Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Jrodizzle07 on April 07, 2015, 04:04:41 PM
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Hey guys, so I've had my gtr about a year and have been on quite a few decent trips with it. This past week I went on a moderately short one of about 400 miles. Anyways, not long into the trip the back of my thighs like halfway down were killing me, and radiating down leg. Couple days later and still sore. Never had this problem on long trips before.
Stock seat and set up. 32" inseam. Murphs wedges. Set pretty upright.
Any suggestions on what to change out to help with this?
I have canyon cages on order, might try footpegs on them. Also thinking change out seat.
Let me know what helped you guys out because I have a lot of riding planned this year. Thanks!!
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My first guess would be the seat.
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The stock saddle on a C-14 did not work for us either. An hour or two maybe but after that and it became a wrestling match between pain and the desire to keep riding.
It takes a while to outfit a bike for a lot of hours in the saddle in [relative] comfort in my experience. What finally worked for me was an Airhawk on top of a Corbin saddle, Buell pegs, 2" bar risers and a much taller windshield (altogether nearly 10" longer than stock '08 windshield).
The saddle was the tough part. The key seems to spread the load out (ahem, really) as far as possible and get as much weight bearing on the thighs as possible. The easiest thing to try is some type of saddle pad but I found the stock C-14 saddle too narrow and far to curved, front- to- back, to work with any type of cushion. The Corbin is nearly flat and provides a wide, large place as a foundation for an Airhawk, which really does eliminate high pressure points, exactly as they claim it will.
Unfortunately on a motorcycle, the position of the hands, feet and butt are all interrelated and changing something like the peg height will make a saddle and grip position feel very different. There are any number of 'solutions' as well as methods but the only thing I have found is to change one thing at a time and try to dial in on what is causing the discomfort.
Brian
Hey guys, so I've had my gtr about a year and have been on quite a few decent trips with it. This past week I went on a moderately short one of about 400 miles. Anyways, not long into the trip the back of my thighs like halfway down were killing me, and radiating down leg. Couple days later and still sore. Never had this problem on long trips before.
Stock seat and set up. 32" inseam. Murphs wedges. Set pretty upright.
Any suggestions on what to change out to help with this?
I have canyon cages on order, might try footpegs on them. Also thinking change out seat.
Let me know what helped you guys out because I have a lot of riding planned this year. Thanks!!
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Same inseam... I had my seat "flattened", and have pegs on my canyon cages... and I don't have the issue you describe.
I have other issues... just not that one.
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Thanks for the input. I've been looking at the Corbin, that'll be the next thing I swap out.
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I did 1206 miles in a day on the stock seat, it was certainly bearable. I changed to the Kawi low seat and love it. Tried a Sargent and didn't like it. See if anyone local will let you try a few before you buy; the one you think you want might not fit you best.
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Jrod, sent you a pm.
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The stock saddle on a C-14 did not work for us either. An hour or two maybe but after that and it became a wrestling match between pain and the desire to keep riding.
It takes a while to outfit a bike for a lot of hours in the saddle in [relative] comfort in my experience. What finally worked for me was an Airhawk on top of a Corbin saddle, Buell pegs, 2" bar risers and a much taller windshield (altogether nearly 10" longer than stock '08 windshield).
The saddle was the tough part. The key seems to spread the load out (ahem, really) as far as possible and get as much weight bearing on the thighs as possible. The easiest thing to try is some type of saddle pad but I found the stock C-14 saddle too narrow and far to curved, front- to- back, to work with any type of cushion. The Corbin is nearly flat and provides a wide, large place as a foundation for an Airhawk, which really does eliminate high pressure points, exactly as they claim it will.
Unfortunately on a motorcycle, the position of the hands, feet and butt are all interrelated and changing something like the peg height will make a saddle and grip position feel very different. There are any number of 'solutions' as well as methods but the only thing I have found is to change one thing at a time and try to dial in on what is causing the discomfort.
Brian
Learned this lesson on the C10, installed a Russell, with it's thigh support 'wings', it was appropriately named Day Long.
Baldwin Saddles (my current saddle ) also offers the 'wings', but slightly modified so you can flat foot a little easier than
the Russell. Still have my Airhawk, you just know that having it in the bag is comfort in itself.
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Same inseam... I had my seat "flattened", and have pegs on my canyon cages... and I don't have the issue you describe.
I have other issues... just not that one.
What other issues do you have? I have more as well, this is just the first one that I'm going to try to fix haha. It's a great bike, just needs a few personal changes to make it even better.
Thanks again for the input everyone. If something can be done to this bike, someone on this forum has done it already, and typically a few different ways too!
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Just to add: I could not use a stock Corbin for 45 minutes per day without substantial pain :-( Corbin saddles are like concrete.... only harder. Mine works for me only with an Airhawk on top of it and when the Airhawk springs a leak, pain follows (seriously).
Brian
Thanks for the input. I've been looking at the Corbin, that'll be the next thing I swap out.
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Thanks again for the input everyone. If something can be done to this bike, someone on this forum has done it already, and typically a few different ways too!
Also look into the Sargent seats... just search for "seats" and you will find tons of threads of useful info. For most people, the three things that need to be adjusted/changed the most for comfort are:
1) Seats
2) Handlebar risers
3) Grip covers
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Hey guys, so I've had my gtr about a year and have been on quite a few decent trips with it. This past week I went on a moderately short one of about 400 miles. Anyways, not long into the trip the back of my thighs like halfway down were killing me, and radiating down leg. Couple days later and still sore. Never had this problem on long trips before.
Stock seat and set up. 32" inseam. Murphs wedges. Set pretty upright.
Any suggestions on what to change out to help with this?
I have canyon cages on order, might try footpegs on them. Also thinking change out seat.
Let me know what helped you guys out because I have a lot of riding planned this year. Thanks!!
There is no substitute for seat time- time in the saddle. To all of a sudden go 400 miles (when that hasn't been done before) is a crash course in pain and frustration. You have to work into it by going on shorter rides of 100-150-200 miles etc. Get off the bike when the first pain arrives and walk around, get a drink. You will find yourself going further and further with time in the saddle, and I recommend getting a Seth Laam leather seat- I love mine after 3 years and many miles. (seat thread!)
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Heli-bars and the windscreen after the seat.
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Bear in mind that that any modification to the bars will affect how you sit on the seat..
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Beer in mind that that any modification to the bars will affect how you sit on the seat..
c
FIFY Jim
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What other issues do you have? ...
Just the mental issues. But riding helps treat those. ;D
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Haha don't we all, I think the farkle for those are called pills haha.
Oh, and it wasn't the first long trip I've had on the connie, just the first decent one this year due to work.
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I have tried several, including Sargent and the two piece Corbin, which is my fave.
Longest trip so far: 11,200 miles in 12 days. Not a typo. Including rain, some hail, 100 degrees+, NYC and DC midday traffic, many back roads, tons of slab flying, and a bunch more stuff. As you can imagine. Just over 1500 miles in one 24 hour period.
Changing seats is not enough. Even if you get risers, peg lowering, crash bar mounted auxiliary pegs, etc. I have all that too. My secret remedy is EXERCISE. Treat long distance riding like an athletic event and TRAIN a little for it. Double your maximum distance in comfort. Yes, I was a bit sore anyway.
Dat
Sax
Man
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My secret remedy is EXERCISE.
You are incredibly right. All that other stuff helps and can make a big difference. But being in shape with strong ab/back/side muscles and flexible/limber, really can make a huge difference. Also, stopping for a few minutes to stretch everything works wonders.
Unfortunately, I *hate* exercise. But I have to admit, when I do, it can easily double my riding comfort and distance (which is pretty still pretty limited).
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I have the Russell Day Long Seat and it's made all the difference in the world in riding comfort. The first day I got the seat I rode home from Shasta City, CA, a distance of 350 miles, in complete comfort.
I just rode to Death Valley and back, on a 5 day trip and the seat is still very comfortable after 35,000 miles on it.
Brent
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Wearing jeans or pants with relaxed fit/plenty of room helps keep me from getting upper leg pain.
Especially in warmer temps.
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comfort is relative. I did 900+ mile days on a stock KLR seat and knobby tires (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/lol8.gif)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3757.jpg)
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I like the looks of that Russell seat! Hey, that KLR looks like a fun set up too!
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Try wearing a women's gel bicycle shorts as your first layer, it can help quite a bit. The gel really spreads the "load" out uniformly. Why womens? Wish I knew, they just seem to work better. They are very common among off-road bicycle riders.
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worth every dime in my opinion.....
http://www.amazon.com/Airhawk-Seat-Pad-AHR/dp/B005LDBU0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429066813&sr=8-1&keywords=airhawk+r (http://www.amazon.com/Airhawk-Seat-Pad-AHR/dp/B005LDBU0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429066813&sr=8-1&keywords=airhawk+r)
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worth every dime in my opinion.....
http://www.amazon.com/Airhawk-Seat-Pad-AHR/dp/B005LDBU0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429066813&sr=8-1&keywords=airhawk+r (http://www.amazon.com/Airhawk-Seat-Pad-AHR/dp/B005LDBU0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429066813&sr=8-1&keywords=airhawk+r)
I've been looking at those, the Alaska Leather Sheep Skin, and the beads. Anyone have experience with the sheep skin and/or beads? I have heard good stuff about the airhawks.
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I've been looking at those, the Alaska Leather Sheep Skin, and the beads. Anyone have experience with the sheep skin and/or beads? I have heard good stuff about the airhawks.
I had made a full length beaded cover for my C10, it helped a bit, and an improvement from the stock saddle. Then I purchased
the sheep skin from Alaska and put it on the beads. The comfort was better, but not for hundreds of miles. Came across a lightly
used Russell Daylong saddle from a member who was upgrading to a C14, and he was almost the same height and weight and
seam size as me! A great find, and what a difference! My first ride with it went for 220+ miles, and my butt and back felt great!
I did put the sheep skin on it for improved air flow, but it wasn't needed. When I sold the C10, I gave the new owner all the
seating options so he could determine which was best for him.
On my '12 C14, an Airhawk is a good option, but it will lift you up an inch+, depending on the amount of air you need. Now, the
'roll' factor is increased on the saddle, as your butt will roll side to side with greater ease than it did on the stock setup because
of the air cushion, but you'll adapt quickly. Then I sat on several different saddles at the National, and decided on a Baldwin. It
was made for ME. I met Loren from Baldwin, and he fitted me right there. That's my solution towards a happy butt!
That's it, I'm done..
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On my '12 C14, an Airhawk is a good option, but it will lift you up an inch+ , depending on the amount of air you need. Now, the
'roll' factor is increased on the saddle, as your butt will roll side to side with greater ease than it did on the stock setup because
of the air cushion, but you'll adapt quickly.
You have too much air in it if you're an 1" off of the seat and if you're rolling around as if you're on a beach ball. Follow the instructions on the Airhawk site for proper inflation.
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comfort is relative. I did 900+ mile days on a stock KLR seat and knobby tires (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/avatars/lol8.gif)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/KLR650/SWP_3757.jpg)
I actually find the KLR comfortable. I'm still bummed I missed buying yours when you had it for sale.
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I actually find the KLR comfortable. I'm still bummed I missed buying yours when you had it for sale.
Thanks - Bugnut from the other forum scooped it up, at least it stayed in our crowd.
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You have too much air in it if you're an 1" off of the seat and if you're rolling around as if you're on a beach ball. Follow the instructions on the Airhawk site for proper inflation.
Well, I never said "Rolling around as if you're on a beach ball". A flattened Airhawk measures at half an inch. Just measured it. I don't
put much air in it, and thanks for asking, but the instructions were followed to the letter. I never said anything bad about the Airhawk,
as I own one, and keep it my bag for long journeys. IN MY OPINION, the Airhawk is a bandaid for a custom saddle.
