Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Classvino on September 23, 2013, 11:55:20 AM
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I've had my '13 C14 for a week now and am already thinking about changing some things... I'm 6'0", with a 28" inseam. (It's been suggested that my physique is more neanderthal (or even ape-like) than homo sapiens by some of my riding buddies.) I can't put both feet flat on the ground when stopped, and though I'm fine on the balls of my feet when actually stationary, I tend to plan my stops so that I don't have to move the bike very much in neutral, or stop on a sideways grade... Backing out of a parking spot is probably almost comical to watch, and can be nerve-wracking for me. However, all that disappears as soon as I'm in motion, and this is by far the smoothest, best bike I've owned. So, a different model isn't going to make me happy - I'm going to stick with the C14, I just want to try to make it fit a little better... (I remember it all being so much easier 20 years ago, but that was probably as much related to age and fitness as the bikes...)
What combination of risers/peg kits/lowering kits/alt seats have you found that works for you?
There just seems to be so many different solutions to the same problem that I don't know quite where to start. Lower seat? Lowering kit? But I'm a big guy (circumference as well as height) and don't want to mess with decreased suspension height - or do I? If I get a lower seat, I think I'll need lower pegs so I don't kill my knees...
I've read through a ton of related posts on the forum, but they all seem to deal with a single one of these possible fixes, and I'm having a difficult time determining which one (or two or three) might be best for me...
I realize that every case is unique, and that opinions are, at best, personal (ymmv, imo, and all that...) but if it's OK, I'd like to pick your brains for suggestions so that maybe I can approach this from a better informed place...
Thanks
Jamie
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Welcome to the forum. There's probably a bazillion threads on that subject and someone will chime in soon to help you out that's more knowledgeable on that subject. Which brings to mind, I really need to put links to all this information in one place. I'll work on that when I get time to breathe.
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Any help is appreciated...
I've tried to do my due diligence (spent a few hours searching and reading), and attempted to ask the question in such a way so as not to get told "RTFM", but while the volume of posts on each of these options is high, there aren't many that involve using more than one solution...
For example - I'm wondering what would be better : a 3" lowering kit, or maybe a 2"lowering kit and a 1" lower seat. Or something else entirely... I'm not rich, but I'm certainly not destitute, and plan on spending what I need to make the bike 'right' for me.
Thanks for the reply and I look forward to doing more than lurking in the future.
Jamie
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Hey Jamie,welcome. Hang loose a bit and our short legged yoda will be along. He goes by Maxtog and he damn well means it. :)
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http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=15234.0;topicseen (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=15234.0;topicseen)
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For example - I'm wondering what would be better : a 3" lowering kit, or maybe a 2"lowering kit and a 1" lower seat.
Welcome to the forum CV. :chugbeer:
Don't do anything more than a 1" lowering link IMO, if you still need more get a lower cut seat.
I did a 1" Muzzys lowering link and had a Corbin seat custom cut which made it sit almost 2" lower than the oem seat did. :)
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I've had my '13 C14 for a week now and am already thinking about changing some things...
Welcome!
And I thought *MY* legs were short in comparison to my height!!! I am only 26.5" inseam, but 5'7"!
Use the search function...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.0)
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I've updated the information in the link that Rhino provided.. I've also unlocked it.
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Try the Corbin seat the stock is pretty uncomfortable anyway. It will lower you some not sure if it will be enough. I have the Corbin but I really was not wanting to be lower but still like the seat. That plus some thick soled riding boots and you should pick up at least 2". Good luck.
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Welcome!
And I thought *MY* legs were short in comparison to my height!!! I am only 26.5" inseam, but 5'7"!
Use the search function...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.0)
Thought I had searched - obviously not well enough - that link is exactly the type of thing I was looking for...
Yeah, If my legs were porportional to my torso, I'd be close to 6'6" or so... or about 5'4" the other way...
Thanks.
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Search function is finicky. The info is probably in here somewhere but using the right words and/or terms is somewhat problematic.
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Don't do anything more than a 1" lowering link IMO, if you still need more get a lower cut seat.
