I picked up my new C14 today after selling my RT to a friend. I really had not planned on selling my RT until a freind of mine had a need to replace his RT and could not find one to his liking. Anyway, I had debated a C14 purchase a while back, and thought I'd give it a try.
I need to spend some more time on the C14 before I can make any firm declarations, but suffice it to say the RT and C14 are vastly different bikes. The RT is much more upright in it's seating position, has much better wind protection, and is loaded with features and equipment. Nicer build quality and hardware, etc, but you expect that when you step up in price.
The first thing I noticed after pulling away from the dealer is how much less fairing and windshield there is, and the more aggressive riding position. The engine seems nice and smooth, and I'm sure there is plenty of power if the RPMS are spun up, but it is new so I took it relatively easy.
Time will tell how me and the C14 get along. The RT was like a comfy pair of old jeans, so I need time to adjust. I ordered bar risers as soon as I got home, and a Cee Bailey Ultra Tour will be next. Overall, there is no disputing the C14 is a great value.
And as you have seen there are fixes for what ails you "and still much cheaper than a BMW", and can't say I agree with the better build quality of the BMW. And why wait to spin up those RPM's, the engine is ready to go because there is no break in period. BMW's are not worth the price at all IMHO, especially when I would be worrying about when and where I would be breaking down next. Hope you get to liking it, if not I am sure you can trade it in for another Beemer.
Will BMW give you a 9 year, unlimited mileage warranty?
You can purchase an extended warranty, yes. How long, etc, I do not know.
Listen, let's not make this a battle of virtues between brands okay. Buy what you like, and if liking the past 6 BMW's is a crime around here, please advise. I also liked my ST1300, VStrom, and Vmax. So there's three other brands we can pin a bullseye on as well. I hate brand snobbery period.
You can purchase an extended warranty, yes. How long, etc, I do not know.
Listen, let's not make this a battle of virtues between brands okay. Buy what you like, and if liking the past 6 BMW's is a crime around here, please advise. I also liked my ST1300, VStrom, and Vmax. So there's three other brands we can pin a bullseye on as well. I hate brand snobbery period.
Unlike all those other lesser bikes/brands we have KIPASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Some of us saw the chance to buy the limited edition, vastly quicker, much easier to clean Silverdammit. Between the color and KIPASS there will never be another bike that can approach the awesomeness of the '08. Besides, we spend less time washing and more time riding
True....09 introduced that hideous black abomination.
Looks like the truth hurts
sorry if I steer this very interesting discussion about silverdammit C14s back to the OP (refer to my signature for a taste of my opinion about it), but I too came from an RT when buying the Concours, and I agree that they are completely different bikes. One is a comfortable, well built bike with nice features, with an engine with the charm of mad cow decease. The other one is a sportier proposition, with way more power and smoothness. It's almost as well built and costs way more, even after farkling it up to RT levels.
I say "almost as well built" because of the nasty habit of Japanese bikes of piling panel on panel on panel, while BMWs try always to fix their panels to solid frame mounting, which makes them somehow easier to pop out and give a more solid feeling, IMO.