Thinking of buying a new C14, have some questions

[Auron]

Hey all, I have a CBR1100XX that has been an incredible bike for me but I am getting older now and need something more comfortable.  I am hesitant about the extra weight and loss of sportbike capabilities if anyone can comment on that

I am basically wondering about any major issues with the '10 and up models. Is it true there is no way to be locked out of your bike with the newer key card system?

I have never been one to read too much into the media but there has been talk of strange handling characteristics of the old bike but they fixed it with different tires? Is it still an issue? And speaking of tires how long can you keep a tire in good shape with that kind of power?

Also, how does the bike handle and feel in general compared to a heavy sportbike, especially on tighter roads?

[maxtog]

Hey all, I have a CBR1100XX that has been an incredible bike for me but I am getting older now and need something more comfortable.  I am hesitant about the extra weight and loss of sportbike capabilities if anyone can comment on that

I am no sport rider, but the C14 has ample power and handling to satisfy most anyone....  will it zip around a corner leaned over at 10 degrees above the pavement like a 600R, no.  But a good/skilled rider (which I am not) on a C-14 can clobber a mediocre or unskilled race bike rider.

I am basically wondering about any major issues with the '10 and up models. Is it true there is no way to be locked out of your bike with the newer key card system?

?  There is always a way to be locked out of any bike due to some type of system failure.  That said, the limited ignition spring issues on the 2008/2009 models was supposedly fixed in 2010 and I have seen nobody complain about it on 2010+.

I have never been one to read too much into the media but there has been talk of strange handling characteristics of the old bike but they fixed it with different tires? Is it still an issue?

Maybe you should share this info, since I haven't seen anything like that.  As far as power or handling, there are almost no differences in the model years of the C-14 (that I am aware of, anyway).  The big changes from 2008/2009 to the 2010/2011/2012 were mostly cosmetic (fairings) or comfort/convenience (heated grips, higher mirror, eco mode, etc).

[Spanky]

I have never been one to read too much into the media but there has been talk of strange handling characteristics of the old bike but they fixed it with different tires? Is it still an issue? And speaking of tires how long can you keep a tire in good shape with that kind of power?

Also, how does the bike handle and feel in general compared to a heavy sportbike, especially on tighter roads?

The stock tires on the connie are the worst I have ever experienced. The stock tire grip is fine, but new tires will have a dramatic effect on handling, namely staying neutral in a corner. The stockers require constant adjustment to maintain a given lean angle. This is entirely the tires and will go away when you install new tires- assuming you don't put the same tires as the stockers back on. This was true on my 09 and my buddy just put pr3's on last week to replace the stockers on his 11. He said it felt like a different bike. I just smiled.

The bike is a big bike and you cannot get away from that fact. It does not handle like a sport bike, but it does handle very well for a bike this size. It is the best all around bike I have owned. It does everything very well.

Good luck on your decision!

[Mister Tee]

Hey all, I have a CBR1100XX that has been an incredible bike for me but I am getting older now and need something more comfortable.  I am hesitant about the extra weight and loss of sportbike capabilities if anyone can comment on that

It is heavy yes, but you aren't losing much at all in sportbike capabilities, at least not on public roadways.  My previous sport tourer was a 1200RT.  While a fine handling bike, I missed being on the GSXR when I rode it.  When I ride the C14, I do not miss the GSXR.

I am basically wondering about any major issues with the '10 and up models. Is it true there is no way to be locked out of your bike with the newer key card system?

There are various threads on that here, it's a fairly reliable system, even more so than the BMW EWS system that still required a key.  You can POTENTIALLY lock your fob in the storage compartment due to the electronic lock, but only if you had a failure of the bike or fob batteries.

I have never been one to read too much into the media but there has been talk of strange handling characteristics of the old bike but they fixed it with different tires? Is it still an issue? And speaking of tires how long can you keep a tire in good shape with that kind of power?

I have a 2010, I don't believe the "old bikes" handle any differently.  Tires make a big difference in handling with any bike.  That and inflation pressures.  My OEM Bridgestone tires lasted about 11,000 miles.  I expect at least 15,000 out of the PR2's I'm running.  It's not the power that eats the tires, it's the weight.

Also, how does the bike handle and feel in general compared to a heavy sportbike, especially on tighter roads?

It handles and feels much like a liter class sportbike, obviously with more weight and somewhat less cornering clearance.  But it does NOT feel heavy on tight roads at all. Power wise, it's similar to that of a liter class sportbike.  My 1200RT was lighter and more nimble in the parking lot, but outside of the parking lot, I can ride circles around it with the C14.

[ZG]

She is a bit heavy at lower speeds, but at speed feels very nice! 
 
Happy hunting.

[VirginiaJim]

She is a bit heavy at lower speeds, but at speed feels very nice! 
 
Happy hunting.

Quit riding it so slow then....

[ZG]

Quit riding it so slow then....

 
 
You know it Jim! 

[RBX QB]

She is a bit heavy at lower speeds, but at speed feels very nice! 
 
Happy hunting.

+1. Not so easy (for me) to maneuver in parking lots and garages (tho I'm getting better), but once she's moving, the weight becomes a non-issue. Coming from my little Ducati, the weight was/is one of the major adjustments for me.

My .02 is that none of the things you've listed are prohibitive items. Weren't for me, anyway.

[jjsC6]

Handling is all relative.   But I like to push hard through the turns and I'm very happy with the handling.  Change the tires to a '55 series in back, and I like the Michelin PR2's, and the handling becomes even better. 

[Eric119]

Hey

I have never been one to read too much into the media but there has been talk of strange handling characteristics of the old bike but they fixed it with different tires? Is it still an issue? And speaking of tires how long can you keep a tire in good shape with that kind of power?

Also, how does the bike handle and feel in general compared to a heavy sportbike, especially on tighter roads?

Handling wise ; its smooth. Deffinately not a sport bike. Its become the replacement bike for police patrol, overtaking sales of BMWs. Portland Police Bureau found the bike excellent handling in tight corners and low speed handling. Its also been excellent on freeway interception, very quick.

[VirginiaJim]

Handling wise ; its smooth. Deffinately not a sport bike. Its become the replacement bike for police patrol, overtaking sales of BMWs. Portland Police Bureau found the bike excellent handling in tight corners and low speed handling. Its also been excellent on freeway interception, very quick.

Sigh....

[gPink]

There ought to be a law....

[Conrad]

She is a bit heavy at lower speeds, but at speed feels very nice! 
 
Happy hunting.

Quit riding it so slow then....

 
 
You know it Jim! 

ZG can't help it, he has that color you know?

[lather]

I had a Blackbird too and I think the C14 actually handles as good. I think it is easier to go fast.

It is a handfull at parking lot speeds and Bridgestone front tires make that worse.

[stevewfl]

Hey all, I have a CBR1100XX that has been an incredible bike for me but I am getting older now and need something more comfortable.  I am hesitant about the extra weight and loss of sportbike capabilities if anyone can comment on that

I am basically wondering about any major issues with the '10 and up models. Is it true there is no way to be locked out of your bike with the newer key card system?

I have never been one to read too much into the media but there has been talk of strange handling characteristics of the old bike but they fixed it with different tires? Is it still an issue? And speaking of tires how long can you keep a tire in good shape with that kind of power?

Also, how does the bike handle and feel in general compared to a heavy sportbike, especially on tighter roads?

And mine can hang on the rear wheels of sportbikes dragging their knee pucks as well as can be expected for a sport-tourer-








Right at 44,000 miles on my 2010. Although I'm a Honda fan too, this is the first bike i've owned thats went anywhere close to this far with no issues whatsoever. Just routine maintenance and go.

[Graffixnfun]

Here is my 2 cents.  I am 6'7" and 290 lbs.  I have a 2009 model I bought in Jan '11.  It had 1036 miles on it and now I have just shy of 13,000 miles.  The stock tires were not great but I replaced them in 2800 miles.  My favorite tire on the bike so far is the PR2.  I have gone through the PR2's, Pirelle Angel ST's and now I am on PR3's.  I average about 4000-4500 per rear tire and the front isnt to far behind.  I ride the bike very aggressively and scrape the peg feelers quite often.  If you baby the bike the tires would definitely last longer.  I ride with a buddy that has a 2007 GSXR-750.  He still has more lean angle than me but he says he is never board chasing me.   I can gap him coming out of the corner because of the torque I believe.  I also completed my first SS1000 on this bike with the stock seat (I did add lower footpegs for this ride because I am so tall).  The bike did awesome.  My only expense on this bike so far is tires and oil changes.  It is not a crouch rocket but I believe it will get your blood boiling and you wont get bored.  Plus you get to take everything with you in the bags!  My '09 is warm in traffic but fine when riding.  I would recommend 2010 or later if you can get it but I wouldnt let that deter you from a good deal on an '09

[ZG]

ZG can't help it, he has that color you know?

    

[Fretka]

Ya gotts ta remember that the connie has BIG wide handlebars that will make you think you are riding a much smaller bike.
Can't overestimate how much a bike is affected by that feature alone.


Fretka

[Shoe]

I wish the seat height were an inch or so less than whatever it is. Other than that the C14 is good for commuting and touring.

[maxtog]

I wish the seat height were an inch or so less than whatever it is.

Well, that can be fixed with a replacement seat pretty easily.  My problem was that I needed it to be 3" lower... and that ain't happening!