Used C14 & things to look for?

[Summit670]

I'm nearing the end of my ownership of my trusty C10.  I've had it 22 years.

I've been looking at the 14, used ones and new.  Used it looks like asking prices are 8000-10000 with anywhere from a few thousand miles to 16,000 or so.

I know valve adjusts can be pricey if the dealer or someone else does them so proof of that becomes more important around 15-20k, though I did read 25k in Canada means you could go 25k down here before adjustment?

Tire wear

What else?

What significant changes were made on the 10s & up that may sway me to a newer or new bike?

[IRULE]

Man, I have the 09' and pretty happy with it.  Thinks I notices:

1) heat generated from the motor on the right leg (fixed on 2010 and newer)
2) front tire wear out faster than the rear
3) the stock windshield is not tall enough for even average side dude (fixed on 2010 and newer)
4) the side mirrors are too low - see the saddle bags (fixed on 2010 and newer)
5) stick with BLACK color - is the FASTEST color (that's a fact!!)

Have fun 

[ZG]

5) stick with BLACK color - is the FASTEST color (that's a fact!!)

Have fun

+1... 

[Steve Bell]

Make sure the front brake rotors are not warped!!!

[stevewfl]

Insure it includes the FOB for the almighty KiPass

[Summit670]

Good things to look for and nice to know the upgrades in 2010.

I just saw a Cycle World article and they state 25 or 26k for valve adjust.  Have they changed the newer valves or did they realize the discrepancy w/canadian models?

[IRULE]

The exact interval for the valve adjustment is still in debate among ALL of us!  This topic is like talking about type of oil you should use or the brand of tires.  Everyone's has an opinion!

Personally:

1) Valve adjustment - 25,000 - 26,000 miles
2) Mobile 1 - full synthetic
3) Battlax - stock tires

[maxtog]

+1... 

-2

[C1xRider]

Good things to look for and nice to know the upgrades in 2010.

I just saw a Cycle World article and they state 25 or 26k for valve adjust.  Have they changed the newer valves or did they realize the discrepancy w/canadian models?

There's no discrepancy, just what Kawi recommends for their engine, vs. what they say is required in North America to comply with EPA testing.

They state the engine was designed for 26,000 mile / 42,000 KM adjustment intervals.  However, they also state they only tested for EPA compliance with 15,000 mile / 24,000 KM adjustment interval.

Therefore, if you live in North America, the FSM states 15,000 mile / 24,000 KM for the valve adjustment interval, while the rest of the world is listed as the actual 26,000 mile / 42,000 mile adjustment interval.

See, very simple, no confusion at all.   

[C1xRider]

-2

 

[ZG]

-2

 

[B.D.F.]

Make sure you get two working fobs with ANY C-14 that you buy, new or used. I would suggest you test each fob before buying the bike and making arrangements to replace one if it does not work before the sale is made.

You might also want to see that both tire pressure sensors work; this will require a test ride though. As long as there is pressure shown on the dash after the bike is ridden, the sensors are working.

Brian

I'm nearing the end of my ownership of my trusty C10.  I've had it 22 years.

I've been looking at the 14, used ones and new.  Used it looks like asking prices are 8000-10000 with anywhere from a few thousand miles to 16,000 or so.

I know valve adjusts can be pricey if the dealer or someone else does them so proof of that becomes more important around 15-20k, though I did read 25k in Canada means you could go 25k down here before adjustment?

Tire wear

What else?

What significant changes were made on the 10s & up that may sway me to a newer or new bike?

[maxtog]

Make sure you get two working fobs with ANY C-14 that you buy, new or used. I would suggest you test each fob before buying the bike and making arrangements to replace one if it does not work before the sale is made.

You might also want to see that both tire pressure sensors work; this will require a test ride though. As long as there is pressure shown on the dash after the bike is ridden, the sensors are working.

Very good advice, since both things will be a pain to fix and are easily tested.  Keep in mind the 2010/2011 comes with one active fob and one passive fob.  The 2008/2009 came with two active fobs.

[B.D.F.]

True but I think it is easier for someone new to C-14s in general to try and remember: get TWO fobs and check for TWO tire pressure readings. Even if someone bought a used '09 for example that had one RF fob and one RFID (emergency) fob, it would be much better than just getting one fob with the bike even though the second fob is technically not the one that should come with the bike.

Again, get TWO fobs and look for TWO tire pressure readings and you will eliminate any big surprises unique to the C-14. Otherwise look over the bike as you would any other motorcycle.

Brian

Very good advice, since both things will be a pain to fix and are easily tested.  Keep in mind the 2010/2011 comes with one active fob and one passive fob.  The 2008/2009 came with two active fobs.