Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: tomp on March 23, 2014, 05:22:43 PM
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I am currently looking at an '08 with 21K miles on it. Looking into the lower openings of the fairings, where the heat comes onto the legs, are pieces of thick foam, filling up the internal spaces.
My question is, are those foam pieces aftermarket, to help with heat control, or OEM parts and have not corrected the heat on the shin problem. I went to ride it Saturday, but the shop was having an outdoors sale and the bike was hidden behind the booths, so no riding was done. Unsure whether to go back for a ride or stay away. tomp
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Sounds like someone added them.
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Are they suppose to help? Gonna be in the mid 70's to 80 next 10 days here. Wondering if they will make a difference in such mild temps, or make a difference when it gets really hot here. Found some NEW '12's for $12K, but don't want to spnd that much for another bike.
Thanks for input, as I know so little about the C14...
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I have an 08. I also have the aftermarket shields. I think the heat issue is largely a personal opinion thing. I currently have only the right shield in. With both it seemed to push a lot of hot air upwards to the gas tank and between my legs. If you wear boots and jeans/riding pants and not tennis shoes and khakis the heat is not that bad. If the price is right and the test ride proves out, go for it.
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Around $7K for the 08. Found an '09 for $10K with risers and a couple other farkles, but seems high to me. Guess I need to take a ride on it, before it's sold. Always wear boots and jeans or heavy riding pants in the winter. Sounds like I should be OK with the '08. It has a stock wind shield, but that is easily replaced with a taller one.
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I cut the stock shield down 4" for summer riding and bought a Calsi for a tall shield. See if they'll come off the 7k. We've seen some for 6500. If the dealer took it in on trade you know they pencil whipped the owner on the trade.
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Yep KBB has trade at $5200. I know this dealer. That is the MOST they gave for it, if that. I've bought 11 bikes from the same guy there, and am going to put his n#ts to the grinder on this one, or no deal.. I want a C14, but not gonna get taken to own this one. Not a scratch on the silver paint, though... tomp
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Seven grand is a lot less than half the price of a new one. It sounds pretty fair to me.
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Not if you can get it for less. The bike is six model years old.
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You have an '08, would you sell it for less than $7K? Not messing with you, just trying to see what the true value on the street, with owners is....
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If I had to dump it fast...yes. Realty is I tend to keep a bike that fits for a long time which this one does.
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Going to offer a '12 KLR650 I got from him, and $3K, OTD for it. Guess I will see how that plays. Not a dime more, but will let him toss a figure at me first. Found a new '12 for $12.3K, but don't really want to spend that much more, since I already have a BMW RT in the garage, that is a great ride...tp
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Good luck. If not this one there will be others.
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Yep. Don't need one, just want one. Had a ZZR1200 a while back, and it was a screaming monster. I imagine the C14 is similar, but with better ergos, which I could never correct on the ZZR, for long distance riding...tp
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Had a ZZR1200 a while back, and it was a screaming monster. I imagine the C14 is similar, but with better ergos, which I could never correct on the ZZR, for long distance riding...tp
Your imagination is probably correct :)
PS- welcome to the ZGGTR forums!! You might get a better long-term response by choosing a subject/topic name that is more descriptive to your question or thread content. It also helps others who are searching and researching. You can edit existing threads by editing the first post and changing the "Subject" line.
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I changed the thread title to include the foam inserts. Hope this thread helps others, down the road. The ZZR was cool but uncomfortable below 100 MPH. I hope the C14 is more civilized at legal speeds, yet similar fun when turning up the wick.
FWIW, been on two wheels for over 45 years and owned over half a hundred bikes, over those years. Trying to find a few for the garage, to finish out my riding life, enjoyably. Want to stay away from trikes at this time... tomp
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My '08 also has thick black foam that looks pre-cut in the lower openings, and I've wondered if that was stock. Can you get those pieces from the aftermarket?
