Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Rhino on November 11, 2012, 10:06:05 AM
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Pricy I know but for anyone like me looking for a luxury touring bike with high end sport like performance a C14 with helibars is the best accessory you can add. Very well engineered and well made. The adjustability allows you to dial in the perfect comfort. After going through 4 different seats I now wish I had started with helibars then pick an aftermarket seat. It's been many decades since you could buy a car without having an adjustable seat. All high end bikes should have adjustable bars IMHO.
(http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac177/sreinschmidt/2012-11-10_09-05-45_105.jpg)
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All high end bikes should have adjustable bars IMHO.
All bike used to have adjustable bars. Many still do, but not as adjustable as the Helibars.
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Pricy I know but for anyone like me looking for a luxury touring bike with high end sport like performance a C14 with helibars is the best accessory you can add.
Could not agree more. Had the Horizons installed by Helibars at Laconia this year and I absolutely love them.
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Hi All,
Quick history so you know where i am coming from.. Riding for 35 years, had about 30 bikes, including last model FJR. The c14 is the best bike I have owned, though of course it is not perfect. I have never had one of those.
I am generally cheap and try to do any modification myself before spending too much. well once i decided i will not find a better bike for under 25k - i decided to throw down some $$ to upgrade the c14 to make it perfect for me...
I tried many seats before going with a $600 russell.. problem solved.. well worth the money.
Next were the handle bar height and angle.. tried risers and they helped- but not perfect.. next went big with $700 heli handlebar replacements. problem solved - not only do they eliminate (with manic salamander heavy bar end weights) any and all vibe in throttle - but they have so many possible adjustments and so easy to adjust - i can now ride all day and night with little to no discomfort. Link is below - the only negative is i wish they hand like a ball adjustment so grip angle could be adjusted in any angle.
The other item was the biggest wind screen i could find- which was the 7 jarock.. it is not for everyone though because it is huge- but my wife and i can speak through our communication device at 90+mph with little effort. also no buffeting. I am completely happy with my connie now.. if it was about an inch shorter and 100 lbs lighter it would be perfect.. but some of that is my average stature.. 5'10, 29" inseam, 185lbs. I love my connie for short trips and for cross country.... i think for the $$ it can't be beat.. will be at the gap week of April 20th. would love to hook up with someone
https://www.helibars.com/product/kawasaki-c14-multi-adjustable-handlebar-replacement-system (https://www.helibars.com/product/kawasaki-c14-multi-adjustable-handlebar-replacement-system)
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So, to make the bike perfect for you, you changed a SPORT touring bike into a sporty TOURING bike. I think I would have just bought a wing and removed the trunk. :o
Just messing with you ;D
Personally, I am more comfortable leaned forward, so my perfect setup is stock handlebars, lower windscreen, and firmer seat that sits me a tad higher than stock.
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Glad you got the bike the way you wanted it :) Sometimes spending some money is the easiest way to transform something from good into great, especially since no two people are the same. The Helibars Horizons are very impressive and something I would have probably gone for, if they were available before I spent the time and money on regular Helibars risers and Phil's wedges.
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<snip>
The other item was the biggest wind screen i could find- which was the 7 jarock.. it is not for everyone though because it is huge- but my wife and i can speak through our communication device at 90+mph with little effort. also no buffeting.
I've not heard of this shield. Must be huge if it's bigger than the v-stream sail.
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+1 http://www.7jurock.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=241 (http://www.7jurock.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=241)
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So, to make the bike perfect for you, you changed a SPORT touring bike into a sporty TOURING bike. I think I would have just bought a wing and removed the trunk. :o
Just messing with you ;D
Personally, I am more comfortable leaned forward, so my perfect setup is stock handlebars, lower windscreen, and firmer seat that sits me a tad higher than stock.
Exactly! Still 200 lbs lighter than a wing and way more power. 900 miles days and can still thrash it in the twisties.
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All high end bikes should have adjustable bars IMHO.
The Voyager XII had adjustable bars. You could move them back and forth and there was also a pivot near the grips where you could adjust them out and in. Took a lot of adjusting to find that sweet spot for me.
Going to rallies, it was interesting to see how the different riders set up the bars. Everything from a dirt bike posture, to a 60s chopper bars coming almost straight back at you.
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Imagine a car that had a fixed seat, not even forward and back, and a fixed steering wheel. That's what most bikes a like. I think higher end bikes should be adjustable from the factory.
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I've not heard of this shield. Must be huge if it's bigger than the v-stream sail.
You should try the Aeroflow...bigger than the VStream. Moves a bit more in the wind but it blocks much more wind than the VStream does...at least for me and my riding position. I'm 6'1" and ride tall so there was much more buffeting with the VStream (I know it's off-topic but had to throw my 2 cents in)
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I have the V Stream and bar risers, but found the buffeting much reduced when I went to a Schuberth helmet.
I would suggest that the first farkle would be to change the stock tires to PR3 or 4's. The Bridgestones lasted 3,500 KM ( about 2,200 miles).
