Why do you think there are soo many newer used connies for sale

[FIX UR CRITTER]

Howdy all

I just bought another 2008 c-14 ( i had a 2008 previously)

would have liked a newer model, but decided to keep my other bikes instead - and I could not walk away from the low price.

I have owned more than 25 bikes and the C14 is in the top 2 for sure.

While searching for my new (used) 14, it seemed that there were tons of 08's-11's, i was surprised at how many just in my local area alone. I usually have to travel to find a new bike - not this one.  Why do you think so many people are parting ways with such a great bike with low miles etc...

I understand there are a couple of things about the 08-09's that bother people- but i thought those issues were addressed by Kawasaki pretty quickly ( heat, mirrors, shield).. with the 10's +

opinions appreciated

[VirginiaJim]

    I bought mine in Aug of 2007 and I love it.  If something happened to it I would buy a 10+ model for the OEM upgrades.

[gPink]

Maybe they couldn't get the critter fixed to their liking.

[wipfel]

Big sport tourers are a niche market.  I would guess some folks get one to try it out and realize they prefer a lighter sportier bike or something?

[VirginiaJim]

That's a good point, Gary,  as most of us have spend considerable money on farkelization (if that's what you are talking about).  If you like the basic bike then it's up to you to make it your own.  But in buying a used bike you get more bang for the buck as most sell with the farkles installed.  I would probably go used in buying another one.

Another point would be the **** poor dealer network that runs the gamut from stellar to  .

[gPink]

Seat and windshield are easy changes on any bike. If I wasn't able to get the handlebars to my liking I might not have kept the connie.

[So Cal Joe]

Maybe they couldn't get the critter fixed to their liking.

That's why I sold mine. After 5 different seats, different windshields and bar raisers I still couldn't get comfortable on it.

[PH14]

Outstanding first post. 

[VirginiaJim]

 

[Cuda]

Stupid people do STUPID things

[maxtog]

While searching for my new (used) 14, it seemed that there were tons of 08's-11's, i was surprised at how many just in my local area alone. I usually have to travel to find a new bike - not this one.  Why do you think so many people are parting ways with such a great bike with low miles etc...

I agree with wipfel.  I think the primary reason is that it is the C14 is a sports touring bike which is a niche market and many people are fickle.

* It is an expensive bike- I think some get over their head and sell it to get rid of the payment.

* Some people buy the C14 later in life to renew the good ol' days and end up not riding much and end up selling it.  Some might even lose their nerve and parting with all bikes.  Others get "hurt" and can no longer ride (like back problems or arm/hand/knee/neck issues or dizziness or whatever).

* Some people buy it for touring and end up wanting something even bigger- like the K16 or a Goldwing and sell it.

* Some people buy it for less-than-touring and end up wanting something smaller/lighter.

There are lots of possible reasons.  I think it is rarely about the bike itself not performing well or being comfortable.  It is certainly not due to lack of reliability.  And it is probably not because they could get a better deal on some other sports tourer- it is hard or impossible to beat the C14 on value.

[Cuda]

Some people buy it for touring and end up wanting something even bigger-

Yeah Max bigger    like a Conversion Van

[Gsun]

I bet if you were looking for another type of bike, you would say the same thing. It's just now you are paying attention to the C-14 sales.

[zx12-iowa]

It's not a cool bike but a purpose built bike for sporty  long distance rides. People like the idea of it but don't use it the way they thought they would.

Me, I've had cool, 3 busas, zx12, zx11, zx10, gscr750 yadda. But I don't go 160 anymore while scraping pegs and done the 200 (ok almost at GPS 195) thing.  Drag raced... But I'm passed that stage and the c14 is plenty fast thru 3rd gear before she falls flat at 120ish. 

[gPink]

It's not a cool bike but a purpose built bike for sporty  long distance rides. People like the idea of it but don't use it the way they thought they would.

Me, I've had cool, 3 busas, zx12, zx11, zx10, gscr750 yadda. But I don't go 160 anymore while scraping pegs and done the 200 (ok almost at GPS 195) thing.  Drag raced... But I'm passed that stage and the c14 is plenty fast thru 3rd gear before she falls flat at 120ish.

Our respective definitions of 'falls flat' must differ somewhat.

[Pokey]

It's not a cool bike but a purpose built bike for sporty  long distance rides. People like the idea of it but don't use it the way they thought they would.

Me, I've had cool, 3 busas, zx12, zx11, zx10, gscr750 yadda. But I don't go 160 anymore while scraping pegs and done the 200 (ok almost at GPS 195) thing.  Drag raced... But I'm passed that stage and the c14 is plenty fast thru 3rd gear before she falls flat at 120ish.

Huh? 

[VirginiaJim]

Ditto.

[daveyboy]

I looked for a couple of months for a used one, and nothing came up locally, so I bought a new one.

Of course, shortly after I bought a new one, the used ones for sale came out of the woodwork.

Oh well, if we all only bought things used, there'd be fewer jobs and we'd have as much new stuff as Cuba... that's my excuse!

[sycamoredave]

Connie is a big bike, a bit top heavy, and needing a firm hand.  The heat is an issue on a 90+ degree day.  In stock version, the ergos are a challenge, and the tires stink.  Many folks never get past the first impression to find the real gem that dwells within.  A lot of theses bikes have low miles, so the OO never really gets past that first impression.  To each their own, but I do understand why a lot of folks don't keep them very long.

Let's face it.  This bike is not for everyone.  If you have a Gold Wing (barcolounger) mentality, the C14 will feel spartan.  If you are looking for a sport bike, it will feel pretty bulky.  If you are a cruiser, your knees will scream.  If you are used to a smaller bike, the C14 will feel like a whale.  Despite it being the lowest cost bike in it's class, it is still a pretty big investment.  Buyer remorse can hit pretty quickly when the weather turns foul and the payments still have to get paid.  There is usually a gap between the advertised bike and the real thing.

I bought my '08 used with only 2500 miles on it for a pretty reasonable price, so remorse has never set in (well bought is twice the fun).  At first I really wondered if this was going to work out.  After some research (much thanks to the folks here!), with sufficient farkelization, better brakes, and real tires (PR3s), it works pretty well.  After 22K miles I have to admit that I like it, and look forward to every ride.  Now, if we could just figure out how to get rid of KIPASS ... 

Ride safe ... 
Dave

'08 C14
'09 KLR 650
'03 Triumph Speedmaster
'91 Honda NH 750

[maxtog]

It's not a cool bike but a purpose built bike for sporty  long distance rides.

Our respective definitions of 'cool bike' must differ somewhat. 

I personally think the C14 is "cool"!