Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Logansrun on May 31, 2011, 08:32:24 PM
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So, this will probably be a strange post... In 2007 I returned to my love of motorcycles with a Honda shadow 750, and a year later I test drove some larger Honda cruisers and bought a VTX 1300. I had it for almost 3 years and tweaked the heck out of it. From a comfort point of view, I had my VTX in a pretty good spot. But I remained disappointed with Honda and how badly they had cut corners on many components.
So I'd been thinking of a sport tourer for awhile and made the move to what I believe is probably the best sport tourer on the market -- a 2011 C14.
I've put 1100 miles on her so far. I immediately added murph's riser extensions and some grip puppies after just owning her for a day or two. The bike is head and shoulders above my old VTX in terms of quality and functionality, etc. But I'm wondering if I'll get to the same long-ride comfort level of my old cruiser. So I'm feeling a little bit of regret and wonder if others have been through the same feelings?
I need a seat fix and I feel like there are good options there. But my shoulders and arms are hurting before an hour is up. Before an hour is up, I'm already doing one handed riding to try and relieve the discomfort. (I'm 45 and in good health if that helps relate).
Is this an old familiar story that can be resolved? Or will I always be looking back with regret to my old cruiser? Any feedback is appreciated.
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I too came from a cruiser and experienced a lot of the same pains that you wrote about for the first 2000 miles or so. I really under appreciated the vastly different riding styles and feeling that a sport tourer has as compared to a cruiser. I foolishly thought that I could simple go from on to the other effortlessly. However, I stuck with it and now have 12k on her since Labor Day (including several 1000 mile days and multiple long distance trips) and love the bike while the cruiser is slowing rotting away in the garage.
I too added Murphs risers and then the Sargent low seat as my first two modifications. Then a larger windshield.
So my advice is continue to go out a ride her. Your body will adjust (I also used it as an excuse to hit the gym a few days a week for some basic cardo and upper body strength work outs) and before long you will be throwing her around like the best of them.
-David
Athens, GA
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Interesting. I've always had crotchrockets and most recently had an 08 zx10 and a Nomad 1600. I picked up the nomad to mellow out and have a more versatile bike. It turns out the cruiser killed my neck and wasn't as comfortable as the zx10. I wound up selling both and picking up the connie. It's the best of both worlds. No issues so far but I can see getting a corbin seat in the future. It sounds like you should give it some more time for your body to adjust.
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I came off a Harley, and onto a Connie, but the old one. I don't think that is all that important to this but, I would try a set of adjustable handlebars, like convertibars, or think about getting the conversion kit (if one is made) to switch to a "bar" instead of "tall clip-ons". That way you can control the angle your hands are at better. It's the next mod I'm planning, and cannot wait, as my left hand cramps constantly from being at the "wrong" angle. I rode a friends bike who has convertibars, and BAM! World of difference after I adjusted it to a more "cruiser-ish" angle.
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I squeeze the tank with my legs which helps me keep my weight off the bars. This was something I had to think about at first but now comes naturally. I came from a long string of Harleys so there was a fairly long adjustment period in changing how I rode. For me the learning curve was part of the fun because I had to re-learn a lot of things to really ride this bike well. Also, I think once you log some hours in the saddle your muscles will adjust. Try sitting on the bike on the center stand and squeezing the tank with your legs and make the effort to keep the majority of your weight off the bars. This might not work for you overnight but it might help a little in the long run. Check out the "For Sale" section on this site for a new seat if that is what you want. There a some good deals. Hope this might help some. Good luck!
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Logansrun google master yodas riding position and give it a read. It not about the c14 but the same principles apply. It didn't take me too long to make the adjustment. Now I won't put risers on a bike because it feels strange. Good luck.
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One reason people have problems on sport touring bikes is that they want to put a tall windshield on it - which they are not designed for. The bike is designed for a slight forward lean. Taking all of the wind off you means that more of your weight is being held up buy your arms instead of the wind.
As to hands going numb, this has become a common problem as well on many bikes. I have some theories on it, but too long to go into right now.
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When you get a chance, post the reasons. I'd be interested in hearing them.
