Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: martin_14 on March 04, 2013, 11:18:55 AM

Title: I've got to love this bike
Post by: martin_14 on March 04, 2013, 11:18:55 AM
Because of the German winter, I have a season plate, and my season started officially last Friday 1st of March. In reality, it was way too cold and, worse, icy.
But on Sunday it was 8°C (46°F) and sunny, so after waiting for the whole day to warm up and let the white cr@p melt, I went for the first ride with my Kawa in more than 3 months. I took it easy for the first 10 min letting the engine warm up properly, and after some 15 miles I started opening her up. Roll ons in 4th up to 120 mph, easy peasy.
And then, at 4:14 pm, it happened: the SMILE. You know what I'm talking about. That SMILE that can only give you something as mighty, utterly insane as is this motorcycle. The SMILE that happens under the helmet, that reminds you why you put up with giving up so much of your hard earned. The SMILE of power, noise and sensations.
The best thing one can do with the clothes on.

 ;D
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Rhino on March 04, 2013, 11:20:12 AM
I know that smile well!  :thumbs: 8)
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Gumby on March 04, 2013, 11:54:39 AM
I know that smile well!  :thumbs: 8)
+1  ;D
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Conrad on March 04, 2013, 11:55:35 AM
 :thumbs:
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Rhino on March 04, 2013, 11:59:24 AM
3 months without riding is like sensory deprivation. The 3 1/2 weeks I just went without riding was way too long. Glad you are able to ride again.
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Scaffolder on March 04, 2013, 01:02:13 PM
No one should ever have to go three months without riding. ! month should be the maximum.
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: stevewfl on March 04, 2013, 01:04:45 PM
Because of the German winter, I have a season plate, and my season started officially last Friday 1st of March. In reality, it was way too cold and, worse, icy.
But on Sunday it was 8°C (46°F) and sunny, so after waiting for the whole day to warm up and let the white cr@p melt, I went for the first ride with my Kawa in more than 3 months. I took it easy for the first 10 min letting the engine warm up properly, and after some 15 miles I started opening her up. Roll ons in 4th up to 120 mph, easy peasy.
And then, at 4:14 pm, it happened: the SMILE. You know what I'm talking about. That SMILE that can only give you something as mighty, utterly insane as is this motorcycle. The SMILE that happens under the helmet, that reminds you why you put up with giving up so much of your hard earned. The SMILE of power, noise and sensations.
The best thing one can do with the clothes on.

 ;D


NICE!!!
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Son of Pappy on March 04, 2013, 02:00:05 PM
After 3+ months on the GS I finally installed a new bettery in the 14.  Went for a spin and I rediscovered the "Mad Powah" of KIPASS.  1352 CCs helped as well ;D
Why did I ever even consider trading her in??????
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: ZG on March 04, 2013, 02:00:55 PM
+1  ;D

+2  ;D
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: CrashGordon on March 04, 2013, 03:12:13 PM
A three month winter? Egads! Here in Texas, winter usually lasts about 3 days (non-consecutive). I haven't had a week where I didn't commute at least once on the bike in...forever!
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: devilboy on March 04, 2013, 03:52:19 PM
Because of the German winter, I have a season plate, and my season started officially last Friday 1st of March. In reality, it was way too cold and, worse, icy.
But on Sunday it was 8°C (46°F) and sunny, so after waiting for the whole day to warm up and let the white cr@p melt, I went for the first ride with my Kawa in more than 3 months. I took it easy for the first 10 min letting the engine warm up properly, and after some 15 miles I started opening her up. Roll ons in 4th up to 120 mph, easy peasy.
And then, at 4:14 pm, it happened: the SMILE. You know what I'm talking about. That SMILE that can only give you something as mighty, utterly insane as is this motorcycle. The SMILE that happens under the helmet, that reminds you why you put up with giving up so much of your hard earned. The SMILE of power, noise and sensations.
The best thing one can do with the clothes on.

 ;D
Absolutely KNOW that feeling!!!! 8)
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: TallyRex on March 04, 2013, 05:58:40 PM
A three month winter? Egads! Here in Texas, winter usually lasts about 3 days (non-consecutive). I haven't had a week where I didn't commute at least once on the bike in...forever!

Living in North Florida is similar.  It was 27 degrees this morning when I rode the Connie to work and loved the weather protection. With the V-stream raised to the max, I don't get any wind or buffetting and it is quiet like a ghost town.  Gotta admit though, the heated grips don't come close to my Gerbings
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: stewart on March 04, 2013, 06:55:59 PM
Living in New England I know the feeling. Another Snow Storm coming and the only upside is I Ski.

But...when you get back on C14 after winter, its like Wow....Smile.
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Scaffolder on March 04, 2013, 07:30:38 PM
Don't say that Stuart. I can't handle anymore. I was just riding this weekend up in Maine.
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: stewart on March 04, 2013, 08:01:49 PM
Don't say that Stuart. I can't handle anymore. I was just riding this weekend up in Maine.

Understood, but its the one thing I love about NE since moving hear from Australia. You can enjoy Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Back home its 3 shades of Summer and a Wet winter. Or in Melbourne you get 4 Seasons in one day.
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: kwakrider on March 04, 2013, 10:23:36 PM

+2  ;D

+3  ;D
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: blackmax on March 08, 2013, 03:55:00 PM
Living in New England I know the feeling. Another Snow Storm coming and the only upside is I Ski.

But...when you get back on C14 after winter, its like Wow....Smile.

Stewart were you at a Tony's Track day this October ?
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: stewart on March 08, 2013, 04:37:45 PM
Stewart were you at a Tony's Track day this October ?

Yes I was. Saw a not from Tony in the email and starting thinking about the next time I might go.

Did we meet/talk, if so PM me with your email and we can touchbase.
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: ARS on March 08, 2013, 06:53:31 PM
I know that smile well!  :thumbs: 8)

I haven't "smiled" in 3 1/2 months as I sit here and scratch my wrist with a razor :'( Maybe this Sunday or next week or next month. . .I can't take it anymore!
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Cuda on March 08, 2013, 07:18:38 PM
After 3+ months on the GS I finally installed a new bettery in the 14.  Went for a spin and I rediscovered the "Mad Powah" of KIPASS.  1352 CCs helped as well ;D
Why did I ever even consider trading her in??????

That's good to hear, I plan on keeping this bike a long time , just going to spend $$$ on more up grades , front tubes rear shock, going for a ride to Fort Myers beach now ;D I do most of my riding at night, the only time I have time.
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: Conrad on March 09, 2013, 05:51:34 AM
I haven't "smiled" in 3 1/2 months as I sit here and scratch my wrist with a razor :'( Maybe this Sunday or next week or next month. . .I can't take it anymore!

Till you can ride again maybe you had better pay a visit to our funny pages!
Title: Re: I've got to love this bike
Post by: blackmax on March 13, 2013, 07:24:29 AM
Yes I was. Saw a not from Tony in the email and starting thinking about the next time I might go.

Did we meet/talk, if so PM me with your email and we can touchbase.

We just said hello, I was on a black Z-1000 and unfortunately bagged in turn 3 spraining my ankle and screwing up the track for everyone for about 15 minutes. :-[ I'll send you my info. We're going to the NY safety track June 2-3. Looks like a great place and brand spanking new ! I have a C-14 and just got a Buell 1125R, I'll be with my daughter nd her 2010 Ninja 250. Hope to see you there, you were railing pretty good on the C-14 !