Author Topic: Newbie need help checking out '08 C14 (Read 5054 times)

tbren · « **on:** March 01, 2012, 02:23:13 PM »

I had a '99 C10, and several bikes since, but I've been wanting a C14 for sometime now. I've been leaning toward a ABS model but a friend knows a guy with a 2008 (no ABS) in spotless condition with right at 16K miles. I checked it out and sure enough it's in amazing shape. No issues that I could tell during a brief, 15 minute test ride. Price is $6500. The owner just had knee replacement surgery and say's it's too much bike.

What worries me is the lack of a service history. All I know for sure is the current owner bought it from a dealer a year or so ago with 12K miles on it. He's changed the oil twice but that's all that's documented. I always buy used bikes but I usually hold out for ones that at least have some sort of history. Still, It's in such otherwise great condition, I almost hate to walk away.

So, what do you guys think? Any thoughts/advise is appreciated...

Brent

jayke · « **Reply #1 on:** March 01, 2012, 02:35:47 PM »

The only thing it's due for maintance wise is the 15K valve inspection. Figure $400-500 if a dealer does it. You could wait a few thousand miles before you do it. If he's had knee replacement, it probally been gently ridden.

Seems like a good price to me. Last time I checked KBB trade in value was $5800-5900 on a '08.

I have an '08 non-ABS bought new. I haven't had any trouble in 36k miles.

IRULE · « **Reply #2 on:** March 01, 2012, 02:37:22 PM »

Brent,

I don't have a single issue to what you are saying. If the bike has 30,000+ mile and you have no record, then I'll be a little worry. The bike was sold to the second owner at 12,000,and he did two oil changes...."ALL-IN".

I'm 100% confident with the bike (if everything you said is true). Should ask $5500 for the bike.

jimmymac · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:16:53 PM »

Buy it!

So Cal Joe · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:28:03 PM »

Sounds like $6500 is a great price for it, Check around, you woul't find one lower than that. You can take the VIN to a dealer and they can run it in their computer and tell you the history of the bike.

MAN OF BLUES · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2012, 11:51:59 AM »

Did he opt for the extended GTPP warranty?
if he did not, and it is out of warranty now, it may be best to pass, unless you can get some extension.
@ 16k, it should have had already 4 factory service updates, the headlight knobs, side bag latch replacements, the rear luggage rack, and the rear brake pedal mechanism recall repairs. Does it have those done?
I would inquire of the dealer where it was purchased (used w/ 12k) about warranty.
the price seems ok IF it had ABS, but you may be at a point where a bike with a warranty, with ABS, is worth $1k more in my opinion.

tbren · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2012, 05:27:25 PM »

Quote from: MAN OF BLUES on March 03, 2012, 11:51:59 AM

Did he opt for the extended GTPP warranty?
if he did not, and it is out of warranty now, it may be best to pass, unless you can get some extension.
@ 16k, it should have had already 4 factory service updates, the headlight knobs, side bag latch replacements, the rear luggage rack, and the rear brake pedal mechanism recall repairs. Does it have those done?
I would inquire of the dealer where it was purchased (used w/ 12k) about warranty.
the price seems ok IF it had ABS, but you may be at a point where a bike with a warranty, with ABS, is worth $1k more in my opinion.

Good call Blues. After doing some investigating yesterday I found it had none of the updates done and no warranty. Other than the original sale date, there's no record of it being back to a dealership. Moot point though. As I was doing the research the bike was snatched up by someone else...Thanks for the help guys. Still looking...

JerBear · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2012, 05:35:27 PM »

I don't know where you live but this one is a bike I would buy if I didn't already own an 08 non-ABS. 4 what it's worth I love it!

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2009-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ABS-98376423

McJunkie · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:48:25 AM »

Don't know where you are, but if you're near Indiana, I was thinking of selling mine this year. '08 with abs and a few extras.

Jeremy Mitchell · « **Reply #9 on:** March 04, 2012, 07:15:41 AM »

Quote from: JerBear on March 03, 2012, 05:35:27 PM

I don't know where you live but this one is a bike I would buy if I didn't already own an 08 non-ABS. 4 what it's worth I love it!

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2009-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ABS-98376423

That is actually a 2010 or 2011. It looks like it has some damage in one of the pics.

ManWorkinghere · « **Reply #10 on:** March 04, 2012, 09:16:40 AM »

Quote from: JerBear on March 03, 2012, 05:35:27 PM

I don't know where you live but this one is a bike I would buy if I didn't already own an 08 non-ABS. 4 what it's worth I love it!

http://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2009-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ABS-98376423

Don and Roy's a dealer in my backyard. Their service department has worked over my C-10 and I trust them. Never bought thru them, just service issues.

If this snow stops falling, I could check it out for someone....

556ALPHA · « **Reply #11 on:** March 04, 2012, 10:03:15 AM »

If WNC stands for west NC then this bike should be on your radar:
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=7273.0

ZG · « **Reply #12 on:** March 04, 2012, 12:03:50 PM »

Quote from: Jeremy Mitchell on March 04, 2012, 07:15:41 AM

That is actually a 2010 or 2011. It looks like it has some damage in one of the pics.

Yep, agreed, it's an 11.

maxtog · « **Reply #13 on:** March 04, 2012, 01:39:34 PM »

Quote from: ZG on March 04, 2012, 12:03:50 PM

Yep, agreed, it's an 11.

Or a 2010. It is obviously not a 2008/2009. But I don't see how, from those pictures, one could tell the difference between a 2010 and a 2011.

But how could a dealer make such a gross mistake? Especially since it is NOT in his favor. Hmm

Flathead · « **Reply #14 on:** March 04, 2012, 02:38:49 PM »

Quote from: maxtog on March 04, 2012, 01:39:34 PM

Or a 2010. It is obviously not a 2008/2009. But I don't see how, from those pictures, one could tell the difference between a 2010 and a 2011.

But how could a dealer make such a gross mistake? Especially since it is NOT in his favor. Hmm

'10 only came in Beautiful Blue.

maxtog · « **Reply #15 on:** March 04, 2012, 02:42:54 PM »

Quote from: Flathead on March 04, 2012, 02:38:49 PM

'10 only came in Beautiful Blue.

That would probably explain it!
Wow- that dealer has a bike that is two years newer than what he is advertising?

ZG · « **Reply #16 on:** March 04, 2012, 05:09:14 PM »

Quote from: maxtog on March 04, 2012, 02:42:54 PM

That would probably explain it!
Wow- that dealer has a bike that is two years newer than what he is advertising?

That dealer is

JerBear · « **Reply #17 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:05:17 PM »

Quote from: Jeremy Mitchell on March 04, 2012, 07:15:41 AM

That is actually a 2010 or 2011. It looks like it has some damage in one of the pics.

I'm not sure but I thought the 09 came in red or black

maxtog · « **Reply #18 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:13:51 PM »

Quote from: JerBear on March 04, 2012, 06:05:17 PM

I'm not sure but I thought the 09 came in red or black

The problem is not the color. If you look at the bike you can see all the 2010+ features. For example, the side panels and the top on the tank are 2010+. You can also see it has the 2010+ muffler, the 2010+ mirrors, the 2010+ exhaust shield, and the 2010+ single-tone seat. On the (lousy) pictures, you can also just make out the 2010+ heated grip controller, too.

JerBear · « **Reply #19 on:** March 04, 2012, 06:18:41 PM »

Yep I see that now

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Author Topic: Newbie need help checking out '08 C14 (Read 5054 times)

Flathead