Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: mkuszek on May 22, 2013, 12:08:45 PM

Title: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: mkuszek on May 22, 2013, 12:08:45 PM
Currently i am riding a 2011 Sprint GT 1050 and a 2004 BMW R1150R. I want a slightly more upright position and more wind protection.
I sat on a 2013 this morning and I like it. I am 5'10" at 30" inseam at 180 lbs and I can almost flat foot it. I am 58 yo.
I never has a Kawasaki but have had a Hayabusa and FJR Yamaha and a Suzuki dl1000 V strom before the Triumph.
From my research I could put a lower I think ZX14 seat on and get an inch lower and that would solve my full flat foot issue.
Please correct me if I am wrong or make alternative suggestions.
I would most likely buy a used bike maybe 2010 - 11 - 12. I was wondering what years are best and what year corrected the mirror height issue?
Thanks in advance
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: ljcorby on May 22, 2013, 12:12:04 PM
mhuszek, all of the bike's 2010 and higher are basically identical, except for color.  Shop around and get what you like.
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: Conrad on May 22, 2013, 12:29:26 PM
2010 and up had the mirrors raised for a better rearview.

I'm 5'5" with a 30" inseam. I use a Kawasaki low get seat (~1" lower than the stocker) with no other lowering mods and I can handle the bike just fine. I can't flat foot her with both feet, normally only the left foot, but I manage.

As for which year is best? That all depends on your definition of best and how much or how little you want to pay. I think that the '08/'09s are best but I'm a bit biased.
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: BruceR on May 22, 2013, 12:49:33 PM
The '08 were not governed so if outright speed in stock form is your goal, that's the ticket.
I'm 6'2 and don't have an issue with the mirrors.  I would think it would be even less of an issue with a person of lower altitude? 
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: maxtog on May 22, 2013, 04:16:35 PM
I would most likely buy a used bike maybe 2010 - 11 - 12. I was wondering what years are best and

FAQ- search

Quote
what year corrected the mirror height issue?

Gen 2- 2010+
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: Cuda on May 22, 2013, 07:16:53 PM
The '08 were not governed so if outright speed in stock form is your goal, that's the ticket.
I'm 6'2 and don't have an issue with the mirrors.  I would think it would be even less of an issue with a person of lower altitude?





So  you've  been to 180 mph  huh ?
When Guhl does a ECU flash they can remove the governer , I  had it done why??? I guess it was free ,
 I have NO plan on  checking my top speed , life is to short .
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: BruceR on May 22, 2013, 07:20:46 PM




So  you've  been to 180 mph  huh ?
When Guhl does a ECU flash they can remove the governer , I  had it done why??? I guess it was free ,
 I have NO plan on  checking my top speed , life is to short .

You read my post that said "in stock form"?  I think a Guhl reflash negates that aspect, no?  Really, to push this brick to 180 I think you'd need more than a reflash, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: ZG on May 23, 2013, 12:52:29 AM
I think that the '08/'09s are best but I'm a bit biased.

 :goodpost: 8) :chugbeer:
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: maxtog on May 23, 2013, 05:35:24 AM
:goodpost: 8) :chugbeer:

Yep.  Just biased.
Title: Re: I might buy a Concours 14, have some questions about what year to buy
Post by: twowheeladdict on May 23, 2013, 05:37:44 AM
If you are committed to buying used I would buy whichever bike you find the best deal on with the accessories you want already installed.  If you are considering new at all, look at sport cycles in Rockingham, NC.  They consistently have been selling for $3000 - $3500 below MSRP.