Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: Joncon11 on April 14, 2013, 07:13:48 AM

Title: The first one to leap...
Post by: Joncon11 on April 14, 2013, 07:13:48 AM
Let me be the first to disappoint everyone  ;). Now before anyone gets upset, I kept the Concours, my wife uses it now. She needed something with more range that what she had. This F6B is amazingly nimble and light feeling for what it is, and it’s so comfortable it almost feels like I’m cheating in a weird way. It always broke my heart trailering our bikes somewhere to go ride, but I sold the trailer and the wife now has a bike that can do the miles comfortably, I got a new bike, and I still retain visitation rights with the connie, It’s win win!
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: Rhino on April 14, 2013, 09:52:58 AM
Congrats! Being a ex-Valkyrie owner and fan I can see the appeal. My son has the valk now so I also get visitation rights. I'm sure that bike will be uber comfy on long rides. Enjoy!
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: eng943 on April 14, 2013, 10:41:27 AM
Congrats!! Keep us posted on your impressions, farkles, etc!!
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: rush2112 on April 16, 2013, 11:25:39 AM
More ride reports and thoughts when you get a chance please.

I'm seriously thinking about buying one!

 :thumbs:
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: Joncon11 on April 16, 2013, 06:06:04 PM
So far this bike is great! Gobs of torque on tap, power is very linear and predictable, and for the first time in my life there is NO, ZERO, NADA throttle snatch (jerky)  :yikes:. Seriously, smooth as smooth can be, very comfortable. I have only been commuting with it so far, I will report back after a trip to PA next week. As for the negatives...I keep trying to grab 6th gear, kind of weak sounding (fix that with pipes), and basically I just need to get used to it. Oh yeah 36000 mile valve check  ;D
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: Pokey on April 16, 2013, 06:17:28 PM
Sweet Wings, but no reverse on that model is such a fail.  ::)
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: Rhino on April 16, 2013, 09:45:04 PM
So far this bike is great! Gobs of torque on tap, power is very linear and predictable, and for the first time in my life there is NO, ZERO, NADA throttle snatch (jerky)  :yikes:. Seriously, smooth as smooth can be, very comfortable. I have only been commuting with it so far, I will report back after a trip to PA next week. As for the negatives...I keep trying to grab 6th gear, kind of weak sounding (fix that with pipes), and basically I just need to get used to it. Oh yeah 36000 mile valve check   ;D

Not to mention the valve check is trivial compared to the C14. Never did it on the 1800 but on the 1500 just a couple of bolts removes the valve cover and there they are.
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: Joncon11 on April 27, 2013, 02:01:46 PM
Well, after an 800 mile highway slog to PA and back, here are my impressions so far. Smooth, comfortable, milage is about 200+/- per tank, over all a very competent bike. Range and comfort is limited only by the rider and the gas milage. I will get a 13” windshield from Cee Bailey because I felt a bit too exposed with the OEM screen, and the saddle bags would be a lot more usable if I had the bag liners which should be out soon. I’m thinking medium to large dry bag on the passenger seat for long trips. So, great bike over all, but I keep looking for a 6th gear. In 5th gear at highway speeds you can easily add about 2 inches to your arms when you crack the throttle, the power and torque make the lack of a 6th gear very easy to overlook.
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: booger on April 27, 2013, 07:24:50 PM
I want one.  I drove one last month and fell in love with it. :)
Title: Re: The first one to leap...
Post by: shreveportSS on April 28, 2013, 01:31:45 PM
I went to the local Honda dealer since they were having a "Demo day" with hotdogs and burgers.
I have ridden all of their bikes at one time or another but decided to ride the Goldwing and F6B again. The Goldwing is just too cramped and I have a nice bruise on my shin.  :o
The F6B was nice. More legroom and I didn't scrape the pegs on every turn like I did on the Wing. It does need Cruise, electronically adjustable suspension, and navigation available since it has a >$20k MSRP. Both bikes were very nimble.

 I forget how much powa my Kawis have until I ride other bikes.