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One reason people have problems on sport touring bikes is that they want to put a tall windshield on it - which they are not designed for. The bike is designed for a slight forward lean. Taking all of the wind off you means that more of your weight is being held up buy your arms instead of the wind.
I agree with that sentiment for the "sport" part of the equation, but in my experience, the long hours spent in the saddle for the "touring" side, a shorter windshield results in getting beat up with the consistent wind one experiences when running on the slab for many hours. So if one wants to do long distance riding with this bike (or any bike really) a taller windshield is necessary.
I guess it all depends on one's particular use for the bike. Unfortunately, no machine can do everything well as much as the ads try and tell us. Though the adjustable windshield does allow one to keep it lower for the fun times and higher for the distance pretty well.
-David
Athens, GA
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My last bike (over 15 years ago) was a Suzuki 1400 Intruder. It was more comfortable, but I never rode it the way I ride my C14. Plus I now live it the mountains of North Carolina with plenty of twisties.
My hands bothered me for about the first 1000 miles until I stopped holding the grips so tightly.
I still have the stock seat. I added an Alaska Leather Butt Pad and I'm fine for 200 mile excursions.
My only regret was not buying my Connie sooner.
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When you have a few minutes read through this and give it some thought:
http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2766&page=1 (http://bmwsporttouring.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2766&page=1)
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I find it mind boggling that people find the C14's riding position too leaned forward. To me the bars feel like ape hangers almost and my seating position is bolt upright. Maybe I have long arms. I have no sensation whatsoever of leaning forward. Then again, I've always ridden sportbikes mostly.
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I also came from a cruiser class...
The first few months or ridding, I experienced a little pressure on my wrists and shoulders as my body adjusted to the new riding position. Also, being new to the bike, I continually had to remind myself to relax and loosen my grip on the handlebars. After 4 - 6 months or ridding, I became accustomed to the new ridding position and began to "enjoy" it.
I have absolutely no regrets buying my Connie. Even going into the BMW dealership, I find no desire to "upgrade" to another.
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I've had both styles of bikes from cruisers to sport to duals and very shortly after getting my first C14 it was clear to me that I would need some better grips and bar risers. I've also gotten an Alaska sheepskin seat cover which just makes the long hot rides much more comfortable. Overall I'd have to say that my neck was the issue that seemed to bother me the most when I really started riding the Connie more. I was adjusted to the seating positions of my Dual-sport and KZ400 so it was an adjustment. I def have no regrets getting my Connie. In fact, when my '08 got totalled by a deer I just coudn't live without another! 8)
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I've had both styles of bikes from cruisers to sport to duals and very shortly after getting my first C14 it was clear to me that I would need some better grips and bar risers. I've also gotten an Alaska sheepskin seat cover which just makes the long hot rides much more comfortable. Overall I'd have to say that my neck was the issue that seemed to bother me the most when I really started riding the Connie more. I was adjusted to the seating positions of my Dual-sport and KZ400 so it was an adjustment. I def have no regrets getting my Connie. In fact, when my '08 got totalled by a deer I just coudn't live without another! 8)
Neck problems can often be traced to the helmet, especially if it's a modular, which is the heaviest style. I've had neck problems for years, which really come into play when racing motocross. So I wear a carbon fiber Xpeed helmet on the Concours. Helps a LOT.
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Where did you get your xspeed from? also which model is it?
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I miss my Buell Ulysses. I still hold a grudge agianst Harley for shutting them down as oppossed to selling them off. I like the Connie and it gets better with time. But there are days when I wish I had my Uly back.
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Where did you get your xspeed from? also which model is it?
Bear Motorsports in West Chester OH. It's the carbon fiber XCF2000 model, about $240. It's actually pretty much the HJC IS-15 carbon fiber helmet that's HJC no longer has. Xpeed made those. I paid about $240.
Not on their web site that I can see but you can call 513-482-9620. I know they ship.
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Neck problems can often be traced to the helmet, especially if it's a modular, which is the heaviest style. I've had neck problems for years, which really come into play when racing motocross. So I wear a carbon fiber Xpeed helmet on the Concours. Helps a LOT.
