2015 connie [pre-release speculation]

[VirginiaJim]

something more performance oriented than a Harley includes many, many vehicles, including this (perhaps too forward thinking for HD owners?):

  I like it!

[CADMAN97]

Happy Labor Day every one! Hopefully your all off today relaxing at home?

Ok here we are Sept 1st...only a couple of weeks away before the 2015's are officially announced by Kaw....are we gettin a new concours, some updates, or just "bold new graphics!"?

Anyone out there have any friends at Kaw? 

[tomp]

Ok here we are Sept 1st...only a couple of weeks away before the 2015's are officially announced by Kaw....are we gettin a new concours, some updates, or just "bold new graphics!"?

Sounds like you spend time on KLR650 sites.  That's all they ever get, BOLD NEW GRAPHICS!!

[CADMAN97]

Sounds like you spend time on KLR650 sites.  That's all they ever get, BOLD NEW GRAPHICS!!

Actually I think I stole that from Honda.... They use that term allll the time....lol

[tomp]

Actually I think I stole that from Honda.... They use that term allll the time....lol

That may be, but just checked their powersports site and there are 13  relatively new models; 14 if one counts the CB1100, too.  Kawi has been lagging behind for a while now.  Yamaha's new FZ-07/09 models are creating a stir, too.  An ST model is hopefully coming out soon, based on the FZ-09.  Not much  from Suzuki, still living off of Busa memories...

Come on Kawi, bring back an EPA approved H1R with a direct injected two stroke triple...  Slow around here, on this Labor Day Holiday...

[CRocker]

Previous quote...

"I'm guessing Kaw isn't gonna make us wait till 2028 for a new concours. The days of 20yr model runs seem to be over. I mean Kaw updated the concours in just 2yrs after the launch in '08. Now that BMW, yamaha, triumph have all come out with updated/new ST's, I'm guessing we'll see a new concours this fall"

Just don't tell the KLR 650 guys...

[tomp]

Just don't tell the KLR 650 guys...

 I was one of those KLR guys for years.  They would be happy if the DooHickey was properly replaced, and a 6th gear was added to the transmission.  But if that happened, no one would have anything to gripe about on the forums. 

[twowheeladdict]

I was one of those KLR guys for years.  They would be happy if the DooHickey was properly replaced, and a 6th gear was added to the transmission.  But if that happened, no one would have anything to gripe about on the forums.

I wonder if the bike could handle an additional gear ratio.  It may not have enough power to push the bike through the wind at a lower RPM. 

My Versys has a 6 speed tranny, but it is in 6th gear at 45 mph and pushing 5000 RPMs at highway speeds.  Top speed is attained in 5th gear, not 6th.

[tomp]

A popular mod for the KLR is replacing the stock 15T C/S sprocket with a 16, Drops Highway speed RPM 3-400.  Many who use theirs for all on road riding have gone up to a 17 with no problems.  Have to learn to get used to 1st gear being almost like 2nd was, before the sprocket change with a 17.  Not so much the 16. 

Never used the clutch except to get moving and times when engine braking wasn't needed.  Kawi builds some tough transmissions, that's for sure...

[CADMAN97]

That may be, but just checked their powersports site and there are 13  relatively new models; 14 if one counts the CB1100, too.  Kawi has been lagging behind for a while now.  Yamaha's new FZ-07/09 models are creating a stir, too.  An ST model is hopefully coming out soon, based on the FZ-09.  Not much  from Suzuki, still living off of Busa memories...

Come on Kawi, bring back an EPA approved H1R with a direct injected two stroke triple...  Slow around here, on this Labor Day Holiday...

Yes I know, & I actually do like the their '14 CB1100. I'm not saying this particular year, but I have def read that on their website more than once over the years. It prob says it on the CBR 600RR since its been the same bike since '07.

