had an 05 1000 previously, and it was pretty macked out. SO many aftermarket goodies for them, it is totally addicting.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 14, 2013, 04:01:50 AM

I said.......BEER, not crap like that!!!!!  :o

Nevertheless, that's what I like..... ;)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 14, 2013, 07:37:15 AM
Nevertheless, that's what I like..... ;)


Then that is what ye shall get, and you can have some of my yummy beer too.  :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 14, 2013, 02:00:02 PM
I once again have a Vstrom in the garage, both owners appear to be happy.  8) Will I miss her sometimes "you betcha" has been nothing but 100% reliable other than the stupid ass tire pressure sensors. Tim the new owner seems pretty stoked, and I have already begun the farkle list.   :P
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 14, 2013, 06:10:26 PM
Well, make sure he knows where this site is and tell him to bring humor.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: koval68 on June 14, 2013, 07:40:25 PM
Well, make sure he knows where this site is and tell him to bring humor.
...and Pokey's old Avatar, The Joker!
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: BlkBird on June 14, 2013, 07:56:33 PM
Best of luck with the new bike!
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 15, 2013, 01:58:28 AM
...and Pokey's old Avatar, The Joker!

No, he can't use that exact one.  I'll think he's Poke. 
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 15, 2013, 07:09:23 AM
I will keep this new joker for old times sake.  ;)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: mike on June 16, 2013, 09:33:00 AM
Enjoy the new bike. I got rid of my 09 last nov & got a Triumph Tiger 800xc. Never could gel with that thing. I'm back on a 2012 C14... Love these bikes. Ride safe.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: tjpgi on June 16, 2013, 11:39:59 AM
Never owned or rode a VStrom nor did any of my riding buds. What is the attraction? Comfort? Power? Coolness? Versatility? I see Miss Silvera also recently acquired one. Should I go try one somewhere? I have an 09 C14 and a 2011 GSXR 1000, would the VStrom fit somewhere in the middle? Off road?
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: twowheeladdict on June 16, 2013, 12:06:36 PM
Never owned or rode a VStrom nor did any of my riding buds. What is the attraction? Comfort? Power? Coolness? Versatility? I see Miss Silvera also recently acquired one. Should I go try one somewhere? I have an 09 C14 and a 2011 GSXR 1000, would the VStrom fit somewhere in the middle? Off road?

I would say the Vstroms are more like the old standards with a neutral riding position.  They are no more an off road bike than just about any bike of the same weight that was made in the 1970s.  They have a good compromise of comfort, power, and handling.  My Versys is close to the same, but the Versys leans more to the sport bike side of things than the Vstrom.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 16, 2013, 04:57:12 PM
Never owned or rode a VStrom nor did any of my riding buds. What is the attraction? Comfort? Power? Coolness? Versatility? I see Miss Silvera also recently acquired one. Should I go try one somewhere? I have an 09 C14 and a 2011 GSXR 1000, would the VStrom fit somewhere in the middle? Off road?


Swiss Army knife of bikes, does allot of things well but does not do any one thing amazingly. Comfort is paramount IMHO, I love the big enduro feel it has, very capable in mild offroad conditions with the right tires and a brave rider, and tons and tons upon upgrades and bolt-ons to make it your own. I just love the peppy twin engines in both variants, the bikes are extremely easy to work on and will not break much when they take a drop.  ;) I just feel very much at home on one, the C14 was awesome but just not my cup of tea.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 16, 2013, 08:04:04 PM
Twit.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: stevewfl on June 16, 2013, 08:13:56 PM
all this chatter and NO PICS!? 
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 16, 2013, 09:19:28 PM
all this chatter and NO PICS!?


I am still de-stickering and improving it, but nobody honestly wants to see pics of my ugly Strom!!!!!  :yikes:
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 16, 2013, 09:20:51 PM
Twit.


And proud of it!  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: stevewfl on June 16, 2013, 10:31:13 PM

I am still de-stickering and improving it, but nobody honestly wants to see pics of my ugly Strom!!!!!  :yikes:

Nothing ugly about a purpose built bike with square luggage.