Hmm...never quite thought about that. I've got an HJC full-face with the inner sun visor. For MX I use a regular HJC MX style helmet with goggles and never had problems with it. I feel like the wind on the Connie (when the screen is down) works my neck muscles somehow resuling in the soreness.
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If you're having regrets you clearly haven't rode the C14 enough ;D
I just went from a Vulcan 900 to the C14. The only things I will miss are the awesome looks (and the money i put into getting them), and all the compliments I get as I ride it.
With that said my low-mid back was a little sore briefly but has actually gone away, ironically as my KB risers just arrived. I think it just takes a little bit of time to get your muscles used to the new position.
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I had the exact opposite experience. I have ridden I-4s like the old KZs and the ZRX-1200 (see my sig line), even the VMax was more upright riding style. Then I went to the VTX-1300C and could not get used to the riding position. I tried to like it for 1 1/2 years, changed the seat, performance mods, 1800 rear tire and rim, risers, highway pegs, etc... I traded it in on the C14 and I feel like I am back home!
The only regret is I haven't been able to ride it like last year...... (bought a new '09 and now have 22,000 miles)
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This probably has run it's course, but I'll toss in my two cents. I had a 97 Shadow ACE100 (pre-VTX) and I loved it. Before that I had a GSX-R 750 that was a track bike. I traded the Shadow for a BMW K1200LT. Rode the PI$$ out of that one. I used to have (and some times still do) the same pain in the shoulders and neck. At first I attributed it to my helmet. I was wearing an HJC Symaxx modular. But I really found out it was my riding style. I learned that I was to "up in it" while riding. Very tense, caught up in the event. I had a friend and serious rider suggest to me to loosen up.
I think for me that coming from a cruiser (no stereotyping) I was a bit more laid back. Then jumping to the LT which I could ride with my buddies on sportbikes and keep up with them, I was a bit tense. Once I turned it off, I was fine. With the C14 I have had similar rides. I tense a little, and the pain comes. Relax and don't have it. I really do love this bike. I wish the hell it came out of the box with a cruise control, but I have that fixed now! The only regret I have with the C14 is I can't afford to take the flies out now. That is coming though, it's just in the future!
Just ride it like you stole it!
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Logansrun google master yodas riding position and give it a read. It not about the c14 but the same principles apply. It didn't take me too long to make the adjustment. Now I won't put risers on a bike because it feels strange. Good luck.
I am also an avid road cyclist and I agree (though bicycles and motorbikes are very different animals) that a correction in riding mechanics is all that is required. In both disciplines, a little toning of the abdomen muscles may be needed - both bicycle and sportbike riders should learn to unweight the hands - both for comfort and more importantly; control. If you have your weight on the bars, you will have a much more difficult time steering in an emergency. Using the abdomen muscles to hold you up and gripping the tank with your legfs makes a world of difference. I am 51 and I never ride a sportbike with one hand on my hip :). My arms dont get fatigued. Don't worry that you can't adjust - it is uncomfortable at first to adjust to but after a few rides you will feel great. JMHO - I hope it helps someone.
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If you're having regrets you clearly haven't rode the C14 enough ;D
I just went from a Vulcan 900 to the C14. The only things I will miss are the awesome looks (and the money i put into getting them), and all the compliments I get as I ride it.
With that said my low-mid back was a little sore briefly but has actually gone away, ironically as my KB risers just arrived. I think it just takes a little bit of time to get your muscles used to the new position.
Every time I consider that hot new bike in the showroom, I think of my c14 and I just can't part with her. I don't think there is a better bike. Except maybe my Diavel, but that's a story for another time.
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I never liked the way my VTX1800 "bucked" down the highway.
I think my C-14 is a much better long distance ride.
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One reason people have problems on sport touring bikes is that they want to put a tall windshield on it - which they are not designed for. The bike is designed for a slight forward lean. Taking all of the wind off you means that more of your weight is being held up buy your arms instead of the wind.
As to hands going numb, this has become a common problem as well on many bikes. I have some theories on it, but too long to go into right now.
