Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: lacofdfireman on August 09, 2013, 02:59:51 PM
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I have given up on my ADV Riding and am going to focus more on the street side of riding now so I am going to sell my beloved 04 KTM 950 "S" GO!!!!! bike. Loved the bike but it beats the crap out of me on the street. I need a more street worthy machine. I have my decision narrowed down to the FJR and the C14. I bought a new 07 FJR and rode it for awhile and really liked it but had the ADV bug and sold it and bought a BMW GSA. Now I have been there done that and realized I ride 99% of the time on the street. So I have a few questions more for the Tall folk than anyone though.
How are the ergos for us Taller riders? Anyone compared them to an FJR?
What kind of accessories can make it fit us better?
Do they still have the heat issues? This is almost a deal breaker for me if they do because I live where it gets 100 plus for 3-4 months out of the year.
What is fuel mileage and range?
Electric windshield adjustment?
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How tall is tall?
I'm 6' 2"
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How tall is tall?
I'm 6' 2"
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well, I'm 6'159875" and the C14 is GREAT ;D
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How are the ergos for us Taller riders? Anyone compared them to an FJR?
What kind of accessories can make it fit us better?
Do they still have the heat issues? This is almost a deal breaker for me if they do because I live where it gets 100 plus for 3-4 months out of the year.
What is fuel mileage and range?
Electric windshield adjustment?
I can comment on a few of these. I'm not that tall (6' but find everything well in reach. Almost all find the shifter needing an adjustment as the lift is set very high from the crate.
I know some taller guys like the lowered pegs for less bend in the knee. I would like my pegs higher and back. I'm odd... I know.
Heat issues are fixed. A little different in the front fairing. Much better for me than my old C10.
Fuel range/mileage.... This one was Wednesday. Average 80mph.
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f109/dcso3009/display_zpsfad33b0f.jpg) (http://s46.photobucket.com/user/dcso3009/media/display_zpsfad33b0f.jpg.html)
The low fuel warning comes on at about 190 miles for me. There was still almost 2 gallons in the tank, but I don't like to push it. I just pull over and get the gas.
Yes the windshield has power adjustment.
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well, I'm 6'159875" and the C14 is GREAT ;D
That's a lot of inches.
That makes you nearly 13,329 feet tall.
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well, I'm 6'159875" and the C14 is GREAT ;D
!
159875/12 = 13,322.9166667 feet. So you are 13,328.9166667' tall? Wow!! I am feeling shorter every day
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Too slow MT.
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What kind of accessories can make it fit us better?
You can get a taller shield, taller seat, tons of different bar risers/changers, peg lowers, highway pegs. Tall people have it MADE. Try being short for a while and see how much of a PITA is it with most non-cruiser [AKA "real"] bikes.
Do they still have the heat issues?
That was only 2008 and 2009.
What is fuel mileage and range?
About 42 to 44 MPG.
Range is about 250
Electric windshield adjustment?
You can replace the shield with an even taller one. Several choices available.
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I'm 6'2" and 210lbs. I put Helibars replacement handle bars which brings the bar ends back and up with tons of adjustment. Peg lowering kit and Baldwin Saddle. No highway pegs or back rest and don't want them. I hurt my back 30 years ago and thought I couldn't stand to ride w/o highway pegs and a back rest. I ride slightly forward of vertical with my back slightly arched. Average 42 to 44 mpg. Couldn't be happier and I came from the so called Winnabego, a GL1800. The bike is more comfortable, quicker, has better suspension and gets better mileage than the Wing. Not writing this to bag on the Wing. It's a great bike and I really liked the 6 or more Wings I owned over the years. It is just a joy to ride the lighter bike. Parking lot turns and lock to lock turns are easier and did I mention it was quick. No secret that I'm a fan of the C14.
Fork
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"How are the ergos for us Taller riders? Anyone compared them to an FJR?"
Check out http://cycle-ergo.com/ (http://cycle-ergo.com/)
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"How are the ergos for us Taller riders? Anyone compared them to an FJR?"
Check out http://cycle-ergo.com/ (http://cycle-ergo.com/)
That is a slick site. :thumbs:
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6'5" Tall windshield, lowered footpegs, bar risers = good ergos. Excellent head room too, which I always look for in a vehicle.
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Oooops Forgot to put my height. I am 6'4 250lbs without gear.. Anyone have a photo of them on there C14 so I can kinda see how you look position wise on the bike. Especially if you have some upgrades stuff like bar risers and lowered pegs.
