A very, very heavy heart

[O.C.]

There's no alternative for me but to change my beautiful GTR 1400 (Connie) for a lighter bike

This is my fourth GTR and as it is the latest model I can say that it is, in my opinion, the best one yet.... by a long way, so this decision is a painful one.

This decision has been taken because of health issues which have returned, only this time they are more severe and much more painful.

To say I'm gutted would be a massive understatement, but my head has to rule my heart on this occasion and a lighter more manageable bike is essential 

But all is not lost as I have chosen a Kawasaki Versys 1000 GT, having owned on before in 2012 I know that it is an outstanding bike and will serve my needs very well

I hope to continue visiting this excellent forum and wish everyone all the best...........ride safe my friends      

[gPink]

Best of luck on the health issues. The Versys seems to be the choice of many who opt for a lighter bike. Don't be a stranger and you know the old saying.... pics or it didn't happen....

[Conrad]

Sorry to hear of your health issues. Good luck with this and the new bike!

[sanmo]

Whatcha selling/trading-in the C14 for?

"How much for the little girl? How much for the women?.....Sell me your children"  :-)

[Hooligan]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune O.C. Hope you get well soon.

[jimmymac]

Best 0f luck with the new steed. If you get feeling better, they will still be out there if you need one.

[VirginiaJim]

Rog, at least you're still going to be riding.  Sometimes it's an effort to go out on my bike, but once on the road, it's a beautiful thing.   This is my last bike.  I won't be getting another.

[O.C.]

Thanks Jim, I agree, I've had health issues in the past, but......this time it's more long term I'm afraid

I currently need a stick to get around on and riding a bike the size of my GTR really isn't a safe or sensible option

One things for sure....I wont quit     

[VirginiaJim]

 

[Classvino]

...I currently need a stick to get around on and riding a bike the size of my GTR really isn't a safe or sensible option...

One of my riding buddies has a home-fabricated "holder" on the back of his Bandit 1200 to carry his stick. Uses one of these to hold it : (vertically)

https://www.amazon.com/Two-Fish-Megablock-Pump-Holder/dp/B001F307JK

He may have modified the velcro a bit, but it looks just like this :



with a little cup thing on the bottom.  Just drop the cane in the cup, and slap the velcro aroung the shaft near the top.  He has hard pannier bags, so the cup is attached to the back-bottom of the bag, and the little strap thing (link above) is on the frame tube that holds the rack behind his passenger seat. Easy on/off...

He's a little slower getting on and off his bike than he used to be, but says the bike's plenty light enough for him to handle at a stop.

The Versys 1000 would be similar weight, if a bit taller...  It weighs a bit under 500 lbs, and the Versys specs out at 539 lbs - both much lighter than the 670 lb C14...

Hope whatever you end up with works out for you. Glad to hear you're still gonna be riding...

Jamie

[martin_14]

OC, sorry about your health problems. I agree with you: the only thing I would replace my GTR with is a Versys 1000. Great bike and it only lacks in the raw power department, but it has more than adequate grunt, even 2 up.

[wally_games]

Ok, I chose to spend twice the money and switch to the BMW 1200GS instead of the Versys, but it's about the same size.

[O.C.]

One of my riding buddies has a home-fabricated "holder" on the back of his Bandit 1200 to carry his stick. Uses one of these to hold it : (vertically)

https://www.amazon.com/Two-Fish-Megablock-Pump-Holder/dp/B001F307JK

He may have modified the velcro a bit, but it looks just like this :



with a little cup thing on the bottom.  Just drop the cane in the cup, and slap the velcro aroung the shaft near the top.  He has hard pannier bags, so the cup is attached to the back-bottom of the bag, and the little strap thing (link above) is on the frame tube that holds the rack behind his passenger seat. Easy on/off...

He's a little slower getting on and off his bike than he used to be, but says the bike's plenty light enough for him to handle at a stop.

The Versys 1000 would be similar weight, if a bit taller...  It weighs a bit under 500 lbs, and the Versys specs out at 539 lbs - both much lighter than the 670 lb C14...

Hope whatever you end up with works out for you. Glad to hear you're still gonna be riding...

Jamie

Thanks Jamie,

The problem isn't really about carrying a stick for support whilst I'm walking, its about the confidence I have in my old legs in supporting a bike the size of the C14, especially when its loaded with pillion and luggage

Even shifting it around my Rev Shed has become a worrying consideration   

[Rhino]

I recently went for a lighter bike as well with a 2015 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S. Similar grunt of the C14 but 200 lbs lighter. But I am going to miss the C14 (if I ever sell it) and its guided missile feel on the open road.

The other great thing the C14 has going for it is this forum! The Multistrada forums have a fraction of the activity and information this  and the COG forum have.

Stick around OC, come for the bike but stay for inmates! 

[VirginiaJim]

Thanks Jamie,

The problem isn't really about carrying a stick for support whilst I'm walking, its about the confidence I have in my old legs in supporting a bike the size of the C14, especially when its loaded with pillion and luggage

Even shifting it around my Rev Shed has become a worrying consideration   

Well, as long as you don't tilt it right or left and don't move forward or backward whilst it's still, you should be fine..  The secret is to keep it moving.

[O.C.]

Well, as long as you don't tilt it right or left and don't move forward or backward whilst it's still, you should be fine..  The secret is to keep it moving.

Are we still talking about the C14 Jim        

[VirginiaJim]