+1
I discovered this when I moved from the ZRX to the Concours. I didn't realize just how much wind was holding me up on the ZRX! I am having lots of issues on the Concours now with my shoulders, hands, and wrists (even with the Helibars 2" risers and grip puppies and lower seat). I am now eyeing "Phil's wedges" as yet another addon...
P.S. I know it takes time for a body to adjust, and to learn better positioning, and to increase correct muscles. However, my body is unusual (in proportions and condition) plus I probably won't ever have the time to ride "enough" to ever fully adjust. So I do also need non-me solutions that help with weight-on-hands and such.
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I come from many years of riding cruisers, went to a demo days and took a ST1300 out for a spin thought where the heck has this kind of bike been all my life. Found a used 03 Connie and I farkled it up some risers, Murphs grips, rifle shield etc. Very sweet and set up to my liking. Eventually purchased my 10 and farkled it some to. Love the riding position and yes I am one of the few that like the OEM seat it fits my a$$ nicely no numb butt. Now I have two herniated discs in my lower back and one in my neck and they give me no issues on the Connie. The cruiser postion killed me regardless of having a Mustang seat on all of them, pain was so bad I thought my riding days were over. Thank goodness for my Connie.
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i feel that the C14 is "THE ONE" for all day comfort. my 109 was great but the C14 is a bike that you ride! i have had no complaints at all, well aside from the fact of a few things im going to change but this is a awesome bike. give it some time you will learn to love it! 8)
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No regrets at all. I grew up on sport bikes. Been on cruisers since 2000. Just came off a C109RT, Loved that bike but I screwed up and rode the 2011 Connie. Wouldn't go back to a cruiser now for anything. I can ride all day with no lower back fatigue. Those of you with hand, wrist, and shoulder issues need to losen up as said before. Ride it like you are riding a moped. Save the death grip for those times when you want to roll on the throttle.
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It seems like this thread has turned more into a ST vs cruiser thread. I can tell you that I own both. I love both and enjoy riding both. I've taken 2-3K trips on both without discomfort or trouble. They're both great bikes that excess in different area's. I'm glad I have them both and don't regret any of them! ;)
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No regrets here, put 45,000 miles on a 09 red. Totaled the bike and had to wait 4 weeks before the Insurance co. settled,
I ran right out and bought a left-over black 09, it was a long 4 weeks without my bike!
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+1
I discovered this when I moved from the ZRX to the Concours. I didn't realize just how much wind was holding me up on the ZRX! I am having lots of issues on the Concours now with my shoulders, hands, and wrists (even with the Helibars 2" risers and grip puppies and lower seat). I am now eyeing "Phil's wedges" as yet another addon...
P.S. I know it takes time for a body to adjust, and to learn better positioning, and to increase correct muscles. However, my body is unusual (in proportions and condition) plus I probably won't ever have the time to ride "enough" to ever fully adjust. So I do also need non-me solutions that help with weight-on-hands and such.
I am having some transition from a ZRX too. My ZRX had a round headlight too. Although the ergos on the C14 fit me better, my hands do get numb easier on the C14.
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I have noticed a little upper back and outer shoulder pain after 150+ mile days, although I think I just need to get used to the bike. I think for me the problem is the handlebars come a little too much so my hands don't naturally line up without turning my wrists outward. Normally this isn't a big deal as I can hold a loose grip on the handlebars, but on a long stretch of twisties I will definitely feel it. I would kill to find a way to lessen the rear-angle of the bars without changing the downward angle - but aside from the true handlebar conversion I think I'm out of luck. I wouldn't call it regret, just something to get used to.
On the other hand, there are times I regret having to dump my FZ6 because it was such a fun little bike - but riding home today with 30 - 40mph wind gusts and not worrying about being blown off the road helps alleviate that regret 8)
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ok, I tried it the easy way, now the alternative, this is from another forum and is not my words. It was written for a BMW but obviously adaptive:
"Dick Frantz' Riding Position" gets referred to a lot on several forums of the BMWRT.COM Discussion Board. It turns out that when its PRICIPLES are applied to create certain kinds of body part relationships that it applies to almost all motorcycles. I view that as a "Perspective" to share, and my words as direction toward things to look at, and seeing, to learn what might make things better for you all.
So, I thought I'd write up a "short version" of it, and SAVE it somewhere. In the next few days, I'll build it into a comprehensive Article that can be referred to anytime -- and hopefully we'll get recourses to build us a FAQ particularly for those unfamiliar with the K1200RS, and place it there with the many, many things we've all found out about the K1200RS.
First, the K1200RS is NOT a Sport Bike. It is a Sport Tourer, and has characteristics that make it very strong at that task or that kind of riding. That also makes it LOOK LIKE a Sport Bike, and also DO THINGS that are considered strong points of Sport Bikes. From my perspective, the KRS is not better than "good" at being a Sport Bike, except that it rises to "very good" or even to "exceptional" at things like Linear Response; Handling Uneven Road Surfaces; Stability in All Cornering Modes; Stability Leaving Corners; and Braking. It also does All Day Sporty Riding at an elevated level, something that MASTER YODA expects from Sport Bikes (and is absent in the current Race Replicas that are CALLED Sport Bikes).
The "All Day Comfort Thing", is REQUIRED of a Sport Tourer. When someone finds that absent in the K1200RS, I question how they are operating it. True, individual physiology, our frigging size(S), and any deficiencies (I have two VERY injured knees), can effect how ANY riding configuration is responded to, and then thought about. But, I consider that any fairly healthy person who falls within perhaps the 95th percentile of sizes can be, or BECOME comfortable riding the bike. Why? IT WAS BUILT TO PROVIDE THAT.
You sit ON TOP OF a Sport Bike. You sit WITHIN a K1200RS.
Sport Bikes REQUIRE getting weight OFF YOUR BUTT so the rider can slide his/her butt inside corners to effect a different CG. CONSEQUENTLY, Sport Bikes INDUCE "weight on the handle bars".
Someone sitting on a K1200RS will note some ergonomic differences, and FALL TOWARD, positioning their body AS IF they were riding a Sport Bike. DUMB!!!! Well, not so much dumb as UNINFORMED. They've PREJUDICED, rather than EXAMINED.
They probably also CARRY FORWARD certain muscle memories DEVELOPED, NOT BORN WITH, from riding other conveyances, SOME of which can have been motorcycles. ARM CHAIRS come to mind In short, people have LEARNED... TO SIT UPRIGHT. It is NOT in fact a FUNCTION for which the human body was designed ---- AND continued practice CAUSES DAMAGE.
AUTOMOBILES PROMULGATE THE SEATED POSTION. Only lately have they applied several things like Lumbar Support to keep that position from KILLING the user. Oh... forgive my hyperbole, but SITTING UP just is NOT good for you.
MOST motorcycles CONTINUE THE PROMUGATION. To one degree or another, they emulate "Sit Upright" (So much so that the term UJM, Universal Japanese Motorcycle, was partially defined by a riding position called "Sit Up and BEG", like a puppy.). This position became A MENTAL NORM. We THINK that's "how a motorcycle is ridden" -- HUGE numbers of us. Well, the important thing to remember is YOU LEARNED to do it that way (Remember how you BECAME ABLE to ride for longer and longer periods?): You can LEARN "something else".
The largest, developed, muscle memory is the angle between torso and thighs. This is controlled by the LARGEST muscles involved in riding. We set that PATTERN, not an "exactness" very early in American life by our caregivers "Sitting Us in Chairs". Note that SOUTHEAST ASIAN PEOPLES go about TEACHING their kids to SQUAT, and that brings on an ENTIRELY DIFFERNT THIGH/TORSO relationship. In fact, that posture is MUCH MORE COMMON ACROSS ALL OF ASIA. Anybody care to guess where JAPAN is located? People sitting on tatami mats, or with feet and legs folded beneath their butt -- and THUS, torsos leaned forward? Hmmmmm.
Anyway, some things can be difficult to overcome for some folks --- WHEN they have become HABITS rather than cognizant, controlled RESPONSES. A great example is about leaning motorcycles in corners. The human develops a sense of danger when leaning any farther than they can do so when STANDING UP. HUGE danger signals are sent when lean angle extends much beyond the angle the neck can be bent AND STILL KEEP THE EYES LEVEL (20 to 30 degrees). It's OUR Response to BODY SIGNALS I'm referring to that can make up our "sense" of our comfort levels. Those things can CHANGE --- WHEN WE CONTROLTHEM, rather than the other way round.