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Member Zteve has these. Check here... http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=287.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=287.0)
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The foam inserts help somewhat but the best thing to do is to make sure that the wind screen is not all the way down. You need to keep it at least an inch or two from the bottom stop. Air comes through that gap on both sides and helps keep the lower legs cool. It's counter intuitive, I know, but it works. With the screen all the way down I can definitely feel a difference on hot days even with the inserts in.
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That is a very good point. Even with my short shield it's as you say, up a couple of inches. It lessens the back pressure a bit also.
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That is a very good point. Even with my short shield it's as you say, up a couple of inches. It lessens the back pressure a bit also.
Yeah, I am amazed at how much back pressure can occur. If I don't have the shield in the right spot, it feels like the back of my jacket is glued to my back... quite uncomfortable in the summer.
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Yeah, I am amazed at how much back pressure can occur. If I don't have the shield in the right spot, it feels like the back of my jacket is glued to my back... quite uncomfortable in the summer.
The CalSci eliminated the back pressure for me. I can't imagine riding with the back pressure again.
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If you shut your eyes and relax, I'm sure it will come back to you..
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If you shut your eyes and relax, I'm sure it will come back to you..
:rotflmao:
But how will I see to ride? I could simply ride and have my wife push me from behind.
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That's the spirit!
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Since the ABS, TC, linked brakes, etc of Gen II's aren't really that important to me, is price of around $7K a good one for the '08? No scratches, dings and looks like it's never seen the ground. It has the factory windshield, seat, and tail trunk on it too. No risers, but if I decide to install, do cables wiring or hoses need to be changed?
Thanks for any help here. Looking for something to enjoy riding without having to do major changes to have that enjoyable ride... Youtube videos sure make it look like a fun bike. tomp
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If you like the bike you won't be hurt buying at 7k. That is at least what a private seller would ask. Risers up two 2" will work with out new lines I think. This bike is a hoot. As I said earlier I'll keep it a long time. Good luck with the purchase.
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The foam inserts are factory, to keep the heat off your shins. You can take off the wind defectors (wings) for winter use (factory intentions as per manual), inside of them are extra screws and washers to cover the existing holes. During the winter though, I leave the deflectors on and take out the foam inserts (two screws each), it provides some very nice heat on the shins and feet.
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No risers, but if I decide to install, do cables wiring or hoses need to be changed?
I have these 2" Pullback risers (http://www.advancedsporttouring.com/Concours_Risers_p/c14-03.htm)from AST and running stock cables.
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I have the foam inserts on my '08 on both sides, and they do make a difference, especially on a hot day. I ride with taller boots, and that helps as well. Baker makes hand wings that do a nice job either blocking the air coming over the mirrors, or funneling it in on a hot day. If you want an '08, they are a great bike. A lot of people complain about the heat, but with the couple things I have done, it isn't really a problem. I have ridden it below freezing (where the heat is a blessing), and in the upper 90s. I hope this helps.
Ride safe ... 8)
Dave
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I've got an 08 non ABS I bought with 11K on it for 8K from a dealer. It was in excellent shape and thought it was a fair deal. It now has 18K miles on it and I expect I could sell it for about 6500 as a private owner. If you get it for 7K and there is a tax advantage resulting from the difference on a trade on, it seems like a decent price but I'll bet you could get it for 6200-6500 from the dealer
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Got a quote of $6500 today from the dealer. Went to ride it today but my sales friend were too busy with new bike sales. That was OK with me, as I got to spend time talking with customers looking at BMW's and KTM 1190 Adventures. Man, those new 1190 Adventures are super nice.
Going there Tuesday to take a good long ride on it. Found a couple of scratches on the right side case, but a little paint will fix that. Since I've bought 13 bikes from them since 1986, and 10 from the same salesman, they dropped the price and are allowing an extended warranty on the bike to transfer to me until the expiration date of 10-14. Sure hope I like it when I ride it.
