2014 C-14's: It's 2009 All Over Again!

[Tarheelbob]

It looks like we are in a holding pattern for another year, at least. No cruise, no changes to speak of. But, if you liked 2009's color choices of Red and Black, this is your year.

The only thing that caught my eye was "Second Generation K-ACT". Is this a tweak improving the linked brake feel and distribution, or is this what they have been calling the linked brakes all-along?

[PH14]

The best tweak they could do for the linked brakes is to get rid of them.

[maxtog]

The best tweak they could do for the linked brakes is to get rid of them.

I would much rather have cruise control.  However, they could "fix" the linked brakes with a simple firmware change that would require zero hardware changes.  And that fix could also be available for application to all existing 2010+ bikes.  Personally, I don't care, I almost never use the rear brakes, but I know it is an issue for some people (probably a small minority, however).

I didn't expect any small changes in the 2014 model, you shouldn't either.  The next change will probably be major like bodywork, throttle by wire, cruise control, lighting changes, maybe even engine change to something closer to the ZX14.  Look to historical patterns of upgrade cycles on the Concours for examples; this model is conservative (and that is good, because it means more mindshare and more/better 3rd party support).  They don't refresh the Concours except after many years (the 1st/2nd gen changes were significant but not a refresh/redesign).

[VirginiaJim]

I'm fine with my 08 and it's non-linked brakes.  Per Kawasaki, non-linked to provide more fun...  They must have fired that engineer and hired new less fun guys for the '10s on up.....  They also slowed the bike down.

[AZBob]

Well, at least the price didn't go up. And now it matches my helmet.

[motocopter]

I'm not sure the throttle-by-wire is going to be all that.  All we need is to turn this tube to blur the scenery. The wired throttle on the Triumph seems to increase in return spring rate the more it is twisted. My cable throttle seems to be a constant rate. Anyone else?

[maxtog]

I'm not sure the throttle-by-wire is going to be all that.

Never said it would be- just that it is inevitable.   It means elimination of the secondary butterflies, easy ability for them to map throttle response, easier traction control, very easy cruise control, less weight, and less expense.

If done properly, it can be a huge plus (think user adjustable response... no need for throttle tamers, etc).  But if done poorly, it would be like having permanent secondary flies that can't be adjusted nor removed.

[motocopter]

Didn't intend to direct anything specifically at ya maxtog, or anyone else.  I only recalled that strange feeling throttle on the Triumph - sort of felt like one of those e-scooters. No doubt it will happen, and it would most likely be a cost-driven decision for Kawasaki.

Guys, have a good one.

[ZG]

I'm fine with my 08 the 08/09 and it's non-linked brakes.  Per Kawasaki, non-linked to provide more fun...  They must have fired that engineer and hired new less fun guys for the '10s on up.....  They also slowed the bike down.

 

[VirginiaJim]

You are on the verge of Twitness, ZG.

[ZG]

You are on the verge of Twitness, ZG.

 

[stevewfl]

Kawi could sell me on one of these, but the pow-ah of KiPass keeps my '10 flawless and I see no reason to trade

[VirginiaJim]

+1 but with my 08.

[pistole]

- the future really looks like more and more electronics. Maybe good , maybe bad. But at least its Japanese electronics and not german/italian electronics.

.

[Pilgrim]

I wonder if they figured out/fixed the 'FI Error' code yet? 



It popped up on mine last weekend while I was moving up the highway at a good clip. 
It gives you that pucker feeling for a few minutes.  Not reassuring at all.

[PlaynInPeoria]

The best tweak they could do for the linked brakes is to get rid of them.

I did it myself.  BEST.MOD.EVER. It has increased my enjoyment of the bike immensely, made an amazing difference, night and day?   I can now exploit the potential of the handling, power and brakes, all in MY control, not some boneheaded wonk who prolly never rode in his life.

[Shoe]

I did it myself.  BEST.MOD.EVER. It has increased my enjoyment of the bike immensely, made an amazing difference, night and day?   I can now exploit the potential of the handling, power and brakes, all in MY control, not some boneheaded wonk who prolly never rode in his life.

In 25 words or less, could give us a hint about how you did it?

[VirginiaJim]

Wasn't there a write up of sorts about this?

[PH14]

I did it myself.  BEST.MOD.EVER. It has increased my enjoyment of the bike immensely, made an amazing difference, night and day?   I can now exploit the potential of the handling, power and brakes, all in MY control, not some boneheaded wonk who prolly never rode in his life.

Yeah I read you did that. I fixed mine before the problem began by buying a leftover '09. 

I also agree with ZG, cruise control would be a great addition.

[The Pope]

In 25 words or less, could give us a hint about how you did it?

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=13655.0
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=13110.0