The K1200RS calls for, was DESIGNED TO PROMOTE a CANTED FORWARD RIDING POSITION. Yes, very much, this was done on purpose by BMW. They knew it was REQUIRED to get the K1200RS performing to the desired levels, AND, very much, KEEP the rider COMFORTABLE for LONG PERIODS OF TIME, in the regimes where the bike was intended to be most often used (i.e. NOT riding on city streets). It all starts with a LOW SEATING POSITION -- NOT high, like a Sport Bike.
BMW then set out to DISCOVER, "what else" needed to be done to: 1) ADD comfort to this position (Provide a supporting airflow); 2) SUPPORT the position (Move the pegs downward, but still allow GOOD clearance when cornering to SPORT TOURING levels); 3) Reduce effort to maintain the position (Move them FORWARD to change the "Support Vector").
THIS REMOVES THE NEED TO PLACE ANY WEIGHT ON THE HANDLE BARS. Do so if you wish, but you'll pay the price in Comfort. AND, you'll find that you MAKE THE BIKE FEEL DULL AND UNRESPONSIVE, when compared to properly, YES, PROPERLY, distributing your weight about the bike. "Properly" is appropriate here in light of GAINING the Performance Qualities BMW BUILT INTO the bike. And, this should give some insight into WHY Motorcycle Magazines don't seem to find the riding qualities we owners do when they test the K1200RS: THEY ARE RIDING IT WRONG -- Differently than it was designed to BE RIDDEN.
The keynotes to "the" Riding Position are:
Bend at the HIPS, not waist
Maintain a SLIGHT arch to the back, not allowing it ever to "curve"
Move the butt AFT so the weight is OVER YOUR FEET.
Apply pressure to the feet, using the THIGH muscles, so you are sitting "lightly"
ELBOWS BENT, now DROP the hands to the bars.
One needs to move fore and aft on the seat to make ALL those things happen. Except for the Hip Bend, they are NOT Absolutes, but rather RANGES. Move about until you can see ALL of them are happening to some extent -- and NO weight is being placed on the handlebars.
Do this when the bike is STATIONARY. Sit on the stopped bike. TAKE TIME TO do this. PRACTICE. LEARN.
In fact, one must TEACH their own body. This is called TRAINING. You'll notice all GOOD training is done by ABSTRACT EXERCISES, not "just running off to the playing field and doing what you HEARD."
LEARN to press down with the feet. Then, when riding, CHECK that's what you are actually doing. You SHOULD be able to lift your butt off the seat at a milisecond's notice: As when knowingly approaching a severe bump in the road.
LEARN to bend at the hips. Do it BOTH ways, and show YOURSELF that you CAN operate the body differently. BE WILLING to touch that frigging gas tank. SOME people are incredibly fearful of touching a gas tank -- It's almost laughable. WHO SAID you shouldn't touch the gas tank? (Afraid of scratches? Poo, poo. Get some clear tank protector.) Better to think "The gas tank is my FRIEND." It WILL be some day when you are six hundred miles into your ride and still two hundred miles from your destination. OR, while you are LEARNING to ride this bike and may be only an hour or so into your ride. Your body is NOT YET... TRAINED to operate that way.
FLOP YOUR ELBOWS. PROVE you have your weight supported, mostly by your feet, and by your butt. Do it while riding too. Even after 25,000 miles on an RS I STILL end up leaning onto the bars somewhat and need to readjust my position.
Many people will need to CHANGE the riding position they use for riding on the K1200RS. Understand one OPERATES their body to do virtually anything (except things like sleep, and even there...). Because "Sit Up" is so common in our lives, it can come to seem we are not OPERATING the body, even to "just sit". But, sit on a wooden stool for six hours and send me your impressions of what you encounter. ALL OF IT is something called WORK.
On bikes LIKE the K1200RS (Aprilia Falco and ZZ-R1200 come to mind) a MODERATE riding position is called for, but one that is still a CHANGE for some folks. What one must do, is FIRST Change One's Mind. Then, go about changing one's USE of one's body. Mind controls Body (In HEALTY people).