Guess my mind will make the comparison between it and the RT I currently have when doing the test ride. Not getting rid of the RT; would have two touring bikes, silly isn't it. They are night and day different, I do believe, so should have both, right?... tomp
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$6500 is a good price. You can extend the warranty another three years here...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0)
Good luck
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$6500 is a good price. You can extend the warranty another three years here...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0)
Based on his posting, it sounded like some type of dealer extended warranty, not the official factory extended warranty. But it is certainly worth researching. I generally *hate* extended warranties, so the fact that I think the Kawasaki one is pure gold says something. Best deal ever.
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OK, a really serious question here. I rode the 08 today and loved everything about it except for the heat being thrown onto my legs. Had denim pants and Alpine star boots on, and it was only 70 degrees. Before I sign on the bottom line, is there anything other than a '10 forward model to stop the heat. Is it possible to fabricate and attach plastic pieces to cover the exposed areas that are allowing the heat to come thru? Something like what the newer Gen bikes have; very tight fitting....
FWIW, it does need a taller windscreen and risers for my personal comfort, but the heat is a concern, as here in the Gulf Coast of Texas, summers are long, hot and humid. I will be deciding tomorrow or Saturday at the latest.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-08-09-Concours-14-GTR-1400-Heat-Shields-/281294746413 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-08-09-Concours-14-GTR-1400-Heat-Shields-/281294746413)
Found these inserts. They seem to cover much more area than the ones currently installed. Anyone used these or any thoughts?
thanks, tomp
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OK, a really serious question here. I rode the 08 today and loved everything about it except for the heat being thrown onto my legs. Had denim pants and Alpine star boots on, and it was only 70 degrees. Before I sign on the bottom line, is there anything other than a '10 forward model to stop the heat. Is it possible to fabricate and attach plastic pieces to cover the exposed areas that are allowing the heat to come thru? Something like what the newer Gen bikes have; very tight fitting....
FWIW, it does need a taller windscreen and risers for my personal comfort, but the heat is a concern, as here in the Gulf Coast of Texas, summers are long, hot and humid. I will be deciding tomorrow or Saturday at the latest.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-08-09-Concours-14-GTR-1400-Heat-Shields-/281294746413 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-08-09-Concours-14-GTR-1400-Heat-Shields-/281294746413)
Found these inserts. They seem to cover much more area than the ones currently installed. Anyone used these or any thoughts?
thanks, tomp
From what I have seen on the forums, the ones you found on Ebay will work nicely. You can also add a midpipe exhaust shield to simulate what the 2nd gen has. Not much you can do to change the fairing designs to match the 2nd gen, however... so some of the heat may end up near the seat. A SMALLER windscreen will help for the summer.
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Thanks. I did try the "raise the windshield a couple of inches" to lessen the heat flow, and it made a big difference. I owned a Sprint ST 1050, with underseat exhaust, and it made the Concour's heat problem seem minor. Like riding on top of a Webber BBQ grill, the ST was.
Found out today that a new Set of Metzler Z8's were just installed by the dealer, too. $350 that won't need to be spent for a while... Also looked at a new Versys 650, as a play bike, for the same money, but the C14 just keeps calling to me.
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Some people aren't bothered by the heat, and some are...I was. I always wear jeans and boots with socks that extend most of the way up my shin and after riding for a while I would wind up with what I could only describe as something similar to a very mild sunburn on my lower legs (particularly the right leg). I got the heat shields from ebay and, for me, it was night and day difference. I also put heat reflective shielding under the tank. YMMV, but from a heat perspective it made it a completely different bike for me.
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Thanks for the info. I was buying the bike while you were posting. Not going to preach to the choir, but this is one FINE motorcycle. Unlike the ZZR1200, this bike will cruise smoothly from 30-60mph. Going to add the Vstream screen, 2" risers and the ebay inserts I posted earlier. Other than that, this bike is good to go.
http://i.imgur.com/Saz270s.jpg[/img]](http://i.imgur.com/Saz270s.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=401)
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Thanks for the info. I was buying the bike while you were posting. Not going to preach to the choir, but this is one FINE motorcycle. Unlike the ZZR1200, this bike will cruise smoothly from 30-60mph. Going to add the Vstream screen, 2" risers and the ebay inserts I posted earlier. Other than that, this bike is good to go.