I did a 1" Muzzys lowering link and had a Corbin seat custom cut which made it sit almost 2" lower than the oem seat did. :)
Based on ZG and Maxtog's experiences, I'm ordering the Muzzy lowering links - opinions seem mixed on whether the front end needs to be correspondingly lowered or not, so I'll start with just the rear and see how it goes...
About the seat, I think a second factor is that it seems wide - if it was a touch narrower I think I could reach the ground a bit easier, but would probably have to sacrifice a bit of comfort... Decisions, decisions...
Again, thanks for sharing your experiences...
Jamie
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Using a seat from a ZX14 or using the accessory gel seat will get you 1 inch closer to the ground.
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Also try boots from Boot Barn with raised heels and soles. They are about $160 but makes all the difference in the world. Gives you confidence when stopping.
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Based on ZG and Maxtog's experiences, I'm ordering the Muzzy lowering links - opinions seem mixed on whether the front end needs to be correspondingly lowered or not, so I'll start with just the rear and see how it goes...
You need to lower the front as well.
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Thought I had searched - obviously not well enough - that link is exactly the type of thing I was looking for...
I find the search on this board to be very irritating. But keep playing with it.
Yeah, If my legs were porportional to my torso, I'd be close to 6'6" or so... or about 5'4" the other way...
Exactly. If my torso were proportional, I would be 5'11" instead of 5'7". I keep telling people, relaying standing height or inseam alone means nothing. You must have both measurements to know how someone fits on a bike.
Based on ZG and Maxtog's experiences, I'm ordering the Muzzy lowering links - opinions seem mixed on whether the front end needs to be correspondingly lowered or not, so I'll start with just the rear and see how it goes...
I strongly recommend lowering the front by the same amount, which is proper. But you will need handlebar risers to do that. Also recommend lower seat, but you are correct that the lower it is, the wider, and that can make it more difficult on inner thighs.
Just remember, no matter how frustrated you are, I am MUCH worse off...
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I find the search on this board to be very irritating. But keep playing with it.
Just remember, no matter how frustrated you are, I am MUCH worse off...
You have my deepest sympathy :grouphug:
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question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?
If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?
Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?
Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.
.
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question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?
If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?
Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?
Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.
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Buying a bike and keeping it stock has never been the case for me, I like the bike and it was easy to modify to fit me, so I did. :) :thumbs: :chugbeer:
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question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?
If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?
Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?
Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.
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I never thought about that when I bought mine. A sit on test isn't the same as actually riding it for a bit, although I agree that it's better than nothing. I think I sat on mine before I bought it but I just don't remember. That whole day is a blur.
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question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?
If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?
Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?
Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.
We have been through this question several times. Unless you want a loud, slow, low-tech, annoying, vibrationy cruiser, or a toy bike, there ARE no alternatives in this class or even similar class (or even at all). Is that what YOU would want? Well. me neither. It is unfortunate that there is so little accommodation in seat height on these bikes. I hope someday that changes.
I can only speak for me- of course I did tests and measurements and debated it for many weeks and knew exactly what I was getting into. And I could not even ride the bike at all without mods- it sat for a week after I bought it before I could ride it the first time with the lower seat, lowering link, and raised boots. I had to do the exact same thing to my last bike- the difference is that it was about 1" more accommodating and much lighter.
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I did sit on the bike at the dealership. Knew it was high. Wanted it nonetheless. I can ride it without mods - I just would be much more confident, not to mention safer, after I get it a little closer to the ground.
A couple years back, I took a ride on a friends C14 - and height wasn't a problem. Not actually flatfoot, but no more than 1/2" of air below my heels when stopped. I'm fairly certain, in hindsight, that he had a custom seat, and, I suspect, lowering links on his bike. I was in lust after being on it for about 15 minutes. Unfortunately, a few months later the bike was sold off after he failed to return from a military posting, so I never got to get any detailed info from him.
I could have gotten a low riding cruiser ("loud, slow, low-tech, annoying, vibrationy" ;D ) - I've tried them, and they "fit" me better physically, but they don't "fit" my temperament and/or personality. And, if I like a particular style, why would I settle for second best and get something I didn't like, just because I wouldn't have to change anything... I wanted a sport-tourer, and after looking at the different offerings, I decided that Kawasaki had the best one. Not knocking the others, and I've been careful not to mention other brand names, and certainly don't want to start a flamewar or anything, but I like the C14 better than any of the other brands/models, even the more expensive ones.
