Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: eng943 on October 19, 2017, 12:11:30 AM
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I have narrowed down to two options for my C14 purchase and looking for some sage wisdom to help me decide
"Used" Metallic Racing Green 2015 with 530 miles on it. Was never titled, used as a demo. Has 12 months of warranty left on it. Essentially a new bike in terms of condition save for two little paint gouges that I would have repaired. Price $11,000.
"New" leftover 2017 Blue in color. Price is $12,669.
What do you think?
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I've owned both and the latest 2017 vented screen version is a slightly better bike IMHO
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I've owned both and the latest 2017 vented screen version is a slightly better bike IMHO
Interesting as the adjustable vented screen was introduced in 2015 and that o paper the 15/16 & 17 year models are identical spec on paper other than colo(u)r
Wonder if your 15 was actually an unregistered 14 model?
Anyways presuming the 15 has the following features (highlighted the easiest to spot) I would get that
Kawasaki made numerous minor changes in 2015 that include a revised first gear ratio, different steering stem seal for lighter steering at low speed, stiffer rear suspension for enhanced carrying capacity, an adjustable vent in the windshield, revised ABS programming to reduce the linked braking effect, a new rear luggage base, silver bezels on the analog dash meters, elongated mid-pipe heat shield, change of warning lamp color from red to yellow, tank pad, cushions on passenger pegs, and a more deeply sculpted seat. The revised parts should all be backwards compatible with previous model years. Kawasaki also shifted the North American models to use the oxygen sensor that had previously only been used in the other world markets. Color options of Candy Lime Green for USA/Canada, Metallic Spark Black for all markets, and Metallic Moondust Gray for Europe.
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Interesting as the adjustable vented screen was introduced in 2015 and that o paper the 15/16 & 17 year models are identical spec on paper other than colo(u)r
Wonder if your 15 was actually an unregistered 14 model?
Anyways presuming the 15 has the following features (highlighted the easiest to spot) I would get that
Kawasaki made numerous minor changes in 2015 that include a revised first gear ratio, different steering stem seal for lighter steering at low speed, stiffer rear suspension for enhanced carrying capacity, an adjustable vent in the windshield, revised ABS programming to reduce the linked braking effect, a new rear luggage base, silver bezels on the analog dash meters, elongated mid-pipe heat shield, change of warning lamp color from red to yellow, tank pad, cushions on passenger pegs, and a more deeply sculpted seat. The revised parts should all be backwards compatible with previous model years. Kawasaki also shifted the North American models to use the oxygen sensor that had previously only been used in the other world markets. Color options of Candy Lime Green for USA/Canada, Metallic Spark Black for all markets, and Metallic Moondust Gray for Europe.
It appears to have all of the updates that the 15 models were claimed to have.
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The 2015 hasn't been run very much. It's now closer to 2018. Buying an older bike that's been essentially sitting that long you'll need to go over everything. All fluids will need to be changed. Not sure I'd trust the tires. Battery might not last long.... I'd go with the 2017.
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If the 2015 was used as a demo and never titled, I would question why the 3 year warranty wouldn't start with your purchase.
If they ate the first two years of the warranty up on a demo bike, ask them to extend it for another 3 years on them.
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Just a thought but I would be wary of any demo vehicle. They often get used and abused, so while showing 530 miles, those might be very hard, nasty miles.
And as another poster pointed out, why are there only 12 months of warranty left on a bike that was never titled? Sounds like the dealer and / or Kawasaki may be backing away from fully backing the bike?
Brian
I have narrowed down to two options for my C14 purchase and looking for some sage wisdom to help me decide
"Used" Metallic Racing Green 2015 with 530 miles on it. Was never titled, used as a demo. Has 12 months of warranty left on it. Essentially a new bike in terms of condition save for two little paint gouges that I would have repaired. Price $11,000.
"New" leftover 2017 Blue in color. Price is $12,669.
What do you think?
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The 2015 hasn't been run very much. It's now closer to 2018. Buying an older bike that's been essentially sitting that long you'll need to go over everything. All fluids will need to be changed. Not sure I'd trust the tires. Battery might not last long.... I'd go with the 2017.
True but then again a reputable dealer would sort all those issues (except maybe the tyres) as part of the sale
Its still $1,669 cheaper ;)
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Too many reasons for the 2017 and not enough for the 2015. Buy them both and give me the one that you don't want. :)
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also depends what colo(u)r you want ;)
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Two model years newer, two extra years of warranty, and you know it will be broken in right. Oh and did I mention blue is the fastest color! Go with the 2017.
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* The older bike, even though it was essentially unused, will have a lower book value, so full insurance will be lower.
