Kawasaki Concours Forum
Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: Scaffolder on October 05, 2014, 02:17:20 PM
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I just found a left over 2012 FJR 1300 for under $10,000 and couldn't resist. I was looking for another Concours 14, but the prices weren't moving low enough. $12,600 was the best I saw on the 2013s and 2014s. This should be an interesting change. It will be hard to get a good trunk mount like what Phil did for the Concours 1400s. I still have my 2010 C-14 with 53,000 and will continue running that along side the new FJR. All I have is a trailer shot. I haven't even put the first mile on it yet. I drove 8 hours round trip to get it. I will have it registered and insured in the beginning of the week.
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Good looking bike, nice score. :thumbs:
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Congrats on the new bike.
Just be careful about the switch- in the past it has knocked some people a little..... 'off' if you know what I mean....
:rotflmao:
Brian
I just found a left over 2012 FJR 1300 for under $10,000 and couldn't resist. I was looking for another Concours 14, but the prices weren't moving low enough. $12,600 was the best I saw on the 2013s and 2014s. This should be an interesting change. It will be hard to get a good trunk mount like what Phil did for the Concours 1400s. I still have my 2010 C-14 with 53,000 and will continue running that along side the new FJR. All I have is a trailer shot. I haven't even put the first mile on it yet. I drove 8 hours round trip to get it. I will have it registered and insured in the beginning of the week.
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Too afraid to ask what you mean Brian.
Capt'n Bob ended up going from the C-14 to the FJR any word how it went for him?Congrats on the new bike.
Just be careful about the switch- in the past it has knocked some people a little..... 'off' if you know what I mean....
:rotflmao:
Brian
Thanks Gumby
Good looking bike, nice score. :thumbs:
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You will love it most likely! The complaints of no 6th gear are most common from people who haven't ridden a Gen 2... It is near perfect IMO. The seat to peg position and bar reach often need no changes but it seems people are so used to making them on any bike that you see them come and go for sale. I recently installed a bridge on my 08 FJR, and wonder why I did! Let us know how you like it!
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Yeah, that was the reference- he bought a Feejer and went a little.... well, you know. :-)
As far as I know he liked the FJR just fine but to be honest, his feelings were so strong regarding the Concours, I do not believe he could be reasonable or unbiased when reporting on the FJR, at least not on any Concours forums.
But in the abstract, they are direct competitors and certainly Yamaha knows how to manufacture a motorcycle so I would expect they (FJR and C-14) are far more alike than they are different. And the long distance community really likes them- take a look at how many show up in an IBR rally start. Really, I do not think anyone could go wrong with any bike from the big four Japanese mfg's and so if the FJR fits you and suits your size and riding style, I think you will put many satisfied miles on it.
Again, congrats and the very best of luck with the new bike.
Brian
Too afraid to ask what you mean Brian.
Capt'n Bob ended up going from the C-14 to the FJR any word how it went for him?
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Thanks Brian. I'll be able to give some reports soon enough. I tend to ride between 20,000-25,000 miles per year.
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Hi,
Nice bike! When I bought my C14 I looked at the FJR and the BMW K1200GT. I went with the C14 but I'm not "normal" at 6'8" and 270#!
In the future you will find yourself prefering to ride one of these bikes over the other! This is natural. At that time I would be interested in your reasons why?
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My son bought an 05 FJR. I expected it to be quite a bit different then my 2010 C14 because it's almost 100 lbs lighter. But I found they are more alike than they are different. If I didn't have a C14, I'd probably have an FJR. Enjoy the new bike!
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Thanks guys. I myself am very curious about the differences and similarities. It will take a while to have any answers. I plan on riding the Yamaha the most for the next 2 years. Of course my wife had a hard time getting it registered today without me there. I have a ton of papers to sign and am out of town. I put the first 2 miles on it Sunday night.
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You'll like it. The C14 and FJR are pretty close
Went from an '05 FJR to a '08 C14 and back to a '13 FJR.
The one I like best? Whichever bike I'm currently making payments on.
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Congrats.......great machines!!!!!