Big fun, congrats on a fine bike.
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Pretty sure those are ZSteve's inserts on Ebay. I've got a set for my 08. The work, but as posted earlier, I found that they pushed the hot air up around the seat. On a hot day it could very uncomfortable in a really sensitive area.
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Pretty sure those are ZSteve's inserts on Ebay. I've got a set for my 08. The work, but as posted earlier, I found that they pushed the hot air up around the seat. On a hot day it could very uncomfortable in a really sensitive area.
The ebay seller is hoprich. I did get the Vstream WS in this evening. Installed, but not ridden with it yet yet. Much taller, and if it works as well on the 14 as it does on my RT, all will be good. The heat shields and risers come in next week. I am ready to try it all out.
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....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-08-09-Concours-14-GTR-1400-Heat-Shields-/281294746413 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-08-09-Concours-14-GTR-1400-Heat-Shields-/281294746413)
Found these inserts. They seem to cover much more area than the ones currently installed. Anyone used these or any thoughts?
thanks, tomp
I was looking for to buy those but 50 $ for shipping of two pieces of foam over the "pound" is just too much :-\
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I was looking for to buy those but 50 $ for shipping of two pieces of foam over the "pound" is just too much :-\
I felt the same way. Made some out of some heavy foam rubber I had lying around with several coats of black paint on the side that people see. Works and looks pretty well
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Some of the 08-09 bikes were 'hotter' than normal 'hot'. Make sure that the stock foam pieces are in place and functional. Sometimes, with the plastic bits going on and off they get out of place. You may also want to look into purchasing Fred's DVDs on maintenance to the C14. He has one section devoted to adding extra foam in places to reduce the heat affecting the rider.
http://www.angelridevideos.com/concours.html (http://www.angelridevideos.com/concours.html)
I would think that the shipping on the videos would be somewhat less....plus you get all the other maintenance to the bike. Well worth having.
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Forum member discount is.....
$52 shipped in the US.
$45 + shipping for International.
International Priority Mail for the shields is $40.
They can also ship First Class Mail for $20.
:)
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:finger_fing11:
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Anyone aware of a video for the removal procedure for the body panels. They need to be removed to add the new heat shields.
Probably a simple process, but seems there is always a hidden trick somewhere. Thanks, tomp
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Fred's videos?
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Fred's videos?
Sorry, don't know Fred. Only been on here a couple of weeks. Being a newbie on a forum is kinda like being the new kid in school.
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Fred's videos?
:-\
Fred Flintstone plays bowling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-IxeEHBFdU#)
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:-\
Fred Flintstone plays bowling (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-IxeEHBFdU#)
Yep, like the new kid in school.....How did you know that Fred was the name I used, doing the ruse, when a corporate headhunter...
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Anyone find out who Fred is, and where he keeps the panel removal videos? tp
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http://www.angelridevideos.com/ (http://www.angelridevideos.com/)
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http://www.angelridevideos.com/ (http://www.angelridevideos.com/)
Thank you, sir. tomp
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I was looking at an '09 back in 2012. I had read all the complaints about engine heat on your legs, so I was a bit worried. A test ride on the bike showed no heat problems, so I bought it. There are no heat-on-legs issues. I found out later, upon examination, that the bike had come with zSteves' inserts installed. The previous owner never mentioned it. Bottom line is they work very well. On VERY hot days in L.A., in slow-moving traffic, the engine heat will float up around your knees and the tank. My solution is just to spread my legs a bit out from the tank, and go faster. As a general rule, going faster is the answer to any overheating issue. Plus, it's more fun.