2015 connie [pre-release speculation]

[ZG]

I'd be curious to hear from some of the long time Connie owners (prior/current C10 most likely), in 2007 did Kawi announce that there would not be a Concours that year? Or did they release that there would be nothing that year but in 2008 (mid 2007) there would be a C14? 


Maybe there is a C16 coming for 2016 (mid-2015) and this will just be a year off for the Connie? 

[blanton]

I think you are right......

[tomp]

Just to add to the plethora of information and suppositions, Kawi has bean counters who will determine if any real changes will happen to the C14.  With all the adventure bikes now on the market, set up for touring, and the mid size tourers from the likes of BMW, Aprilia, as well as Honda's new funky CTX line, and what plans Yamaha has for the FZ-07 and 09 models, Kawi may see a change in the market for models in the 700-900cc range for pricing and broader public appeal, to be where the money needs to be spent for the greatest reward and ROI.

How many riders world wide, are stepping up to C14/GTR1400's, FJR1300, R1200RT's and 1600GT/GTL's, at today's prices.  As was mentioned, "what we desire vs what we actually buy(wallyworld), how many on this site would actually fork over your beloved motorcycle and bunches of more money to gain the features of an R1200RT?  Your bike and $10-15K cash/ loan for those features?   I for one wouldn't, especially again. 

I had to have a 1200RT, with all the bell and whistles, and it set me back over $23K.  Giant waste of my money.  Sold it to someone who felt the price was worth it, and got a 10 year old RT w 30K miles, and my 08 14 with 20K.  Saves me $400 a month in payments, and I have two bikes to ride, which allow me much more opportunities for fun...

One thing I know, regardless of what does or doesn't happen with the Connie, there will be folks who won't like it and complain, creating fodder for many more threads on this and other sites....FWIW, why Cruise control wasn't on the 14 from the start, I will never understand...tp

[twowheeladdict]

this is where it counts...
https://www.kawasaki-cp.khi.co.jp/mcy/street_e.html

Nice website, but has nothing to do with what makes it to the US.  I would have bought a w800 in a heartbeat, but now I have my Guzzi and not looking back.

[TallyRex]

The 1000cc (N1K engine)Versys with hardbags will be available in the States for 2015 as well as the Yammy FJ09 for those of us looking for a light weight touring bike

[CADMAN97]

Gonna be a looooong Oct waiting for the ECIMA show where we finally get to see our new supercharged concours 

[blanton]

Can only hope..

[Caffeinated]

I would love to see a lighter version of the Concours. I've been eyeing the beemer F800GT as a possibility. If Kawi could do the same thing at a cheaper price point I'd be in. I don't think the Ninga 1K with bags is an option since the faring is smaller, too much forward lean etc....

[ZG]

I would love to see a lighter version of the Concours. I've been eyeing the beemer F800GT as a possibility. If Kawi could do the same thing at a cheaper price point I'd be in. I don't think the Ninga 1K with bags is an option since the faring is smaller, too much forward lean etc....

Not me... I had basically that in my 06 VFR800, great bike for just me, but too small for 2up touring IMO, hence why I went to the Connie. 

[Caffeinated]

Not me... I had basically that in my 06 VFR800, great bike for just me, but too small for 2up touring IMO, hence why I went to the Connie. 

I agree that if 2up touring, and 1up fun in the same bike is your goal the C14 is it. For me though I commute an hour each way on the bike, and the wife has only gone on one weekend trip and i doubt will go again.

[MrPepsi]

Yes I find myself in this situation now as well.
Commute went from 22 miles to 40 miles each way.
I have thought about something that gets closer to 70 mpg.

[wally_games]

Yes I find myself in this situation now as well.
Commute went from 22 miles to 40 miles each way.
I have thought about something that gets closer to 70 mpg.

Motorcycles aren't really economical rides. When you figure in the cost of tires, the $/mile goes up.

[MrPepsi]

I guess the point is I ride to work and back. Four day per week. It would be nice to get better than 41 MPG, but I can live with it.

[tomp]

Yes I find myself in this situation now as well.
Commute went from 22 miles to 40 miles each way.
I have thought about something that gets closer to 70 mpg.

Excluding all other costs, the NC700X is getting around 65MPG, and it is a Honda...
http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/honda/nc700x

I got around 70MPG on a KLX250S, but if your commute is all hiway speeds, the 250 single will be buzzing, and only 90 miles to reserve, so that's buying gas every day...

[twowheeladdict]

Excluding all other costs, the NC700X is getting around 65MPG, and it is a Honda...
http://www.fuelly.com/motorcycle/honda/nc700x

I got around 70MPG on a KLX250S, but if your commute is all hiway speeds, the 250 single will be buzzing, and only 90 miles to reserve, so that's buying gas every day...

My next door neighbor has a NC700X with givi V35 bags and top trunk.  He is getting 70 mpg commuting 60 miles one way every day.  It is a great commuter bike, but not really a great performance bike.  I prefer the Versys over it.

I would choose the Versys 1000 over the Ninja 1000, but prefer the shaft drive on the Concours 14.

[MrPepsi]

My next door neighbor has a NC700X with givi V35 bags and top trunk.  He is getting 70 mpg commuting 60 miles one way every day.  It is a great commuter bike, but not really a great performance bike.  I prefer the Versys over it.

That's actually at the top of my list.

[tomp]

That's actually at the top of my list.

That would be my choice, too.  I thought I was getting a job requiring a commute, and found a KLX250SM at a great price.  Then I figured the cost of the bike and the cost of gas on it and compared the cost of gas on the C14, and realized that the ROI on the 250 would be several years out.  Didn't take the job, but I would have kept the 14 as the commuter, instead of investing in another bike.  My daily would have been only 50 miles, where yours is more, so your ROI should be much shorter.   tp

[VirginiaJim]

Not that I mind that much (well actually I do) but this really is a thread about the 2015 connie, at least according to the OP's subject line.  If you really must discuss other bikes we do have a board for that...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=11.0

[twowheeladdict]

Yes Jim.  I guess many of us are wearing out waiting on Kawasaki to reveal the rest of the 2015 lineup. 

[martin_14]

Not that I mind that much (well actually I do) but this really is a thread about the 2015 connie, at least according to the OP's subject line.  If you really must discuss other bikes we do have a board for that...

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?board=11.0

you know your herd, Jim. We would never, ever derail a thread