* The older bike will have a lower recurring annual tax (assuming your state does that... mine does).
* The older bike should be sold with 3 year warranty, but I am not sure what the rules are for miles.
* Even without the original warranty, you can still cheapy add 6 more years of factory warranty, so that is an option (and price) although you can't have as much TOTAL warranty (7 years instead of 9). Remember, don't buy the warranty from THEM.
* The older bike might not have been broken in properly and/or could have been abused; although abused is not as likely for this particular class of bike.
* You might be able to talk them down even more on the older bike price.
$2,700 difference. It is a hard decision for sure. For me, color would be a major factor- the good part is that neither is black :) The bad is that neither is silver(y) :(
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Thanks to all.
I pulled the trigger on the blue 2017. Got them down a few hundred more, which puts me around 12,200 before TTL. Not bad considering. The bike is being picked up tomorrow. I'll have the winter to farkle it up in preparation for next season, at which time I will sell my K16GT.
This time I am going to bite the bullet install MC CRUISE along with the mods I did on my 2012 C14. Should keep me entertained this winter.
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May I ask why you're selling the K16?
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May I ask why you're selling the K16?
I was wondering the same thing. Just curious... what made you leave and what made you come back?
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I believe he mentioned the reason in another thread: cost. He has found the cost(s) of the BMW too high. I am sure he can elaborate.
Brian
May I ask why you're selling the K16?
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May I ask why you're selling the K16?
A couple reasons: First, despite great intentions, I ride less than I used to, and my rides tend to be shorter day rides. This year barely 4K. My wife comes along less frequently as well. For these reasons along with what I spend for the K16, it makes sense to try to find something more economical.
Also, taking the K16 out for a two or three hour ride fells like I am launching the USS Ronald Reagan to cross a pond. It is a fantastic long distance bike, but low speed maneuvering is really cumbersome especially with a passenger. The C14 is easier to handle.
I turn 50 this month and at this stage have bigger ambitions than spending $25K on one motorcycle.
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Makes sense on the battleship/handing thing and such.
But unless we are talking about ongoing maintenance costs (which we do know are higher for BWM), you already lost your shirt by buying the K16. It is hard to recoup unless you found someone willing to pay super-top-dollar (hopefully you did).
I would ask you what you will miss the most about the K16, but you kinda implied it already by what you immediately plan to add to the C14 that you didn't have before on the C14- cruise control.
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Thanks to all.
I pulled the trigger on the blue 2017. Got them down a few hundred more, which puts me around 12,200 before TTL. Not bad considering. The bike is being picked up tomorrow. I'll have the winter to farkle it up in preparation for next season, at which time I will sell my K16GT.
This time I am going to bite the bullet install MC CRUISE along with the mods I did on my 2012 C14. Should keep me entertained this winter.
Can you satisfy my curiosity and check the 10th digit of your VIN for your new bike please :)
8 2008
9 2009
A 2010
B 2011
C 2012
D 2013
E 2014
F 2015
G 2016
H 2017
I 2018
J 2019
K 2020
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I pulled the trigger on the blue 2017...
...Should keep me entertained this winter.
Congrats on the new toy!! Many happy miles ahead.
BTW, what's this Winter I keep hearing about? 8)
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Makes sense on the battleship/handing thing and such.
But unless we are talking about ongoing maintenance costs (which we do know are higher for BWM), you already lost your shirt by buying the K16. It is hard to recoup unless you found someone willing to pay super-top-dollar (hopefully you did).
I would ask you what you will miss the most about the K16, but you kinda implied it already by what you immediately plan to add to the C14 that you didn't have before on the C14- cruise control.
Good points and spot on. Unfortunately, the reality of depreciation is inescapable next week, or two years from now. Eventually the piper has to be paid and the loss gets realized. I'll sell it outright in the spring, to reduce the hit on the negative equity. The K16's have depreciated VERY hard. BMW brought too many in during 2015/2016 and they consequently languished to the point that BMW started offering several thousand in cash back to K16 purchases. As recently as a month ago you could buy a new 2016 for 19,900 on a bike that had a $27,000 MSRP. They have since changed their ways on the number of K16's being brought in.
It has been a frustrating ownership experience to watch as used GS's and RT's have held their value more appreciably as my K16 value fell like a rock, and then to add insult to injury be handed a bill for $200.00 for a simple oil change and making $350.00 monthly payments. Enough is enough at this point, and I'm willing to take the loss at this point to escape this experience.
Trading bikes or cars off after 2-3 years of ownership is never pretty regardless.
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Interesting as the adjustable vented screen was introduced in 2015 and that o paper the 15/16 & 17 year models are identical spec on paper other than colo(u)r
Wonder if your 15 was actually an unregistered 14 model?
