Nice write up.
Regarding the other bikes, I haven't had the chance to use the Yamaha extensively but it's a pretty bike, much more so than the Kawasaki in my eyes. About the BMW, I loathe the GTL because of the stupid low seat, which looks comfy but bends the knees far too much for the driver and renders the passenger handrails useless. I'd rather get the GT with the top case for 2 up if money no object, since the top case alone costs USD1345.99 according to Amazon. I'm sure those expeditions to the Everest in Nepal pay less for 10 equipment porters Still, the engine sound (I mean engine, not exhaust sound) whining all the time, the throttle lag, and the complete lack of feedback from the front wheel just spoil the thing for me. But taking hairpins with that behemoth is incredibly easy.
One question: could you expand on the handling issue on the Kawasaki? Where do you see the room for improvement? I have my own complaints in this area, but I'd like to hear yours.
From the first ride to present, I always felt the bike really doesn't want to lean over and turn into a corner. (IT DOES OF COURSE, but not well.) Once into a corner, it seems difficult to hold the line one bike.
That has been my experience, too. I attribute some of it to the 190/50 rear tire. If it used say a 180/60, a more rounded profile, it may drop into turns without having to use so much force. I've read the 50 vs 55 threads and not trying to start one here.
I have owned three RT's and while they are nowhere close to the acceleration excitement of a 14, they handle many times better. Just think "lean" and it does. Using another's words "it rides like it's on rails". While quite a bit heavier, I like the feel of my current 04RT, over the lighter, more powerdul 12 RT I sold. I have had no problems with city riding on any of the RT's.
A friend has a GTL he purchased this summer. He came off of an Ultra Classic, and agrees that the GTL kicks the snot out of the Harley for power and smooth riding comfort. Maybe he'll let me ride it some day. Nah, probably not... tomp
I have OEM sized Z8's on front and rear, with 2400 miles on them. The rear is just starting to show the perverbial 1 1/2" flat spot in the rear tire's center, but handling has been the same since the tires were installed. I will go to a 55 series and probably a PR3 or 4, instead, when a new rear is needed.
I have not used Metzler's on the bike but 2,400 miles on Angel ST's and the handling would be fairly deteriorated without the rear tire showing any significant flatting.
Just for chuckles, see if you can find a C-14 that you could ride with relatively new (less than 500 miles) Angel STs, or either Angel GTs or PR 3 or PR4's with less than, say, 3,000 miles on them and I think you will find a really significant difference in how the bike handles.
Brian
I actually felt the RT was more top heavy than the C14 but both the FJR and RT have better feeling clutches, they have a better engagement zone than the C14. I have not ridden the 1600 so I can't comment on that bike.
You are spot on Martin.
About the handling: I have always thought the KAW handled like a tank. I did go to a dealer and they lowered the forks a little but it still isn't great.
From the first ride to present, I always felt the bike really doesn't want to lean over and turn into a corner. (IT DOES OF COURSE, but not well.) Once into a corner, it seems difficult to hold the line one bike. Where the FJR would be planted firm like a race bike, the Connie dances around a little. On the freeway, its not a big deal, on bear tooth pass, it's more so. In short, I cannot ride so hard as to drag knee on the Connie (not that I really want too.) I simply don't have the confidence to do it. I'm afraid I would loose the front or something.
Those are just my thoughts.
Funny you say this about the connie and that the FJR was better.. I felt the exact same way but in reverse.The FJR to me was unsettling in corners. I felt like Rossi on the connie. I think it has as much to do with tires and suspension set up as with the bike itself..
Anyone complaining about the C-14 handling doesn't understand that the bike needs a "sag set" dialed in to that individual's weight and a proper set of PR2's or PR4's with a '55' rear tire aspect ratio- then the big Connie will boogie. The 021 Crapstones should be dumpsterized a.s.a.p.
Anyone complaining about the C-14 handling doesn't understand that the bike needs a "sag set" dialed in to that individual's weight and a proper set of PR2's or PR4's with a '55' rear tire aspect ratio- then the big Connie will boogie. The 021 Crapstones should be dumpsterized a.s.a.p.