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The FJR is awesome. The exhaust note is clearly a spot that Kawasaki hasn't given any thought about. The Yamaha sings to you. It feels very good on the country road twisties I ride every day. The seat feels better on the FJR even though it is a little too firm. The lack of storage in the bags might be a deal breaker for me. I had to leave a lot of things behind commuting to work. I didn't think the bag sizes were quite that different. I need tons of stuff for work.
I will keep you guys posted with more info after riding it more. I will be able to open it up some after the break in period.
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The FJR is awesome. The exhaust note is clearly a spot that Kawasaki hasn't given any thought about. The Yamaha sings to you. It feels very good on the country road twisties I ride every day. The seat feels better on the FJR even though it is a little too firm. The lack of storage in the bags might be a deal breaker for me. I had to leave a lot of things behind commuting to work. I didn't think the bag sizes were quite that different. I need tons of stuff for work.
I will keep you guys posted with more info after riding it more. I will be able to open it up some after the break in period.
Top case does wonders, and your FJR is already broken in........flog away. ;)
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Nice FJR! I've actually been contemplating one in 2015??....oops did say that out loud ::)
Any action pics yet, or rather some from out & about, instead of the pick em up truck shot :D
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Hi,
It's a great bike,its a good looking bike but it will never replace my C14 IMO!!! 8)
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The FJR is so far off from what the C-14 is. I am doing an even swap out for a 2012 C-14 on Thursday. I racked up about 1100 miles since I bought it. I ride my 2010 C-14 more than the FJR. The 2012 C-14 has just under 14,000 miles on it. Stock.
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The FJR is so far off from what the C-14 is. I am doing an even swap out for a 2012 C-14 on Thursday. I racked up about 1700 miles since I bought it. I ride my 2010 C-14 more than the FJR. The 2012 C-14 har just under 14,000 miles on it. Stock.
Interesting to hear that. Would love to hear your side by side comparison.
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http://www.momsnh.com/2012KawasakiCONCOURS-14-ABS-inventory.htm?id=608536&used=1&vin=JKBZGNC12CA015883 (http://www.momsnh.com/2012KawasakiCONCOURS-14-ABS-inventory.htm?id=608536&used=1&vin=JKBZGNC12CA015883)
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My toughest issues were the size of the bags and not enough options for fixing that issue. The tire pressure sensors and traction control are now must haves to me. The Yamaha let loose pretty easily on Monday (wet roads). The oil change was a complete PITA to me. The oil filter is side mounted with plastic body panel under it. I hated it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quYel40KGLI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quYel40KGLI)
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My toughest issues were the size of the bags and not enough options for fixing that issue. The tire pressure sensors and traction control are now must haves to me. The Yamaha let loose pretty easily on Monday (wet roads). The oil change was a complete PITA to me. The oil filter is side mounted with plastic body panel under it. I hated it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quYel40KGLI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quYel40KGLI)
I though the new FJR had throttle by wire with traction control. How did it compare performance wise? Power and handling?
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My 2012 I bought did not have traction control. It might have handled a little better on the twisties, but was very high revving on the highway (where I spend most my riding).
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My 2012 I bought did not have traction control. It might have handled a little better on the twisties, but was very high revving on the highway (where I spend most my riding).
Hi,
Is the C14 better for smooth POWER!
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I haven't ridden an FJR, but have sat on quite a few. The bike felt more touring than sport to me. Windshield and dash seemed higher. Mirrors are definitely higher, and the riding position felt more upright.
Since I am one of the rare concours riders who like the stock riding position, I definitely prefer the Connie over the FJR. The only item I like better is the dual exhaust.
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Hi,
I'm afraid I would miss the power of the C14 over the FJR and the seat position is perfect to me at my age!
The Z-14 has more power admittedly but I don't think I would be happy with the seat position for hours at time!
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I missed everything about the Concours. I ended up doing an even swap from the 2012 FJR to a 2012 Counours. I only made it 1100 miles on the Yamaha. It did nothing for me that I needed it too. The Concours is the true winner for me.
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Scaffolder, mind if I ask your physical dimensions? Height, inseam, etc? I'm considering the FJR/C14 option when I trade up, too. Ikn've got rises on the C-10, Kneesavers, Corbin seat w/Airhawk and it all works pretty well. I've sat on each and the C-14 seems to fit more "naturally" as it comes from the factory, if you know what I mean.
For comparison - I'm 6'4", 35 inseam, #13 boot, 250# weight, 18-36" shirt size (2XL).
Thanks and sorry to hear it didn't work out for you.
Ron
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i'm 6'2" and FYI all these bikes are for short jap folks ;D
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I missed everything about the Concours. I ended up doing an even swap from the 2012 FJR to a 2012 Counours. I only made it 1100 miles on the Yamaha. It did nothing for me that I needed it too. The Concours is the true winner for me.
My favorite other color- great lookin' ride.
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Scaffolder, mind if I ask your physical dimensions? Height, inseam, etc? I'm considering the FJR/C14 option when I trade up, too. Ikn've got rises on the C-10, Kneesavers, Corbin seat w/Airhawk and it all works pretty well. I've sat on each and the C-14 seems to fit more "naturally" as it comes from the factory, if you know what I mean.
For comparison - I'm 6'4", 35 inseam, #13 boot, 250# weight, 18-36" shirt size (2XL).
Thanks and sorry to hear it didn't work out for you.
Ron
I am 6'2" with about a 34" inseam 12 boot, 240#, XL shirt. The FJR felt small. It is all the other things that the Kawasaki offers and the Yamaha does not. Especially the 3 year extendable warranty. The Kawasaki covers you better at highway speeds. So easy to add a trunk to the Concours. You need to purchase a good Givi kit and remove some of the plastic to add one to the FJR.
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All the riders seem to be 150# too. Haven't been that weight in 40 years. Thanks guys.
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Interesting.....as the things you disliked about the FJR not having that the C14 does, I would much rather prefer an FJR. Still too many gremlins on the C14 for my liking and it still not having electronic cruise yet, and I found it to be a serious a pig when you are moving at a crawl. The C14 is still huge, needs reverse in a bad way......and I hate the TPS and FOB system. Other than the things I mentioned, I enjoyed mine pretty well for 4 years. Lighter and multi capable bikes are my thing, so glad we have some awesome choices out there for what meets our desires. :thumbs:
By the way.....I would have to say that hands down the best touring machine that money can buy, would have to be the BMW 1200RT. Buddy of mine has one and it is quite the machine, so much lighter and nimble feeling than either an FJR or a C14, and it is LOADED with all the gadgets and toys that a machine like that should have.
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Some accurate info here, some not so much. It just takes longer than a thousand miles I guess to find some of the stuff out. The FJR has more room from the pegs to the seat in the highest of the FJR adjustable seat position so should be more relaxed for the longer legged rider. Oil changes are just stupid easy even with highway pegs mounted that look factory on the bike! I have sold a couple of mine that the new owner didn't notice them until ready to ride off... The torque of the FJR makes it easier to ride on most all roads. In 5th gear as that is all the bike has, all of mine have gotten better fuel mileage than any of my Concours have... No need to worry about the RPM's as you won't find many sitting around getting engine work! You can put the factory trunk right on the FJR, or buy a SW Motech rack that bolts right on as well for the Givi, no plastic to remove. You can put an upgraded rack on for serious hauling with brackets like is available for the C14 also. The bags are mounted lower on the FJR, no kicking them getting on and off. I have used the liners that were made for each bike in each bike's saddlebags actually. Both are comparable in size, maybe a little bigger on the C14. I have sets of each liners from all the buying and selling over the years of each to use. Using the FJR liners in a Beemer bag now... The handlebars and seat being factory adjustable are pretty neat options that are stock on the Yamaha.
Now that sounds like I haven't put any miles on the C14, huh... I have had 2 and loved riding them while I had them just like I have the FJR's in the past. Just trying to add from what I have encountered also so that people that visit the site studying the bikes have more to read and go check out these bikes with the most info possible. Both are great in their respective ways as I have said before! :)
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Some accurate info here, some not so much. It just takes longer than a thousand miles I guess to find some of the stuff out. The FJR has more room from the pegs to the seat in the highest of the FJR adjustable seat position so should be more relaxed for the longer legged rider. Oil changes are just stupid easy even with highway pegs mounted that look factory on the bike! I have sold a couple of mine that the new owner didn't notice them until ready to ride off... The torque of the FJR makes it easier to ride on most all roads. In 5th gear as that is all the bike has, all of mine have gotten better fuel mileage than any of my Concours have... No need to worry about the RPM's as you won't find many sitting around getting engine work! You can put the factory trunk right on the FJR, or buy a SW Motech rack that bolts right on as well for the Givi, no plastic to remove. You can put an upgraded rack on for serious hauling with brackets like is available for the C14 also. The bags are mounted lower on the FJR, no kicking them getting on and off. I have used the liners that were made for each bike in each bike's saddlebags actually. Both are comparable in size, maybe a little bigger on the C14. I have sets of each liners from all the buying and selling over the years of each to use. Using the FJR liners in a Beemer bag now... The handlebars and seat being factory adjustable are pretty neat options that are stock on the Yamaha.
Now that sounds like I haven't put any miles on the C14, huh... I have had 2 and loved riding them while I had them just like I have the FJR's in the past. Just trying to add from what I have encountered also so that people that visit the site studying the bikes have more to read and go check out these bikes with the most info possible. Both are great in their respective ways as I have said before! :)
This is the mount I would have had to use to mount the Givi E55 that I have always used on the Concours' I've had.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZa-58n5NkM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZa-58n5NkM)
Compared to a Phil's Rack there is no comparison.
And here is a video of the messy oil change that is no comparison to the ease of the Concours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdVUR3SA4Sw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdVUR3SA4Sw)
The Pannier size on the FJR is just under 30 L and the Concours is over 35 L. To me that is a huge difference, because I use my bikes for commuting to work and need to bring so much stuff with me on a daily basis that the FJR didn't give me the opportunity to put more miles on it.
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I would have done these bags if I kept it.
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I am confused... Never needed aluminum foil or YouTube to change oil on my bikes! Again, there are options for the rear rack and other things mentioned in this thread, that was the whole purpose of my comment... sorry as I didn't mean to step on any toes, just help others reading!
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The torque of the FJR makes it easier to ride on most all roads.
This torque that you speak of, less must be better, right?
Just asking because I'm a little confused.....
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Sorry, not sure what is confusing about the curve you attached or the one I have that appears closer to feeling right after putting so many miles on each brand bike discussed here. Your curve shows the FJR putting out more torque at the RPM's that both bikes will see the most of when being ridden on the street by most riders. The one I have attached does as well.
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I suppose if you spend all of your time under 3500 rpms. My last Harley spent most of it's 90k miles at 3500 or so...
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Now I understand!
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You are exactly right- that chart shows us all exactly what to buy.... a BMW1600!
:rotflmao:
Brian
Sorry, not sure what is confusing about the curve you attached or the one I have that appears closer to feeling right after putting so many miles on each brand bike discussed here. Your curve shows the FJR putting out more torque at the RPM's that both bikes will see the most of when being ridden on the street by most riders. The one I have attached does as well.
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When I hit Mega Lottery I will buy at least 200 of the members of this forum each their own K16. Then we can do some SERIOUS independent testing. Until then, my narrow blue collar butt will be on something more modestly priced. 8)
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Just send me the low rent c14.
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Naw, G, you get the first BMW. Your reviews alone would be worth the priceof aadmission :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :stirpot:
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Naw, G, you get the first BMW. Your reviews alone would be worth the priceof aadmission :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :stirpot:
I've got two airheads in the garage that will still be running when that 25K BMW techno ride is gathering dust in the back of the salvage yard. 8)
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Sorry, not sure what is confusing about the curve you attached or the one I have that appears closer to feeling right after putting so many miles on each brand bike discussed here. Your curve shows the FJR putting out more torque at the RPM's that both bikes will see the most of when being ridden on the street by most riders. The one I have attached does as well.
I think the key here is that for around town driving the FJ is better suited with it's torque curve than the C14