Really, anyone that says that heat is a problem on the original bikes is a pussy, or is wearing shorts, flip-flops, and a tube top.

Like I said, I'm not trying to start a debate or diss the first gen Connie 14, I'm just relating what I found when I searched the internet, how that affected my thought process to buy a newer model, and why resale value of early Connie 14's seem low.

Lots of magazine testers said they were hot, lots on owners in forums said they were hot, and Kawa redesigned the fairing because they were hot. So I guess there are a lot of pussies out there who thought they were hot. As a prospective buyer, it was enough to make me want the newer model, which drives down the resale value of earlier models.

And, an '09 is about to be a five year old bike. Saw a few gen ones on a dealers floor today, prices ranged from seven to nine grand. A bit optimistic perhaps, but they get a lot of foot traffic and can get peeps financed on used bikes.

Rode all day in temps well over 100, no complaints about the bike. Actually I was really digging how well these FullBore M-1 Street Sport tires were performing in the extreme heat. Exceptional grip and control, no squirming on the tar snakes, no rubber break down in tread areas from scrubbing, etc.

Have had my 2009 abs for sale for six weeks now. Asking $7,999, no calls. Just a few $100 more than 2008 models and mine come with warranty.

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/mcy/3857324842.html


UPDATE AUGUST 5, 2013. My black 2009 ABS with 19+k miles sold yesterday. Asked $7,999, got $7,900. Only had grip puppies and front fender extender on it. Good tires. Right buyer finally came along after I changed pictures on Craigslist. Old pictures were not working. Took better pictures and posted and 4 days later it sold.

I think that is quite respectable. Congrats. 

The farkles were stripped and most sold on here in the last week or so.  Did get a couple of contacts at $8300 that want to take a look. 

No wait that's not quite right.....................Let's see, add to that about another $80K my health insurance paid out for the 20 some screws and 3 or 4 plates in my left arm to hold the 8 pieces of my humorous together and the brace on my broken neck.

Nothing humorous about an injured humerus. 

I was offered $ 7k on trade for my '09 non ABS with 5k miles in mint condition.  This on a trade for a new '12 C14 for $ 12k even.   So basically $ 5k difference plus tax.

I would not expect more than about $ 7k for mine if I tried to sell it myself.  Well, some might find very low mileage and exceptional condition (never dropped or wrecked) tempting.

I traded my 2011 in with some of the farkles for more than I can buy a 13 for. It is crazy how cheaply you can buy a C14 right now.

Kawasaki needs to step up and give us the bike that will actually compete with the rest of the class. The power is okay but the suspension sucks, the linked brakes are the worst system going, the seat is rubbish and there is no cruize control. If mama kaw fixed those issues I would be back at the Kaw dealer in a minute. One shouldn't have to go all "ZG" on a bike to get it right.

That being said. It really is a great bike and probably the best all around bike I've ever owned. Time and technology has just passed her by. We are completely spoiled in the motorcycle world these days. The choices are dizzying in their numbers. It is good to be a rider these days. I remember the late 80's and early 90's when the choices were really quite limited.

Kinetics1,
just wait until you sell your Tuono and see what real depreciation is! BTW, I am an old Aprilia man, Rotax time, rode a CapoNord for 45K miles and a Tuono for 25K miles.

One shouldn't have to go all "ZG" on a bike to get it right.

 

^^^^^^^^depends on exactly how one defines "right" 

Kawasaki needs to step up and give us the bike that will actually compete with the rest of the class.

It already can.  It is as fast or faster, has a much better warranty.  Usually better price.  Better transmission than most.  Great dash, brake power, shaft system, wheels.  Has most all of the amenities one would expect.  Of course, it can always be better...

The power is okay but the suspension sucks, the linked brakes are the worst system going, the seat is rubbish and there is no cruize control.

Not sure most would agree that the suspension sucks.

Linked brakes are only a negative to some people, but they could EASILY make that controllable.  And they could do that now through software for $0.  And a software update could even improve all the existing C14's too.   I have no idea what was/is going through their minds.

At least there are a zillion aftermarket seats.  And I don't think the stock C14 is particularly worse than any other Kawasaki seat... maybe some other brands are a bit better.

Cruise control is sorely missing.  They should have added that back in 2010.  But, at least it can be added aftermarket.

Well Kwak central thought it enough of a problem that they redesigned the heat management system for the 10+ bikes.  With that being said, though, my 08 isn't that bad but I have the heat management panels on both sides and heat shielding under the seat...  Some 08/09 bikes are worse than others.

After riding the new 13 bike during a few hot day, I must agree that it runs cooler than the old 09 bike... not that I had a problem with that heat.

Kawasaki needs to step up and give us the bike that will actually compete with the rest of the class.

The only bike that consistently gets better reviews in it's class is the BMW that is almost twice as expensive.

The power is okay but the suspension sucks, the linked brakes are the worst system going, the seat is rubbish and there is no cruize control.

Power is ok? It is faster than any other bike in it's class! I'd say that is ok. Or are you referring to the 6 cyl BMW that has more torque for twice the price?
Suspension is perfect for me (150lbs), and I've adjusted the rear brake pedal so there's no problem with the linked brake, the seat is fine also, and I've added electronic cruise for less than $200.

That being said. It really is a great bike and probably the best all around bike I've ever owned.

Seems odd that you have such negative comments on "the best all around bike I've ever owned"

Time and technology has just passed her by.

Really? Compared to what? Very few bikes have more technology for the price than the Connie.

For the price you can actually ride out the door, the Connie 14 is an amazing bike. You can always find one brand or another that does something better, but in the sport-touring world, the Connie 14 is certainly a world-class competitor.

A big +1!

Ecruise for $200.  What is this ecruise  you speak of?

I have a $3.50 Cat O-ring which does help.   I had an Audiovox ecruise on my old C10, it was awesome.

Ecruise for $200.  What is this ecruise  you speak of?

Rostra - sorry, it's $205.97. By the time you add the control switch, it's around $250

Cruise control from Summit:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rpc-250-1223/overview/

Control switch:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rpc-250-3592

I also used Murphs $20 mount:
http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=130_133&products_id=349


How to install it: http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/docs/Rostra%20Cruise%20Control%20to%20my%202011%20GTR1400.pdf
http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/docs/Rostra%20install.htm