Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: martin_14 on August 23, 2011, 05:44:43 AM
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I'm contemplating getting the kawa tank pad set to protect the sides of the tank from the rubbing with the pants, at the inner side of my knees. Has somebody experience with it? are you happy? would you get them again? why?
thanks!
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I got the Tech-spec set. Mainly to help from sliding forward when hugging the tank with my knees. very effective and good looking. Removable and reusable. Good product.
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I got the Tech-spec set. Mainly to help from sliding forward when hugging the tank with my knees. very effective and good looking. Removable and reusable. Good product.
+1
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+2
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+3 on Tech Spec
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+4 on the Tech Spec pads. First mod I did on my bike.
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How do these things attach? Sticky, magnetic, velcro, tar, concrete......... :feedback:
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I got the Tech-spec set. Mainly to help from sliding forward when hugging the tank with my knees. very effective and good looking. Removable and reusable. Good product.
How so? Curious since my 2009 was bought with only two of the Tech-Spec pads. Don't know why the left side pad was not there, didn't realize it wasn't there until I had already bought the bike and rode it home. Would like to get a matching set and pull what is on there off as it isn't installed very good anyway.
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How so? Curious since my 2009 was bought with only two of the Tech-Spec pads. Don't know why the left side pad was not there, didn't realize it wasn't there until I had already bought the bike and rode it home. Would like to get a matching set and pull what is on there off as it isn't installed very good anyway.
IIRC, the installation sheet said they would peel off. Store them on wax paper. I've had no reason to try.
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.... welding rods, railroad spikes, musk of a wild civet....
Brian
How do these things attach? Sticky, magnetic, velcro, tar, concrete......... :feedback:
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Self adhesive and able to be removed and re-applied after cleaning surface, etc..
(http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc110/2007electraroad/IMG_0110.jpg)
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+5 on the tech spec. I love em.
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Best place to buy?
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techspec-usa.com
I think there is a discount code on the COG forum.
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I have been looking at the TechSpec pads and they look much better than the Kawasaki's, which only cover the tank, not the area where the knees rub the fairing.
So, to the TechSpec, can somebody tell me if the 77,95 dollars kit (snake skin, slightly cheaper the other two) includes both sides and the top, or just the sides? I'd like to order soon...
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I have been looking at the TechSpec pads and they look much better than the Kawasaki's, which only cover the tank, not the area where the knees rub the fairing.
So, to the TechSpec, can somebody tell me if the 77,95 dollars kit (snake skin, slightly cheaper the other two) includes both sides and the top, or just the sides? I'd like to order soon...
Yes, the kit consists of 6 pieces. You can see them in the pics here.
http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_17&products_id=142 (http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_17&products_id=142)
The center piece in that pic is NOT what you get in the kit though. The center piece that comes with the kit is more like this.
http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32 (http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32)
I have pics of my bike with them installed on my work PC if you want to see them just let me know.
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I have the 2010+ style on my bike as pictured, I think they look better suited but maybe that's just me.
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I have the 2010+ style on my bike as pictured, I think they look better suited but maybe that's just me.
I agree with you, that style does look better but it's not that big a deal to me. I don't want to have to mess around with unsticking the pad to get access to the battery door.
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I washed my bike tonight. Looked at the areas covered by this product and came inside and ordered a set! Black is a bitch!!!! Scuffed all to ****!!!!
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Ok, I'm a little confused.
556ALPHA, you said you "have the 2010+ style on my bike as pictured", but when you go to the website, http://techspec-usa.com/products.php?cPath=1_17 (http://techspec-usa.com/products.php?cPath=1_17) all the pics I see are what looks like a 2007-2009 model. Where are the 2010 model pics? How is that model different?
And Conrad, you said the "center piece in that pic is NOT what you get", yet here, http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32 (http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32) , it looks as if that center tank pad is a $15.95 add-on.
Lastly, it looks as if lots of ya'll have these - is there any particular reason to pay more for the snakeskin? Or the C-3?
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Lastly, it looks as if lots of ya'll have these - is there any particular reason to pay more for the snakeskin? Or the C-3?
The snakeskin and C-3 are made of thicker material. I have the high fusion on the 2010, works well and protects the contact areas.
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Ok, I'm a little confused.
556ALPHA, you said you "have the 2010+ style on my bike as pictured", but when you go to the website, http://techspec-usa.com/products.php?cPath=1_17 (http://techspec-usa.com/products.php?cPath=1_17) all the pics I see are what looks like a 2007-2009 model. Where are the 2010 model pics? How is that model different?
And Conrad, you said the "center piece in that pic is NOT what you get", yet here, http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32 (http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32) , it looks as if that center tank pad is a $15.95 add-on.
Alpha's pic in post 10 above is of the 2010+ style pads. Look at the battery door cover. The pad is larger than the battery door. If he has to remove the battery door on his bike he has to unstick the pad to do it. Now look at the pic below. The pad that goes over the battery door is the same size as the door ('08 & '09 models). The 2010+ pads look better because they line up nicer. 2010+ bikes have a different battery door cover than previous models.
(http://techspec-usa.com/images/images_big/62-0037-SSR_big.jpg)
Take my word for it, the center piece in that pic is what comes with the kit, not the smaller one. This is similar to what you get in the kit.
(http://techspec-usa.com/images/images_big/62-0093_SS2_big.jpg)
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I would like to order a set for my 09. Some one said that there was a discount code.
Is this it?
COG forum.
Thanks
Bryan
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I would like to order a set for my 09. Some one said that there was a discount code.
Is this it?
COG forum.
Thanks
Bryan
I took a look over at the COG site and to me it looks like the discount has expired.
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Ok, I'm a little confused.
556ALPHA, you said you "have the 2010+ style on my bike as pictured", but when you go to the website, http://techspec-usa.com/products.php?cPath=1_17 (http://techspec-usa.com/products.php?cPath=1_17) all the pics I see are what looks like a 2007-2009 model. Where are the 2010 model pics? How is that model different?
And Conrad, you said the "center piece in that pic is NOT what you get", yet here, http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32 (http://techspec-usa.com/product_info.php?products_id=32) , it looks as if that center tank pad is a $15.95 add-on.
Lastly, it looks as if lots of ya'll have these - is there any particular reason to pay more for the snakeskin? Or the C-3?
I guess I am confused as well.....the site does not say anything about getting a center piece, it only lists the pads for the right and left. SO do you have to add the 15.95 add-on to get the center piece as well? I want center and side pads both ???
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I had the same question when I ordered mine so I made a phone call and asked. The center tank piece is included when you order the kit.
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Way to go pink...taking all the goose chase out of it! ;D
I am betting they get a lot of calls because their verbiage is very confusing.
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I didn't see the center piece in the kit so I bought one with my order and now have an extra one since the kit included it.
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I didn't think one came with the kit either. Their description of what's included leads you to believe that you need to purchase the center piece separately....especially when it has the "add a centerpiece to your order now for only..." when you checkout.
BTW, I found the exact kits being sold on Ebay by TechSpec, but even with shipping, the prices are better ordering direct from their site.
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I'm trying to order from the UK representative (price is about the same, but shipping to Germany is obviously much cheaper and faster), but their site (http://www.speedycom.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=18801&cat=632&page=1 (http://www.speedycom.co.uk/shop/product.php?productid=18801&cat=632&page=1)) is even more confusing than the TechSpec one... :-\
Sent them an e-mail to clarify exactly what I should be ordering. Let's see...
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I ordered mine on a Thursday. Got an email on Tuesday saying my order status had changed to processing, and got another email on Thursday my order had shipped. I was a little miffed that it took them a week to ship my order. >:(
But then again, I am not a very patient person.
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I ordered mine on a Thursday. Got an email on Tuesday saying my order status had changed to processing, and got another email on Thursday my order had shipped. I was a little miffed that it took them a week to ship my order. >:(
But then again, I am not a very patient person.
Smart phones and the Internet has spoiled us and turned every one of us into instant gratification ho's.
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Just want to comment on the post below. I have the 2010 and got the full Techspec kit. Just wanted to let everyone know the the pad for the battery door on the 2010 is not larger that the door itself and nothing needs to be unstuck to remove the door. Thanks.
Alpha's pic in post 10 above is of the 2010+ style pads. Look at the battery door cover. The pad is larger than the battery door. If he has to remove the battery door on his bike he has to unstick the pad to do it. Now look at the pic below. The pad that goes over the battery door is the same size as the door ('08 & '09 models). The 2010+ pads look better because they line up nicer. 2010+ bikes have a different battery door cover than previous models.
(http://techspec-usa.com/images/images_big/62-0037-SSR_big.jpg)
Take my word for it, the center piece in that pic is what comes with the kit, not the smaller one. This is similar to what you get in the kit.
(http://techspec-usa.com/images/images_big/62-0093_SS2_big.jpg)
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Just want to comment on the post below. I have the 2010 and got the full Techspec kit. Just wanted to let everyone know the the pad for the battery door on the 2010 is not larger that the door itself and nothing needs to be unstuck to remove the door. Thanks.
I'm sorry if I wasn't clear but the pic you referenced was of a '09 and if you stick a pad kit from a '10/'11 to it the battery door pad will be larger than the door.
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Finally got my kit today. Ordered last Thursday. >:( Everything fit well and looks good. no need for pictures as it looks just like above only on a 2011 Silver Dammit.
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Mine came also. Not sure what day because my wife got the mail and left it in her car. So maybe Friday, maybe Saturday. Either way, looks good and I'm happy with it. I'd buy another set in a heartbeat.
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apparently the guys at SpeedyCom Performance (the UK distributor of TechSpec) are not so speedy when it comes to answering e-mails, but I ordered from them anyway given the good reviews of the product among you guys. Let's see when it arrives. Thanks! 8)
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Ordered my 2010-2011 set from TechSpec last week, received it today. Very quality product. I agree that the 2010-2011 set looks better than the 2008 set. So on my 2008, before mounting the battery-door piece, I cut it perfectly around the front edge of the battery door, then just mounted both pieces. So I get the good looks AND battery door functionality.
Thanks to all posters on this thread, I didn't even know TechSpec existed before I read this, but I knew I needed to stop the scratching on the sides of my tank.
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Well, as I said a few posts ago, based on the glowing reviews here I ordered the TechSpec the 6th of September, 22 days ago, from the UK dealer (I live in Germany, and the other option was ordering from Slovakia :o... funny thing is, I've been to Bratislava just a couple of days before this thread started :banghead:).
Anyways, before ordering I sent an e-mail to this chaps about some confusing statement on their website regarding what to order exactly, and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, after a week without answer I ordered anyway, hoping for the best. At least they did send a confirmation that my money was received, thank you.
A week ago, after 2 weeks waiting and no tankpads (in the meanwhile I bought the heat shields from Zteve and they made it from across the pond in 6 days; thanks Zteve!!!) I sent them an e-mail inquiring about my order. So after another week waiting, yesterday I gave them a call, in which they told me that the part is on back order from the US and it'll take a while >:(
If somebody needs their contact data because he or she is planning to order parts from a UK business, let me know...
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Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask. ;D The snake skin appears to have deeper cuts in the material. Does this help in any way to mitigate the heat coming off the tank, and allow some degree of air to flow through, or better insulate? 8)
Thanks-
Dave
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Sorry for the dumb question, but I have to ask. ;D The snake skin appears to have deeper cuts in the material. Does this help in any way to mitigate the heat coming off the tank, and allow some degree of air to flow through, or better insulate? 8)
Thanks-
Dave
I'd have to say no to all your questions. They might insulate a little better but unless you're touching those areas with your bare skin, you won't even notice.
The only negative thing for me about the Tech Spec pads would be that my jacket rubs on the center tank pad just a lil bit and since my jacket is hiviz yellow in that area the black from the pad has transferred onto my jacket in that small area. No biggie though.
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Another source that I got good service from:
http://www.pca-one.com/productDetail.asp?productID=3575&RetURL=search&search=bike&BlockSize=20&SortOrder=Default&bikeType=&bikeMake=Kawasaki&bikeModel=Concours%2014%20ABS&bikeYear=2011&MfgCode=TES (http://www.pca-one.com/productDetail.asp?productID=3575&RetURL=search&search=bike&BlockSize=20&SortOrder=Default&bikeType=&bikeMake=Kawasaki&bikeModel=Concours%2014%20ABS&bikeYear=2011&MfgCode=TES)
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But then again, I am not a very patient person.
You must be under 50 ;)
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I ordered the Tech Spec full set pads for my 2010 before the bike showed up. Installed them as soon as I got home.
I ride year 'round and have lots of gear that will mar the paint ... these work! And, I like 'em alot. Sticky in the twisties.
Now, what can we do with the right side saddle bag that gets hit by our boots? That's a BIG deal. I have to "shoot" my leg over the saddle ... which ain't easy with my old bod ... to avoid kicking the right side bag lid. Crikey !
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Maybe a piece from Techspec that matches your tank set?
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Now, what can we do with the right side saddle bag that gets hit by our boots? That's a BIG deal. I have to "shoot" my leg over the saddle ... which ain't easy with my old bod ... to avoid kicking the right side bag lid. Crikey !
I couldn't shoot my leg over the saddle with a howitzer.
Instead, I've mastered the "two-point half-leg exploding knee technique" after years of training with Pai Mei. Here's how it works: stand to the left of the bike, facing East and forwards. Grasp the left grip with your left hand, and bring your right foot back so that your heel gently touches your right butt cheek. Your right knee will be pointing directly down at the saddle. Then swing your hips so that your knee stays over the saddle but your leg rotates and lowers as it clears the right side luggage and steps ever so gently yet firmly onto the right peg, and you are on the motorcycle without a scuff! At that point it is appropriate to exhale and contemplate your oneness with your Connie.
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I'm sorry if I wasn't clear but the pic you referenced was of a '09 and if you stick a pad kit from a '10/'11 to it the battery door pad will be larger than the door.
How often are you going to be taking off the battery cover? I've had mine off twice in 3 years -- aesthetics trump occasional functionality in this case.........
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How often are you going to be taking off the battery cover? I've had mine off twice in 3 years -- aesthetics trump occasional functionality in this case.........
You're right there in that you shouldn't have to get at the battery that often. Here's where Murphy's Law comes in though. As soon as you stick that pad over the battery door, your battery will go dead and you'll have to pull the cover. That's how it would work for me at least. :o
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I've got a Tech Spec Snake skin pad over my battery door but I cut it to fit (off a blank) so I can take the door off easily.
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little update (I forgot to do it earlier, sorry)
Pads made it home 2 weeks ago, only 6 weeks after I ordered them. When I called them, they apologised and promised me to shoot me an e-mail when the pads were there, so I would know they would arrive shortly after that. They didn't, but at least they did send the pads. Oh well.
Thing is, in these last weeks I put some 3000 miles on the bike and winter just arrived, so I'm not in the mood to spend those scarce moments of sund and riding temperatures washing the bike to be able to fit the pads, so I guess it'll have to be a mini winter project.
A look at the pads has revealed that they look the part and will do what I want them to.
Thanks again for the advices.
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I emailed Tech Spec requesting info about the three optional materials that they use (C3, Snake Skin, High Fusion). I was contemplating the new C3 version. Within a few days, they sent me a package with a 1" x 3" sample of each style. The Snake Skin is the only one that I've ever actually seen in person on a bike.
I like the "gripiness" of the C3, but worry about durability as it is very soft. The High Fusion material is very thin. I'm sure it would protect from scratches, but it doesn't feel grippy at all, even though they say it is on the website.
Has anyone installed one of the options other than the Snake Skin? If so, please provide your thoughts.
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I emailed Tech Spec requesting info about the three optional materials that they use (C3, Snake Skin, High Fusion). I was contemplating the new C3 version. Within a few days, they sent me a package with a 1" x 3" sample of each style. The Snake Skin is the only one that I've ever actually seen in person on a bike.
I like the "gripiness" of the C3, but worry about durability as it is very soft. The High Fusion material is very thin. I'm sure it would protect from scratches, but it doesn't feel grippy at all, even though they say it is on the website.
Has anyone installed one of the options other than the Snake Skin? If so, please provide your thoughts.
I put the "high fusion" version on my 2010 for the protection factor alone and because I personally didn't like the thickness of the "snake skin" version. It offers plenty of grip with great scratch protection as well and since it's a bit smoother in design, it cleans up easily too. I can't comment on the "C3" since it wasn't an option when I ordered mine last year. My 2 cents, YMMV.
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Has anyone installed one of the options other than the Snake Skin? If so, please provide your thoughts.
Today we had a gorgeous weather here in Munich, and although there is already some snow at the sides of the Autobahn, it was in the low 50's so plenty comfy with all the proper gear. After a nice... errr... Pirelli Angel's demolishing session (it's unbelievable how much profile goes away at 150 mph) I got around installing my C3 Techspec pads. Nice piece of kit, couldn't have been easier if they sent me somebody over to install it for me. After a really good wash of the bike, I noticed how scuffed that area of the fairing was. Really heart stomping. Nothing terrible about it, just plain worn out.
Now, with the pads, it not only is protected, but it also looks nice and it's more comfortable to have a thick piece of rubber between each knee and the plastic or tank. It also does enhance grip and it's easier to control the bike with the body.
Highly recommended. :)
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Looks good Martin! 8) :thumbs:
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The c3 is great. No durability issues that I can see. I believe I can get several more years form it. I tend to be tough on tank graphics and such, so its not as if I babied this stuff.
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Now, what can we do with the right side saddle bag that gets hit by our boots? That's a BIG deal. I have to "shoot" my leg over the saddle ... which ain't easy with my old bod ... to avoid kicking the right side bag lid. Crikey !
Order the saddlebag protectors from Tankslapper -- they are clear and you can't even see them. You will leave boot marks, but on the clear plastic, not the paint.
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Looks good Martin! 8) :thumbs:
of course, it's black!!! ;)
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They dont make them in a darker black do they? on a black bike they look grey. My is blacked out and would want them in black.