Too far to the ground...

[maxtog]

question : when people go to see/test/sit on these C14 machines , didn't it occur to them that the bike may not be suitable for them physically ?

If so , they decided nonetheless to buy the bike ? Perhaps hoping to correct the issue later on ?

Or are these bike being bought without even a sit-on test ?

Am just trying to understand the dynamics here.

We have been through this question several times.  Unless you want a loud, slow, low-tech, annoying, vibrationy cruiser, or a toy bike, there ARE no alternatives in this class or even similar class (or even at all).  Is that what YOU would want?   Well. me neither.  It is unfortunate that there is so little accommodation in seat height on these bikes.  I hope someday that changes.

I can only speak for me- of course I did tests and measurements and debated it for many weeks and knew exactly what I was getting into.  And I could not even ride the bike at all without mods- it sat for a week after I bought it before I could ride it the first time with the lower seat, lowering link, and raised boots.  I had to do the exact same thing to my last bike- the difference is that it was about 1" more accommodating and much lighter.

[Classvino]

I did sit on the bike at the dealership.  Knew it was high.  Wanted it nonetheless.  I can ride it without mods - I just would be much more confident, not to mention safer, after I get it a little closer to the ground.

A couple years back, I took a ride on a friends C14 - and height wasn't a problem.  Not actually flatfoot, but no more than 1/2" of air below my heels when stopped.  I'm fairly certain, in hindsight, that he had a custom seat, and, I suspect, lowering links on his bike.  I was in lust after being on it for about 15 minutes.  Unfortunately, a few months later the bike was sold off after he failed to return from a military posting, so I never got to get any detailed info from him.

I could have gotten a low riding cruiser ("loud, slow, low-tech, annoying, vibrationy"  ) - I've tried them, and they "fit" me better physically, but they don't "fit" my temperament and/or personality.  And, if I like a particular style, why would I settle for second best and get something I didn't like, just because I wouldn't have to change anything...  I wanted a sport-tourer, and after looking at the different offerings, I decided that Kawasaki had the best one.  Not knocking the others, and I've been careful not to mention other brand names, and certainly don't want to start a flamewar or anything, but I like the C14 better than any of the other brands/models, even the more expensive ones.

So, yes, despite not being perfectly suitable physically in stock condition, I bought it anyway, knowing that it could be made to fit.  I just didn't know the best or optimal method to make it so.  Despite it not being "perfect" for me yet, I still am happy I did.

Thus this thread...

[Edward]

Then there's this guy:
http://youtu.be/kRFyw57o_Ic

Ed

[RBX QB]

...
I could have gotten a low riding cruiser ("loud, slow, low-tech, annoying, vibrationy"  ) - I've tried them, and they "fit" me better physically, but they don't "fit" my temperament and/or personality.  And, if I like a particular style, why would I settle for second best and get something I didn't like, just because I wouldn't have to change anything...  I wanted a sport-tourer, and after looking at the different offerings, I decided that Kawasaki had the best one.  Not knocking the others, and I've been careful not to mention other brand names, and certainly don't want to start a flamewar or anything, but I like the C14 better than any of the other brands/models, even the more expensive ones.
...

^That...

My Dad's Shadow is MUCH easier to get on and maneuver, but has no power, vibrates like crazy, and looks like a CRUISER.

Then again, my well-worn Monster is pretty low at this point (because I need to service the suspension), but still can't compete with the C14 on comfort or straight-line acceleration (but that may just be my mediocre riding skill).

Some day I may play with my C14 height, since 90% of my riding is commute or touring, but not quite yet. I appreciate everybody's input on this and other threads, as I think I'll know what I'm getting in to when I do the change.

[RBX QB]

Then there's this guy:
http://youtu.be/kRFyw57o_Ic

Ed

Is that the 12 o'clock show at Disney World?

[VirginiaJim]

Well, it sure looks like he knows how to ride it but I'd like to see stop at a light.  I wonder if he jumps off the bike at a stop in traffic.

[maxtog]

Then there's this guy:

That is just crazy.  I guess I will shut up!  The moral of the story is- no matter how bad off you think you have it, there is always someone worse off.

[Awaz]

I have muzzy's installed, but DID NOT lower front end. about 6k miles since install and no issue.

[ZG]

I have muzzy's installed, but DID NOT lower front end. about 6k miles since install and no issue.

Can you clarify "no issue"? 

[maxtog]

Can you clarify "no issue"? 

"The bike didn't fall apart" perhaps

[ZG]

"The bike didn't fall apart" perhaps

I agree the bike won't fall apart, but handling/cornering sure will be compromised...


I see from his post that he also rides a harley though, so maybe in comparison "no issue". 

[Classvino]

I ordered the lowering links and riser kit from Murphs Muzzy's yesterday.  Links out of stock for a few days, but will ship asap (hopefully Friday) so  I'll get them on and see what it's like before buying a seat.

Thanks for all the tips.

Jamie

[Awaz]

I agree the bike won't fall apart, but handling/cornering sure will be compromised...


I see from his post that he also rides a harley though, so maybe in comparison "no issue". 

HA HA ! Very funny ! 

Well I do not ride like on a race track - so for me no cornering issue. Perhaps it may be for you if you think the street is race track.

[Cuda]

Corbin front seat, smuggler 

[maxtog]

I agree the bike won't fall apart, but handling/cornering sure will be compromised...

I see from his post that he also rides a harley though, so maybe in comparison "no issue". 

I was going to post a similar comment but refrained.  You are more evil than I...

[Classvino]

Well, the Muzzy's links and risers arrived a couple days ago, and we got them on today.  WOW!  Amazing difference.

And it's more than just being able to "flat-foot" it when stopped...  The whole act of stopping suddenly became a whole lot easier...  No more thinking about not getting a good footing, and potentially dropping the brute every time I need to stop.   (OK, ok, not a brute, but hardly describable as a ballerina either)

Maybe just a confidence thing.  Now I can reach the ground, both feet, full feet...

Life is good!      (Hope to get a few more rides in before the Canadian winter puts a stop to it.)

Jamie

(Thanks again ZG and Maxtog for your thoughts on the matter.   I'm glad I lowered the front as well, but there's an added bonus - the bars are higher in relation to the frame - more relaxed position...)

[ZG]