And, an '09 is about to be a five year old bike. Saw a few gen ones on a dealers floor today, prices ranged from seven to nine grand. A bit optimistic perhaps, but they get a lot of foot traffic and can get peeps financed on used bikes.

Rode all day in temps well over 100, no complaints about the bike. Actually I was really digging how well these FullBore M-1 Street Sport tires were performing in the extreme heat. Exceptional grip and control, no squirming on the tar snakes, no rubber break down in tread areas from scrubbing, etc.

The farkles were stripped and most sold on here in the last week or so.  Did get a couple of contacts at $8300 that want to take a look. 

No wait that's not quite right.....................Let's see, add to that about another $80K my health insurance paid out for the 20 some screws and 3 or 4 plates in my left arm to hold the 8 pieces of my humorous together and the brace on my broken neck.

Nothing humorous about an injured humerus. 

I traded my 2011 in with some of the farkles for more than I can buy a 13 for. It is crazy how cheaply you can buy a C14 right now.

Kawasaki needs to step up and give us the bike that will actually compete with the rest of the class. The power is okay but the suspension sucks, the linked brakes are the worst system going, the seat is rubbish and there is no cruize control. If mama kaw fixed those issues I would be back at the Kaw dealer in a minute. One shouldn't have to go all "ZG" on a bike to get it right.

That being said. It really is a great bike and probably the best all around bike I've ever owned. Time and technology has just passed her by. We are completely spoiled in the motorcycle world these days. The choices are dizzying in their numbers. It is good to be a rider these days. I remember the late 80's and early 90's when the choices were really quite limited.

One shouldn't have to go all "ZG" on a bike to get it right.

 

Kawasaki needs to step up and give us the bike that will actually compete with the rest of the class.

It already can.  It is as fast or faster, has a much better warranty.  Usually better price.  Better transmission than most.  Great dash, brake power, shaft system, wheels.  Has most all of the amenities one would expect.  Of course, it can always be better...

The power is okay but the suspension sucks, the linked brakes are the worst system going, the seat is rubbish and there is no cruize control.

Not sure most would agree that the suspension sucks.

Linked brakes are only a negative to some people, but they could EASILY make that controllable.  And they could do that now through software for $0.  And a software update could even improve all the existing C14's too.   I have no idea what was/is going through their minds.

At least there are a zillion aftermarket seats.  And I don't think the stock C14 is particularly worse than any other Kawasaki seat... maybe some other brands are a bit better.

Cruise control is sorely missing.  They should have added that back in 2010.  But, at least it can be added aftermarket.

Kawasaki needs to step up and give us the bike that will actually compete with the rest of the class.

The only bike that consistently gets better reviews in it's class is the BMW that is almost twice as expensive.

The power is okay but the suspension sucks, the linked brakes are the worst system going, the seat is rubbish and there is no cruize control.

Power is ok? It is faster than any other bike in it's class! I'd say that is ok. Or are you referring to the 6 cyl BMW that has more torque for twice the price?
Suspension is perfect for me (150lbs), and I've adjusted the rear brake pedal so there's no problem with the linked brake, the seat is fine also, and I've added electronic cruise for less than $200.

That being said. It really is a great bike and probably the best all around bike I've ever owned.

Seems odd that you have such negative comments on "the best all around bike I've ever owned"

Time and technology has just passed her by.

Really? Compared to what? Very few bikes have more technology for the price than the Connie.

For the price you can actually ride out the door, the Connie 14 is an amazing bike. You can always find one brand or another that does something better, but in the sport-touring world, the Connie 14 is certainly a world-class competitor.

Ecruise for $200.  What is this ecruise  you speak of?

I have a $3.50 Cat O-ring which does help.   I had an Audiovox ecruise on my old C10, it was awesome.