And BTW you'll lose 2-3 HP per decal removed. The added performance as a result of dumping Rotella T6 in it won't even make up for pulling 3-4 decals off
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 17, 2013, 08:45:54 AM
Nothing ugly about a purpose built bike with square luggage.

And BTW you'll lose 2-3 HP per decal removed. The added performance as a result of dumping Rotella T6 in it won't even make up for pulling 3-4 decals off


 :goodpost:
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: tjpgi on June 17, 2013, 04:27:28 PM
Thanks twowheeladdict and Pokey for your VStrom evaluations. I'll check one out.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Scaffolder on June 21, 2013, 08:57:02 PM
Was looking at them and the Super Tenre just the other day. Very nice.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 21, 2013, 09:40:51 PM
Was looking at them and the Super Tenre just the other day. Very nice.


I love that Tenere, but am eagerly awaiting the new Vee 1000.  8)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Scaffolder on June 22, 2013, 01:21:35 PM
When does it come out?
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: 2talltim on June 23, 2013, 09:55:15 PM
Looks like I am the new twit that has acquired Pokey's bike. I went from a TL1000S to the V Strom and even thou is a very capable bike from some mild off road to a little peg dragging. It just lacked the excitement I once had on the TL, and i wanted somethin more touring oriented.   And I most definitely gained that with the 14. I have had her for about 10 days now and clock about 600 miles and I absolutely love it. Only thing I need to complete the package is a decent helmet my old EXO 400 makes a lot of noise the way the wind comes off of the 14 wind screen its several years old I was ready for a new one anyway I'm looking at the Shoei Quest. Anywho I have some real thick skin so "bring it" you have to to hang out with the ohioriders guys ;D..and pokey don't worry about be gentle on the strom I broke her in last year after it was a garage queen for its first 6 years of life.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: stevewfl on June 24, 2013, 01:21:36 AM
opened this thread expecting a PIC or three.

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/redxspooftd8.gif) (http://s80.photobucket.com/user/stevewfl/media/redxspooftd8.gif.html)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Conrad on June 24, 2013, 04:56:18 AM
Looks like I am the new twit that has acquired Pokey's bike. I went from a TL1000S to the V Strom and even thou is a very capable bike from some mild off road to a little peg dragging. It just lacked the excitement I once had on the TL, and i wanted somethin more touring oriented.   And I most definitely gained that with the 14. I have had her for about 10 days now and clock about 600 miles and I absolutely love it. Only thing I need to complete the package is a decent helmet my old EXO 400 makes a lot of noise the way the wind comes off of the 14 wind screen its several years old I was ready for a new one anyway I'm looking at the Shoei Quest. Anywho I have some real thick skin so "bring it" you have to to hang out with the ohioriders guys ;D..and pokey don't worry about be gentle on the strom I broke her in last year after it was a garage queen for its first 6 years of life.

Welcome!

FYI, you can't inherit twit status. You'll have to earn that distinction.    ;)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 24, 2013, 04:59:30 AM
Welcome, 2talltim!  Now bring me a shrubbery!
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: 2talltim on June 24, 2013, 08:19:35 AM
Welcome!

FYI, you can't inherit twit status. You'll have to earn that distinction.    ;)

Good to know :-X
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: 2talltim on June 24, 2013, 08:23:24 AM
Welcome, 2talltim!  Now bring me a shrubbery!

I will as soon as I figure out what the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow is. 8)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: BlkBird on June 25, 2013, 05:24:38 PM
Should we call you Triple T?
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: 2talltim on June 26, 2013, 04:31:24 AM
Should we call you Triple T?
:o um no. . :P
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 29, 2013, 03:47:11 PM
Glad things are working out Tim, I am enjoying the big V and it did not take me very long to bond with it.  8)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Slideways on June 30, 2013, 09:15:05 PM
Came within a hair's breadth of trading my '08 Connie for a Wee Strom. I'd be interested in reading your thoughts after you have some time on your Strom. What do you miss, what is better, etc.
:popcorn:
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on June 30, 2013, 10:11:18 PM
Came within a hair's breadth of trading my '08 Connie for a Wee Strom. I'd be interested in reading your thoughts after you have some time on your Strom. What do you miss, what is better, etc.
 :popcorn:


Had a 1000 Strom from 2005 to 2009, then I went the C14 route. I just loved the C14 for the animal that it is, fast smooth mile eating machine. I enjoyed every mile I put on it, but I came to the realization that I enjoy less plastic and less weight and power. The Stroms are simple machines that do allot of things well, and they can take a beating and just keep on ticking. I enjoy exploring the rough county and township roads of rural Ohio too much, and the C14 just did not do that too well. The character of that big racing twin and the power delivery is just a hoot, the 650 version is the more refined and probably all around better machine, but the 1000 just kept calling me back. I will probably have nothing but a big ADV bike going forward, I am much more comfy and confident on them. And what can I say.....I love ugly strange looking bikes.   :thumbs:
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Slideways on July 01, 2013, 10:06:45 PM
...and you think a Strom is stange and ugly?! You should see my car.  :loco: '03 Honda Insight. Hmmmm... Maybe a Strom is my thing.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on July 01, 2013, 10:29:24 PM
...and you think a Strom is stange and ugly?! You should see my car.  :loco: '03 Honda Insight. Hmmmm... Maybe a Strom is my thing.


I dig the Element and the Ridgeline too.  8)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 02, 2013, 10:58:03 AM
All I can do is shake my head...
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on July 02, 2013, 12:57:56 PM
All I can do is shake my head...


Shake your head while driving the Prius?  ;)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 02, 2013, 04:37:24 PM
My wife drives that now.. :'( ....I'm driving the RAV4, which isn't bad, but it only gets 25mpg compared to 50mpg that the Prius gets.  I don't drive that much anymore unless I'm on a job so it makes sense for her to drive it and I'm trying to keep as many miles off of it that I can.  It has close to 280K on it.

And if you must know, I was shaking my head at my home office desk...you Twit.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on July 02, 2013, 06:28:40 PM
My wife drives that now.. :'( ....I'm driving the RAV4, which isn't bad, but it only gets 25mpg compared to 50mpg that the Prius gets.  I don't drive that much anymore unless I'm on a job so it makes sense for her to drive it and I'm trying to keep as many miles off of it that I can.  It has close to 280K on it.

And if you must know, I was shaking my head at my home office desk...you Twit.


The Rav4 is a pretty darn good vehicle, and having a home office is nice isnt it!!!  8)
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Cuda on July 02, 2013, 08:47:55 PM
I can get 19mpg at 70mph  and pull both of you around  ;)

All the pollution crap is removed , I've got three 500 gal tanks at home Road, off Road and Gas

I don't check MPG too depressing , $ 3,500 to $ 4,000 per month  to keep fuel in the tanks. :offtopic:

Don't know why you did not keep Connie and buy a used off road beater.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: VirginiaJim on July 03, 2013, 06:02:34 AM
I can get 19mpg at 70mph  and pull both of you around  ;)

All the pollution crap is removed , I've got three 500 gal tanks at home Road, off Road and Gas

I don't check MPG too depressing , $ 3,500 to $ 4,000 per month  to keep fuel in the tanks. :offtopic:

Don't know why you did not keep Connie and buy a used off road beater.

That would be nice.  We're going to Orlando in August.  I'll send you the exact date in a PM and you can tow us down there.  MPG would be fantastic and I appreciate your offer.
Title: Re: Come Friday the Connie is going to a new home.
Post by: Pokey on July 03, 2013, 07:40:13 AM
I can get 19mpg at 70mph  and pull both of you around  ;)

All the pollution crap is removed , I've got three 500 gal tanks at home Road, off Road and Gas

I don't check MPG too depressing , $ 3,500 to $ 4,000 per month  to keep fuel in the tanks. :offtopic:

Don't know why you did not keep Connie and buy a used off road beater.


I have a real off road beater, WR250R in the garage too. The C14 just was not for me, hence why I no longer have it. I also tend to get bored with bikes, I seem to change about every 4 years.