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I'm switching to the California Scientific XL Windscreen...should be here tomorrow! Agreed on the tires! I went to the PR4 GT's and love them! I'm on my second set now.
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I want them really bad. I feel like I need them to experience the bike fully but I cannot bring myself to spend over 20% of my bikes worth on handlebars!
Mike
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I want them really bad. I feel like I need them to experience the bike fully but I cannot bring myself to spend over 20% of my bikes worth on handlebars!
Mike
If they make your bike 30% more comfortable, they're a bargain. I spent nearly $500 on tires that will wear out in a season, Helibars will last as long as you have your bike. Longer if you mount them on your next Concours. ;)
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If they make your bike 30% more comfortable, they're a bargain. I spent nearly $500 on tires that will wear out in a season, Helibars will last as long as you have your bike. Longer if you mount them on your next Concours. ;)
Stahp it with your much better reasoning! I'll have to wait 'til my next return.
Mike
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Stahp it with your much better reasoning! I'll have to wait 'til my next return.
Mike
It's not better reasoning, it's called JUSTIFICATION. I've gotten very good at it over the years. With my lack of common sense I need a motorcycle that will go 150+ like I need a box of hair ties. (I'm nearly bald.) I bought the Concours because it was water cooled and had hard bags. Yeah, right....
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I want them really bad. I feel like I need them to experience the bike fully but I cannot bring myself to spend over 20% of my bikes worth on handlebars!
Mike
i felt the same way as you - and dragged my feet for a long time. now i only wish i would have done it sooner. I figure, not only does it add dramatically to my enjoyment of the bike - i can add them to my next connie - or sell them on e-bay when done.. call them and ask if they have a money back guarantee if you don't love em...
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i felt the same way as you - and dragged my feet for a long time. now i only wish i would have done it sooner. I figure, not only does it add dramatically to my enjoyment of the bike - i can add them to my next connie - or sell them on e-bay when done.. call them and ask if they have a money back guarantee if you don't love em...
+1 When I bought the bike I knew before I got it home I needed tall, further back bars for long distance. I did risers, then designed and fabricated my own pull back risers. And finally bit the bullet and spent the $700. Made this bike all day comfortable for me.
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Probably the best addition I have made to my bike.
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I took her for a ride today and can't seem to get comfortable. Installed Ronnies highway pegs and bar risers but I think I may have to bite the bullet and buy Horizon ST bars. My forearms are killing me.
I LOVE the way this bike runs and rides. If I can get the ergonomics sorted out I'll be thrilled. After many years on American Iron, I may just need to grow accustomed to the new riding position. Time will tell.
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Might work. They kinda look like mini apes. :)
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That was a hard bullet to bite for me, bought mine off e bay and at least saved the shipping costs. They went on pretty easy, even the brake/clutch bleeding went pretty well following the instructions. And that is my tip, no matter how many times you have done this type of install, follow their directions if you do it Except for this point. When they say now tighten the Brake line extenders, dont. Just barely tighten them, when you get it all mounted and pretty much lined up, (Sit on it and dial it in) swivel the lines into the right position so they don't touch anything and then and only then crank em down.
It allows you to sit more upright and more weight gets on the seat. So you will be more comfortable. I doubled my riding time in one shot just installing the Heli Bars.
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MS1400 - thanks for the review. I'm also thinking about getting these bars too. Do you have any pics when you did your install? I have the heli 2 in risers and the wedges. Removed the wedges a month ago because of prior riding habits. My fast commute and spirited rides with the wedges prevented me from tucking my elbows and gave me sore wrists. Not sure your riding style but these bars sound amazingly adjustable for any riding situation.
Any suggestions on the install? How long did it take? I'm so interested and grabbing a pair off eBay too!
Ride safe.
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Here's the website. You can download the installation manual..
http://www.helibars.com/products/HeliBars%C2%AE-Horizon%E2%84%A2-ST-multi-adjustable-handlebars-for-Kawasaki-Concours14/582.html (http://www.helibars.com/products/HeliBars%C2%AE-Horizon%E2%84%A2-ST-multi-adjustable-handlebars-for-Kawasaki-Concours14/582.html)
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:) - Thanks!!! I appreciate the information update.
Ride safe.
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Helibars are the best addition I made to my bike... Love them...
Tony
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Hi,
I'm a little confused (situation normal) on this?
I'm 6' 8" tall and the C14 feels great to me?
Never saw a need to go to risers or anything.
Maybe if you are shorter you lean forward more?
Just sayin!
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Hi,
I'm a little confused (situation normal) on this?
I'm 6' 8" tall and the C14 feels great to me?
If that was a question, (and it was punctuated that way) then the answer is YES it does feel great to you! ;D
(you lucky long armed lanky so and so >:( ! )
...most those of your size seem to have knee problems with the C14 and want lower pegs. Not so for you? ..your C14 was perfect right out of the box?
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I'm 6' 8" tall and the C14 feels great to me?
NOW I understand the GIANT part of your user name. :rotflmao: