Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Conhardcore on July 01, 2011, 11:34:06 PM
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I had Heli 2" higher and 3/4" back installed on my 2011 C14 before I took delivery, thinking it would make the bike fit me better and not affect handling. I'm 6' tall, 185lbs with a 32" inseam and 34" sleeve. I feel kind of bunched up on the bike with and while it does handle great, I rode one today with the factory bar setting and was surprised at how much better I felt like the bike handled. Much quicker turn in and overall gave me quite a bit more confidence to take turns and curves more agressively. I actually felt like the seating position and the bars very much "fit" me vs kind of sitting on top of the bars. Seems like risers along with windshields is one of those very frequent mod's for this bike. I'm thinking of removing mine at the first service but curious how many ride, particularly long distances, with the stock height set up. I'm also of course hesitant to remove them and then regret it, but my thinking at this time is that to get maximum performance and capabilities from the bike, it's how it should be set up. Any input is welcome! Thanks
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I think you answered your own question. You should remove them and stick with stock. Listen to your gut feeling...
...I know it suck to remove them, but if its no good, you will keep thinking about it everytime you ride.
you dig? 8)
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I match you on size and added the risers to get a better (straighter rather than hunched over) riding position. It felt a bit odd the first couple rides, but now I don't even notice.
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Don't take this the wrong way, but why would you add risers and such before you see how she feels stock?
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You can remove them yourself, no need to wait for the dealer to do it at first service, they will charge you to it, Only 3 bolts holds each riser on, did the dealer give you the stock bolts?
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Don't take this the wrong way, but why would you add risers and such before you see how she feels stock?
Not at all...a very good question.
The first C14 I rode was preowned at a BMW dealer and had the same size risers on it and I liked how it felt. When I went to the Kawi dealer and test rode a new one with stock bars, the contrast "at that time" felt just as another poster mentioned, like I was too leaned over. I'm sure most of it was due having just ridden the pre-owned one with risers. Neither of the rides on the bikes were long extended rides and no where near enough time to make a call as to which setup handled best, just that the one with risers felt better to me. I am new to riding any kind of sport bike versus cruisers. Being new to sport bike riding style, I have taken note when reading reviews from sport bike enthusiasts who always describe the Concours as having a most neutral or up straight riding position with the stock bars. I realize of course that is in comparison to true designed sport bikes vs sport touring.
Again, I'm not saying that the risers have ruined the handling or that they aren't comfortable at all, mostly just that after riding 1000 miles with them then riding one again without, the difference in handling feel for me was very surprising. I think the real reason for my post is likely to hear from others who claim A: They have either gone the same route as I'm thinking and determined that the stock set-up is better, or
B: have ridden their Connies longer and advise that the added comfort for longer rides is worth it, plus the handling manners are every bit as good once you commit to the risers.
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You can remove them yourself, no need to wait for the dealer to do it at first service, they will charge you to it, Only 3 bolts holds each riser on, did the dealer give you the stock bolts?
No they didn't, and I was a bit worried about that. I will check with them today and see if they still have them and if they don't I will have to find some new ones. Do you ride with or without risers?
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I have the Gen-Mar risers--I put them on about two weeks after buying the bike. I can tell you that my back could not handle long rides without the risers.
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I had Heli 2" higher and 3/4" back installed on my 2011 C14 before I took delivery, thinking it would make the bike fit me better and not affect handling. I'm 6' tall, 185lbs with a 32" inseam and 34" sleeve. I feel kind of bunched up on the bike with and while it does handle great, I rode one today with the factory bar setting and was surprised at how much better I felt like the bike handled. Much quicker turn in and overall gave me quite a bit more confidence to take turns and curves more agressively. I actually felt like the seating position and the bars very much "fit" me vs kind of sitting on top of the bars. Seems like risers along with windshields is one of those very frequent mod's for this bike. I'm thinking of removing mine at the first service but curious how many ride, particularly long distances, with the stock height set up. I'm also of course hesitant to remove them and then regret it, but my thinking at this time is that to get maximum performance and capabilities from the bike, it's how it should be set up. Any input is welcome! Thanks
That was my first thought when I added Murphs 2 " risers. I have been riding the bike for about 400 miles now and still not sure I like the feeling on turn in. It almost feels like the difference between new and worn out tires on turn in. Just put new tires last night going to try with and without the risers when I get a chance.
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I had Heli 2" higher and 3/4" back installed on my 2011 C14 before I took delivery, thinking it would make the bike fit me better and not affect handling. I'm 6' tall, 185lbs with a 32" inseam and 34" sleeve. I feel kind of bunched up on the bike with and while it does handle great, I rode one today with the factory bar setting and was surprised at how much better I felt like the bike handled. Much quicker turn in and overall gave me quite a bit more confidence to take turns and curves more agressively. I actually felt like the seating position and the bars very much "fit" me vs kind of sitting on top of the bars. Seems like risers along with windshields is one of those very frequent mod's for this bike. I'm thinking of removing mine at the first service but curious how many ride, particularly long distances, with the stock height set up. I'm also of course hesitant to remove them and then regret it, but my thinking at this time is that to get maximum performance and capabilities from the bike, it's how it should be set up. Any input is welcome! Thanks
What seat are you using CHC? I put the Heli risers on mine after I got my Corbin seat because the Corbin pushes me further back in the seat and made the reach even further. I'm 5'8" and really like having my risers on. :thumbs:
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What seat are you using CHC? I put the Heli risers on mine after I got my Corbin seat because the Corbin pushes me further back in the seat and made the reach even further. I'm 5'8" and really like having my risers on. :thumbs:
ZG-Stock for now. Funny though, the one I rode yesterday with the stock height bars had a Corbin seat on it, (about 3/4" lower) and it rode and felt perfect. It did make me think though how the overall package would work out. The good news is that I'm 99% sure that I'll be ordering a Corbin for my bike.
Also agree that "Black is the fasted C14":)
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That was my first thought when I added Murphs 2 " risers. I have been riding the bike for about 400 miles now and still not sure I like the feeling on turn in. It almost feels like the difference between new and worn out tires on turn in. Just put new tires last night going to try with and without the risers when I get a chance.
Banzer that is an uncanny comment re: new and worn out tires. The 08 I rode with the stock height bars had well worn tires and mine of course are brand new, yet with the risers, I do find myself feeling like they are well worn tires vs new. I have to believe it's due to being more above the bars.
I went for a approx 50 mile ride this morning. Great ride, bike handles great as always, so it always gets me thinking as to whether or not to switch them, not having the opportunity to do a back to back test like I did yesterday. Still no question that sharp turn in's take a bit more attention than the subtle counter steer of the lower bars. I'm still thinking that I may give up whatever measure of comfort, (and still not sure there is that much) for the best handling performance this incredible motorcycle will give.
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I have the Gen-Mar risers--I put them on about two weeks after buying the bike. I can tell you that my back could not handle long rides without the risers.
Thanks Crash. Thats the kind of feedback I'm looking for. What is your height etc?
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ZG-Stock for now. Funny though, the one I rode yesterday with the stock height bars had a Corbin seat on it, (about 3/4" lower) and it rode and felt perfect. It did make me think though how the overall package would work out. The good news is that I'm 99% sure that I'll be ordering a Corbin for my bike.
Also agree that "Black is the fasted C14" :)
:goodpost: 8)
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I had Heli 2" higher and 3/4" back installed on my 2011 C14 before I took delivery, thinking it would make the bike fit me better and not affect handling. I'm 6' tall, 185lbs with a 32" inseam and 34" sleeve. I feel kind of bunched up on the bike with and while it does handle great, I rode one today with the factory bar setting and was surprised at how much better I felt like the bike handled. Much quicker turn in and overall gave me quite a bit more confidence to take turns and curves more agressively. I actually felt like the seating position and the bars very much "fit" me vs kind of sitting on top of the bars. Seems like risers along with windshields is one of those very frequent mod's for this bike. I'm thinking of removing mine at the first service but curious how many ride, particularly long distances, with the stock height set up. I'm also of course hesitant to remove them and then regret it, but my thinking at this time is that to get maximum performance and capabilities from the bike, it's how it should be set up. Any input is welcome! Thanks
I'm 6', 186, 34 sleeve and inseam. I tried risers for about two hundred miles, took them off and returned them. I felt the stock seat was pushing me into the handlebars, I put a Sargent seat on, solved my fitment problems. I've made a few trips now with no discomfort.
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Joe-figurred there had to be someone who had given it a try and decided factory was best. I get that same feeling of being cramped with them up and back. I've also looked at Sargent seats along with the Corbin. I like them both. Do you find handling to be improved with the bars back at factory specs?
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Thanks Crash. Thats the kind of feedback I'm looking for. What is your height etc?
I'm 5'10" but I have a 30" inseam. That leaves me with shortish legs and a longer torso. Within a couple days of buying the bike, I rode to see my sister in Waco (about 120 miles one way). When I got back, I took my gear off, ran to my computer and got online to buy risers. It's made a huge difference in comfort for me. I can't say that I really noticed a difference in handling. There was a much bigger difference noted when I wore out the stock tires and went to PR2s.
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Thanks again Crash. I should have at least shopped the varioius riser options. The Gen Mars are 1/2" shorter than the Heli's at 1.5" vs 2" and I've seen others at 1". I'm sure there is a place where they would be dialed in perfectly but I guess 2" is at the tall end of the extension for my taste. Adjustable would be nice 8) Fully lowered for maxiumum performance in the twisities and fully raised for boring straight line runs down the super slab.
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I'm 6', 186, 34 sleeve and inseam. I tried risers for about two hundred miles, took them off and returned them. I felt the stock seat was pushing me into the handlebars, I put a Sargent seat on, solved my fitment problems. I've made a few trips now with no discomfort.
:goodpost: 8) (Sorry, ZG, I just couldn't resist)
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I'm 5'10" but I have a 30" inseam. That leaves me with shortish legs and a longer torso.
Kewl- nice to meet a fellow "distort" :) I am 5'7", but have like a 28" inseam. Like you, I have a long torso and short legs/arms. There is no way I could ride the Concours without bar risers (and also bike/seat lowering). Even the Heli's are not far back enough for me so I am kinda stuck (I am eyeing those wedges things, hoping that little extra will help).
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<snip>
Do you find handling to be improved with the bars back at factory specs?
Yes, I feel more connected to the front end with the stock set up, one of the reasons I bought this bike was because I like the way it handles. It's an individual preference, some of the guys here say they get use to the risers and they don't affect handling. On long trips, I can scoot around on the seat, and move my feet to different positions on the footpegs and find a comfort zone. I ordered my Sargent seat with a leather cover, I really believe it is more comfortable than vinyl. The Corbin is an excellent seat too, it seems to me it is an inch or less lower than the Sargent.
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The Corbin is an excellent seat too, it seems to me it is an inch or less lower than the Sargent.
My research did not support that the Corbin is lower than the low Sargent. Although my measurements did prove that the low Sargent is not as low as they claim.
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My research did not support that the Corbin is lower than the low Sargent. Although my measurements did prove that the low Sargent is not as low as they claim.
Corbin say's - 31.25"
Sargent say's - 32.1" regular, 30.7 low, 30.9 low gel
It doesn't appear that Corbin claims to be lower than either of the Sargent low seat offerings.
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Corbin say's - 31.25"
Sargent say's - 32.1" regular, 30.7 low, 30.9 low gel
It doesn't appear that Corbin claims to be lower than either of the Sargent low seat offerings.
Exactly. But when I measured (on the bike), their claim of 1.375" lower than stock turned out to be 0.875" lower. A variance of 1/2". But even then, it is still lower than the claimed Corbin height.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.msg1998#msg1998 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=260.msg1998#msg1998)
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Corbin say's - 31.25"
Sargent say's - 32.1" regular, 30.7 low, 30.9 low gel
It doesn't appear that Corbin claims to be lower than either of the Sargent low seat offerings.
Corbin can make the seat lower if one wants, they custom make each seat per order. I had them do a deep dish cut and nose job on mine and it put it down about another 1" lower than the normal Corbin height...
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Kewl- nice to meet a fellow "distort" :) I am 5'7", but have like a 28" inseam. Like you, I have a long torso and short legs/arms. There is no way I could ride the Concours without bar risers (and also bike/seat lowering). Even the Heli's are not far back enough for me so I am kinda stuck (I am eyeing those wedges things, hoping that little extra will help).
Yeah, if I could just take two inches off of my torso and add them to my legs, I think this bike (and so many others) would fit so much better. I've never been able to flat-foot any bike that I've owned (no, I've never owned a cruiser).
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Yeah, if I could just take two inches off of my torso and add them to my legs, I think this bike (and so many others) would fit so much better. I've never been able to flat-foot any bike that I've owned (no, I've never owned a cruiser).
I can't even flat foot the C-14 after lowering it an inch, lowering the seat an inch, and raising my boots an inch. Couldn't with my last bike either. It really is very irritating that all the real bikes (AKA- non-cruisers) seem to be built for long-legged/armed people.
Short legged (and armed) people of the world UNITE and fight your oppression!! :o
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It's gonna be a tough call for me re: the bars, (and also the seat between a regular height Sargent and Corbin.) I just got back from a 120 mile loop with my my wife. I love having my wife with me but I really don't like 2-up riding. I've been doing for many years, but much prefer to pilot with a passenger:) But I digress....
Around this part of Texas, there just aren't enough nice curvy roads to really give the bike a work out but it was a nice 4 hour ride to brunch and back cruise on some black top. I kept trying to imagine myself with the bars 2"s lower and it seemed like a long way down :-\
Yet I still also feel like I'm not sitting on the bike the way it was intended with this much rise and I actually feel like my hands aren't positioned as comfortably as they are on the stock height. I may have to break down and rent a C14 for a 200 mile ride with the stock bars before I go to the hassle of taking them off, only to decide I need them on even at the small sacrifice in handling given the lack of easily available twisty backroads close by.
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It's gonna be a tough call for me re: the bars, (and also the seat between a regular height Sargent and Corbin.) I just got back from a 120 mile loop with my my wife. I love having my wife with me but I really don't like 2-up riding. I've been doing for many years, but much prefer to pilot with a passenger:) But I digress....
Around this part of Texas, there just aren't enough nice curvy roads to really give the bike a work out but it was a nice 4 hour ride to brunch and back cruise on some black top. I kept trying to imagine myself with the bars 2"s lower and it seemed like a long way down :-\
Yet I still also feel like I'm not sitting on the bike the way it was intended with this much rise and I actually feel like my hands aren't positioned as comfortably as they are on the stock height. I may have to break down and rent a C14 for a 200 mile ride with the stock bars before I go to the hassle of taking them off, only to decide I need them on even at the small sacrifice in handling given the lack of easily available twisty backroads close by.
OK, Conhardcore, this is a little off subject, but you opened the door. 8)
There are probably more "twisty roads" around you than you know about. Just have to search them out. For instance, since you're in the DFW area, go down to Granbury and take Hwy 4 all the way back up to Palo Pinto. It's really, REALLY twisty betwen I-20 and Palo Pinto!! (Had my only "off road experience" there. I highly discourage anyone from getting off of a moving motorcycle! The Palo Pinto County paramedics are some great folks though. :-[ ) From there, just take 180 back east through Mineral Wells and Weatherford, then I-20 home.
If you've got the time, from Palo Pinto take 180 west over to Caddo and head south towards Ranger on 717, but cut off on 207 back east to Strawn. Go to Mary's and get yourself a huge chicken fried steak, then take 108 east through Mingus and Gordon (where it changes to 193) on your way back to I-20 and back to the MetroMess.
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Yet I still also feel like I'm not sitting on the bike the way it was intended with this much rise and I actually feel like my hands aren't positioned as comfortably as they are on the stock height. I may have to break down and rent a C14 for a 200 mile ride with the stock bars before I go to the hassle of taking them off, only to decide I need them on even
?? Perhaps I am missing something here. You appear to be grossly overestimating the complexity of installing and removing the handlerbar risers. I think it took me about 10 min to install. Why would you go to the hassle and expense of renting a C14? Just take 10 to 15 min and take them off and see!
Edit- could it be that you don't have the stock bolts anymore (or were not delivered with them)? That would be a valid "gotcha". Even so, just order the stock bolts... they are a good thing to have around.
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Yeah, if you can pick up some stock length bolts from the Kawi dealer, the install/uninstall for bar risers is a snap. With 2" rise, you probably have a bracket or something to relocate the clutch line junction (some have enough slack, but mine didn't). Put that back and bolt the bars back on and you're good to go. Probably takes five minutes and some of that is getting your tools out of the box.
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I don't have the stock bolts but I'm hoping the dealer that installed them before I picked the bike up still has them. I'll check with him tomorrow. Happy Independence Day!
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OK, Conhardcore, this is a little off subject, but you opened the door. 8)
There are probably more "twisty roads" around you than you know about. Just have to search them out. For instance, since you're in the DFW area, go down to Granbury and take Hwy 4 all the way back up to Palo Pinto. It's really, REALLY twisty betwen I-20 and Palo Pinto!! (Had my only "off road experience" there. I highly discourage anyone from getting off of a moving motorcycle! The Palo Pinto County paramedics are some great folks though. :-[ ) From there, just take 180 back east through Mineral Wells and Weatherford, then I-20 home.
If you've got the time, from Palo Pinto take 180 west over to Caddo and head south towards Ranger on 717, but cut off on 207 back east to Strawn. Go to Mary's and get yourself a huge chicken fried steak, then take 108 east through Mingus and Gordon (where it changes to 193) on your way back to I-20 and back to the MetroMess.
You're right Wally and I've been over a bit or what you mention here but not all. It will be my next day ride. Thanks!
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I don't have the stock bolts but I'm hoping the dealer that installed them before I picked the bike up still has them. I'll check with him tomorrow.
Drat. Well, if they don't have them, just order some. I can't imagine they would be all that expensive (although sometimes I am surprised).
Happy Independence Day!
You too!