Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Dan Forker on February 09, 2013, 04:10:39 PM
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I have been riding GL1800 since they came out and before that multiple GL's and some Yamaha Ventures with a brief run with a BMW R1200RT. Loved the BMW but slid it off the side of a hill in Arkansas so I went back to a GL1800. I got so used to the lighter BMW that I don't enjoy trying to horse the weight of the Honda around when riding aggressively. I'd go back to a BMW but the service cost and needs of that bike veto that choice. A Kawa dealer friend of mine offered me an unbelievable trade to a 2012 Concours. I was ready to go until I sat on the Concours. I am 6'2" with long legs and my knees are in my lap and the lean forward to the bars seemed uncomfortable.
So for you that have made this switch or have both what do you suggest. I know that we have several members that either switched or ride both(Fred Harmon comes to mind) I know that there are bar risers and peg lowering kits but do they help enough and what's your opinions on the best of each. Help!
Fork
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Welcome Dan! I switched from a Valkyrie (GL 1500 C) to the C14. I'm 6' nothing but have a long torso and also found the reach to the bars a little uncomfortable. I messed around for 2 years with risers including some homemade blocks that move the bars back about 1 1/4 inches. But eventually bit the bullet and went with Helibars Horizon ST bars. Expensive but completely changed the bike for me. VERY comfy now.
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If you are coming from a Goldwing, slap the Helibars Horizon ST's on your Concours and you will be very happy. Also, since you have long legs, there are peg lowering kits available. I also recommend the Canyon Carvers crash bars. Just search the site for the info you require
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=search2 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=search2)
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I am 6'2" and as much as I would like to have more leg room I would not lower the pegs. If you plan on riding it like it was meant to be ridden you will be dragging. The Corbin seat helped push me back from the tank and the Horizon St from Helibars make the ergonomics a great fit for me.
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My advise is to find a bike that fits you and buy it. You can buy a lot of gas, oil, and tires with what you end up spending modifying a bike to make it fit you better. There are more upright ST bikes out there if you think the Concours is too aggressive for you. Good Luck.
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I am 6'2" with 34" inseam and felt quite cramped. I tried the lowering pegs but the toes would hit the ground too easy so i took them off. But, You can do like i did, and have Corbin build a seat that is 1 1/2 inched higher. Leg problem solved. Everyone that sits on it really likes it.
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So for you that have made this switch or have both what do you suggest. I know that we have several members that either switched or ride both(Fred Harmon comes to mind)
heheheheh
sorry, Who is Fred Harmon? :rotflmao: :popcorn: :popcorn: :nuts: :nuts: :hitfan:
just joking.... might want to go over on the COG site if you feel he needs some more head swelling.... 8) 8) 8) :stirpot: :deadhorse: he surely doesn't live here anymore.... :stirpot: :deadhorse: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :popcorn:
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heheheheh
sorry, Who is Fred Harmon? :rotflmao: :popcorn: :popcorn: :nuts: :nuts: :hitfan:
just joking.... might want to go over on the COG site if you feel he needs some more head swelling.... 8) 8) 8) :stirpot: :deadhorse: he surely doesn't live here anymore.... :stirpot: :deadhorse: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :popcorn:
^^^^^^^good post! OP welcome to the forum!
Dark cloud atmosphere over at "the other forum" to ask such a question (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/lol8.gif)
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I am 6'2" with 34" inseam and felt quite cramped. I tried the lowering pegs but the toes would hit the ground too easy so i took them off. But, You can do like i did, and have Corbin build a seat that is 1 1/2 inched higher. Leg problem solved. Everyone that sits on it really likes it.
OK, you KNOW that I wouldn't like it :)
That is a good idea, though, for people with crazy long legs.
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heheheheh
sorry, Who is Fred Harmon? :rotflmao: :popcorn: :popcorn: :nuts: :nuts: :hitfan:
just joking.... might want to go over on the COG site if you feel he needs some more head swelling.... 8) 8) 8) :stirpot: :deadhorse: he surely doesn't live here anymore.... :stirpot: :deadhorse: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :popcorn:
:rotflmao: :goodpost:
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Have you tried an ST1300? Very comfy, not as sporty as a C-14, yet more sporty than a GW
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shudder...
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shudder...
+1 :)
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Have you tried an ST1300? Very comfy, not as sporty as a C-14, yet more sporty than a GW
:yikes: :yikes: :yikes:....... ;D
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Have you tried an ST1300? Very comfy, not as sporty as a C-14, yet more sporty than a GW
...and its a HONDA (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/goHonda.gif) (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/rocker.gif)
I must digress..... Kawi for me nowadays ;D
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In my opinion you will never make a C-14 as comfortable as a Goldwing and a Goldwing will never perform like a C-14. Depends on what you are looking for. My buddy had a wing and now owns an 11 C-14. New shield, seat, and risers and he is very happy with the 14. His reason for changing was he was bored with the wing and the 14 has more kick to it. Perhaps you can locate someone close to you and sit on a 14 with the seat and riser mods and see if you like it. Good luck.
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I sorta agree with the comfort philosophy. However, I spent a lot of money to get my C14 the way I want it for the comfort a Wing comes almost stock. I did modify my Wing by adding MBL risers and used the $20.00 Walmart seat cushion for added comfort so regardless things sometimes need adjusting for individual body types. I am just as comfortable on the C14 as I was on the Wing.
Estimated Costs
Windshield-200
Heli Horizons-700 but I got a used set
Custom Seat Mod-350
Ronnies Pegs-300
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OK, you KNOW that I wouldn't like it :)
Why, isn't it high enough for you?
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I went from a 06 GL1800 to a 09 C14. At your height, you'll need a higher seat... risers... and shield. You might want to just spring for a Russell Daylong if seats of LD comfort are your preference. That would give you a couple inches lift, and the best comfort.