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"How are the ergos for us Taller riders? Anyone compared them to an FJR?"
Check out http://cycle-ergo.com/ (http://cycle-ergo.com/)
Once again, check it out.
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6'4" 34"
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That is a slick site. :thumbs:
Indeed. Kinda depressing though. Try a 26/27 inseam and see what I mean...
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Once again, check it out.
Wow. That looks like I am riding a moped...
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Wow. That looks like I am riding a moped...
And me, a tank :)
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One thing that Ergo site doesn't consider is the length of you arms. I have long arms, so I don't lean over as far to reach the bars, and I don't need handlebar risers.
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One thing that Ergo site doesn't consider is the length of you arms. I have long arms, so I don't lean over as far to reach the bars, and I don't need handlebar risers.
You are correct. They are not changing the arm length, which is a major flaw on that site. I didn't notice at first. This means their "forward lean" is completely bogus. Oh well.
Generally, arm length is directly related to leg length (so having the model scale arms with legs would be easy). However torso length is NOT directly related to arm/leg length. This confuses people when they talk about bike fit and they only list their height- that is mostly meaningless without knowing inseam- you must know BOTH.
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6'2', 33" inseam and 34" sleaves
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I don't have a pic of me on the bike. I'm JUST south of 6'5" 250. 34" inseam, 34/35 sleeve length My bike has the 1.5' Murphs risers WHICH ARE PERFECT! I am riding with the Buell footpegs which are purported to lower the pegs by an inch, and I had my factory seat reworked by Spencer. I find this riding position quite comfortable. I sit just forward of perfectly upright, and I am good for 600+ a day.
I DO wish I had a place to stretch my legs from time to time. When we are on multi-day rides, I do find myself missing my highway pegs on my K1200LT. I just let my legs hang a bit or walk them out more frequently! I wouldn't trade this bike for anything! Except well maybe a '14.
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I DO wish I had a place to stretch my legs from time to time. When we are on multi-day rides, I do find myself missing my highway pegs on my K1200LT. I just let my legs hang a bit or walk them out more frequently! I wouldn't trade this bike for anything! Except well maybe a '14.
Sounds like you need some cages and highway pegs. :thumbs:
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/RealTime%20reflectors/IMG_2178.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/RealTime%20reflectors/IMG_2178.jpg.html)
(http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll112/tomdvaughan/RealTime%20reflectors/IMG_2176.jpg) (http://s286.photobucket.com/user/tomdvaughan/media/RealTime%20reflectors/IMG_2176.jpg.html)
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I would love some real world comparisons if possible. Has anyone out there rode either a BMW RT 1200 or an FJR 1300 that could give me some idea of which one they liked and for what reasons. I know this is a C14 forum so it will favor the Connie riders but I would love to hear from anyone that has ridden both or even owned some of the other Sport Touring machines. I have owned an FJR before and while I did like the bike I am not opposed to trying something different like the C14 or the RT. Also I talked to a guy riding an 08 C14 the other day and he said that he only got 180 miles out of a tank. Is that true? If so that not good for me. I want a bike with at least 250 mile range.....
Any other info would be greatly appreciated...
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I would love some real world comparisons if possible. Has anyone out there rode either a BMW RT 1200 or an FJR 1300 that could give me some idea of which one they liked and for what reasons.
Compare warranty and price and the C14 wins (easily). Compare quality and reliability and the C14 is as good or better. I have not RIDDDEN the others, so we will leave that up to additional responses.
he said that he only got 180 miles out of a tank. Is that true? If so that not good for me. I want a bike with at least 250 mile range.....
With very conservative riding, the C14 has a 250 mile range. But that is pushing it to the last drop and in eco mode. With normal riding and not the last drop, it is more like 220 or so. "Your mileage may vary" but it is considerably more than 180 in most any situation.
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If I'm not thrashing and fill the tank to the brim, I can easily get 220 with gas left in my 08 and that's without a stinkin eco mode. However, if one's requirement is to consistently get 250 miles out of a tank then this isn't the bike for them. It's that simple. One would need a bike with a bigger tank. I'm completely pleased myself, though, with getting 200-220 on a tank.
