Well, the wife gave me the green light to get on two wheels again.  She wants to do weekend trips every now and then to help make up for selling our travel trailer last spring.  My bike history since 1992:  92 Kawi ZX6D, 95 CBR600F3 (used- then stolen), 99 ZX9, another 95 CBR600F3, traded it on a 04 GSXR600- awesome bike, then a 08 CBR1000RR- bought in Aug 09, sold in Dec 09.  Haven't been on bikes since.  This would obviously be my first time on something other than a sport bike, I'm 43, I like the idea. 
   I test rode a new 14 Ninja 1000 last Saturday and loved it. The wife thought it sat ok, would definitely get it with all 3 factory bags.  Rode an 08 C14 with 27k.  Felt like it had been ridden hard and put up wet.  Warped rotors, front end bounced, etc.  Going this Saturday to ride a new 14 Concours in cardinal red (hot!) and most likely a 13 F6B (new).  I hear the C14 needs a 55 rear tire.  Any other tips or must dos?  Thanks folks!  Looking forward to enjoying riding!

welcome - buy buy buy!

funny you mention the ZX9, I missed mine so much I had to buy another.  Only bike i ever felt that way about, and this one is housed in my dining room 

Exact bike I had! Probably liked my 04 Gixxer the best. Hoping I like the C14, just not sure about the linked braking.....FJR is not really on my list as my local dealers don't compare to Sport Cycles in Rockingham. He is Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki. No one compares to his deals here. It's so painless there too.

Welcome to the ST side the test ride will make your decision easy. You'll be two upping on the Connie soon enough. 

Welcome to the ST side the test ride will make your decision easy. You'll be two upping on the Connie soon enough. 

+1

Exact bike I had! Probably liked my 04 Gixxer the best. Hoping I like the C14, just not sure about the linked braking.....FJR is not really on my list as my local dealers don't compare to Sport Cycles in Rockingham. He is Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki. No one compares to his deals here. It's so painless there too.

I flew in and rode 500 miles home from Sport Cycles in '12 to buy my '12 Connie.  From your background, you might be happier on the Ninja 1000.  The driveshaft is what put me on the Concours.  I like to do long days and having to clean and lube the chain before calling it a night got old fast.

Redlinez, where is home?
Some here may be able to help you find the best price in your area.

Ride safe, Ted

welcome - buy buy buy!

funny you mention the ZX9, I missed mine so much I had to buy another.  Only bike i ever felt that way about, and this one is housed in my dining room 

Of course! Where else would you house it?

Apex NC, about 90 minutes from Sport Cycles.  Trust me when I say, no one around touches him and never has.  Bought mine new in 99, 04, and 08.  Every dealer around charged setup/assembly and doc fees.  He was at least $800 less on any bike I've bought.  I was willing to pay someone local a little more, but when I told them the price, they flat out told me to go buy it.  Jerry Covington (one of the owners), is an absolute gentleman to deal with.  I think I was in and out in 30 minutes in 08.  Not that I mind being there a while, it's a nice place.

As a side note, he offers 15% off all accessories, so that would help with adding the side bags, top case, gel seat, etc. 

Oki, keep us posted on the purchase.

Ride safe, Ted

welcome - buy buy buy!

funny you mention the ZX9, I missed mine so much I had to buy another.  Only bike i ever felt that way about, and this one is housed in my dining room 

Strange looking dining room wall Steve.

I would love to have a dining room with a garage door and a motorcycle in it. 

Ninja is out after talking to a few owners who let me know it's definitely a one up tourer.  I don't want my wife to NOT enjoy riding with me, so it's either C14 or F6B.  Big difference in price, but also a big difference in what they are.  Oh, he does have the cardinal red C14 which is super sexy IMO.

Just got back from riding the new C14 and F6B.  Gotta say the decision wasn't easy after staying there an hour or so afterwards talking it over with a friend.  Decided to order a 15 F6B in blue.  I wanted to make sure my wife truly enjoys riding so we'll go as often as possible.  I sat on the back of both, the C14 made me feel I was leaning or sliding forward.  The F6B felt like a lazyboy chair.  I'll have to adjust to the forward footpeg placement and low speed bulkly handling, but everything else was pretty awesome.  The torque at low rpms really sold me.  I should have it in 10 days. 

Congrats on the new bike and the very best of luck with it. Ride than pants off of that thing....

Brian

Just got back from riding the new C14 and F6B.  Gotta say the decision wasn't easy after staying there an hour or so afterwards talking it over with a friend.  Decided to order a 15 F6B in blue.  I wanted to make sure my wife truly enjoys riding so we'll go as often as possible.  I sat on the back of both, the C14 made me feel I was leaning or sliding forward.  The F6B felt like a lazyboy chair.  I'll have to adjust to the forward footpeg placement and low speed bulkly handling, but everything else was pretty awesome.  The torque at low rpms really sold me.  I should have it in 10 days.

Congrats on your new toy.
It doesn't what you ride as long as it's two wheeled.

The F6B is a comfy couch, enjoy. 

Just got back from riding the new C14 and F6B.  Gotta say the decision wasn't easy after staying there an hour or so afterwards talking it over with a friend.  Decided to order a 15 F6B in blue.  I wanted to make sure my wife truly enjoys riding so we'll go as often as possible.  I sat on the back of both, the C14 made me feel I was leaning or sliding forward.  The F6B felt like a lazyboy chair.  I'll have to adjust to the forward footpeg placement and low speed bulkly handling, but everything else was pretty awesome.  The torque at low rpms really sold me.  I should have it in 10 days.

Nice! Never rode an F6B but have ridden a new Wing. Handles amazing for such a huge bike. Not much on the planet that can beat it for comfort. Enjoy!

Nice! Never rode an F6B but have ridden a new Wing. Handles amazing for such a huge bike. Not much on the planet that can beat it for comfort. Enjoy!

I liked the seat and ride on the F6B better than the wing.  The deal breaker for me was how Honda stripped the amenities off the bike.