[tomp]

http://www.kawasaki.com/NPL/Default.aspx

As of today.  Norhing new for the C14 or KLR650, yet.  Guess they figure that owners/buyers of these models are so loyal, that major updates aren't needed.  Last year, they changed the suspension springs and seat on the KLR, called it a New Edition model, and charged more for it, while continuing to make the standard version, that still needed improved seating and suspension.  What a marketing scam that was. 

I'm happy with my 08.  It looks new, runs like new, faster than I care to ride, doesn't have linked brakes, and is mine not the bank's, for the next six years.

[Jim M.]

 I'll bet the C-14 will just be a different color. The KLR will have a different color milk crate. 

[clogan]

I was one of those KLR guys for years.  They would be happy if the DooHickey was properly replaced, and a 6th gear was added to the transmission.  But if that happened, no one would have anything to gripe about on the forums.

Luv my KLR...wish it didn't burn so much oil. Lots of trouble making round cylinders in Thailand, apparently. Oh, well...Still the best ride for the dollar I've ever had.

[tomp]

Luv my KLR...wish it didn't burn so much oil. Lots of trouble making round cylinders in Thailand, apparently. Oh, well...Still the best ride for the dollar I've ever had.

http://www.eaglemike.com/

Here ya go.  Get the 685 or larger kit, and oil consumption is a thing of the past.  A friend did his '08 with the 685 kit, and no more oil problems Says it much runs better, too.

[VirginiaJim]

Need I remind the peanut gallery that this is a thread concerning the 2015 connie.  Other bikes can be freely discussed on the 'It's not a Concours - other bikes board'

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

[Two Skies]

http://www.kawasaki.com/NPL/Default.aspx

As of today.  Norhing new for the C14 or KLR650, yet.  Guess they figure that owners/buyers of these models are so loyal, that major updates aren't needed.  Last year, they changed the suspension springs and seat on the KLR, called it a New Edition model, and charged more for it, while continuing to make the standard version, that still needed improved seating and suspension.  What a marketing scam that was. 

I'm happy with my 08.  It looks new, runs like new, faster than I care to ride, doesn't have linked brakes, and is mine not the bank's, for the next six years.

30th anniversary of some of the Ninja bikes, huh?  Good year to be a Ninja owner I guess.

I see the 'more to come' at the top of that bike list, although I'd guess that the 2016 model year will be when the Connie gets something new and cool (30th Connie anniversary...), although I'm not sure how you count those Anniversaries.  Does the first year count as Year 1 or Year 0. If 1986 counts as year 0, my '06 is a 20th Anniversary Edition...
 

The GPZ1000R (aka Ninja 1000) was introduced in 1986, so if it's a 30th anniversary for the Ninja, that'd make it a 30th anniversary for the Connie, unless 2007 doesn't count...

Not sure when the GPZ900R was first called a Ninja, but the 900R was introduced in 1984.  Apparently it was the first stock bike that was able to exceed 150 MPH...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_GPZ900R

So, I'm with you guys.  This SHOULD probably be the 30th Anniversary edition for the Connie, and Mama Kaw needs to do something cool!

[CADMAN97]

Kaw will prob announce the 2015 Connie prior to intermot so they can have all the press on the new H2?....unless maybe we see a new C14 too?? Hurry up Kaw 

[tomp]

Kaw will prob announce the 2015 Connie prior to intermot so they can have all the press on the new H2?....unless maybe we see a new C14 too?? Hurry up Kaw 

http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/kawasaki-announces-2015-ninja-h2-teaser-video

Wonder if the C14 will get supercharging too?   Not that it needs it, just wondering. 

[rocknrod]

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/h2-kawasakis-supercharged-ninja-confirmed?src=SOC&dom=fb

[twowheeladdict]

http://www.sportrider.com/sportbike-news/kawasaki-announces-2015-ninja-h2-teaser-video

Wonder if the C14 will get supercharging too?   Not that it needs it, just wondering.

If they could make it 100lbs lighter would be nice.