Anyways presuming the 15 has the following features (highlighted the easiest to spot) I would get that
Kawasaki made numerous minor changes in 2015 that include a revised first gear ratio, different steering stem seal for lighter steering at low speed, stiffer rear suspension for enhanced carrying capacity, an adjustable vent in the windshield, revised ABS programming to reduce the linked braking effect, a new rear luggage base, silver bezels on the analog dash meters, elongated mid-pipe heat shield, change of warning lamp color from red to yellow, tank pad, cushions on passenger pegs, and a more deeply sculpted seat. The revised parts should all be backwards compatible with previous model years. Kawasaki also shifted the North American models to use the oxygen sensor that had previously only been used in the other world markets. Color options of Candy Lime Green for USA/Canada, Metallic Spark Black for all markets, and Metallic Moondust Gray for Europe.
You are way of the mark Mikey.
The 2017 model had a number of changes one being an OEM fit vented screen, which didn't appear before the 2017 model year, different clock surrounds was another change
My 2017 bike was just that my friend...I've had enough of them to know the differences ::)
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You are way of the mark Mikey.
The 2017 model had a number of changes one being an OEM fit vented screen, which didn't appear before the 2017 model year, different clock surrounds was another change
My 2017 bike was just that my friend...I've had enough of them to know the differences ::)
My info admittedly came from Wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_1400GTR)as unfortunately I cant find anyhwere where their press packs are archived/
HOC does it for the Honda stuff
http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/ (http://www.hoc.org.uk/gallery/)
Out of interest what the 10th digit of your VIN on your 17 plate?
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You are way of the mark Mikey.
The 2017 model had a number of changes one being an OEM fit vented screen, which didn't appear before the 2017 model year, different clock surrounds was another change
My 2017 bike was just that my friend...I've had enough of them to know the differences ::)
Actually the kawasaki parts fiche support the wiki statement as for the 2015 model year it shows the revised windshield with vent which isn't present if you look at the 2014 models backwards
2014
http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1648.G-12&machineid=792&year=2014&model=ZG1400CEF&country=GB (http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1648.G-12&machineid=792&year=2014&model=ZG1400CEF&country=GB)
2015
http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1947.G-09&machineid=5493&year=2015&model=ZG1400EFF&country=GB (http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1947.G-09&machineid=5493&year=2015&model=ZG1400EFF&country=GB)
Dare I say it (with no offence intended) but maybe the bikes you bought that were registered in maybe 15/16 were actually previous model year bikes that were registered new in 15/16 ?
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You are way of the mark Mikey.
The 2017 model had a number of changes one being an OEM fit vented screen, which didn't appear before the 2017 model year, different clock surrounds was another change
My 2017 bike was just that my friend...I've had enough of them to know the differences ::)
Wikipedia is correct, all those changes were for the 2015 model year. There were no changes at all to the Concours 14 after 2015 except color (that we know of, anyway).
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Actually the kawasaki parts fiche support the wiki statement as for the 2015 model year it shows the revised windshield with vent which isn't present if you look at the 2014 models backwards
2014
http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1648.G-12&machineid=792&year=2014&model=ZG1400CEF&country=GB (http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1648.G-12&machineid=792&year=2014&model=ZG1400CEF&country=GB)
2015
http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1947.G-09&machineid=5493&year=2015&model=ZG1400EFF&country=GB (http://www.kawasakioriginalparts.com/road-bikes.html?blockref=99912-1947.G-09&machineid=5493&year=2015&model=ZG1400EFF&country=GB)
Dare I say it (with no offence intended) but maybe the bikes you bought that were registered in maybe 15/16 were actually previous model year bikes that were registered new in 15/16 ?
Mikey, I owned a 2008 GTR (Black) when they were first launched, which I changed for a 2009 Blue) model year bike, I then purchased a Green (fastest colour) in 2010 and finally a 2016 model year the following link might explain things for you
I have no objection to purchasing a pre registered or previous model year bike, but this did not happen to be so in my case. My bikes were not unregistered or pre-registered machines. ;)
https://www.seastarsuperbikes.co.uk/kawasaki/models/sports_tourer/1400gtr (https://www.seastarsuperbikes.co.uk/kawasaki/models/sports_tourer/1400gtr)
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Mikey, I owned a 2008 GTR (Black) when they were first launched, which I changed for a 2009 Blue) model year bike, I then purchased a Green (fastest colour) in 2010 and finally a 2016 model year the following link might explain things for you
I have no objection to purchasing a pre registered or previous model year bike, but this did not happen to be so in my case. My bikes were not unregistered or pre-registered machines. ;)
https://www.seastarsuperbikes.co.uk/kawasaki/models/sports_tourer/1400gtr (https://www.seastarsuperbikes.co.uk/kawasaki/models/sports_tourer/1400gtr)
Even the link provided doesn't tie in with your earlier statement that "The 2017 model had a number of changes one being an OEM fit vented screen, which didn't appear before the 2017 model year" as it refers to a 2016 bike (although it does say there introduced for 2016).
