I have a ZX14 seat and it fits my '09 C14 perfectly. The two hooks in the middle of the C14 seat are superfluous and the ZX14 seat proves it. No swapping of any parts is necessary as the two different models share what is essentially the same frame and engine. I sold my stock seat after having Spencer in Florida modify it. It was barely an improvement over the stock item. I replaced it with a Sargent seat. I've never been thrilled with its comfort level but it is good looking. I recently sat on a C14 with a seat from Seth Laam and was instantly sold on the quality of his work and the comfort the seat provides. Rather than have him modify my Sargent seat as I plan to sell it when I have his seat in place I decided to find a stock seat for him to build on. I didn't find a stock seat with a reasonable price but I did find a new and unused ZX14 seat on EBAY for the very low price of $75 delivered. I bought it and will be riding down to Redding, California in a week to have Mr. Laam work his magic on the ZX14 seat. After seeing and sitting on Laam's creation I sent him an email to ask if he could use the ZX14 seat instead of a C14 seat and work from that base. The next morning he called me on the phone and assured me that it would be no problem and during the course of the conversation I asked him if it would be better for me to actually bring the bike to him rather than sending the seat along with pictures and written desires. He agreed that this would be far more preferable as it would make his job easier and guarantee a perfect fit that takes into consideration my size, weight, normal seating position and whatever the hell else suits my fancy. During the course of our 20 minute conversation it occurred to me that Seth is a hell of a guy as well as a very good craftsman. After I have had the seat long enough to be able to give an informative appraisal of its performance and appearance I will post an account of my experience and an evaluation of the result.
As for the question of seat height and comfort when using a ZX14 seat on the Concours. It's just as far from the ground as the stock seat but has a more rounded profile. I bit like sitting on a 2x6 in comparison to sitting on a 2x8. Neither is comfortable but the 2x6 will rub you wrong quicker than the 2x8. I suggest you give Seth Laam a call and explain you proposed project to him and perhaps the two of you can hatch a hot plan that will get the ball rolling.
I have a LAAM seat that just really isn't working for me. It's comfortable for a few minutes (so I really liked it when I FIRST got it). But on long trips it makes me numb and I end up squirming around. Gonna be up for sale as soon as my stock replacement comes in the mail.
Being a prospective customer, that's not the best news I've heard today. Laam's reputation includes being willing to make whatever modifications are necessary to accommodate individual customers' various need. Have you tried calling him to see if there's anything he can do to give your seat longer lasting comfort? You're in Medford and that's not very far from his Redding location. You could make an appointment and easily ride there for an in person evaluation of the possibilities.
It's a bit of a shame that Kawasaki and other manufacturer's can't make their seats right in the first place. It seems that this most important part is a mere afterthought that is anything but a well thought out design of a most important component. Same goes for the handlebars.
I drive to Redding several times per year (have to get my In-N-Out fix) so if he'd be willing to meet with me to discuss options, that would be great. Of course I'm usually there on the weekends, so I wonder if that could be an issue?Give him a call, he's a very friendly and accommodating person. I don't think a weekend is out of the question. When he called me in answer to my email I proposed the question of riding to his shop with seat in tow or sending it via UPS with instructions, he stated that bringing it in person would be preferable. He then asked me if a weekday or a weekend would be best for me. I told him it didn't matter as I'm retired. He then said that a weekday would be best as most of his customers worked and were free only on weekends so it was best for him to save the weekends for those individuals. This is certainly an indication that you can call him to make an appointment for a weekend. Your In-N-Out fix and all other fast food fixes should be reconsidered or you won't last as long as I already have. This is advice I give to my grandchildren who are all older than you are.
No swapping of any parts is necessary as the two different models share what is essentially the same frame and engine.
Well it turns out that the sub frame is quite different between the ZX14 and the C14. I'm going to try and make something work so I can attach the ZX14 center seat lock but I have doubts at first glance. It appears that sub frame removal and welding needs to be done and that's not going to happen to my C14. Id rather buy a Corbin 2 piece seat. I'll get back here with the my final results. The answers to my original post questions are: (1) Yes (2) Maybe yes, probably smooth. (3) Seems unlikely to be minimal fabrication unless I come up with something brilliant (doubtful).