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I'm kind of afraid most of the seat accessories will just be bandaids until a new seat.. I am thinking the canyon cages with a foot rest will help to change up my position on the highway though. I put the cages on, just waiting for the foot pegs and clamps to come in now. The big thing for me is it's not even my butt itself hurting its halfway down the back of my thigh, getting a pressure point from the edge of the seat. Putting my legs straight out from time to time on the pegs may help enough though, we'll see in a few weeks..
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I've come to the conclusion (and I admit it reluctantly) that my Road King was by far more comfortable then any BMW or the Kawasaki. Yes it also needed a seat (a solo from Corbin) after that it was simply very comfortable. The sitting position on sports touring bikes no matter how comfortable your seat ultimately gets still puts pressure on various parts of your body. If like yours truly you're a senior citizen [even in good to great physical condition] spending hours in what I call the Eddie Arcaro sitting position is gonna cause pain. That's especially true if you have had a lousy winter with a long layoff and think your body will acquiesce and adjust to riding again on your first few outings. To exemplify my stupidity I actually thought my new Schuberth was broken in and decided to wear new riding pants - so I had all the pain centers covered last weekend. My ass, my groin, my head and neck. I have no clue where my brain was residing last Saturday...
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I believe you Wayne. If I was just going for comfort, my butt would be in a Goldwing's saddle or an Ultra Limited. One of these days I'm sure I'll transition that way, but for now I still have to have a little more excitement haha.
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Everything is a compromise. My Electra Glide was, by far, the most comfortable motorcycle I have ever owned. Ergonomically, I found it near perfect. But, comparatively speaking, it was painfully slow. I could probably throw enough money at one and get serious performance, but at what cost? After that, it will still handle like a Harley.
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Yeah, the stock C-14 saddle will do that- bite into the thighs. Most aftermarket saddles are flatter, and while that helps, the only real way I have found to solve the problem is to eliminate the pressure points by using an Airhawk cushion. It did not work for me at all on the stock saddle but on a Corbin, it was the answer to my comfort problems, at least those around my butt. The Corbin / Airhawk combination increased my endurance limit riding a C-14 from about 4 hours to.... well, days.
Brian
I'm kind of afraid most of the seat accessories will just be bandaids until a new seat.. I am thinking the canyon cages with a foot rest will help to change up my position on the highway though. I put the cages on, just waiting for the foot pegs and clamps to come in now. The big thing for me is it's not even my butt itself hurting its halfway down the back of my thigh, getting a pressure point from the edge of the seat. Putting my legs straight out from time to time on the pegs may help enough though, we'll see in a few weeks..
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Well small update. I put highway pegs on the canyon cages and those seem to be a great investment! I'm still thinking ill get a new seat this summer, but this will help for right now. Now ill just need to put bungies around my pants legs when its cold out so I dont get airflow up my pants haha! Nice in the summer though!
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Now ill just need to put bungies around my pants legs when its cold out so I dont get airflow up my pants haha! Nice in the summer though!
Velcro straps. Look at Lowe's, Home Depot or some other hardware place. You should find them in the same area where the plastic holders for extension cords are.
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Well small update. I put highway pegs on the canyon cages and those seem to be a great investment! I'm still thinking ill get a new seat this summer, but this will help for right now. Now ill just need to put bungies around my pants legs when its cold out so I dont get airflow up my pants haha! Nice in the summer though!
Tukkem in yer boots?
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Corbin/Brick.....same same....had one on my C10...threw it in the dumpster at work...IMO
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worth every dime in my opinion.....
http://www.amazon.com/Airhawk-Seat-Pad-AHR/dp/B005LDBU0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429066813&sr=8-1&keywords=airhawk+r (http://www.amazon.com/Airhawk-Seat-Pad-AHR/dp/B005LDBU0U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429066813&sr=8-1&keywords=airhawk+r)
I have one for my cruiser, but haven't tried it on the Concours. I have read reviews that state that when on non-cruiser riding position bikes the air cushion can push up on your junk because you are leaning forward.
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I threw a beadrider on my seat and have no issues since. The custom seats are nice but I'm cheap and they feel better than a Corbin