Dan, what were the deciding factors the led to the FJ instead of a C14?
I've never been attracted to the C14 for a number of reasons (small tank being one of them). The potato bazooka is another. Then, I have no use for anything like Kipass (which has stranded a lot of riders). TPMS is raising it's ugly head in expensive, sealed replacements when the batteries die.
I just never warmed up to it. I have always admired the Feejer and I had been thinking of going to a modern bike over the past couple of months or so. Then they came out with Candy Red for 2014 and it was all over.
It is on the truck in the crate on it's way to Lakeport as I type this. Setup Thursday or Friday and I should be able to pick it up on Saturday.
Dan
I've never been attracted to the C14 for a number of reasons (small tank being one of them). The potato bazooka is another. Then, I have no use for anything like Kipass (which has stranded a lot of riders). TPMS is raising it's ugly head in expensive, sealed replacements when the batteries die.
Well, the dealer called this afternoon and said the bike arrived and was nearly finished with prep. It will be ready for pickup tomorrow morning. My son is going to drive me over and will get here at 8:30 (it is about a 45 minute drive to the dealer).
My riding gear is in the truck and it's full of gas. Contract and cashiers check is in there too. Weather looks good (partly cloudy, mid 40s to mid 50s).
I'm stoked (to put it mildly). I took the day off tomorow and I have the weekend to get acquainted.
Dan
1. Small Tank : my 2012 C14 can cover 310 kms (over 200 miles) on one full tank of fuel. Thats about enough time as well for me (and the bike) to get a short break. I cannot imagine a civilised locale where you can't find a gas station within 200 miles. So , the size of the tank is a non-issue.
2. Potato Bazooka : the stock exhaust is , granted , ugly as heck. Easy to rectify though.
3. Kipass : my experience over many many days on the road touring with the C14 is that Kipass is fine , as long as you learn to do some simple things and get your SOP in order. Its no different from the majority of cars nowadays which come without any keys anymore. As for being stranded by Kipass , well yeah , you can sure strand yourself in many ways , but Kipass is usually operator error (eg , loosing the fob or letting the fob's batt to die).
4. TPMS : I ride alot on lonely bits of road and often at high speeds. TPMS is godsend and its constantly displayed on my dash. Many here have mentioned how they were able to get off the road safely before total deflation occurred. As for the TPMS's battery dying , to me that is part and parcel of the cost of ownership and the convenience of TPMS. Eg , timing belt changes with ducatis, valve work , etc. Its part and parcel of owning something that wears out as you enjoy the ride.
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That said , the new 2014 FJR with the electronic suspension , throttle by wire , cruise , traction control , abs , etc , really deserves a close look. Unfortunately , over here , we're used to cruising at very high speeds (ie , "cruising" for us starts at 100 mph and above). So , the lack of a 6th gear may just hold some back from taking on the FJR.
+4
I can actually ride +400 km on mine (+250 miles), and it doesn't have the neat eco mode of later models. But as you well put it, 200 miles is about the limit of my concentration level and I use the fuel stop to stretch, pee and drink some water. 15 minutes that can make a difference later on.
The bazooka rests in peace in my basement. It has been taken care of by a Remus Hexacone that doesn't cease to amaze me with its sound level and quality.
I don't care for KI-PASS, but it doesn't bother me either. The only thing that bothers me is that it would have been nice if Kawasaki use that money to put a CC instead.
TPMS: how did we survive that long without it?! Honestly, I love it. With time I learned to appreciate the difference in handling with 40 or 42 psi.
ESA: I miss that one. I'd love Kawa having it as an option and I'm willing to pay for it.