If you pulled up and there was a busa, Ducati, modded hog and bmw adventure bike with you on our concours, my guess is the c14 would get less interest than the rest. Nobody looks at a c14 and says I want that because its cool. They buy it As a compromise.  What's wrong with that?  I liked it so much for what I need that I bought a second one.  But not because its cool but because it fits MY needs the best.  Most don't use it for its intended design so they part ways with it.

I don't see it as compromise. It's what I looked for in a motorcyle. I rode the airhead BMW's for many years til the new models left me by being overly complex and over priced. Still have the beemers. Haven't ridden them since I bought the connie.

If you pulled up and there was a busa, Ducati, modded hog and bmw adventure bike with you on our concours, my guess is the c14 would get less interest than the rest.  Nobody looks at a c14 and says I want that because its cool. They buy it As a compromise.  What's wrong with that?  I liked it so much for what I need that I bought a second one.  But not because its cool but because it fits MY needs the best.  Most don't use it for its intended design so they part ways with it.

All sport /touring bikes are compromises. They are neither sport bikes nor touring bikes, but try to do both.  I certainly didn't buy a C-14 because it was less expensive than other bikes.  A few friends had them and highly recommended them, the MC press kept giving it awards, I didn't like the FJR, a Wing is tooooo big, there is no BMW dealer in Tallahassee, I thought of a Multi Strada, but wanted shaft drive when I'm on the road.

I vote for those who said that the buyers had dreams of the open road, took a few short trips, their desire was satisfied and now it's time to move on.

All sport /touring bikes are compromises. They are neither sport bikes nor touring bikes, but try to do both.  I certainly didn't buy a C-14 because it was less expensive than other bikes.  A few friends had them and highly recommended them, the MC press kept giving it awards, I didn't like the FJR, a Wing is tooooo big, there is no BMW dealer in Tallahassee, I thought of a Multi Strada, but wanted shaft drive when I'm on the road.

I vote for those who said that the buyers had dreams of the open road, took a few short trips, their desire was satisfied and now it's time to move on.

Agreed.

It's big, tall and heavy and there is a booming business in tip over protection.  I suspect some shorter riders find the Connie too tall and hard to handle. 

I agree with this sentiment.  I'm a skinny little runt (I like to think my muscle mass all went to my brain), and if it weren't for the fact that I have been riding since I was 9 (36 years), it would probably be a very intimidating bike to ride.  The steep steering rake on a super heavy bike means that if you grab a handful of front brake at parking lot speeds (especially with a passenger), you could get into trouble--let alone on gravel or uneven surfaces.  For me, the benefits of a sport touring bike outweigh that.  Also, I think peer pressure might have something to do with people trading in for something else (if indeed that is really happening).  You show up for a ride with some acquaintances and everyone is on a cruiser, you do get the cold shoulder with some people.

I agree with this sentiment.  I'm a skinny little runt (I like to think my muscle mass all went to my brain), and if it weren't for the fact that I have been riding since I was 9 (36 years), it would probably be a very intimidating bike to ride.  The steep steering rake on a super heavy bike means that if you grab a handful of front brake at parking lot speeds (especially with a passenger), you could get into trouble--let alone on gravel or uneven surfaces.  For me, the benefits of a sport touring bike outweigh that.

+1
I am a nothingness of 150lbs with a very short inseam and the C14 is a tremendous challenge.   I have to be extra super careful at slow speeds since there is no way to "man handle" the bike at all (unlike my previous ones).  But I wanted this type of bike (powerful, modern, sporty, storage, featureful, reliable, etc), it is just unfortunate it couldn't be lower and lighter.  I modded the best I could and had a lot of resolve, but many in the same situation would have given up.  That I have let it fall only once is amazing, and probably just a function of it not being ridden as much as I rode my previous bikes and that I am painfully careful.  It still might not be the best choice in my situation, but it is what I have now.

All bikes are compromises.

Fixed it for you, sport bikes, cruisers, touring etc. all have compromises.

Fixed it for you, sport bikes, cruisers, touring etc. all have compromises.

