Any Concerns or Recommendations with Buying a 2008?

[Richzx14]

I am considering purchasing a 2008 Concours 14. I have owned (3) ZX-11s, a ZX-12, and a ZX-14 and I have been following the Concours 14 since they were released in 2008. I am aware of the changes starting with the 2010 models.

The bike I am looking at is excellent (I would say meticulous) condition. 4,350 miles, original owner who has had all fluids changed at dealer, changes oil annually, new battery 6 months ago.  Has original tires which have wear and would probably need to be replaced in the future but not right away. Has hardwired laser detector front and rear which he says works well. Bike is stock other than that. Price is a few hundred below $6,000.

I am aware of the recalls and he had these done at the dealer.

Is there anything I should be concerned about or consider changing?

The shorter/smaller windshield and excessive heat on your legs have been reported as concerns by some the 2008/2009 model years. The 2010s had many changes/updates.

What replacement tires are recommended?

Thanks in advance. 

[Racer Boy]

Less than $6K sounds like a screaming deal! Buy it!

Windshields can easily be changed, and some foam added to the fairing to address the heat issue. It's never been an issue for me (I own a 2008), but I don't live in a really hot area.

Michelin Pilot Road tires are a popular tire choice, and using a 55 series rear tire instead of the original 50 series will make the steering easier. But all that is personal preference.

The earlier C14's such as the 2008 don't have the linked brakes or traction control like the later versions, but a lot of riders prefer that.

Go buy that bike!

[VirginiaJim]

The original tires and it's an 08?  For many, those tires were quite inadequate.  They've been on the bike since about mid-07 and early 08.  I wouldn't trust them.  Get some PR3s and have done with it.

[martin_14]

sounds like a very good deal. If you liked it (I mean, if you drove it and liked it) then I say go.
As for the "many changes" in the '10+ models, don't know. I drove a '11. It's the same bike with minor adjustments that, compared to my '08 as it is, meant nothing at all. First thing that comes to mind is the repositioned mirrors. If somebody changed them overnight on my bike, I wouldn't notice. Glove box is just fine where it is in the '08-'09, I have a slightly bigger (Givi) windscreen that doesn't suffer from epilepsy every time I shut the ignition on and off, and my bike gets just as hot as any other, just less 
Under the "many changes" column I'd rather have throttle-by-wire and the new 1441 cc powerplant. The rest is just same dog, different leash.

[maxtog]

As for the "many changes" in the '10+ models, don't know. I drove a '11. It's the same bike with minor adjustments that, compared to my '08 as it is, meant nothing at all.

The changes are listed on the wikipedia page:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_1400GTR

[tomp]

Bought an 08 with 20K miles last March for $6500, and I thought that was a great deal.  Just figure this bike at $6500, and take the $500, and get the PR3's and the foam inserts for the heat.  and you'll be good to go.  I'm glad I don't have traction control and linked brakes.  I do miss the cruise control though.  No wait the Gen II's don't have cruise, either. 

I installed 2" risers, but seeing your previous rides, the stock ergos may be fine for you.  Buy it and enjoy. 

[maxtog]

Just figure this bike at $6500, and take the $500, and get the PR3's and the foam inserts for the heat.  and you'll be good to go.  I'm glad I don't have traction control and linked brakes.  I do miss the cruise control though.  No wait the Gen II's don't have cruise, either. 

There are numerous other good changes (and are listed on the wikipedia page).  They might not matter to you, but that doesn't mean a gen 1 and 2 are equivalent by adding foam inserts.... just sayin'

[tomp]

There are numerous other good changes (and are listed on the wikipedia page).  They might not matter to you, but that doesn't mean a gen 1 and 2 are equivalent by adding foam inserts.... just sayin'

My response to him reflected his questions and concerns in his initial post.  He is considering a specific 2008 bike, so mentioning the changes to Gen II's wasn't part of my reply.   tp

[freebird6]

That is a smokin deal. Speaking as an owner of an O8 I would say jump on it. I hope when I put a few more miles on mine and it gets retired a few of these 08  deals are still out there. Warranty>? that would be the only thing that would make this a better deal.

Put on the new tires and have fun. Got a new battery and the Laser detector (you are gonna need that one looking historically at what you have been on+. )
 
DId not say if it was ABS. Changes depend on your height and needs. At that price you got a ton left over to use on Windsheilds, Ram mounts, risers, Canyon Cages and auxilary lighting.

[rocknrod]

Any Concerns or Recommendations with Buying a 2008?

No - Next 

[maxtog]

My response to him reflected his questions and concerns in his initial post.  He is considering a specific 2008 bike, so mentioning the changes to Gen II's wasn't part of my reply.   tp

Sorry/no prob, I might have misinterpreted what you were saying.  I have seen too many posts dismissing gen 2 changes as just useless or negative or as minimal (and then listing maybe 3 or 4 of the 20 or so).

[martin_14]

as I explained in my post, most of the changes meant nothing to me. I addressed everything needed on my bike already and the '10+ doesn't. My bike differs from a stock '08 more than a '10+ would. The changes Kawa brought on what you call Gen 2 squarely qualify for a revision. Bike drives the same, just slower, remember? Both in a curve (by that badly implemented linked brakes system) and in a straight line (by that limitation of 154 mph). Now if they changed the rake angle...
Or I might have misinterpreted what you were saying. Maybe you were talking about the price increase.
But if having a dancing windshield floats your boat, then by all means go for it. I like mine to be exactly where I left it, ignition on or off 

[maxtog]

I rest my case

[martin_14]

promise?

[maxtog]

promise?

[Conrad]

promise?

 

[ZG]

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