Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Deziner on June 01, 2015, 10:17:04 AM
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I rode from LA to Phoenix yesterday and nearly 300 of those miles were in temps in excess of 100 degrees. The fuel tank was a bit warm but certainly not uncomfortably hot. If that's the "heat issue", might I suggest a hobby horse in an air conditioned play room? Just a thought, just a thought.......
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Agree 100%. The C14, even the 08 and 09's, are downright cool when compared to virtually any air-cooled bike.
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I suspect a lot of the complaints about heat, on '08 and '09 machines, were regarding the heat coming through the fairings.
"Baking Shins" is what I remember hearing. ???
I wear boots and moto-specific pants and never found heat to be an issue. ;)
Yes, I used to live in PHX and I don't have in issue in FL either. :)
Put Tech Spec on the bike and any heat from the tank is gone. 8)
My SV1000S used to roast me real good during the summer in AZ! :yikes: :o
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Tried the new bike for the first time on Tuesday, and other than needing a new screen for sure (the stock one is a barn door IMO, very noisy, plus HATE how the useless vent -to me- looks), my only 2 complaints is my ankles got roasted with my short Sidi air boots and ankle socks. They looked just like a bad sunburn. And constantly felt like I had a furnace under there while riding. Maybe when the fans were on. It was 99ºF, and traveling around the ton with a stiff headwind, the temp was where the fans kick in, but I don't know if they turn on at all at highway speeds. Was disappointed to have yet another marginally cooled bike, but most are that way. Had to slow way down for the gauge to show one less square. Hope the synthetic final drive and engine oil help with that a little. Also a shorter screen should help with the drag. Tired of waiting for the paint so I can buy a CopperDawg, so will probably buy the next best thing, which IMO is the tinted mini-euro screen. Need to search who makes it, so I can locate one. Already bought all the hardware from a 2014 bike in anticipation for the CopperDawg screen, so can use the required parts to install that mini-euro screen on my bike. And sell the stock one if all is well with the shorter one. Take care.
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Glad you didn't buy an 08/09 then :rotflmao: . I don't know about the 10+ bikes, but on the first gens, keeping the shield in the lowest position is the absolute worse thing you can do as far as heat on the ankles and shins. I keep at least an inch between the bottom of the shield on the left and right sides. If you close it all the way down, it stops the air flow from coming over the fairing and going down where the legs are. It seems to be counter intuitive but I can tell the difference on my bike with the shield fully down vs leaving an air space. I also found that the bike was hotter when new vs when it has about 5k miles on it.
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Glad you didn't buy an 08/09 then :rotflmao: . I don't know about the 10+ bikes, but on the first gens, keeping the shield in the lowest position is the absolute worse thing you can do as far as heat on the ankles and shins. I keep at least an inch between the bottom of the shield on the left and right sides. If you close it all the way down, it stops the air flow from coming over the fairing and going down where the legs are.
Pretty much the same. I rarely have the screen completely down. Creates a LOT of back-pressure.
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Pretty much the same. I rarely have the screen completely down. Creates a LOT of back-pressure.
One more of the odd things for me. I run my shield all the way down all the time unless my daughter is with me. She demands the shield all the way up.....
elp_jc I have not experienced the heat that you mentioned. Some heat - sure, but not anything that would color the skin. My bet is the air temp that added to the engine heat. My fans never run unless I am at a stop for an extended time. Could your thermostat be sticking shut? I know that is a new bike, but stranger things have happened.
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Problem for me is at 100ºF, the freaking screen is too damn high even all the way down, so no way I'd raise it and be even more miserable with more wind protection. The stock screen needs to go. But with the CopperDawg option out (no availability of green paint), need a sportier option preferably tinted. Will start researching that today.
As of the ankles, will have to wear normal height socks; hope that solves the issue. Or at least the skin burning issue. Felt extreme heat in my ankles all of a sudden while riding several times; maybe the fans were kicking in? Or the wind blowing a certain way. Again, with higher socks, it shouldn't be too much of an issue, I hope.
Finally, don't think there's a problem with my thermostat. Plus my reservoir is at the full mark, so no lack of coolant. As I mentioned, noticed I was riding with a lot of throttle that day. Maybe the engine was getting a bit labored with the headwing going that fast (ton) and well below the powerband. Was on break-in, but will try 5th next time and see how the bike feels. Also noticed the 4K-rpm buzz is a lot more noticeable than I expected, and happens around 90. But my hands were much better than on the departed K1300S, so definitely manageable. And yes, the foam grips helped a lot there, I'm sure. As we all know, there's no perfect bike. But even with all the expected drawbacks, I'm very pleased with my purchase. It's fast enough (less temptation to behave stupidly. He he), great fun in the twisties, and definitely more comfortable than the bike it replaced. No knee pain, and only mild hand numbing when at the buzz rpm for a while. All manageable. Can't wait to take it on another trip. But man, just can't stand the damn heat around here. Looking for cooling vest options that last longer than the soak-type ones. The Kula-XD might be the ticket for me. Thank you for all the feedback.
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I'd also like the screen lower. CopperDawg would be the ultimate, but I'm out there too- out of my budget this season. Maybe next year. I have a used Gen1 shield coming from a COG member that I will cut down & tint. I hope that will do the trick for June, July & August in MN. April, May, September & October the stock shield is fine for me.
We all find things we like, and not always how others like them. Most C14 riders like risers, I want my bars lower. Many prefer a larger shield & I want less. Only you will know what is best for you. I'm sure you will find what suits you.
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Problem for me is at 100ºF, the freaking screen is too damn high even all the way down, so no way I'd raise it and be even more miserable with more wind protection.
Yep, that is why I took a stock Gen2 shield and cut about 5" off of it. And I STILL have to raise it a bit to prevent severe back pressure :)
As of the ankles, will have to wear normal height socks; hope that solves the issue. Or at least the skin burning issue. Felt extreme heat in my ankles all of a sudden while riding several times; maybe the fans were kicking in?
Possibly. But the fans rarely run unless the bike is stopped (or moving VERY slowly). And yes, when that happens, I do feel heat around my legs. And it can be uncomfortable in the summer when stopped in traffic when those fans kick in.
Rarely do I feel much heat down there when moving at any normal speed.
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No matter the ambient temperature, 117* from Phoenix to Tucson for a run up the Catalina Highway to Mt. Lemmon for lunch ;), the gauge never
shows showed more than the halfway mark.
Stop and go, mostly stop, will have the fans sucking air at almost any temperature. :)
New 3 season boots here, Sidi Cobra Air have replaced my ancient Strada Air, and wear tall socks with merino wool in them.
Works for me.
Haven't seen a 2015 in person so I can't comment on the windscreen.
Put the OEM back on my '09 on Memorial day. "Official" start of summer, right? ::)
Painted with Krylon Fusion paint on the backside.
I don't mind the backpressure, getting wind from the front and the back!! ;D
Baker Built air wings above the mirrors direct air so that it spills into my lap. ;)
You will find what works for you and be very happy! ;)
Rarely do I feel much heat down there.
Must be terrible... :D :chugbeer:
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Love this. :)
http://ldcomfort.com/ (http://ldcomfort.com/)
A bit less effective in the humid, swampy world but it does evap. more than you would expect following LD's recommendations. ;)
Tights and long sleeve when I'm making big miles, or on the clock, feels goood! ;)
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I'm running a V-Stream now and like what it does for airflow but it sure moves around a bunch more than my other shields.
I don't think that the bike itself puts off any more heat that any other large displacement bike I have ever owned. As a matter of fact, I would much rather ride a motorcycle at any temperature than drive a car with the windows down at the same temp.
Goldilocks weather rarely happens here. With over 100 days per year with temps in excess of 100 degrees, you get used to it or you move.
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Have been looking for good socks for a long time, and looks like the Drymax ones are the ticket; thank you AZ-ZG for that link. With those, I don't think the heat will be an issue anymore. As I mentioned, that rush of hot air on my ankles wasn't constant, so no biggie.
Will start a new thread for the best TINTED sport screen other than a CopperDawg (tired of waiting for paint availability). Tried the V-Stream site, and there's only one available for the Connie, and it's clear, not sport, and out of stock. I like that they're polycarbonate though. And also that they're designed to not cause noise-inducing turbulence around the helmet.
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I rode from LA to Phoenix yesterday and nearly 300 of those miles were in temps in excess of 100 degrees. The fuel tank was a bit warm but certainly not uncomfortably hot. If that's the "heat issue", might I suggest a hobby horse in an air conditioned play room? Just a thought, just a thought.......
My point of view the heat issue is not about the riding. It is about the ride, stop, ride, stop, ride and repeat.
As long as I am riding the bike it does its job of getting rid of the heat.
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My point of view the heat issue is not about the riding. It is about the ride, stop, ride, stop, ride and repeat.
As long as I am riding the bike it does its job of getting rid of the heat.
+1! Sitting in a line of traffic in 90 degrees + while fully geared up and waiting for the light to change while the fans kick on is NOT fun. Now THAT'S a heat issue that has no cure, except getting the bike moving again.
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+1! Sitting in a line of traffic in 90 degrees + while fully geared up and waiting for the light to change while the fans kick on is NOT fun. Now THAT'S a heat issue that has no cure, except getting the bike moving again.
Yep. Only time I have dropped the C14 was due to that. Damn freaking tunnel jam again. So hot and so long I got woosey and tilted a bit too far and bam. And sometimes it doesn't even matter what the outside temp is, since if one is dressed for it to be 40 or 50F, that is way too much clothing for being stopped. Of course, nothing compares to being stuck in stop and crawl traffic in full sun when it is hot out.
I had this idea a few years ago (and I think I mentioned it before)- what if the bike knew when it was sitting still or nearly so and REVERSED the fans so it blew the air (and associated heat) forward through the radiator and out the front of the bike instead of back toward the rider? I wonder if that would make any difference? And along the same thought, it might also be able to use a lower, constant reverse inbetween full blasts to continuously draw heat away from the rider but without the huge electric load and help make up for the reverse flow not being as efficient.
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Now that right there is a fascinating idea I think.....
A few free thoughts:
1) The air will flow better the way the fans work stock on the bike because heated air rises, and the vents where the hot air exits (all over the rider) are higher than the front of the radiator (the air intake).
2) The bike would have to be absolutely stopped because even a few MPH in speed will badly fight the airflow forward when the fans are reversed. This is not to say it will not work but my basic thought here is that the fans will not overcome even a 'walking' speed, so once the bike starts to move at all, the fans would have to go back to moving the air in the stock direction. At least that is my initial thought with absolutely no data at all....
3) In addition to the radiator, the fans also server to cool the exhaust pipes, which are much, much hotter than the hottest the radiator will ever become before the bike overheats. So that exhaust cooling would be lost; the result <may> be a very hot engine bay along with possibly overheating the exhaust header, the catalysts, the bike's frame and <perhaps> even some plastic and / or rubber component damage.
4) The heat will come out of the radiator and a lot of it will rise directly in front of the windshield. A better place than all over the rider but still not really moved very far away from the rider either.
So the above said, I think it is a terrific idea and well worth trying. Not all that hard to implement manually with a couple of switches but much more difficult to automate- still doable, just not nearly as easy as a 'quick 'n dirty' test. The idea has other benefits also such as the fans blowing the hot air away from the entire engine assembly rather than adding to the accumulating engine bay heat (maybe- see point 3 above).
What might be a viable mod. tacked onto your original idea would be bigger, more powerful fans. They could be regulated down for conventional use but put on 'high' when reversed to move a LOT more air backwards through the radiator.
A novel and interesting idea though I think.
Brian
<snip?
I had this idea a few years ago (and I think I mentioned it before)- what if the bike knew when it was sitting still or nearly so and REVERSED the fans so it blew the air (and associated heat) forward through the radiator and out the front of the bike instead of back toward the rider? I wonder if that would make any difference? And along the same thought, it might also be able to use a lower, constant reverse inbetween full blasts to continuously draw heat away from the rider but without the huge electric load and help make up for the reverse flow not being as efficient.
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Now that right there is a fascinating idea I think.....
A few free thoughts: [...]
A novel and interesting idea though I think.
Reading what you said, I agree that just part-time reversal on full blast won't cut it, but it might if the fans stay on but at a lower speed while not actually needed (while at the stop). This might help to keep air moving across the headers. I mean, it might be designed for air to move back, but air moving forward is still likely to cool all the same stuff.
I also agree that the bike needs to be "virtually" stopped- even a few MPH would greatly fight the airflow. But I also think that there would need to be a circuit that would quickly kill the concept and revert back into normal mode if the bike calls for cooling during the "reversed" mode. I think that would certainly make the mod "safe" (as long as there are no real issues with the exhaust system).
I do think it is a mod worth investigating. But I am concerned that at idle, will the alternator be able to keep up with the fans on for long periods (with other full electric load- headlights, running lights, accessories)? We don't want to EVER dip into battery reserve, of course. And is it even possible to run the stock fans at different speeds (that other possibility I am thinking about)? And most DC motors can be reversed by simply changing the direction of the current- is that true with the C14's fans?
Heat when stopped is my primary annoyance when it comes to the C14. I suspect most people agree that addressing it would be something very welcome.
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Try not to stop so much...
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Try not to stop so much...
That would be wonderful. There are times I wish I had a cow catcher on the front...
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I think reversing the air would not be very effective in cooling the headers as most of the incoming air will come from around the engine. When the fans run the 'right' way, they discharge directly onto the headers. Again, all this is just thought and opinion- someone would have to do a real test to find out.
Yes, reversing DC permanent magnet motors is just a matter of reversing polarity.
The fans draw something like 10 amps and can run continuously, as they often do in hot climates, without ever using all available power from the battery. There is about 300 watts and a bit more excess power put out by the alternator; the fans could be more than three times more powerful than they are without overtaxing the alternator. This assumes the two main uses of large amounts of power are NOT being used when the fans are being fed all this power: that heated clothing is not being used (duh) and that large, auxiliary lights are not being used (not likely when stopped in traffic).
Output control of the fans is relatively easy also- Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is an easy, very efficient way to control the speed of DC motors and works very well. One can buy a 15 amp PWM controller for $30 or so. Of course this comes with a manual control but it could be adapted to external, automatic control fairly easily.
Brian
Reading what you said, I agree that just part-time reversal on full blast won't cut it, but it might if the fans stay on but at a lower speed while not actually needed (while at the stop). This might help to keep air moving across the headers. I mean, it might be designed for air to move back, but air moving forward is still likely to cool all the same stuff.
I also agree that the bike needs to be "virtually" stopped- even a few MPH would greatly fight the airflow. But I also think that there would need to be a circuit that would quickly kill the concept and revert back into normal mode if the bike calls for cooling during the "reversed" mode. I think that would certainly make the mod "safe" (as long as there are no real issues with the exhaust system).
I do think it is a mod worth investigating. But I am concerned that at idle, will the alternator be able to keep up with the fans on for long periods (with other full electric load- headlights, running lights, accessories)? We don't want to EVER dip into battery reserve, of course. And is it even possible to run the stock fans at different speeds (that other possibility I am thinking about)? And most DC motors can be reversed by simply changing the direction of the current- is that true with the C14's fans?
Heat when stopped is my primary annoyance when it comes to the C14. I suspect most people agree that addressing it would be something very welcome.
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You're gonna' need more power and lower gearing I suspect..... :-)
Brian
That would be wonderful. There are times I wish I had a cow catcher on the front...
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My point of view the heat issue is not about the riding. It is about the ride, stop, ride, stop, ride and repeat.
As long as I am riding the bike it does its job of getting rid of the heat.
Every bike I've ever owned has that issue. Heat rises and I'm sitting on top of a friggin' engine ;D
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bikepeace.gif)
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I do know that GL1800 Goldwings have a REVERSE air flow when the fans run vs. what happens while the bike is moving. The fans only run when the bike is stopped or going very slowly. On the Wing, there are two radiators, one on each side of the fairing right in front of the rider's knees. Normally air flows in the front and out the sides through the radiators. But when stopped the fans pull air in the sides and push it out the front and well away from the rider. Of course on the Wing the exhaust is down below coming out the bottom of the engine so there is no hot exhaust to generate excess heat in the space behind the radiator as you have on the C14.
I suppose such a system might work but some heat wrap on the exhaust headers might help.
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I like my MRA Vario screen. Real low when I need it and higher when raining or cold.
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I agree with the W/S being up an inch or so to move more air across the engine compartment. Even at speed it is apparent that the screen, moved upward a bit, makes a positive difference. At a stop, my Dyna 96CI engine puts off heat that can make breathing difficult, much worse than the C14. At speed, I still get some heat on my shins on the 14, but none on the Dyna. Both are fun rides, but very different. Ya have to ride both regularly to understand the enjoyment of both. Oh, ride the Dyna w/o a Screen, so never ride it as fast as the 14, just too much wind blast over 70 MPH.
Using a V-Stream with a laminar lip, and can still get air movement on the body, with it moved up an inch or so, and the engine heat is still lessened too. . tp
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Pretty much the same. I rarely have the screen completely down. Creates a LOT of back-pressure.
Try the MadStad bracket. It raises the shield off the fairing another 1.5 inches (approx.) which resolves most if not all of that backpressure. I've used it on the CeeBailey screen and am now using it on the MRA Vario Touring (summer screen). 8)
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Have been looking for good socks for a long time, and looks like the Drymax ones are the ticket; et.
I got onto the UA All Sport. Moisture wicking, vented toes and stay cool under my Forma Adventure. I cruise through TJ Maxx and snarf em up Black or White. 3.99 for 2 pairs there. Comfy http://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Mens-Allsport-Sock/dp/B00020ZXY6 (http://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Mens-Allsport-Sock/dp/B00020ZXY6)
Was never hot on the 08 like some but I found that putting the sheild all the way down def was too warm. Up a bit and the airflow was much better over the legs. My 13 has an Aeroflow shield on it which is a mite talll but feels good and is cooler than my CB Ultra Still have an 08 and a 10 shield up in the barn if I want a smaller size.
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I rode from LA to Phoenix yesterday and nearly 300 of those miles were in temps in excess of 100 degrees. The fuel tank was a bit warm but certainly not uncomfortably hot. If that's the "heat issue", might I suggest a hobby horse in an air conditioned play room? Just a thought, just a thought.......
Good for you, but I didn't spend about $15K for a bike (an '08), to get roasted...and roasted I did. Kawasaki knew about it too, seeing how they reworked the fairing in order to deal with it. Sold it for under blue book value just to get rid of it and bought a bike (as in bicycle). Probably the last Kawasaki I'll ever get...I still can't believe that after 7 years that the bike still doesn't have cruise control (something I installed from Murph's Kits for about $200 all-in and about 2 days). But after riding a BMW R1200RT, I'm off jap bikes for good anyhow. The extra coin needed to play is worth it.
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Good for you, but I didn't spend about $15K for a bike (an '08), to get roasted...and roasted I did. Kawasaki knew about it too, seeing how they reworked the fairing in order to deal with it. Sold it for under blue book value just to get rid of it and bought a bike (as in bicycle). Probably the last Kawasaki I'll ever get...I still can't believe that after 7 years that the bike still doesn't have cruise control (something I installed from Murph's Kits for about $200 all-in and about 2 days). But after riding a BMW R1200RT, I'm off jap bikes for good anyhow. The extra coin needed to play is worth it.
Way to go. Join a forum to just bitch about your prior ownership. You do realize that no one here really cares about what you say, as your only premise is to complain... FWIW, I too owned a '12 R1200RT, and sold it, as it was a slug, and handled worse than the 04 RT I currently have. Wow, guess anyone can complain about a previously owned bike. Glad you posted your feelings....Hope your FD doesn't fail out of warranty...
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Good for you, but I didn't spend about $15K for a bike (an '08), to get roasted...and roasted I did. Kawasaki knew about it too, seeing how they reworked the fairing in order to deal with it. Sold it for under blue book value just to get rid of it and bought a bike (as in bicycle). Probably the last Kawasaki I'll ever get...I still can't believe that after 7 years that the bike still doesn't have cruise control (something I installed from Murph's Kits for about $200 all-in and about 2 days). But after riding a BMW R1200RT, I'm off jap bikes for good anyhow. The extra coin needed to play is worth it.
Really? Your previous posting was 4 YEARS ago, but you feel the need to post now about the same thing- a bike you "hated" and got rid of 4 years ago? You need to find a hobby to take up some of your time... perhaps motorcycle riding?
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:rotflmao: The troll is back. You get banned from the BMW forums?
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Read the signature line..... explains a lot
Please use this forum to demonstrate your own ignorance, unfamiliarity with empirical data, ability to repeat discredited memes, and lack of respect for scientific knowledge. Also, be sure to create straw men and argue against things I have neither said nor even implied. Any irrelevancies you can mention will also be appreciated.
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Really? Your previous posting was 4 YEARS ago, but you feel the need to post now about the same thing- a bike you "hated" and got rid of 4 years ago?
:rotflmao: The troll is back. You get banned from the BMW forums?
I don't know the man, but "troll" seems a bit harsh. He apparently actually owned the bike at one time and he had a problem with it, as did many. He didn't just come in here and spout off about it in unrelated threads but waited (yes 4 years, real trolls don't have that kind of patience) until he saw a thread that pertained to his experience with the bike. He also may have felt like he was being called out by Dez' (IMO, Dez' fired a shot across the bow of everyone that had a heat issue with the Gen 1 bikes, I don't think it's surprising that one fired back.)
I rode from LA to Phoenix yesterday and nearly 300 of those miles were in temps in excess of 100 degrees. The fuel tank was a bit warm but certainly not uncomfortably hot. If that's the "heat issue", might I suggest a hobby horse in an air conditioned play room? Just a thought, just a thought.......
...not being an Arena member myself, like Dez' and this Assasin guy both are, perhaps there is some history there that I'm not aware of. However, just based on what I saw here, I thought the forum response (closing ranks and defending Kawasaki with a counter attack) was unwarranted.
To quote Dez' again..."Just a thought, just a thought......."
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Yeah, but at least he is not bitter about it.
:rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Brian
Read the signature line..... explains a lot
Please use this forum to demonstrate your own ignorance, unfamiliarity with empirical data, ability to repeat discredited memes, and lack of respect for scientific knowledge. Also, be sure to create straw men and argue against things I have neither said nor even implied. Any irrelevancies you can mention will also be appreciated.
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Marty, I was being nice and Kawasaki has little to do with Ass ass in being a troll. Some people just go through life.
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:popcorn:
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If assassin thinks the C14 is hot, he should ride my new scoot, a 2015 KTM 690 Duke. Ya sit right on top of a 700cc single and a mammoth size cat, that's just below the engine. The heat coming up onto the rider is unbelievable, and stays with you quite a ways after moving again. Not going to badmouth it though, as this is my second one and I already knew of the heat. That and it is the most fun up to 100MPH I have ever had on a street motorcycle.
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:popcorn:
I will withhold further comments so this thread doesn't get locked. Be glad to pick it up in the Arena. 8)
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Up to you. Comments welcome if they stay civil, but I totally understand.
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Won't make any promises.
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I should hope not...
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Won't make any promises.
Well I will.
Marty, I was being nice and Kawasaki has little to do with Ass ass in being a troll. Some people just go through life.
So, there is more history that I'm not aware of (from the arena)?
If so, then I apologize to you gPink and max'. If not, then based on what I see in his post history, I still don't get it.
..but I'll leave this thread now rather than take it further off topic.
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Heat is subjective. My 08 was bad before adding the foam inserts, and keeping the screen up some. I mentioned my KTM is HOT, and my 96ci air cooled Dyna gets very hot, especially at stop lights. We are riding on top of internal combustion engines, that DO GET HOT.
May also be subjective, but to me, this is HOT, and Jim and Maxtog, there is no nudity involved...Just amazingly HOT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjA_qFee6lo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjA_qFee6lo)
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Way to go. Join a forum to just bitch about your prior ownership. You do realize that no one here really cares about what you say, as your only premise is to complain... FWIW, I too owned a '12 R1200RT, and sold it, as it was a slug, and handled worse than the 04 RT I currently have. Wow, guess anyone can complain about a previously owned bike. Glad you posted your feelings....Hope your FD doesn't fail out of warranty...
you did.
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Really? Your previous posting was 4 YEARS ago, but you feel the need to post now about the same thing- a bike you "hated" and got rid of 4 years ago? You need to find a hobby to take up some of your time... perhaps motorcycle riding?
wow...been 4 years already? time flies when your nutz aren't fryin'. :)
workin' on the bike thing...6 surgeries in 5 years kinda drains the bank roll. :(
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:rotflmao: The troll is back. You get banned from the BMW forums?
troll? lol...that's a first.
no, not banned on the BMW forums...just changed my choice from the GTL to the RT after spending time on both.
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wow...been 4 years already? time flies when your nutz aren't fryin'. :)
Well, I don't have that issue- since I have a gen 2 :stirpot:
workin' on the bike thing...6 surgeries in 5 years kinda drains the bank roll. :(
:( Sorry to hear that
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you did.
It's called sarcasm. We've all bought bikes we didn't like. Hope the surgeries corrected your physical situation. The RT is a great model, but to read about them on BMW forums, one would believe they are total crap, which they are not.
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It's called sarcasm. We've all bought bikes we didn't like. Hope the surgeries corrected your physical situation. The RT is a great model, but to read about them on BMW forums, one would believe they are total crap, which they are not.
indeed, they are not. Had one for 2 years and put just over 4000 miles on it. Excellent for travelling, nothing else. I put over 4000 miles on my C14 the first 2 months of ownership. Completely different animal. I had both bikes together for a year, then I sold the beemer, after driving it for less than 300 miles, while I did 20 times that on the Kawa.
But the fact is: the Kawasaki does everything the RT does and a lot more (no sporty side whatsoever on the beemer), it costs less, and is more reliable. I still ride the RT every now and then (I have that luxury) because I take it when I know I have a 1000 miles weekend trip on the Autobahn and don't want to ruin my Kawasaki's tires profile. Great fairing and amenities. Just totally dull drive. And noisy. And annoyingly vibrating engine. The new water cooled model is an improvement, but an evolutionary one, nothing that managed to change my opinion.
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Well, I don't have that issue- since I have a gen 2 :stirpot:
:( Sorry to hear that
Glad to hear you didn't have to feel your Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire! Believe me, it ain't as quaint as it sounds. :)
Thanks about the surgeries thing...as if that weren't enough, I dropped my Note 4 on my middle toe and broke it. LOL Makes one glad to be alive! :)
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Yeah before this gets out of hand, lemme explain sumthin'...
I was going though my bookmarks and doing some cleaning up when I ran across the link for these forums. I didn't think I even had the log-in credentials still saved, but they were, so I decided to visit the ol' stomping grounds.
When I opened up the forum, the very first thread was this one...and since I had extensive experience with it, I decided to look it up and see what was to be seen.
Sadly, the very first post was from some guy talking smack and question the manhood of those riders who dared express their displeasure with the heat from the C14. The Connie wasn't my first bike, and hopefully, it won't be my last. I've ridden and owned many bikes out there and not a single one of them fried my leg like my '08 did.
I wasn't the only one to notice either. Kawasaki knew of it and had to redesign the fairings in order to deal with it, and not only that, but there are people in here who sell foam pieces to help. Many a thread was started because of this issue.
So, for the guy whose name I won't mention, you can stick a large stiff object up your backside. Your whole "It didn't happen to me so your experience is irrelevant" viewpoint is just retarded. It's like saying, "My wife didn't get breast cancer, so there's something wrong with yours". I didn't come here looking to start a fight, but your condescending words were a bit much. Some of us are smart enough to recognize bank-handed insults.
So that's my piece...won't say another word. Never been a troll...no need to get labeled as such.
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indeed, they are not. Had one for 2 years and put just over 4000 miles on it. Excellent for travelling, nothing else. I put over 4000 miles on my C14 the first 2 months of ownership. Completely different animal. I had both bikes together for a year, then I sold the beemer, after driving it for less than 300 miles, while I did 20 times that on the Kawa.
But the fact is: the Kawasaki does everything the RT does and a lot more (no sporty side whatsoever on the beemer), it costs less, and is more reliable. I still ride the RT every now and then (I have that luxury) because I take it when I know I have a 1000 miles weekend trip on the Autobahn and don't want to ruin my Kawasaki's tires profile. Great fairing and amenities. Just totally dull drive. And noisy. And annoyingly vibrating engine. The new water cooled model is an improvement, but an evolutionary one, nothing that managed to change my opinion.
I've only had a few test rides on the new RT; nothing long-term yet, and I'm totally new to the whole Beemer thing. The little time I did spend on it seems to be a little different than yours as I found it silky smooth and quiet. That bike fit me like a glove right out of the box. As for sportiness? Well, my racing days are behind me and all I want is something comfortable and competent. I hope the RT fits the bill for me. :)
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Wow, you should hang around here more often! ;) :goodpost:
You may want to be a bit more careful about being so quick to dismiss anecdotal stories as 'evidence' though; we base entire oil threads on such wise 'data' as "I have been using brand X oil for over 30 years and never had a problem, and that is proof enough for me!". Hey, if you take away irrelevant stories, miss- placed 'facts' (kill the virgin, grow the corn), ranting and general bad behavior, all you will have left is logic, facts and possibly a rational thought or two and where is that gonna' get cha'?
Brian
Yeah before this gets out of hand, lemme explain sumthin'...
<snip excellent, lucid post>
So that's my piece...won't say another word. Never been a troll...no need to get labeled as such.
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Yeah before this gets out of hand, lemme explain sumthin'...
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So that's my piece...won't say another word. Never been a troll...no need to get labeled as such.
Your being here puts the lie to that statement.
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I hope the RT fits the bill for me. :)
I thought the same thing with my 2014 (I've been a long-time BMW owner), and it didn't :o. If you haven't bought it yet, RENT ONE first man. Coming from 4-cyl bikes, I also thought it was the perfect bike for me. Just never warmed up to it, or BMW's boxer twin. After my first trip, just fell out of love. That's why I'm encouraging you to rent one first. Fortunately, when I realized my mistake, BMW issued a recall, and I jumped at the opportunity to give it back, and even got my accessory money back (nav V, Akra exhaust, etc). Although it took them 5 months overall. Anyway, got the Connie after that, and couldn't be happier. Plus it was nice to keep the few grand change ;D. Good luck.
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The heat feels good when riding in 50 deg weather, actually I hardly notice
it when riding, since my focus is on traffic and the beautiful scenery
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I thought the same thing with my 2014 (I've been a long-time BMW owner), and it didn't :o. If you haven't bought it yet, RENT ONE first man. Coming from 4-cyl bikes, I also thought it was the perfect bike for me. Just never warmed up to it, or BMW's boxer twin. After my first trip, just fell out of love. That's why I'm encouraging you to rent one first. Fortunately, when I realized my mistake, BMW issued a recall, and I jumped at the opportunity to give it back, and even got my accessory money back (nav V, Akra exhaust, etc). Although it took them 5 months overall. Anyway, got the Connie after that, and couldn't be happier. Plus it was nice to keep the few grand change ;D. Good luck.
There that's better ::)
:goodpost: :chugbeer: