So I'm doing this as part of my New Years resolution to finally get around to writing about the recent mods to my bike and those to thank for them.
I just started riding in Aug. 2024 after an absence of 8yrs. So instead of riding my new to me 2022 C14 I decided to make all the changes I had done to my 2008 C14, my last bike.
It is not a real long list but they are all things that make the bike work better for me. It took several months for me to complete and then several more to ride a while and feel things out.
First, I got a ECU reflash from Shodaben engineering along with a full Black Widow exhaust. I really like how the reflash and exhaust made the engine control much easier. There is a really nice power increase and the pipe really sounds nice though a little louder than the Area P pipe I had on my 08. After talking with Steve at Shodaben I picked the Moutain Runner Pro though I wish I could try The Hammer reflash back to back. Anyway, Steve was good at explaining everything and I am quite happy with the change.
And the Black Widow pipe can't be beat for the price. A great quality piece for about a 1/3rd the price of other exhausts.
Next I sent my forks in to Racetech for a revalve mod for my weight and how I ride. I kept the stock spring as it was a little stiffer than the one they recommended and I'm a little on the larger side, so I thought that would work the best. I really noticed right away how much smoother the forks were, especially over small bumps. I also now noticed how harsh the shock now feels. Maybe later, ($$$!?).
The next, and most fun, thing I had done was getting my seat remade. I had my seat done by Abe Ramos, ( 619-895-4629 email: aramos_1@cox.net) near Del Mar Calif. I met Abe at the Long Beach BMW dealership. He had a vendor booth there and I had attended with my son-in-law who is a BMW brand ambassador and was doing some demonstrations there.
I had the pleasure of meeting with Abe at his home where he has a great workshop where he does custom seats, among other things. A multi talented guy who is into a lot of things and has to C14's and a Hayabusa, all meticulous kept in his garage. He was gracious enough to let me work with him, (he did 95%, I just told him what I wanted), over the two days I was down there. He was quite easy to work with and listened to how I wanted my seat.
Anyway it was a pleasure and I would encourage anyone would wanted a custom seat to give him a call. I have attached some pictures of the seat. I had him cut the seat hump back about three inches, for more leg room, and gradually raise the front portion of the seat by about 1/2in so as to decrease the sliding forward effect.
I went on a 240mi, then a week later, a 400mi ride on mostly canyons with some freeway and amazingly I did not have a sore butt on either ride. So very happy with the changes and the quality of the seat.
So that is about it. I just wanted to let others know about my experience with these mods, the people and companies I worked with and my lovely C14.
