Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Torn on April 03, 2013, 07:44:03 PM
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Well as you can see post 1..I am starting to put together my presentation for my wife on buying a c14. I currently ride a M109R2(which I plan to keep) but I wanted something a little better for long rides. I rode my 109 from Virginia to Flagstaff AZ, a couple of years ago and did fine....but I am getting a little older and want something a little more comfy but still has plenty of oh shttt power. I used to ride sportbikes years ago...retired and came back to the 109. Enough back story.....I am 6'4 and 34inch inseam...and I am wondering how the taller guys here are doing with the C14....I have sat on a couple and it feels fine...but how is it on longer rides? Hope to join your ranks soon...
Torn.
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You'll need a tall windshield and a set of canyon crash bars to mount highway pegs , It' s nice to move around on long rides. WELCOME.
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You can also get a taller seat to give you more leg room to the ground and pegs, although this will cause you to sit even higher and need a yet even taller windshield. So your gas mileage will go down.
See- there are a FEW bonuses for us shorter people :)
Oh, I think there there are also peg lowering options also, but this will compromise your maximum lean (if that matters to you).
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I've done 1100 mile days, I use the stock seat. I'm only 6'2" though (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
edit: its going from Tampa, FL to Alaska this summer...the LONG way. Stock seat :D
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Your a glutton for punshment.
What's the short way ... Air freight ???
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I'm 6'5'' with 35'' inseam and have no problems whatsoever with comfort,done quite a few looooong distance trips and I'm very happy!! You will have to get an aftermarket screen though, the standard screen is too short for us taller guys(Hight superior ;D)..and highway pegs help too on those real long distance rides!! Go ahead and get one, you won't be dissapointed!! Oh yes...the BLACK ones ARE the fastest!! :stirpot:
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I went the other direction on the screen and got the '08 screen so the wind hits me in the chest and my helmet is in the clean air. A lot more comfortable because the wind helps hold you up. The only other thing would be the bend in your knees with the stock seat to peg ratio on a long ride.
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Welcome!
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Your a glutton for punshment.
What's the short way ... Air freight ???
Short way is cut right across America as the crow flies Tampa to Alaska. I'm going FL along the south (southern Califormia) then up the west coast. And may take the long way back, across Canada to new England then shoot down. Adds thousands and thousands of more miles, but I have friends to see everywhere :D
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I'm 6'4 and 32" inseam.
I have a stock saddle and a CalSci +6" screen.
If yer gonna ride long distance the taller screen is a must unless you like having a neck that's wider than yer head.
If you ride in the rain/cold a lot then the hand deflectors are a good idea too.
If you have big hands then you may also want to fit Grip Puppies.
CalSci now do a +7.5" (the XL) but screen height is very personal choice.
You will probably also need a comfier saddle for longer rides.
I can manage 200 miles at one sitting but after filling up my butt really does not want to get on again.
After 400 miles it's screaming at me. I'll be buying a Russell or Baldwin later this year.
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I am 6'2 with a 32" inseam and have the stock pegs and the stock 08 (short) windshield.
I came from sport bikes so I have never raised the shield, as the wind helps to support me and I have also cut the handlebars down by 1" to give me more forward lean.
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Welcome Torn! Any relation to Rip? ;)
You can also get a taller seat to give you more leg room to the ground and pegs, although this will cause you to sit even higher and need a yet even taller windshield. So your gas mileage will go down.
See- there are a FEW bonuses for us shorter people :)
Oh, I think there there are also peg lowering options also, but this will compromise your maximum lean (if that matters to you).
One among many Max. :thumbs:
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I am 6'2 with a 32" inseam and have the stock pegs and the stock 08 (short) windshield.
I came from sport bikes so I have never raised the shield, as the wind helps to support me and I have also cut the handlebars down by 1" to give me more forward lean.
Right on, I've been wishing mine were shorter.
Maybe you can post some pics of that mod in a thread :D
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Right on, I've been wishing mine were shorter.
