eng943-
The FJR (2013) seemed stiff as a British Butler to me. It's by no means bad, but there was that the "lash" as I call it from the shaft drive. My RT's both looked like supertankers, but were deceivingly nimble, and I never felt any sort of lash.
The Concours seems more RTish to me as far as comfort goes, but leaves we wondering about the long day comfort, Kipass, brakes,and fuel range. I know I could not have rode my FJR all day. as I put 480 on it, and that about killed me.
eng943-
The FJR (2013) seemed stiff as a British Butler to me. It's by no means bad, but there was that the "lash" as I call it from the shaft drive. My RT's both looked like supertankers, but were deceivingly nimble, and I never felt any sort of lash.
The Concours seems more RTish to me as far as comfort goes, but leaves we wondering about the long day comfort, Kipass, brakes,and fuel range. I know I could not have rode my FJR all day. as I put 480 on it, and that about killed me.
Well, if you have actually done it then I guess it is possible. Still though, 800 miles in just one day is impressive- my hat is off to you sir!
Brian
I think I have heard of that- isn't it named the Iren Butte or something similar? Impressive riding to be sure but remember, even the toughest folks in that rally sleep a little the very first day, and then they sleep some more on second and all the other days of the ride as well. Makes me wonder how far they could really go in a day, especially if they had part of an elk carcass egging them on.... (just because the voices are not real does not mean that they do not have some GREAT ideas).What were they saying?
Brian
With the aftermarket support being what it is for the C14, I think anyone can make the C14 work to meet their expectations.
I haven't read all the posts. This may help someone.
2013 Sport-Touring Shootout 1.0
I have owned RT's also, so I can appreciate your concern for long distance comfort with the C14.
I have a heated Baldwin seat, Aeroflow extra large windshield, Project D hand wings, Gen Mar risers with Phil wedges. I think my C14 is really comfortable now, and have done some long days in the saddle without complaint. With the aftermarket support being what it is for the C14, I think anyone can make the C14 work to meet their expectations. As far as wind protection, I have mine dialed in pretty well, or about as good as it can get. It's not as good as the RT in wind protection, but it is very comperable to my K13GT with Aeroflow if that helps.
As for fuel range...not much you can do there. My C14 is done around 200 miles. It's a manageable inconvenience for me.
The linked brakes on the C14 take some getting used to. Some here are less bothered by them than others. Hard to say where you would fall into that scenario. The issue mainly is that when applying rear brake there is a point at which the system dials in some abruptness of front brake, which adds some front end dive. Now, coming from a BMW, front end dive is something you will have to adjust to, as I have. Frankly, I prefer the duo/telelever front ends for the lack of dive, and great stability, but here again, I have adapted.
Kipass is not my favorite concept, but it has not been a problem so far. Generally, I think you can hedge your bets by carrying a couple spare fob batteries on the bike just in case a fob battery goes south while you are on the road. A little diligence about changing the batteries every year probably helps too.
Like I said, I thought the FJR was nice, but I think the C14 with an electronic cruise (that works past 80) is the better choice. I would not worry too much about a new and improved C14 spoiling resale, etc.
Hope this helps.
Kipass is not my favorite concept, but it has not been a problem so far. Generally, I think you can hedge your bets by carrying a couple spare fob batteries on the bike just in case a fob battery goes south while you are on the road. A little diligence about changing the batteries every year probably helps too.
Having worked on both and ridden both. I'd go with the Kawasaki.
Given your last post about which, new or used....I always go new and know exactly how every mile was ridden.
I wouldn't overlook the Ninja 1000 either. Very comfortable and with the bags (albeit a bit small) more than capable as a sport tourer. PLus you can find them under 10k
What were they saying?
I looked up the mods you did, and I would agree they would be a must for me.
In the video posted by shoe, the are not exactly raving about the Concours. I have been searching for a while and it seems that I am down to 2 concours choices. a local 2009 that is mint and well farkeled with exhaust and power commander for $9500 or a new 12' for around $13500. Do I want the older for the non linked brakes (and cheaper) or the newer more expensive for ktrc ect?
....but what about a used K13gt? Cruise control, esa, etc.