DO IT RIGHT. Take the time to sit on the stationary bike every day when you first get it (or go do a Test Ride). Flex, tighten, relax, and move about across a small but definite range of positions on the bike. Then, "get it right" and without moving, FLEX all your body muscles, in order, from the feet toward the hands and head. FEEL what that feels like when you relax each muscle, and are STILL holding the proper Riding Position. Close your eyes and FEEL IT. Not ALL the muscles are FULLY relaxed. You are USING some of them. How? How much? To do WHAT?
Then, when you've done that for all the body's muscles (even the ones you don't THINK you are using), Flex them ALL, and relax and FEEL IT OVER ALL. Even go so far as to "stand back 10 feet and look at yourself" if you can. Feel and See.
Now, in your ride, attempt to maintain THAT position (with appropriate changes to handle riding circumstances) for as long in your ride as you can. When you tire, STOP. Get off the bike and bend, stretch, and flex all your muscles. WALK until your walking feels normal. Then get back on the bike IN THE PROPER POSTION THAT YOU CHECKED BEFORE RIDING OFF, and repeat. You'll find you ride longer and longer, and comfort GROWS AND GROWS. Eventually, IT WILL SEEM NORMAL.
One note is that if you notice "being tense", either some "bulk of muscles are being tight", or that you have "a pain" or "a tight cord" or some other sharp discomfort, do stop. You are COMPENSATING for something that has ALREADY become tired. You should have stopped sooner, and you need to develop THAT muscle that you tired out. Right then, it will be had to find that muscle, so NEXT time you start riding, do a better job before riding off of FINDING what muscles you really need to use to hold that positions (like you hold ANY position). Then ride in perhaps a less intense environment so you can PAY ATTENTION to shifts in your muscles use, and PARTICULARLY, Elbow Flopping, Butt Lifting, and Neck Twisting. I promise, if you are doing this CORRECTLY, pains should disappear, and NOT be present. But note, that even MASTER YODA gets tired, his MUSCLES get tired during a 14 hour riding day... and sometimes a SIX hour riding day.
USE YOUR THIGH MUSCLES. They are the most powerful in your body. And, they tire less and less quickly. Place your body weight so THEY can be doing the work. Even with bad knees and a bad back, I can ride this lovely performing machine from sunset to long past sunrise. And, many guys can ride longer than I do. Dammit.
Here is a K1200RS if I got it correct:
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<snip> I would kill to find a way to lessen the rear-angle of the bars without changing the downward angle - but aside from the true handlebar conversion I think I'm out of luck. <snip>
Have you checked out these guys?
http://www.convertibars.com/ (http://www.convertibars.com/)
I don't have them, but I think I want them...
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Well I've never had a cruiser bike, once back in the 80's I rode my buddies V65 and it was like throwing a ball left handed (I'm a righty), I felt very out of sorts not being over the tank into turns...
I've had a couple dozen true sport bikes before getting my Connie and it's super comfy to me in comparison to an all out sport bike, but I can see how going the other direction to the Connie would be very different indeed.
Good luck on your decision.
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I don't know if it's a regret thing.....It's a transition thing. It takes time.
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NONE................ZERO.......NADDA............ZERO REGRETS!!!!!
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The Corbin seat in conjunction with the Murph risers made my bike................perfect!! Love it, have the techmount and the Zumo 550, couldn't possibly be happier. Good luck, my suggestion is to buy the Corbin and be ready to fall back in love. Go Irish!
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I may try some risers and will certainly do something about the seat but as far as comfort I have to say this bike fits me perfectly. My M109R was pretty but hurt me badly after 100 miles or so, I made a 2 day 650 mile ride through the Arkansas mountains this past weekend, other than being tired from hitting the twisties hard I had no back or neck pain which was common on my cruiser.
I did add some grip puppys which do help my wrist. Buying my Concours was the best move I could have made.
No regrets.
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I've only been on my C10 for about a month. I like it, but I was more comfortable on my Sportster. The handlebars were angled further forward, and the pegs were just a bit further forward, but I don't think they were any further forward. I had no windshield, and the only touring mods I ever made were a pair of old-school leather throw-over saddlebags and a Mustang seat.
