Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Breaker19 on July 03, 2012, 01:24:28 PM
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So there I was, heading out to the truck for an appointment, I look back into the garage and I see a little dot on the back tire of my C14... damn blasted screw in the rear tire. This is the OE Bridgestone tires. I think, well... I'm taking off Saturday morning to head up to NC for a week worth of riding, I really wanted to wear these OE tires out before replacing them. But I bet those PR's would be oh-so-fine on the trip... so I plugged the tire, jacked it up with air (it was at 16 psi) and called my local dealer, who smartly installed two PR2's. So yup, new tires. 'Stones are gone, Micheline's are on! Now, if I get a nail or screw in these tires, I am going to be really pissed!
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How many miles did you have on the OE tires? I'm leaning towards PR2 when the time comes. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that my OE tires last at least 7K. I mainly ride highway miles to work so i'm hoping for the best.
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How many miles did you have on the OE tires? I'm leaning towards PR2 when the time comes. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that my OE tires last at least 7K. I mainly ride highway miles to work so i'm hoping for the best.
I only had like 2375 miles on the OE's, but the rear tire was flattening out in the center pretty noticeably. I'd have run the tires down to the wear bars, but like I said, fate intervened... lol
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How many miles did you have on the OE tires? I'm leaning towards PR2 when the time comes. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that my OE tires last at least 7K. I mainly ride highway miles to work so i'm hoping for the best.
7k? Good luck with that.
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PR2's are the best tire for the money IMHO. The PR3's are great too, but they are also an extra $40 for a tire that didn't last as long for me (about 1000 miles less).
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Well, it's the information from this forum and over at the COG forum in regards to tire discussions that educated me towards the PR2's so I thank everyone who has run these tires for voicing their experiences, past and present. It helps immensely to have such information for decision making.
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I purchased Zurich road hazard insurance when I bought my bike for around $320. I had 2 rear flats since, so it has already paid for itself. It covers 5 years unlimited mileage. Non transferable. All labor included.
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I was quoted 250. for a mounted PR2 front tire at Fremont, Ca. Kawasaki- is this a ridiculous price? I was going to get tires before going to the MotoGP at Laguna Seca this weekend.
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$250 is high, tires should not cost any more than $125, dealer installs can go as high as $100 - the dealer is getting you on both the tires and installation
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I know things get a little more spendy in California but that is crazy. I bought my last pair of PR2's and had them mounted for $290.00......for the pair not just a front. Ask your dealer if he planned on kissing you before or after he f&*%ed you.
Just to clarify, I did pull the wheels off and reinstall them myself. If you are having them do ALL the labor you will have to pay more but $250.00 for JUST a front is still way out of line.
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The dealer said that the front fender had to come off and it takes an hour labor- it seems everything on a bike costs 3x what a car would cost.
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The dealer said that the front fender had to come off and it takes an hour labor- it seems everything on a bike costs 3x what a car would cost.
Time for a new dealer me thinks.
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The dealer said that the front fender had to come off and it takes an hour labor- it seems everything on a bike costs 3x what a car would cost.
I put on my tires without touching the fender.........in my garage. All they have to do is lift the front after the rear wheel come off and use a jack or an extra buddy to hold the bike. You can save a bunch of money by bringing your wheels in, it really is a quick and easy job.
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The dealer said that the front fender had to come off and it takes an hour labor- it seems everything on a bike costs 3x what a car would cost.
That's total BS about the fender, you ought to complain to the owner about that and if not there, then to your state DMV. They're trying to rape you.
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That's total BS about the fender, you ought to complain to the owner about that and if not there, then to your state DMV. They're trying to rape you.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^That. Get the sheriff on the phone quick.
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7k? Good luck with that.
6K on my BTs... I have at least another 2K before the flat spot is too much. PR2s are my next investment.
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6K on my BTs... I have at least another 2K before the flat spot is too much. PR2s are my next investment.
Mine were toast at ~4.5k
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I think the cooler temps here in the PNW, along with my basic commuting that never fully warms the tires (6 miles each way), all contribute to my tire life. Same on my Duc, I could pull 9-10K off a rear (Pilot Powers, at that) before the flat spot was unbearable...
Of course, this is JUST a theory.
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I think I got right at 7,250 miles on my 021's. They were fried, especially the front.
Went with the PR3's and have about 3,000-3,500 (need to look when I get home). Slight flattening of the rear, but front looks fine. Dealership charged me about $425 to pull the old and install the new. I live too far from a dealer and just rode in when I was in town rather than pull them and carrry them in my auto.
Leaving in the morning for a Hill Country weekend!!
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I just got a PR3 yesterday (carry in price) of $245 for a 55 profile tire. Last summer it was $248 for a PR2 50 profile and they took it off. I save 30-40 dollars bringing it in and they change it whilke I wait (no appointment needed).
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Glad I live in Missouri, I just put on my PR2's (190/55 on the rear) for $350. And that is bringing the wheels in to the dealer. They chipped my powdercoat but the service manager said he will take care of me.
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I think I got right at 7,250 miles on my 021's. They were fried, especially the front.
Went with the PR3's and have about 3,000-3,500 (need to look when I get home). Slight flattening of the rear, but front looks fine. Dealership charged me about $425 to pull the old and install the new. I live too far from a dealer and just rode in when I was in town rather than pull them and carrry them in my auto.
Leaving in the morning for a Hill Country weekend!!
Added another 750 this weekend and handled great on the Three Twisted Sisters. Now have 4,340 miles on the set and appear to have quite a bit left. WAY better than the 021's.
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Contact MikeERideWNC if you are in the Murphy N.C. area about tires. Really friendly person. Installed a set of PR3s for considerably less than anything I could do.. I think his price will fluctuate with the price he gets the tires at. I was looking for assistance to install a set and he took care of everything. He has a nice setup.
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Well... after the Stones were toast, I tried PR2's... great compared to the Stones. I tried Avon Storm II Ultra's after the PR2's were toast, really liked them... but they get the head shake when they are getting close to toast, don't like that. I've gone thru 2 sets of Pirelli Angel ST's... love them!
Now have PR3's on the way with a 55 rear. Will see how I like these. 8)
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I put on my tires without touching the fender.........in my garage. All they have to do is lift the front after the rear wheel come off and use a jack or an extra buddy to hold the bike. You can save a bunch of money by bringing your wheels in, it really is a quick and easy job.
Yup...BS about the fender...do not pay extra for the dealer to take the wheels off for you...it is very easy to do, and totally possible to do by yourself. I put PR2's on in March, and they charged me like $55 for mounting and balancing. As for the tires themselves, i got the front for $134, and the rear for $185 (50) here in columbus ohio.
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Yup...BS about the fender...do not pay extra for the dealer to take the wheels off for you...it is very easy to do, and totally possible to do by yourself. I put PR2's on in March, and they charged me like $55 for mounting and balancing. As for the tires themselves, i got the front for $134, and the rear for $185 (50) here in columbus ohio.
Cad
I am through Cols frequently. Mind sharing your source? I am over by Iron Pony a lot for consumables.
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That's total BS about the fender, you ought to complain to the owner about that and if not there, then to your state DMV. They're trying to rape you.
You can complain to the owner if you want, but don't expect any sympathy from him. The service manual lists removing the front fender as the first step in front tire removal. Now, whether or not it's really necessary, that's another question. I've never removed my front tire, but I've looked at it and I can't imagine needing to remove the vendor to do so.
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Cad
I am through Cols frequently. Mind sharing your source? I am over by Iron Pony a lot for consumables.
Yes! Iron Pony it was. Just take your wheels up to the parts counter, & they'll put new ones on for ya right there....had mine ready to go for me in about 20-30min. I must say I really like PR2's over the OEM tires MUCH BETTER!
If any of you are in OH or happen to be passing thru, I highly recommend stopping at Iron Pony in Columbus. They are only a mile or so off the highway....u will b in heaven...lol! They are open till 8 during the week, 6 on Sat, & 5 on Sun
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Called Grapevine Kawasaki today. It's $189 for the 50 size PR3 which they had several in stock, $7 more for the 55 that they would have to order and would be there in about two days. Mount and balance would be $56 if on the bike, $26 if I carry it in.
Said they would do the recall work at the same time if I rode it in.
While on hold between talking to parts and service departments, heard the recording mention "fully adjustable handlebars for the Concours." The service guy is supposed go call me back with details and prices.
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While on hold between talking to parts and service departments, heard the recording mention "fully adjustable handlebars for the Concours." The service guy is supposed go call me back with details and prices.
Either the Heli multi-adjustable ones...
http://www.helibars.com/products-by-bike/kawasaki (http://www.helibars.com/products-by-bike/kawasaki)
Or these that I just recently saw, look kinda cool and come in black... 8) (pics attached)
http://www.preeng.com/xcart/product.php?productid=56&cat=11&page=1 (http://www.preeng.com/xcart/product.php?productid=56&cat=11&page=1)
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I just replaced both tires. I ordered online, pr3s, both for about 333 shipped. A little performance motor sports place across the street put them not on for 88 total.
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Ordered a new 55 series PR3 from Kawasaki West in Ft. Worth. They're having some sort of sale and the 50 series tire was $180 plus taxes. He told me the 55 was a few bucks more, so I ordered it without really asking how much a "few" was. Just paid the total over the phone and it will be here later this week (50 was in stock). They'll install on my wheel for $30 if I carry it in, $60 if I ride it in.
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The 55 really wakes up the sporting side of the bike, as has been widely reported here by many.
I got to scuff in my new Dunlop Sportmax Q2 rear 55 today, and be lovin it! 8)
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The 55 really wakes up the sporting side of the bike, as has been widely reported here by many.
I got to scuff in my new Dunlop Sportmax Q2 rear 55 today, and be lovin it! 8)
Price difference between it at the Michelin? Is the Sportmax a sport tire or a sport-touring tire?
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They are sport oriented tires that lend themselves well to a bike like the C14. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/sport-trackday-race/sport/sportmax-q2/ (http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/sport-trackday-race/sport/sportmax-q2/)
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They are sport oriented tires that lend themselves well to a bike like the C14. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/sport-trackday-race/sport/sportmax-q2/ (http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/sport-trackday-race/sport/sportmax-q2/)
Why not the Roadsmart or Roadsmart II since that's what they show as their sport touring tire? Just wondering.
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They've got the cat's paw grip, and I can usually get five or six thousand miles on the rear. 8)
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I am getting a new PR2 mounted up tomorrow a.m. This is a 2009 C-14 with the original dangerous 021 , so what is the best strategy for the transponder battery for tire pressure? It is working good but how long do the batts last?
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I am getting a new PR2 mounted up tomorrow a.m. This is a 2009 C-14 with the original dangerous 021 , so what is the best strategy for the transponder battery for tire pressure? It is working good but how long do the batts last?
Manual says 5 years. Mine work fine in the summer and cry the blues when it's cold (much like me), both front and back. I'm taking it in for service this week and will ask if they will replace them.
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Manual says 5 years. Mine work fine in the summer and cry the blues when it's cold (much like me), both front and back. I'm taking it in for service this week and will ask if they will replace them.
Sounds like you need to plug the gaps in that armor.
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But I look so darn good in it... ;D
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Thanks to the forum for recommending Michelin PR 2 tires. I found a great shop in Redwood City, Ca. called "Peninsula Motorsports", and they sold me a PR 2 and mounted it for $180. (Big difference from my local Kawasaki dealer of $255). This saved me from selling the bike because it was so spooky and twitchy in the slow corners that it was dangerous. Someone should sue Bridgestone for the 021's. I am sure this tire is to blame for the less than stellar reviews the bike was getting compared to the BMW and FJR. Now I'm even ready for the twisties, something I never would have attempted before. These PR 2's give the bike "wiings".