Im starting to have second thoughts about a c14

[Bob]

That's the exact reason I didn't even look at the FJR when I bought my Connie--particularly the 5-speed transmission. And that was two years ago!

 I don't know what the big deal about the sixth gear is. It's almost useless for anything other than cruising on the highway. Or just putting along the back roads. Mine always seemed to have the power band too low when I wanted power in that gear. So you tend to have to downshift to a lower gear.
 I personally wouldn't have cared if the C14 had a five or six speed. The six speed might help fuel mileage slightly. But I tend to prefer the power bands that the five speeds gives you in their gearing. Does anybody use their sixth gear when really riding the bike? Or is this all about cruising and MPG?

[CrashGordon]

Does anybody use their sixth gear when really riding the bike? Or is this all about cruising and MPG?

I use sixth gear every day on my commute. And when I'm on trips, there's always some cruising involved. I live in Texas, so roads are relatively flat and straight--I can often go more than an hour in sixth gear. I just wanted as little buzz and vibration as possible when having to cruise the highway.

[Bob]

I use sixth gear every day on my commute. And when I'm on trips, there's always some cruising involved. I live in Texas, so roads are relatively flat and straight--I can often go more than an hour in sixth gear. I just wanted as little buzz and vibration as possible when having to cruise the highway.

Yeah, that's what I figured. That's pretty much what I used it for also!

[rcannon409]

Bob, I like the 6th gear for the reason you mentioned. It would not be a deal breaker if it were not there, but I'm glad to have it. Like you said, no use for passing, but great for the relaxed times.

One other aspect of the bike, and I suspect the Yamaha and Honda as well, is that the insurance is based on a touring bike and not a sport bike. For me (46 with one violation in last 2 years) the concours 14 payment and insurance is the same cost as just the insurance on a zx 10.

[VirginiaJim]

I don't know what the big deal about the sixth gear is. It's almost useless for anything other than cruising on the highway. Or just putting along the back roads. Mine always seemed to have the power band too low when I wanted power in that gear. So you tend to have to downshift to a lower gear.
 I personally wouldn't have cared if the C14 had a five or six speed. The six speed might help fuel mileage slightly. But I tend to prefer the power bands that the five speeds gives you in their gearing. Does anybody use their sixth gear when really riding the bike? Or is this all about cruising and MPG?

I use 6th all the time...

[sherob]

I use 6th gear all the time... I've even been known to pass slower moving vehicles in 6th *gasp*... yes, it'll do it, trust me. 

I used to try and find 6th on my ST1300... LOL!!!  Did the same on my Wing a few times as well when riding a bit spirited too out in BFE nowhere west Texas

[stevewfl]

I use 6th gear every time i ride, a big deal would be if i only had 5

In this day and age modern bikes have 6, I'm missing the point about the debate, maybe i should read back some LoL

[stevewfl]

I call BS on this thread.

I have 40K on my 2010. No issues to report.  Haven't even adjusted for throttle slack or idling.

Wait, the high beam bulb went out and the front brake caliper plastic cover got loose. But Ceasors palace in vegas PAID me because I had KiPass in my pocket at the craps tables!

^^^^^^ 6th gear was even used on the main drag in Vegas!

[Conrad]

I use 6th gear all the time... I've even been known to pass slower moving vehicles in 6th *gasp*... yes, it'll do it, trust me. 

Same here.

[VirginiaJim]

I look at it like this.  They included it on the bike, like the  rear brake.  So I use them both.

[Conrad]

I look at it like this.  They included it on the bike, like the  rear brake.  So I use them both.

Not at the same time though right? That's fairly complicated you know?   

[sherob]

Yeah... like, I had to unlearn myself to try and use a key to start my ride... OMG!!! 

[ZG]

Yeah... like, I had to unlearn myself to try and use a key to start my ride... OMG!!! 

I do find myself unintentionally leaving the key in the ignition when riding something other than my Connie now though, too scary when I notice it coming back to my bike after she's been sitting vulnerable for hours somewhere... 

[VirginiaJim]

Not at the same time though right? That's fairly complicated you know?   

True.  You understand me completely.

[jimmymac]

I do find myself unintentionally leaving the key in the ignition when riding something other than my Connie now though, too scary when I notice it coming back to my bike after she's been sitting vulnerable for hours somewhere... 

I find myself leaving the key in the FSS position all the time just in case I need to open a bag or something. Same deal, glad the key is still there when I return.

[Scaffolder]

There is certain times when I feel like clutching and shifting into 7th (warp speed). You need atleast a 6-speed.
There is no other bike in this price range that compares. Especially when you factor in what most of us really paid compared to MSRP. I was over $2,000 under MSRP. Honda and Yamaha dealers near me don't budge much on their prices. $500 bucks here and there.

[maxtog]

I don't know what the big deal about the sixth gear is. It's almost useless for anything other than cruising on the highway. Or just putting along the back roads. Mine always seemed to have the power band too low when I wanted power in that gear. So you tend to have to downshift to a lower gear.
 I personally wouldn't have cared if the C14 had a five or six speed. The six speed might help fuel mileage slightly. But I tend to prefer the power bands that the five speeds gives you in their gearing. Does anybody use their sixth gear when really riding the bike? Or is this all about cruising and MPG?

6th gear OD = lower RPM, better fuel efficiency, less noise and vibration.  No, there is no torque available in 6th (at all!) but it is great to have for highway riding and I am glad to have it and use it all the time.  My previous bike (ZRX) was only 5 gears, and the top gear was not high enough.  Of course, they could have used a 5 and spread out the gears more, but then you have less precision.  I like it how it is!

My G37 has 7 gears

[maxtog]

I find myself leaving the key in the FSS position all the time just in case I need to open a bag or something. Same deal, glad the key is still there when I return.

I would never do that.  When it goes "off", it goes to off.... usually all the way to steering lock.

It is why I had a locksmith just cut me a key to use for the bags.  I have to carry keys, anyway, since the helmet lock and seat pod lock are also not the same... so it made sense to have a bags/seat key.

[ZG]

I would never do that.  When it goes "off", it goes to off.... usually all the way to steering lock.

It is why I had a locksmith just cut me a key to use for the bags.  I have to carry keys, anyway, since the helmet lock and seat pod lock are also not the same... so it made sense to have a bags/seat key.

    
 

 

[JetJock]

I use 6th all the time...

ditto . . . and yes, you can pass all kinds of traffic while in 6th. Or at least I do.