Maybe you can post some pics of that mod in a thread :D
I would like mine an inch back without going taller. I compensate by sitting dangerously close to the tank.
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6'3" and 34 inseam here. Did 2200 miles right after I bought my 09 and really didn't have much problem. The stock seat did begin to cause soreness problems though, but I'm also 280lbs and it didn't provide much support an created hot-spots.
This was the first bike I've owned that I sit like this with my knees bent in this configuration. It was actually much better for me than any of the cruiser/choppers leg placement I've had. So pleased with that.
Even with long arms, I just installed Murph's 2" risers and it's made a world of difference!!! With that slight adjustment, no more wrist or neck pain.
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I would like mine an inch back without going taller. I compensate by sitting dangerously close to the tank.
I'm the opposite. I treat imy C14 like my track bikes when railing.
All the way over the tank, face/helmet stuffed down looking into the turn (towards/near front mirror of turn direction), knees, ass, and elbow about dragging down towards the road.
Thats where the "tall" stock touring bars screw me all up. I'm for shortening them where they are, any further back I couldn't get proper knee down/turn body position and crawl all over that bike like a track weapon
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I tall seat came with my bike. I will post a pic when I get a chance.
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Right on, I've been wishing mine were shorter.
Maybe you can post some pics of that mod in a thread :D
I had posted this before the crash, but here's the Cliff's Notes version:
All I did was use a hacksaw to cut the bar riser 1 inch above the base plate and then cut the remaining stub off flush with the base plate. Take both parts to a welding shop that does aluminum and then spray paint.
Another member has shortened his by 1-1/2 inches , but after that the bars will hit the tank.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3EtxtFfYvN4/TEBsN8qQsDI/AAAAAAAAAgs/HrCI4SOSN74/s683/P7150009.JPG)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Pwt4y1ZzkM/TEBsOwSsUJI/AAAAAAAAAgw/LkAeYrxYQmg/s683/P7150010.JPG)
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Kwakrider........My dimensions exactly. What screen do you use?
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I found it. Here is pics of the "tall seat" that came with my bike.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img846/6373/dsc01882u.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img62/7255/dsc01881dt.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img706/4803/dsc01880kp.jpg)
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I found it. Here is pics of the "tall seat" that came with my bike. If any of you tall riders want it or someone wants it for the seat pan. $50 plus shipping.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img846/6373/dsc01882u.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img62/7255/dsc01881dt.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img706/4803/dsc01880kp.jpg)
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I'm 6'6" 34 inseam, 230. Since you are coming from a cruiser you may not need the taller shield. It's really a preference. I came from a cruiser with no shield and actually prefer a short summer shield on my connie as the wind helps balance me and keep more of my weight off my hands. I only have a taller shield for the winter. Definitely get lower pegs, I have the murphs and love them. It's a slight difference that makes a huge difference and I've scraped them plenty of times turning, it's no big deal. You will probably also want to get bar risers as I found my height forced me to lean over the bars too much.
Anyways you will love it, it's teh first bike I didn't feel like I was in a full squat position when stopped.
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Just over 6' 34.5 inseam,, AST risors, with wedges, also murphs lower pegs, also reconfigured seat, no slope and about 4 inches of diff. seating positions, ( for and aft)
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6'3 and 34 in inseam.
CB Ultra Dome Sheild . Put the stocker back on for a few days in the heat last summer and did not really enjoy it.
Installing dropped pegs this spring and truly like this seating geometry better than my Mean Streak while I keep trying to put off having my left knee replaced.
Risers help wth the upper body and shoulder fatigue and my day to day travels net 37.4 average mpg while I can settle in on a trip and get over 40mpg if I stay off the highway and under 85. Prevous owner was shorter and lighter...got 42 so us taller guys do suffer.
WOnderful bike. Makes me happy.
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6'8" 260 lbs here with a 38 inch inseam.... 8)
Mods so far are as follows..