Either way all of your earlier ones were pre 15/16 so naturally would not have had the vented screen ;)
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Even the link provided doesn't tie in with your earlier statement that "The 2017 model had a number of changes one being an OEM fit vented screen, which didn't appear before the 2017 model year" as it refers to a 2016 bike (although it does say there introduced for 2016).
Either way all of your earlier ones were pre 15/16 so naturally would not have had the vented screen ;)
Yes..... ok..... correct..... I was responding to OP thread which queried the differences between 2015 and 2017 which is obviously where the confusion came in, I was of course referring to the model year 2016 which saw the introduction of the OEM vented screen plus other 'improvements'
Hope that you are happy now and can enjoy a peaceful nights sleep ;)
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Yes..... ok..... correct..... I was responding to OP thread which queried the differences between 2015 and 2017 which is obviously where the confusion came in, I was of course referring to the model year 2016 which saw the introduction of the OEM vented screen plus other 'improvements'
Hope that you are happy now and can enjoy a peaceful nights sleep ;)
no no no
vented screen was introduced infor the 2015 model year ;)
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Easy there Mike, you are winning the argument. But it looks like the opposing force will only give in one year at a time.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
I do not blame him though, I am still reeling from the change in the instrument light color change way back when- I love the red instrument lights on the Gen. 1 bikes and do not care for the white lights introduced in 2011 at all..... or was it 2010? ;D
Brian
no no no
vented screen was introduced infor the 2015 model year ;)
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Red instrument lights are sooooooo much nicer :)
Easy there Mike, you are winning the argument. But it looks like the opposing force will only give in one year at a time.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
I do not blame him though, I am still reeling from the change in the instrument light color change way back when- I love the red instrument lights on the Gen. 1 bikes and do not care for the white lights introduced in 2011 at all..... or was it 2010? ;D
Brian
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I am still reeling from the change in the instrument light color change way back when- I love the red instrument lights on the Gen. 1 bikes and do not care for the white lights introduced in 2011 at all..... or was it 2010? ;D
It was the 2010 model, gen2 change. And white is soooooooooooooooooooo much better than red :)
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Yeah, I know. The reason I put it like I did was "humor" 'cause the other two guys are inching their way to the actual year when the changes they are talking about happened.
As far as the inst. lights, I know you are in the majority but I really, really like the red lights. Especially just as they become visible as daylight fades. My next C-14 will certainly have the white lights, and I will give them a try but I can see red LEDs and a little soldering work in my future.
Brian
It was the 2010 model, gen2 change. And white is soooooooooooooooooooo much better than red :)
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As far as the inst. lights, I know you are in the majority but I really, really like the red lights. Especially just as they become visible as daylight fades. My next C-14 will certainly have the white lights, and I will give them a try but I can see red LEDs and a little soldering work in my future.
What we should have, what ALL vehicles SHOULD have, are tri-colored LED's. For about $2 more per vehicle, the users could select whatever dash light color(s) they want! Bam, done.
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Just a random thought but that may not be possible..... I am not sure but perhaps vehicles are type approved with the instruments as they are tested by the DOT? As I said, just a random thought.
As far as the C-14 specifically, I think Kawasaki did 'the right thing' in changing them; I have had mine since the early days (July 2007) and I well remember all the complaining about the red instrument lighting. And judging by the general feedback, at least from what I have seen in my very un- scientific method of scanning this forum, it seems that white lighting has been well received. Ya' gotta' go with the masses if ya' wanna' sell stuff. So I never mind when things like this happen (they changed to a color I do not like as much). Besides, I can still R&R the smallest surface mount LED's, or at least the smallest that I have ever seen, so no problem for me. And I actually have to buy a Gen. 2 C-14 before it is even a real problem anyway. :-)
Brian
What we should have, what ALL vehicles SHOULD have, are tri-colored LED's. For about $2 more per vehicle, the users could select whatever dash light color(s) they want! Bam, done.
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no no no
vented screen was introduced infor the 2015 model year ;)
....you're getting boring now Mikey >:(
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....you're getting boring now Mikey >:(
Nah boring was the way the drivers were introduced at the start of the F1 race from Austin yesterday ;)