Moving to a c14 from a gl1800

[Dan Forker]

I have been riding GL1800 since they came out and before that multiple GL's and some Yamaha Ventures with a brief run with a BMW R1200RT. Loved the BMW but slid it off the side of a hill in Arkansas so I went back to a GL1800. I got so used to the lighter BMW that I don't enjoy trying to horse the weight of the Honda around when riding aggressively. I'd go back to a BMW but the service cost and needs of that bike veto that choice.  A Kawa dealer friend of mine offered me an unbelievable trade to a 2012 Concours. I was ready to go until I sat on the Concours. I am 6'2" with long legs and my knees are in my lap and the lean forward to the bars seemed uncomfortable.
So for you that have made this switch or have both what do you suggest. I know that we have several members that either switched or ride both(Fred Harmon comes to mind) I know that there are bar risers and peg lowering kits but do they help enough and what's your opinions on the best of each. Help!

Fork

[Rhino]

Welcome Dan! I switched from a Valkyrie (GL 1500 C) to the C14. I'm 6' nothing but have a long torso and also found the reach to the bars a little uncomfortable. I messed around for 2 years with risers including some homemade blocks that move the bars back about 1 1/4 inches. But eventually bit the bullet and went with Helibars Horizon ST bars. Expensive but completely changed the bike for me. VERY comfy now.

[maxtog]

If you are coming from a Goldwing, slap the Helibars Horizon ST's on your Concours and you will be very happy.  Also, since you have long legs, there are peg lowering kits available.  I also recommend the Canyon Carvers crash bars.  Just search the site for the info you require

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=search2

[Broz]

I am 6'2" and as much as I would like to have more leg room I would not lower the pegs. If you plan on riding it like it was meant to be ridden you will be dragging. The Corbin seat helped push me back from the tank and the Horizon St from Helibars make the ergonomics a great fit for me.

[twowheeladdict]

My advise is to find a bike that fits you and buy it.  You can buy a lot of gas, oil, and tires with what you end up spending modifying a bike to make it fit you better.  There are more upright ST bikes out there if you think the Concours is too aggressive for you.  Good Luck.

[shreveportSS]

I am 6'2" with 34" inseam and felt quite cramped. I tried the lowering pegs but the toes would hit the ground too easy so i took them off. But, You can do like i did, and have Corbin build a seat that is 1 1/2 inched higher. Leg problem solved. Everyone that sits on it really likes it.

[MAN OF BLUES]

So for you that have made this switch or have both what do you suggest. I know that we have several members that either switched or ride both(Fred Harmon comes to mind)

heheheheh
 sorry, Who is Fred Harmon?


just joking.... might want to go over on the COG site if you feel he needs some more head swelling.... he surely doesn't live here anymore....

[stevewfl]

heheheheh
 sorry, Who is Fred Harmon?


just joking.... might want to go over on the COG site if you feel he needs some more head swelling.... he surely doesn't live here anymore....

^^^^^^^good post!  OP welcome to the forum!

Dark cloud atmosphere over at "the other forum"  to ask such a question

[maxtog]

I am 6'2" with 34" inseam and felt quite cramped. I tried the lowering pegs but the toes would hit the ground too easy so i took them off. But, You can do like i did, and have Corbin build a seat that is 1 1/2 inched higher. Leg problem solved. Everyone that sits on it really likes it.

OK, you KNOW that I wouldn't like it

That is a good idea, though, for people with crazy long legs.

[ZG]

heheheheh
 sorry, Who is Fred Harmon?


just joking.... might want to go over on the COG site if you feel he needs some more head swelling.... he surely doesn't live here anymore....

 
 

[TallyRex]

Have you tried an ST1300?  Very comfy, not as sporty as a C-14, yet more sporty than a GW

[VirginiaJim]

shudder...

[maxtog]

shudder...

+1

[CADMAN97]

Have you tried an ST1300?  Very comfy, not as sporty as a C-14, yet more sporty than a GW

.......

[stevewfl]

Have you tried an ST1300?  Very comfy, not as sporty as a C-14, yet more sporty than a GW

...and its a HONDA

I must digress.....      Kawi for me nowadays 

[Spanky]

In my opinion you will never make a C-14 as comfortable as a Goldwing and a Goldwing will never perform like a C-14. Depends on what you are looking for. My buddy had a wing and now owns an 11 C-14. New shield, seat, and risers and he is very happy with the 14. His reason for changing was he was bored with the wing and the 14 has more kick to it. Perhaps you can locate someone close to you and sit on a 14 with the seat and riser mods and see if you like it. Good luck.

[556ALPHA]

I sorta agree with the comfort philosophy.  However, I spent a lot of money to get my C14 the way I want it for the comfort a Wing comes almost stock.  I did modify my Wing by adding MBL risers and used the $20.00 Walmart seat cushion for added comfort so regardless things sometimes need adjusting for individual body types.  I am just as comfortable on the C14 as I was on the Wing.
 
Estimated Costs
Windshield-200
Heli Horizons-700 but I got a used set
Custom Seat Mod-350
Ronnies Pegs-300

[Z71]

OK, you KNOW that I wouldn't like it

Why, isn't it high enough for you?

[sherob]

I went from a 06 GL1800 to a 09 C14.  At your height, you'll need a higher seat... risers... and shield.  You might want to just spring for a Russell Daylong if seats of LD comfort are your preference.  That would give you a couple inches lift, and the best comfort.

[maxtog]

I sorta agree with the comfort philosophy.  However, I spent a lot of money to get my C14 the way I want it for the comfort a Wing comes almost stock.

Yeah, but you are also comparing a $15,000 bike to a $24,000 bike

You can add a lota stuff on a Concours for $9,000