I did the ENTIRE BRP on that thing, and numerous times did 300-600 mile days on superslab with absolutely no problems at all. LOVED it, actually.
Then I bought the C10, and I know now what I didn't then. Touring doesn't have to be grueling work. :)
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I have no regrets ... i love this bike. she isn't perfect, but damn close!
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Have you checked out these guys?
http://www.convertibars.com/ (http://www.convertibars.com/)
I don't have them, but I think I want them...
It doesn't look like they have anything for the C14. I think I have a plan, I'm going to get a foam grip puppy, chop it in half and put the halves on the outside of each grip. by widening the inside half of the grip, I should be able to achieve a slightly better angle. If that doesn't work, I may try tennis racket grip.
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It doesn't look like they have anything for the C14. I think I have a plan, I'm going to get a foam grip puppy, chop it in half and put the halves on the outside of each grip. by widening the inside half of the grip, I should be able to achieve a slightly better angle. If that doesn't work, I may try tennis racket grip.
I know one of the Connecticut C14 owners (Bill) who used the racket grip over his. I have to say that they seemd very comfortable and obviously thinker than the OEM grips!
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I find it mind boggling that people find the C14's riding position too leaned forward. To me the bars feel like ape hangers almost and my seating position is bolt upright. Maybe I have long arms. I have no sensation whatsoever of leaning forward. Then again, I've always ridden sportbikes mostly.
I agree with ya 100%!
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I know one of the Connecticut C14 owners (Bill) who used the racket grip over his. I have to say that they seemd very comfortable and obviously thinker than the OEM grips!
I read that somewhere else but must have forgotten about it, thanks for the reminder I picked up a roll and used it to increase the inner diameter of the grips and from a quick trip around the block it looks like it will really help. I don't lean on my hands too much, but when going around twisties and shifting a lot you are almost forced into it which is when I notice the shoulder issue. I'll be going on a longer trip this weekend so if all goes well I'll do a little write-up with pics, otherwise I can simply unwrap them.
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I went from a FLHT harley to a C-14 last summer. I was having back aches, so this year I added the LSL handle bar set from murphs. It seems to have helped and I like the way it handles also.
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I agree with that sentiment for the "sport" part of the equation, but in my experience, the long hours spent in the saddle for the "touring" side, a shorter windshield results in getting beat up with the consistent wind one experiences when running on the slab for many hours. So if one wants to do long distance riding with this bike (or any bike really) a taller windshield is necessary.
I guess it all depends on one's particular use for the bike. Unfortunately, no machine can do everything well as much as the ads try and tell us. Though the adjustable windshield does allow one to keep it lower for the fun times and higher for the distance pretty well.
-David
Athens, GA
May be necessary for you, but not me. I changed my '10 out to the lower 08 windshield. I rode it 3400 miles in a week a few weeks ago with the windshield down the entire trip. You young guys are a bunch of pussies. ;)
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May be necessary for you, but not me. I changed my '10 out to the lower 08 windshield. I rode it 3400 miles in a week a few weeks ago with the windshield down the entire trip. You young guys are a bunch of pussies. ;)
:rotflmao:
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I appreciate all of the great feedback on this. And it confirmed what I thought I was experiencing, which is that as I've loosened my grip and begun to adjust my riding style and the use of legs/thighs/feet/hips, it has gotten better.
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May be necessary for you, but not me. I changed my '10 out to the lower 08 windshield. I rode it 3400 miles in a week a few weeks ago with the windshield down the entire trip. You young guys are a bunch of pussies. ;)
The wind definitely helps to support the body and take weight off the wrists, also it helps in posture. However, if your sleeve is 32 like mine it puts you in an uncomfortable position. I adopted the Master Yoda riding position as indicated in my lengthy post and added risers with pullback to give me less on a lean. When I rode sport bikes the lean was much more aggressive and definitely aided by the wind and peg position which forced support on the thighs. In other words for me it was better to either be aggressively leaned or more upright, not in-between like I was on the C14 in stock trim.