+1 !!!

Well I guess I should respond to this since my '09 is for sale. There are two main reasons I am selling. First, I have changed every ergonomic aspect that can be changed and still cannot get comfortable. Seats, bars, risers, shields you name it I have tried it. All of these changes were made during 16,000 miles of riding so I did give them a chance. My neck, shoulders, back, knees, and tingling hands are telling me it's time to let someone else have it.

Second, when I bought my bike back in '09 I was doing multiple long trips a year with other riding buddies. I bought the bike for all the things it offers for touring- storage, electric shield, shaft-drive, etc. Now due to friends loosing interest, the economy, and other various reasons my riding has dwindled down to commuting to work.

The Connie is a great bike but all I need is a commuter that gets me to work and back and can handle an occasional road trip. With that said if you guys know anyone looking for a connie in excellent shape send them my way. It's in the "for sale" section here and also on Craigslist.

+1
I am a nothingness of 150lbs with a very short inseam and the C14 is a tremendous challenge.   I have to be extra super careful at slow speeds since there is no way to "man handle" the bike at all (unlike my previous ones).  But I wanted this type of bike (powerful, modern, sporty, storage, featureful, reliable, etc), it is just unfortunate it couldn't be lower and lighter.  I modded the best I could and had a lot of resolve, but many in the same situation would have given up.  That I have let it fall only once is amazing, and probably just a function of it not being ridden as much as I rode my previous bikes and that I am painfully careful.  It still might not be the best choice in my situation, but it is what I have now.

If I were your size I would have stuck with my 1/2 concours I built out of a Ninja 650.  The power was everything i needed and I created a nice sport touring bike out of it.  But, alas it was physically too small for me.  Even with lowering blocks on the foot pegs, and 5 different handlebar configurations I would not go all day on it.  The Concours is overkill for me, but I wanted the size of the bike.  Of course I only ride in eco mode and only rev it once in a while on a lonely road.


Set up for full touring.

If I were your size I would have stuck with my 1/2 concours I built out of a Ninja 650.  The power was everything i needed and I created a nice sport touring bike out of it.  But, alas it was physically too small for me.  Even with lowering blocks on the foot pegs, and 5 different handlebar configurations I would not go all day on it.

But without at least an adjustable windshield and shaft drive, it just would not be what I was looking for.   Not to mention temp and tire sensors, extra instrumentation, hydraulic slipper clutch, etc.  And I can't deal with full "sport" seating/pegs/bars.

Much closer was my ZRX- but with carbs and chains and no fairings, it had to go.   Thank god carbs are dead, and I doubt I will ever own another chained bike.  "Chain" rhymes with "pain". 

I have to be extra super careful at slow speeds since there is no way to "man handle" the bike at all (unlike my previous ones)

100 % agree. This machine is big , tall , heavy at the top and heavy everywhere else too , and wide as well. And that weight needs a committed rider to exploit its potential. For the average rider , perhaps its too much of a bother to learn such a machine , better just to sell it and get something else.

- eg , the first time I straddled a Multistrada , was amazed at how light and narrow the machine was. Compared to the C14 , geez ....

- and compared to harleys , they may weigh as much or more than the C14 , but their weight is down low , combined with a low seat height , the bike becomes much more manageable.

- that said , on the upside : if you can ride a C14 well , you can probably ride anything out there without breaking a sweat ...

.

No unusually large glut of c14's on the market around here, that I've noticed. What there is seems to command about NADA average retail value.

I find my '09 to be a rewarding experience, now that we've been a half-dozen long trips into the relationship. The stock seat and winshield have served me well, and 8-10 hour days are not a hardship.

The handlebars could have a wee bit less grip angle for me, but have not felt the need to make any changes there.

Biggest challenge initially was to get the suspension slacked off enough for proper sag and rebound control, to keep from getting a pounding over rough city streets.

Any bike or type of riding takes a level of dedication, and guys fall out for any number of reasons, most personal I'd suspect.

Who knows why people do the things they do?

