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

[maxtog]

The heat is an issue on a 90+ degree day.

That is more a 1st gen issue.  All C14's can be hot on a hot day, but so is any fully faired bike with large windshield.

In stock version, the ergos are a challenge, and the tires stink

And you just described every bike I have purchased (granted, all three have been Kawasakis)

[wroman]

 My 2012 (bought very late last fall--dealer made a good deal) has just turned 6108 miles. Like many have indicated the bike brake in will take 5-10K. As new this bike had to be the stiffest bike I have ever bought. And until I did a two day ride of 900 miles two weeks ago with the suspension preloads set real low I thought the bike would just beat me up until I got fed up and sold it.  Well as indicated the bike seems to be loosening up. I thought it may be me and I was getting used to it except I now am easily flat footing the bike at stops. I think the real culprit is the rear spring. I wonder how many riders sell before the bike brakes in?

[Barry]

First, if any C14 falls flat at 120mph, you need a tuneup pronto.

Second, I rode a buddy's C14 when he got it (2008 model) and  hated it.  He had cupped tires and his stem bearings were loose.  The bike felt horrible.  I thought it was a POS.

Ended up getting a 2008 myself, but my buddy had to tell me over and over how good the bike really was, and the feel I got was the tires and stem bearing adjustment.  I was skeptical. 

Then I think some guys just aren't comfy with a heavy bike.  And the C14 is heavey, and I noticed that a LOT when I first got it.  I don't notice it now, even at low speeds.  But I have a lot of time on the bike.

Barry

[twowheeladdict]

So far, I havn't kept a bike longer than 4 years.  A lot of guys don't keep a bike longer than 2 years, and some trade every riding season.  If you can only own one at a time and want to try many bikes you have to continually trade.  If you are a bargain hunter you can do it economically.

I think I have settled in on a pretty good stable of bikes for the riding I currently do, but if my distance riding dropped off I would probably sell the Connie. 

Personally, I like the forward lean of the stock connie, and prefer the '08 windshield over the '12 windshield.  Especially when it gets warm out.  The only time I raise the shield is when it is raining and I get the air to blow the rain off the faceshield without having to turn my head.

[FIX UR CRITTER]

Lots of excellent opinions.....

regarding; "i just noticed it because that is what I was looking for" is incorrect. I was actually looking for 3-4 possible models in addition to the c-14... there were more c-14's than anything but HD's

I had/have a Bandit 1250 that i was trying to make into a do it all bike - while it is a GREAT bike - it is a compromise..

I ended up with the connie for speed and comfort and an sv650 for track.. probably keep the bandit because I love her too much to let another a** on her..   

[Boomer]

Most commonly it is the "latest, biggest, fastest" obsession.
Now that the bike is 6 years old it's nowhere near the latest (Trophy), nor the biggest (K1600),  nor the fastest (I mean unmodified, before the turbo/PCV brigade get snitty with me  ).

I have never understood people who seem to change their bikes more often than their underwear.
I guess they have money to burn so I just hope it makes them happy.
I've ridden the K1600GT and have sat on the Trophy and neither of them are for me.
In fact, after 6 years I am just starting to get the C14 just how I like it.
Here's hoping it will be a long enjoyable relationship.

[gPink]

We don't get snitty. Snarky maybe but not snitty.

[JJFLASH]

I think the Connie is good.  I suspect some riders buy it and after a while find it hard to live with.  Look at the cda thread.  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.  The KiPass and ignition lock is another reason some may unload the Connie.  While nothing may have happened to them, all the postings and problems may encourage some to unload the Connie before facing being stranded or facing an expensive repair.  Finally, for some the linked brakes on the gen 2 gather a lot of complaints.

If you don't love it, these may be enough reason to want to move on to another sporttourer.

BTW, I don't think the # of used Connies on craigslist is exceptionally high.  They come and go.  Some weeks there are plenty locally, come weeks not so much. 

[blue14]

Recession?

[Shoe]

My guess is the owners don't like the Kawasaki version of linked brakes.

[FIX UR CRITTER]

The linked brakes is one of the things that kept me away from the newer models.. though the traction control and heat fix was definetly tempting...

now i'm a little paronoid about getting stranded with the kipass... will need to do some research on that one.



Prevent a litter, Fix UR Critter

[pistole]

- the bike is very intimidating , esp for new riders and returning riders.

- would imagine that many bit off more than they could chew when they belatedly realised that this is not a light , low seat height , runabout.

- with the weight , it also takes a determined and committed rider to learn how to get the best out of her. Not many new/returning riders are bothered to learn and acquire the skillset.

.

[Cuda]

I LOVE the Brakes

[BudCallaghan]

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

Recession?

I agree with just about all of the reasons given but I think that blue14 offered the most obvious reply.  However, I disagree with the word "recession" as the economy has been in the tank for so long that I am inclined to use the word "depression" instead. 

[VirginiaJim]

Most commonly it is the "latest, biggest, fastest" obsession.
Now that the bike is 6 years old it's nowhere near the latest (Trophy), nor the biggest (K1600),  nor the fastest (I mean unmodified, before the turbo/PCV brigade get snitty with me  ).

I have never understood people who seem to change their bikes more often than their underwear.
I guess they have money to burn so I just hope it makes them happy.
I've ridden the K1600GT and have sat on the Trophy and neither of them are for me.
In fact, after 6 years I am just starting to get the C14 just how I like it.
Here's hoping it will be a long enjoyable relationship.

+1

[twowheeladdict]

I have never understood people who seem to change their bikes more often than their underwear.

Unless you have tried many different bikes you wouldn't understand.  Every bike is different and there is no one perfect bike.  Trying different bikes is fun.

I also like to vacation in different places and ride different roads.  I want to visit as many states as I can.

I don't understand people who go to the same place for vacation every year, ride the same roads, and keep the same things for a long time.  The only thing I am attached to is my wife.  Anything else can come and go and I am always looking to try new things.

[reesedp]

   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 was at the end of July, and have never once looked back! 

[maxtog]

My guess is the owners don't like the Kawasaki version of linked brakes.

While I don't doubt it is a factor for some people, I suspect a very, very large majority out there don't care or don't care enough that it would be a big deal.

[maxtog]

- the bike is very intimidating , esp for new riders and returning riders.

Oooh- that is a good one I should have had on my list.  Of course, a new rider most certainly should not be on a C14... huge mistake.

[zx12-iowa]

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.