Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Summit670 on November 22, 2011, 12:12:47 PM

Title: Difference between model years
Post by: Summit670 on November 22, 2011, 12:12:47 PM
I know it is on here somewhere but can't find it - can someone tell me the difference between model years?

No, it's not.  It was lost when the previous forum went poof. (Jim)

I believe 2008 and 2009 are the same.  Not sure about 2010, 2011, 2012.

Gen 1 - 2008,2009
Gen 2 - 2010+

2010 Changes:

2011 changes:

2012 changes:

Thanks.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: basmntdweller on November 22, 2011, 12:21:38 PM
08's and 09's are same except color. '10's and '11's had all the changes you mentioned. Not sure on the '12's. 10's and 11's also had the Ktrac and linked brakes if I am not mistaken.

Matt
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: stevewfl on November 22, 2011, 12:24:53 PM
Fortunately they all have KiPass (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on November 22, 2011, 12:32:53 PM
We actually had a good comparison until the forum went 'poof' between the 08/09 and '10 bikes.  Course that doesn't help you now.

Ok, so I'm ready to take suggestions and stickying this temporarily for the differences between the gen1 and gen2 bikes (08/09 - '10)...  Please respond in this thread.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: basmntdweller on November 22, 2011, 01:30:35 PM
Off topic warning!
Just curious , how many of stevewfl posts would be still here if all that referenced Kipass were mysteriously deleted? ;D

and now, back to regularly scheduled differences in model years.

Matt
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: ZG on November 22, 2011, 04:22:41 PM
12's come stock with black wheels...  8)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Scaffolder on November 22, 2011, 05:08:20 PM
And black grab bars.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: vortex2 on December 02, 2011, 11:50:17 AM
Changes from Gen 1 to Gen 2

Switch on grip for changing display, which also has thermometer (outside temp)
Bigger windshield which auto lowers when ignition is turned off
Switchable engine maps, ECO mode and standard
Glovebox moved to left side, has locking door
New fairing and heat control panels
Mirrors raised for better visibility
Color changed to blue metallic
KTRAC traction control
Linked brakes
Heated grips
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: MrPepsi on December 02, 2011, 12:19:55 PM
For the serious newbies.
Gen1 = 2008 and 2009
Gen2 = 2010, 2011 and 2012 (so far)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Jaxter on December 02, 2011, 10:18:28 PM
Vortex, you may have missed a couple of changes...one change is they chainged the oil pan by re-orienting the drain plug, and they added vents in the fairing to modify the air flow to the inside of the windscreen.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on December 03, 2011, 07:48:13 AM
Off topic warning!
Just curious , how many of stevewfl posts would be still here if all that referenced Kipass were mysteriously deleted? ;D

and now, back to regularly scheduled differences in model years.

Matt

Probably half or more.....but we wouldn't have as many wiminz pictures, would we?. 
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: jimmymac on December 04, 2011, 04:45:13 AM
ABS and traction control was an option in 2010. It's standard for the later models.
Earlier models only had ABS as an option.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: turbohawk on January 07, 2012, 08:22:07 AM
Have heard rumors that Gen 1 is faster than Gen 2 due to an electronic speed restriction added. Can anyone confirm or deny?
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: basmntdweller on January 07, 2012, 03:34:05 PM
Have heard rumors that Gen 1 is faster than Gen 2 due to an electronic speed restriction added. Can anyone confirm or deny?

Nothing concrete, but a guy I found on craigslist and went to look at his '08 claimed he had his to 175mph. Many here claim the newer one stops at 155mph. I ended up with a new '09 this past July and some say it is the same as the '08s. I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to verify it's top speed (or the balls!).

Matt
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: feelergaugephil on January 16, 2012, 04:51:46 AM
My 08 does 178, shield down and no bags, only reason Im posting in here bcos Im seriously thinking of getting a 2010 model, but if its slower,,,,,, Ill keep my 08.
(and dont ask "why on earth would you want to go that speed") quick auto response will be "I bought a 1400 to ride it like a 1400, If I wanted slower I'd have bought a ninja 250"
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: gPink on January 16, 2012, 04:57:33 AM
An ecu reflash might get rid of the speed restriction and open the secondaries sooner.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: feelergaugephil on January 16, 2012, 05:20:11 PM
Your probably right, a friend of mine did that to his 2011 kawasaki zx10r, that think is scary fast.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: MajorTom on March 10, 2012, 09:40:52 PM
Hi guys,
Had lost track of the forum when, as someone said, it went poof!

Happy to be back!

Isn't the radiator also different since 2010 ? Isn't it now curved (bigger?) and also be part of the reason the newer 14 run cooler than the 2008 and 2009?
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: MajorTom on March 10, 2012, 10:11:26 PM
Also, I don't know if there is really a change in the top speed but I can tell you I tested my bike up to 153 mph in 5th gear and it wanted to continue...I didn't.

You have to know that up here in Canada, you can not only have a huge fine (upwards of 2000$) but loose your permit at these kind of speeds...accused of dangerous driving.... But,,, it was fun for the couple of seconds it lasted. I don't think I care not ever exceeding 155 mph. ;)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: maxtog on March 11, 2012, 07:16:32 AM
Also, I don't know if there is really a change in the top speed but I can tell you I tested my bike up to 153 mph in 5th gear and it wanted to continue...I didn't.

There was a change.  The 2010+ is a little faster because of a design change to the front that added ram air.  Should be added to the list.  Supposedly a 4.7hp increase at high speed.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on March 11, 2012, 07:32:28 AM
And the 2008/2009 didn't have ram air?  What are the tubes running from under the headlights up to the air box?  They might have made a revision but I don't think it is much different.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: basmntdweller on March 11, 2012, 08:00:46 AM
Also, I don't know if there is really a change in the top speed but I can tell you I tested my bike up to 153 mph in 5th gear and it wanted to continue...I didn't.


Not to be a smart ass or anything, but is there a much better chance of survival from a crash at 100 versus 170 on a bike? I wouldn't think there would be much difference in the fines either.
On the other hand, my balls do seem to shrink smaller and smaller the faster I go ;D

Matt
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: maxtog on March 11, 2012, 09:32:08 AM
Not to be a smart ass or anything, but is there a much better chance of survival from a crash at 100 versus 170 on a bike? I wouldn't think there would be much difference in the fines either.

There is probably a *huge* difference in survival rates between such speeds.  But one can die at 30MPH and survive at 100MPH, it all depends on exactly what happened.  But speed is always a really big factor.  As for tickets, I don't know.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 11, 2012, 09:33:36 AM
Differences in the bikes, guys.  Differences only, please.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 11, 2012, 09:36:39 AM
Hi guys,
Had lost track of the forum when, as someone said, it went poof!

Happy to be back!

Isn't the radiator also different since 2010 ? Isn't it now curved (bigger?) and also be part of the reason the newer 14 run cooler than the 2008 and 2009?

Nope, same part number.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 11, 2012, 09:37:41 AM
And the 2008/2009 didn't have ram air?  What are the tubes running from under the headlights up to the air box?  They might have made a revision but I don't think it is much different.

Oh, so that's when them thar holes are for.....ramming speed.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: maxtog on March 11, 2012, 10:36:15 AM
And the 2008/2009 didn't have ram air?  What are the tubes running from under the headlights up to the air box?  They might have made a revision but I don't think it is much different.

I am not sure.  Maybe it was just revised.  I do know that just because an air intake is at the front, doesn't necessarily mean it is ram-air; that requires them to be exactly positioned for effective, high-pressure feeding.

It is even listed on Wikipedia:  "The fuel injected engine on the 2008 and 2009 models has a power output of 114 kW (153 hp) at 8,800 rpm and produces torque of 136 N·m (100 ft·lbf) at 6,200 rpm. The ram-air intake on the 2010 model increases power to 117.6 kW (157.7 hp)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_1400GTR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_1400GTR)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: katata1100 on March 11, 2012, 12:59:10 PM
'10 bikes got more fluid in the forks for better handling. There were also changes in the brake pads, might be changes in the discs as well.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 11, 2012, 03:15:50 PM
I am not sure.  Maybe it was just revised.  I do know that just because an air intake is at the front, doesn't necessarily mean it is ram-air; that requires them to be exactly positioned for effective, high-pressure feeding.

It is even listed on Wikipedia:  "The fuel injected engine on the 2008 and 2009 models has a power output of 114 kW (153 hp) at 8,800 rpm and produces torque of 136 N·m (100 ft·lbf) at 6,200 rpm. The ram-air intake on the 2010 model increases power to 117.6 kW (157.7 hp)."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_1400GTR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_1400GTR)

You do realize that Wikipedia is user written.  Just because it's there doesn't make it right.  There should be a ram air statement on the 08/09 bikes.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: maxtog on March 11, 2012, 03:50:29 PM
You do realize that Wikipedia is user written.  Just because it's there doesn't make it right.

Well of course I know that.  I even contribute!  But just because it is Wikipedia doesn't make it wrong, either ;)

Quote
There should be a ram air statement on the 08/09 bikes. 

I haven't seen one... have tried searching, nada.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: B.D.F. on March 11, 2012, 03:53:21 PM
C-14's have had ram air since introduction in '07 ('08 model year). Kawasake even used to make a claim as to how much it increased power at some specific speed. I think once you pass 600 MPH the compression ratio also goes up although the rubber air ducts probably swell also....

Brian

There was a change.  The 2010+ is a little faster because of a design change to the front that added ram air.  Should be added to the list.  Supposedly a 4.7hp increase at high speed.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 11, 2012, 04:28:16 PM
I haven't seen one... have tried searching, nada.

Try reading this....

http://www.kawasaki.com/Content/pdfs/products/concours_QandA.pdf (http://www.kawasaki.com/Content/pdfs/products/concours_QandA.pdf)

My goodness, it's an interesting design document.

Which, oh by the way, is linked to in our Interesting Facts area here:

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=93.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=93.0)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: ZG on March 11, 2012, 05:00:43 PM
Try reading this....

http://www.kawasaki.com/Content/pdfs/products/concours_QandA.pdf (http://www.kawasaki.com/Content/pdfs/products/concours_QandA.pdf)

My goodness, it's an interesting design document.

Which, oh by the way, is linked to in our Interesting Facts area here:

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=93.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=93.0)

Nice read indeed, thanks Sparky!  :thumbs:
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: maxtog on March 11, 2012, 08:24:47 PM
Try reading this....

http://www.kawasaki.com/Content/pdfs/products/concours_QandA.pdf (http://www.kawasaki.com/Content/pdfs/products/concours_QandA.pdf)

And there it is!

"Q: How much of a difference does the ram air system make?
A: Some of the C14’s impressive power numbers come from its aerodynamics alone. Its ram air system not only provides a five horsepower boost via a supercharging effect, but has other benefits as well such as reduced intake noise."

In a 2008 document.  Thanks

So that leaves the Wikipedia page... hmmm.  I will see if it can be fixed.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 12, 2012, 04:27:25 AM
What's funny about that document is the braking write up and linking of the brakes.  They don't link them because it would subtract from the fun in riding the bike.   That guy must have been fired and a less fun guy took over.  So, I can only come to the conclusion that 08/09 owners are the most fun. ;)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: gPink on March 12, 2012, 04:33:49 AM
and the fastest.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 12, 2012, 04:35:03 AM
Exactly!
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: ZG on March 12, 2012, 10:28:23 AM
What's funny about that document is the braking write up and linking of the brakes.  They don't link them because it would subtract from the fun in riding the bike.   That guy must have been fired and a less fun guy took over.  So, I can only come to the conclusion that 08/09 owners are the most fun. ;)

 :thumbs:
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: maxtog on March 12, 2012, 03:45:30 PM
and the fastest.

HA!  You guys just say that because you have the "OLD" model :)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: ZG on March 12, 2012, 03:58:43 PM
HA!  You guys just say that because you have the "OLD" model :)

First Blood was the best of the Rambo movie series, and the first Die Hard was the best of that series too, sometimes sequals just aren't as good...  ;)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Son of Pappy on March 12, 2012, 04:09:52 PM

First Blood was the best of the Rambo movie series, and the first Die Hard was the best of that series too, sometimes sequals just aren't as good...  ;)
And best seen on the SILVER screen ;D
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: maxtog on March 12, 2012, 05:31:15 PM
And best seen on the SILVER screen ;D

Everything is better in silver :)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: gPink on March 12, 2012, 06:25:22 PM
That's why they call it Quick Silver.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: MajorTom on March 19, 2012, 11:28:11 PM
Got my new 2012 black beauty! Yeah!

Went for my first ride on this beautifull sunday March 18. Record temperature, unusually hot, our usual high around here for a March 18, is 39, yesterday the temperature reached 73!
Apart from the unusual warm weather, the other important difference was the eco mode (not on the 2008). Fuel consumption is significantly lower on my 2012 than it was on my 2008. Kawasaki says we can save up to 25% on gas because of this eco mode. I can attest to at least a 10% and possibly as much as 15% reduction in fuel consumption. Sunday, I averaged 41 miles per gallon mainly on country roads maintaining average speeds between 55 and 75 mph and I drove 15% of the time on highways where I normally drive between 70 and 80 mph. Normally. I did peak a few times in the vacinity of 90 mph but I basically drove with my brand new C14 the same way I usually drive. When I left for the day drive, the bike didn't have 50 miles on the odometer. The bike was not even broken in. With my 2008, I would definitively fall on the reserve before I got to 185 miles. Sunday I got to 202 miles before it started blinking! I did not even notice the reduced horsepower when the eco mode was on! Amazing feat! With the price of gas what it is, that's really apreciated cause if you think you have got it bad, I will let you know we pay our premium gas between $5.20 and $5.60 per Gallon. Europe is paying around $8 or $9 per gallon. You still got it good.
As for me, I know got it good too. Even if changing from one C14 to another C14 is not that big of a change, I like the improvements Kawasaki made to the bike.
I got $1700 less as trade-in for my 2008 for than I paid for it in august 2008 including the accessories I put on the bike I traded in. I drove it for two and a half years and it cost me $1700, a set of tires and a few oil changes and the gas. Not bad at all. This year, I avoided having to change the brakes, change the oil and filter, adjust the valves, change my tires and change my battery operated tire pressure monitors. All things I would have had to do this year, most of these before the season started with the tune up. All these I left to the dealer. I got a good deal on the 2012.
And now, we are getting hit with this unexpected heat wave and my new C14 is ready to drive off with (the 2008 was not). Fully garanteed for three years, with new tires, fresh oil and filter, new tire pressure gages, new brake pads and new disks.
Life is good!  8) :chugbeer:
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: jonathan on March 20, 2012, 08:07:17 AM
Got my new 2012 black beauty! Yeah!

Went for my first ride on this beautifull sunday March 18. Record temperature, unusually hot, our usual high around here for a March 18, is 39, yesterday the temperature reached 73!
Apart from the unusual warm weather, the other important difference was the eco mode (not on the 2008). Fuel consumption is significantly lower on my 2012 than it was on my 2008. Kawasaki says we can save up to 25% on gas because of this eco mode. I can attest to at least a 10% and possibly as much as 15% reduction in fuel consumption. Sunday, I averaged 41 miles per gallon mainly on country roads maintaining average speeds between 55 and 75 mph and I drove 15% of the time on highways where I normally drive between 70 and 80 mph. Normally. I did peak a few times in the vacinity of 90 mph but I basically drove with my brand new C14 the same way I usually drive. When I left for the day drive, the bike didn't have 50 miles on the odometer. The bike was not even broken in. With my 2008, I would definitively fall on the reserve before I got to 185 miles. Sunday I got to 202 miles before it started blinking! I did not even notice the reduced horsepower when the eco mode was on! Amazing feat! With the price of gas what it is, that's really apreciated cause if you think you have got it bad, I will let you know we pay our premium gas between $5.20 and $5.60 per Gallon. Europe is paying around $8 or $9 per gallon. You still got it good.
As for me, I know got it good too. Even if changing from one C14 to another C14 is not that big of a change, I like the improvements Kawasaki made to the bike.
I got $1700 less as trade-in for my 2008 for than I paid for it in august 2008 including the accessories I put on the bike I traded in. I drove it for two and a half years and it cost me $1700, a set of tires and a few oil changes and the gas. Not bad at all. This year, I avoided having to change the brakes, change the oil and filter, adjust the valves, change my tires and change my battery operated tire pressure monitors. All things I would have had to do this year, most of these before the season started with the tune up. All these I left to the dealer. I got a good deal on the 2012.
And now, we are getting hit with this unexpected heat wave and my new C14 is ready to drive off with (the 2008 was not). Fully garanteed for three years, with new tires, fresh oil and filter, new tire pressure gages, new brake pads and new disks.
Life is good!  8) :chugbeer:

You're talking in miles and gallons yet your profile shows you as living in Montreal. Are you doing the conversion for our neighbours or did you cross the border and buy a US bike?
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: stevewfl on March 20, 2012, 08:14:54 AM
The biggest difference I see is in the colors, not years (blue is fastest and the wiminz diggit!)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Canada44 on March 20, 2012, 10:09:23 AM
The biggest difference I see is in the colors, not years (blue is fastest and the wiminz diggit!)

1++++++++ 8)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: jimmymac on March 20, 2012, 07:29:39 PM
1++++++++ 8)

 8) 8) 8) 8)

(http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp236/Jimmymac25/Merle030.jpg)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Conrad on March 24, 2012, 06:32:07 AM
I didn't see it listed here but I could have missed it.

The '08s and '09s are not speed limited to 154mph like later year models.
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Son of Pappy on March 25, 2012, 05:04:11 PM
I didn't see it listed here but I could have missed it.

The '08s and '09s are not speed limited to 154mph like later year models.
Correction C, they created a speed limiter as soon as they changed colors in '09 ;D
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: ZG on March 25, 2012, 05:11:04 PM
Correction C, they created a speed limiter as soon as they changed colors in '09 ;D

 :battle:
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Son of Pappy on March 25, 2012, 05:12:48 PM
 :popcorn: ;)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Conrad on March 26, 2012, 04:58:20 AM
Correction C, they created a speed limiter as soon as they changed colors in '09 ;D

Trudat
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: MajorTom on March 27, 2012, 07:48:00 PM
You're talking in miles and gallons yet your profile shows you as living in Montreal. Are you doing the conversion for our neighbours or did you cross the border and buy a US bike?
Yep I am making the conversion. There are some neat free conversion calculator app for Android phones and I'm sure even for iPhones if you pay! Yes I did cross the boarder but not to buy the bike. It would have been cheaper as I paid the equivalent of the full US list price which was a Canadian negotiated price (our retail is 18,999$). Try to understand this when our dollar is worth more than the US ( as of now, it takes 1.004 US$ to buy one canadian dollar) Our canadian dollar increased more than 50% in the past few years in relation to the US but we never got the full benefit of it.
I however got five years of free oil and filter changes and an extended warranty to 5 years at the dealer.

By the way I love what this ECO mode. It does improve consumption. I get approximatly 15% better fuel mileage even with a brand new bike and it's not even broken in yet! I have ridden approximatly 500 Km or 310 miles. That I convert without calculator (100 Km = 62 miles) ;)
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: MajorTom on March 27, 2012, 07:53:32 PM
I was a member before it went poof. I was no longer a newbie in that forum but I got to start over. Nevertheless I'm happy to have found you once again fellows! ;D
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: MajorTom on March 27, 2012, 07:59:25 PM
Just changed my signature as I did get my new 2012 on the 16th of march :)!
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Conrad on March 28, 2012, 04:53:49 AM
I was a member before it went poof. I was no longer a newbie in that forum but I got to start over. Nevertheless I'm happy to have found you once again fellows! ;D

What took you so long man?
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: gPink on March 28, 2012, 04:58:18 AM
Ground Control to Major Tom
Your circuit's dead, there's something wrong
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you hear me, Major Tom?
Can you....
Title: Re: Difference between model years
Post by: Conrad on March 28, 2012, 05:01:02 AM
take your protein pill and put your helmet on...