I am sure there are multitudes of reasons, as seen by some of the replies to your question. I would bet a good percentage move on to newer or other sport tourers that carve out carve out a different niche. Maybe some find themselves going two up more often, and want a ST with more passenger comfort, etc.

I will probably sell my c14 or add another bike soon. I want something with more comfort and better touring ability. I can do long days on my C14, but it takes a more physical/mental toll on me than say for example my K16 or R12RT did.

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

   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.

I bought the first one in Virginia, July 7, 2007, if it got totaled today, I'd buy another 08 in a heartbeat. No linked brakes, traction (restriction) control, heated anything probe warmers...etc.

When the bike was introduced, and I was COG Tech Editor, there was nothing known about the bike, and I delved into it to supply info, trouble was, they were practically bulletproof... it took 2 years to accumulate "problem/answer" data for folks.
At That Time, I wrote my feelings on the greatest problem with the C14, which was people buying it because they wanted the "cool" bike, and gave absolutly no regard the bike physically did NOT fit thier body, they began trying to make it fit, but guess what, they couldn't... and then it was for sale.

if you sit on a bike, or test ride it, and have to immediatly start thinking about what you HAVE TO change to be comfortable on it....DON'T BUY THE BIKE... you will probably never get it the way YOU want it... plain and simple, either it fits or it doesn't....
Mine fit me fine.

So does mine.......after all my mods.

The problem with just sitting on it is that it doesn't give you how it's going to ride.  Most dealers don't allow test rides as such so it's damnibly difficult to find out that it won't fit you until after it's bought.  With that being said, I fell in love with mine at first sight and don't regret it at all....even with all the mods.

if you sit on a bike, or test ride it, and have to immediatly start thinking about what you HAVE TO change to be comfortable on it....DON'T BUY THE BIKE... you will probably never get it the way YOU want it... plain and simple, either it fits or it doesn't....

Unfortunately, this implies there is something else that fits better that also meets all the other criteria the customer wants.  Sure, you can start dropping things of your list, but at some point (like what happened with me) there were just no other choices left that were any better.

All bikes are a compromise.  Usually the purchase decision is too.  And if you can make some mods to make it fit better, that is a great thing.  What would be BETTER would be for manufacturers to realize that a lot of their potential customers are not 5'11" with a 35 inseam, 200 pounds, and long arms, and build more adjustability into their models.

I have to hand it to you Max , If I was your size I would not be a owner of this bike
You GOT to LOVE IT
I'm 5' 11" 200 lb.in shape and I won't ride it with out boots on.
She is a BIG girl.

I have to hand it to you Max , If I was your size I would not be a owner of this bike
You GOT to LOVE IT

I do like it.... most of the time.

I'm 5' 11" 200 lb.in shape and I won't ride it with out boots on.

I'm 5'7", ~27" inseam, ~150 lb (not in shape, unfortunately... but on a diet and working on it now), and would never ride without my "platform" (somewhat raised) boots.

She is a BIG girl.

Yep, even when lowered and a lower seat, handlebar risers and wedges.  The mass is still there.  I am a glutton for punishment....  "Hurt me baby"

Unfortunately, this implies there is something else that fits better that also meets all the other criteria the customer wants.  Sure, you can start dropping things of your list, but at some point (like what happened with me) there were just no other choices left that were any better.

All bikes are a compromise.  Usually the purchase decision is too.  And if you can make some mods to make it fit better, that is a great thing.  What would be BETTER would be for manufacturers to realize that a lot of their potential customers are not 5'11" with a 35 inseam, 200 pounds, and long arms, and build more adjustability into their models.

I took a serious look at the Triumph Tiger Explorer.  I like everything about it except the triumph luggage.  Then I sat on a Super Tenere and knew right away that the Tenere fit me better.  So, when I am done with the Versys, the Tenere will most likely replace it.  Unless some new model comes out by then that has me taking notice.

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

I personally think the C14 is "cool"!

I agree Max.

The look of the C-14 was what initially got my attention.  I think it is a cool looking bike too.