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I sorta agree with the comfort philosophy. However, I spent a lot of money to get my C14 the way I want it for the comfort a Wing comes almost stock.
Yeah, but you are also comparing a $15,000 bike to a $24,000 bike :)
You can add a lota stuff on a Concours for $9,000
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Yeah, but you are also comparing a $15,000 bike to a $24,000 bike :)
You can add a lota stuff on a Concours for $9,000
+1 and if anyone doubts it, just ask ZG (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/iconhammer.gif)
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heheheheh
sorry, Who is Fred Harmon? :rotflmao: :popcorn: :popcorn: :nuts: :nuts: :hitfan:
just joking.... might want to go over on the COG site if you feel he needs some more head swelling.... 8) 8) 8) :stirpot: :deadhorse: he surely doesn't live here anymore.... :stirpot: :deadhorse: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :popcorn:
Hey Rich, mighty fine post right there.
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Gave me a bit of a chuckle...
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+1 and if anyone doubts it, just ask ZG (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/iconhammer.gif)
Just a couple needed tweaks here and there. ;)
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Why, isn't it high enough for you?
Shhh, Don't go there.
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Can you give us a little comparo of your 2 Kawis?
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Yeah, but you are also comparing a $15,000 bike to a $24,000 bike :)
You can add a lota stuff on a Concours for $9,000
Hence the C14 in my stable and no more Wing
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I know your main question is Goldwing based, but you did mention you liked riding your RT. My "other bike" is an 010 R1200RT and I'm 6'0". I had to add bar risers and wedges, peg lowering, a LAMM seat rework, and a CALSCI shield to get my C14 as nearly as comfortable as the RT. My size 13's sometimes scuff pavement and the bars still aren't quite where I'd like them, but I'm OK with the compromises, until I 'm ready to spend more money. (maybe them high dollar adjustable bars)
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I sorta agree with the comfort philosophy. However, I spent a lot of money to get my C14 the way I want it for the comfort a Wing comes almost stock. I did modify my Wing by adding MBL risers and used the $20.00 Walmart seat cushion for added comfort so regardless things sometimes need adjusting for individual body types. I am just as comfortable on the C14 as I was on the Wing.
Estimated Costs
Windshield-200
Heli Horizons-700 but I got a used set
Custom Seat Mod-350
Ronnies Pegs-300
+1 you can spend some bucks and get a C14 to be very comfy and still be $7k less then a wing. And you will never get a wing to be as fast as a C14. Yes I know Yellow Wolf is very fast on his wing but I betting he would still be faster on a C14. It all depends on what you are looking for but the C14 with a few mods is an outstanding compromise between sport and touring IMHO.
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I traded my 2005 wing (75000 miles on it) for a 2011 C-14 (1500 miles on it) straight across, best trade I ever made!
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I don't know why people say the C-14 isn't comfortable, try riding a crotch rocket a few hundred miles. Compared to my last 3 bikes the C-14 is a joy to ride.
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I don't know why people say the C-14 isn't comfortable, try riding a crotch rocket a few hundred miles. Compared to my last 3 bikes the C-14 is a joy to ride.
True but I guess it's all relative. My last bike was a 97 Valkyrie and the Valk was MUCH more comfy then the C14 stock. Since then I put Horizon ST bars, Corbin seat and Canyon Cages with highway pegs. I now feel as comfy on the C14 as I did on my valk.
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I have been riding GL1800 since they came out and before that multiple GL's........................kits but do they help enough and what's your opinions on the best of each. Help!
Fork
I think its what you are used to riding. There are a lot of cruiser style bikes out there. Its my guess that riders are used to riding with there legs forward that when they sit in the up right position its uncomfortable.
I am just the opposite. I've always rode in a jockey position with my legs under me and my feet on the pegs. I've had a hard time adjusting to the Gold Wing. I still have both, but the GW is still a hand full for me. If you look at a naked Gold Wing you will see that its built somewhat like a cruiser. Its defintely raked out in comparison to the C14.
Good luck with the C14 and welcome.
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Previously owned two Wings, last one being a 2005 which I rode from Kentucky to Alaska. Loved the bike but grew frustrated with its lack of power.
Wing is still better than the Connie for 2 up stuff but the Connie wins hands down when you are riding solo. I did not think the Wing was more confortable to ride other than the handlebar location.
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I had an '08 RT for a year when I bought my C14 '08 in march '09 at a great price. I kept both bikes for a year, in which I did 6000 miles on the Kawa and 300 miles on the BMW.
The BMW is way more comfortable and has better fuel economy, plus a huge tank, but that sewing machine on steroids for an engine was a pain for me, so I sold it.
Yes, the C14 will demand more from you and the pump, but the smiles per mile are just off the chart.
Now, 40k miles later on the C14, I don't want anything else. But that's me. Buy whatever suits you. :)
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I think its what you are used to riding. There are a lot of cruiser style bikes out there. Its my guess that riders are used to riding with there legs forward that when they sit in the up right position its uncomfortable.
I am just the opposite. I've always rode in a jockey position with my legs under me and my feet on the pegs. I've had a hard time adjusting to the Gold Wing. I still have both, but the GW is still a hand full for me. If you look at a naked Gold Wing you will see that its built somewhat like a cruiser. Its defintely raked out in comparison to the C14.
Good luck with the C14 and welcome.
I have oft thought this same thing. I love my Mean Streak and enjoy sitting back and tooling around but when I ride I really feel comfortable over the top with my admittedly arthritic and painful knees awaiting replacement faring better in that position than out on the forward controls.
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I always hear the forward controls are comfy since they mimic driving a car... Ok. I was riding a bicycle, still do, long before driving... and the pedals are under you, similar to an upright riding position.