Helibars..
https://www.helibars.com/product/kawasaki-c14-handlebar-risers (https://www.helibars.com/product/kawasaki-c14-handlebar-risers)
Murph's lowered pegs..
http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=130_133&products_id=401&osCsid=3884bd90a3beac4880a37c2887a54049 (http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=130_133&products_id=401&osCsid=3884bd90a3beac4880a37c2887a54049)
Baldwin Saddle..
http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014.htm (http://www.motorbikesaddles.com/Kawasaki%20Concours%2014.htm)
Cee Baileys Ultra Tour Domed..
http://www.ceebaileys.com/kawasaki/concours14_2010_ws.html (http://www.ceebaileys.com/kawasaki/concours14_2010_ws.html)
Beemer Buddies..
http://www.originalbeemerbuddies.com/Original_Beemer_Buddies.html (http://www.originalbeemerbuddies.com/Original_Beemer_Buddies.html)
Coming off a VF1000R, ZX9R, ZX12R, and a ZX14 I'm pretty comfy for the most part...For me the lowered pegs and reworked seat from Baldwin Saddle made the biggest difference..
Canyon Cages and highway pegs are next...
http://www.mcenterprisesusa.com/products/search/dsp_searchForm.cfm (http://www.mcenterprisesusa.com/products/search/dsp_searchForm.cfm)
Good luck.. :)
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6'3 and 34 in inseam.
CB Ultra Dome Sheild . Put the stocker back on for a few days in the heat last summer and did not really enjoy it.
Installing dropped pegs this spring and truly like this seating geometry better than my Mean Streak while I keep trying to put off having my left knee replaced.
Risers help wth the upper body and shoulder fatigue and my day to day travels net 37.4 average mpg while I can settle in on a trip and get over 40mpg if I stay off the highway and under 85. Prevous owner was shorter and lighter...got 42 so us taller guys do suffer.
WOnderful bike. Makes me happy.
Did you ride a mean streak with stock foot controls? I couldn't stand them. Put the Jardine forwards and enjoy all day comfort.
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5'9" w/ 30"inseam, so I'm not much help. But like I tell my wife, me and Tom Cruise are the same height. :)
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5'9" w/ 30"inseam, so I'm not much help. But like I tell my wife, me and Tom Cruise are the same height. :)
Tom Cruise is 5'4" tops.....
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Better Photo
Taller, I am 6=2, 235lbs, I added running boards which lowered my feet 3 inches and I can move my feet around but I also had to make a custom rocker shiftier and it is heaven.. Things can be done, just think it through..
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Taller, I am 6=2, 235lbs, I added running boards which lowered my feet 3 inches and I can move my feet around but I also had to make a custom rocker shiftier and it is heaven.. Things can be done, just think it through..
:( Photo much too dark and small to see
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I'd wonder about lean angle.
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:( Photo much too dark and small to see
and he must have naked pinups on the walls because he scribbled out the background.
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Did you ride a mean streak with stock foot controls? I couldn't stand them. Put the Jardine forwards and enjoy all day comfort.
nope, I too had to go with the jardines much to my so's dismay as she loved m jumping on the meanie but could no longer even reach the pegs.
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thanks for all the responses....actually have to wait till feb dealer wouldn't take 109 on trade before the winter, but will at end of feb. early march......going to test ride 2013 blue connie tomorrrow so Im sure Ill have a better feel for what I will need but all the posts have been info...definitely looking forward to more great info here and joining the club in feb/march
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I currently ride a M109R2(which I plan to keep) but I wanted something a little better for long rides.
Guess that didn't work out?
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Guess that didn't work out?
actually about to post on that....I tested one today...Im in..just going to wait till feb....have more questions now though...Dealer doesnt want to take trade in this close to winter....so If anyone is looking for a M109r2...then Ill join the club sooner.
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actually about to post on that....I tested one today...Im in..just going to wait till feb....
FWIW IMO right now is the best time to buy left over 2012 models, shops are still sitting on some and obviously 2013's too, they typically don't like having new 2 year old models in stock when the new ones arrive, that's how I scored my 2009 ABS new leftover in September of 2010 for $10k because the 2011's had just started arriving to shops.
Something to think about... :-\