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I am not tall, 5' 11" and about 31" inseam. When I was out shopping for a ST, I sat on the FJR and a ST1300 - did not take test ride though. I was able to pretty much flat foot both bikes. The C14, I could not flat foot. Judging by that, a tall person would be more comfortable on C14. At that time, the C14 was more appealing to me due to being a more modern machine than the ST1300 or the FJR (this is 3 years ago). So I test drove and bought that thing (even though I was tippie toeing). Since then I lowered it just a bit to make me comfortable.
Recently I test rode a K1600GT as I was contemplating going down to one bike. Don't know if I just got used to ST riding, but it did not fell as tall or intimidating as when I first sat on the C14. I would venture to say they are of similar height, just that on the K1600GT you sit more upright on stock setup. The ride was real good - bike felt more nimble. Power delivery was smooth, but did not feel as instantaneous as the C14 (even in dynamic mode). Gearbox clunks like my harley davidson (almost) - not too big deal for me, but was odd for such a high priced bike. At the end, both wife and I decided, not worth it for twice the money as my C14. She had a renewed confidence on the C14 because she could not believe how well the C14 rides compared to the K1600GT for half the price. I know this is K1600GT, but I would imagine ergonomic wise a K1600GT or a R1200RT will not be too far off.
So my personal opinion, I do not think you will have any issue with C14 as far as your height is concerned. My brother-in-law (he is 6'4" and about 260 - 280 lbs) rides a HD Road Glide, which is like 200 lbs heavier, but when you look at his bike and the C14, the C14 sorta dwarfs it - honestly.
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I know someone who just bought a new FJR 1300 and he said it was more top heavy than his C14 , but the FJR seat is a hair lower , he's about 5'8" .
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I am not tall, 5' 11" and about 31" inseam. ...
I lied...I am 5'10". Darn it! I thought I grew an inch!
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Thanks for all the info. I guess a 200 mile range is not to bad. Not sure I can sit on any bike that long anyways without getting off and stretching anyways. I know the FJR is comfortable for me. Test rode a C14 in 07 at the Long Beach Motorcycle show for about 10 miles but that was so long ago I have no idea if I liked it or not. I would have to buy at least a 2010 though because the 08-09 heat issues would be a deal breaker for me... Could I pick up a 2010 for around $8k?
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Has anyone out there rode either a BMW RT 1200 or an FJR 1300 that could give me some idea of which one they liked and for what reasons.
I looked at both before I took my C14 home. I liked the BMW a lot. If the cost was the same between the BMW and the C14 then I'd probably have a bimmer in my garage. However, the BMW is considerably more expensive ($10k) and that puts it into a different class, in my opinion. When I considered what the BMW had over the C14, I didn't feel that it was worth the price differential. On top of the high initial cost, I figured the BMW would cost considerably more in maintenance. Added in with my pre-existing relationship with the local Kawa/Honda dealer, it was a no brainer for me that the C14 was a considerably better value.
The FJR was a bike that I wanted to like a lot. Price was more in the C14 territory. The gauges looked nice, and are more modern than the C14 instrumentation. Yamaha has an excellent reputation. But honestly, I felt the design was simply inferior in nearly every other way. The saddle bags were considerably smaller than the C14. My connie will swallow up my 2XL helmet, with ease. The FJR bags could not. The bike itself felt "smaller", which I felt was a disadvantage on a sport touring mount. The C14 felt "big" to me on the test ride, but I was surprised how quickly I got used to it. Having taken longer trips on the highway, I fully appreciate the larger size, now. The foot pegs felt really close to the saddle (even in the "high" position). Even on the C14 I've installed the lowering kit. (I only wish I didn't drag pegs on tight turns) The lack of a 6th gear was also a disappointment. I know the bike doesn't "need" it, but I don't "need" most of the things I have -- I still like to have it.
TL;DR:
The BMW is a better bike, in terms of fit and finish and features. But the cost is ridiculous, considering how close you can get with other bikes, for $10k less.
The FJR is probably a decent bike, but it lacks passion and the designers seemed more concerned about marking check boxes instead of really understanding how the user will ride the machine.
The C14 is by no means perfect. In almost every category you can find a bike that bests it. There are faster bikes. There are more comfortable bikes. There are bikes with better cargo capacity and options. There are bikes with more creature comforts. There are better handling bikes. But if you want the best combination of those traits, for under $15k brand new (or well under $10k for a barely-broken-in used model) then I think the C14 is the best bet. It was for me.
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Thanks for all the info. I guess a 200 mile range is not to bad.
Especially when it is really 240. I get 240 all the time, and that is without ECO, and includes city driving.