So, yes, despite not being perfectly suitable physically in stock condition, I bought it anyway, knowing that it could be made to fit. I just didn't know the best or optimal method to make it so. Despite it not being "perfect" for me yet, I still am happy I did.
Thus this thread...
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Then there's this guy:
http://youtu.be/kRFyw57o_Ic (http://youtu.be/kRFyw57o_Ic)
Ed
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I could have gotten a low riding cruiser ("loud, slow, low-tech, annoying, vibrationy" ;D ) - I've tried them, and they "fit" me better physically, but they don't "fit" my temperament and/or personality. And, if I like a particular style, why would I settle for second best and get something I didn't like, just because I wouldn't have to change anything... I wanted a sport-tourer, and after looking at the different offerings, I decided that Kawasaki had the best one. Not knocking the others, and I've been careful not to mention other brand names, and certainly don't want to start a flamewar or anything, but I like the C14 better than any of the other brands/models, even the more expensive ones.
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^That...
My Dad's Shadow is MUCH easier to get on and maneuver, but has no power, vibrates like crazy, and looks like a CRUISER.
Then again, my well-worn Monster is pretty low at this point (because I need to service the suspension), but still can't compete with the C14 on comfort or straight-line acceleration (but that may just be my mediocre riding skill).
Some day I may play with my C14 height, since 90% of my riding is commute or touring, but not quite yet. I appreciate everybody's input on this and other threads, as I think I'll know what I'm getting in to when I do the change.
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Then there's this guy:
http://youtu.be/kRFyw57o_Ic (http://youtu.be/kRFyw57o_Ic)
Ed
Is that the 12 o'clock show at Disney World?
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Well, it sure looks like he knows how to ride it but I'd like to see stop at a light. I wonder if he jumps off the bike at a stop in traffic.
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Then there's this guy:
That is just crazy. I guess I will shut up! The moral of the story is- no matter how bad off you think you have it, there is always someone worse off.
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I have muzzy's installed, but DID NOT lower front end. about 6k miles since install and no issue.
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I have muzzy's installed, but DID NOT lower front end. about 6k miles since install and no issue.
Can you clarify "no issue"? ???
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Can you clarify "no issue"? ???
"The bike didn't fall apart" perhaps :)
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"The bike didn't fall apart" perhaps :)
I agree the bike won't fall apart, but handling/cornering sure will be compromised...
I see from his post that he also rides a harley though, so maybe in comparison "no issue". ;) ;D :stirpot:
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I ordered the lowering links and riser kit from
Murphs Muzzy's yesterday. Links out of stock for a few days, but will ship asap (hopefully Friday) so I'll get them on and see what it's like before buying a seat.
Thanks for all the tips.
Jamie
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I agree the bike won't fall apart, but handling/cornering sure will be compromised...
I see from his post that he also rides a harley though, so maybe in comparison "no issue". ;) ;D :stirpot:
HA HA ! Very funny ! ;D
Well I do not ride like on a race track - so for me no cornering issue. Perhaps it may be for you if you think the street is race track.
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Corbin front seat, smuggler :chugbeer:
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I agree the bike won't fall apart, but handling/cornering sure will be compromised...
I see from his post that he also rides a harley though, so maybe in comparison "no issue". ;) ;D :stirpot:
I was going to post a similar comment but refrained. You are more evil than I...
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Well, the Muzzy's links and risers arrived a couple days ago, and we got them on today. WOW! Amazing difference.
And it's more than just being able to "flat-foot" it when stopped... The whole act of stopping suddenly became a whole lot easier... No more thinking about not getting a good footing, and potentially dropping the brute every time I need to stop. (OK, ok, not a brute, but hardly describable as a ballerina either)
Maybe just a confidence thing. Now I can reach the ground, both feet, full feet...
Life is good! ;D (Hope to get a few more rides in before the Canadian winter puts a stop to it.)
Jamie
(Thanks again ZG and Maxtog for your thoughts on the matter. I'm glad I lowered the front as well, but there's an added bonus - the bars are higher in relation to the frame - more relaxed position...)
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:thumbs: :chugbeer: