Hi, just joined the site and looking forward to learning some things about the concours 14.
A little bit about me,.....i'm in my early 30s and married with kids. I've owned about 12 bikes in the last 10 years. 8 jap sport bikes and 4 metric cruisers.
I currently own a custom yamaha roadstar bagger, built by me, and about 2 weeks ago bought an 08 C14 with 13k miles, shad sh46 top case, nuvi 550 GPS, and throttle lock bar ends. I've been searching for the right touring bike and the connie seemed to fit me the best, especially since I owned an 07 zx14 a few years back that i absolutely loved.
A few questions:
1) Best exhaust for the buck, im looking for more sound around town and quiet while crusing in high gear
2) best tires with a combo of grip, wet riding, and longevity
3) a better windshield
4) bmc or k&n air filter
5) oil, filter, gear oil, and spark plugs
6) Anyone doing a custom sound system for the connie? Before my bagger never wanted or needed one but i've definitely grown to enjoy it for sure.
7) what should a newbie know about a connie?
Look forward to the replies and very much appreciate the feedback and knowledge. Thanks a bunch.
Grant
Welcome Grant, looks like the bike is in great shape. From my experience, and 50k trouble free miles with "Black Bear", I can recommend the Vance and Hines CS-One exhaust, Michelin PR tires with a 55 rear profile, a Seth Laam leather seat, along with a Cee Bailey windshield. Nuff said. Enjoy.
A few questions:
1) Best exhaust for the buck, im looking for more sound around town and quiet while crusing in high gear
2) best tires with a combo of grip, wet riding, and longevity
3) a better windshield
4) bmc or k&n air filter
5) oil, filter, gear oil, and spark plugs
6) Anyone doing a custom sound system for the connie? Before my bagger never wanted or needed one but i've definitely grown to enjoy it for sure.
7) what should a newbie know about a connie?
7) what should a newbie know about a connie?
Most of your questions will have subjective answers. Windshields and seats especially, and of course I'm not going to go near the oil question. With your experience with bikes you know were that will lead to.
However, reference question #7, I think that the number one thing to know about a C14, for a C14 newb, is never lose both fobs. If you lose one, immediately start looking everywhere for it, or get it replaced. Why?.., because if at that point you then lose the other one you are $crewed for at least a new fob and ECU. When you go on a long trip make sure you have a good system for fob control that minimizes fob handling and misplacement and stick to it. I recommend a brightly colored lanyard and a deep pocket.
Just as an extra tip: If you read the owner's manual and refer to it when ever you have a question that doesn't involve farkles, you'll most likely know more than 50% of the folks on either forum. True the O. M. isn't the final answer on everything, such as spark plug replacement intervals (have them checked at valve adjustment/check time and then replaced at the next valve adjust.) as 7500 miles replacement is just silly.
Most of your questions will have subjective answers. Windshields and seats especially, and of course I'm not going to go near the oil question. With your experience with bikes you know were that will lead to.
However, reference question #7, I think that the number one thing to know about a C14, for a C14 newb, is never lose both fobs. If you lose one, immediately start looking everywhere for it, or get it replaced. Why?.., because if at that point you then lose the other one you are $crewed for at least a new fob and ECU. When you go on a long trip make sure you have a good system for fob control that minimizes fob handling and misplacement and stick to it. I recommend a brightly colored lanyard and a deep pocket.
Just as an extra tip: If you read the owner's manual and refer to it when ever you have a question that doesn't involve farkles, you'll most likely know more than 50% of the folks on either forum. True the O. M. isn't the final answer on everything, such as spark plug replacement intervals (have them checked at valve adjustment/check time and then replaced at the next valve adjust.) as 7500 miles replacement is just silly.
...one thing i have yet to see is a decent sound system on a C14, come on somebody has to have some good pics of a great system!!!I actually know of a guy, also in Louisiana, that has a sound system on an'08 C14. His speakers (only 2 IIRC) are up front in the top panels, and the amp is in the left saddlebag. He purchased it used that way.
I actually know of a guy, also in Louisiana, that has a sound system on an'08 C14. His speakers (only 2 IIRC) are up front in the top panels, and the amp is in the left saddlebag. He purchased it used that way.
It's the only one I've seen on a C14 so I don't know if it qualifies as decent or great. I'll see what I can find out and get back here on it. I go with ear buds as I have a noisy helmet so I'm no help to you there.
Yea ive definitely been looking at the cee Bailey screen and the calsci also. I've read good things about both,of would really like to check them both out before I bought one.
Ive had v&h exhaust on a couple other bikes and they sound great. Im assuming you can only get a slip on? Will a better less clunky header fit with it?
I'm not sure about Vance & Hines headers- you'll have to call them re. that. You won't believe how much ugly weight is removed when you replace the bazooka muffler.
Lol i think i can believe it. Had real nice muzzy slip ons on my zx14, I've never seen a rocket launcher as big as the one on the connie lol