Author Topic: Opinions please  (Read 9820 times)

Offline BobK

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #20 on: January 27, 2014, 08:37:49 AM »
Nobody has mentioned the difference in heat between the two. If you are only 200 miles from the dealer you will be dealing with hot summers. I had a 2005 FJR1300 that was so hot in the summer you almost couldn't ride it. I have ridden the early C14s but I have heard heat was one of the major complaints from owners that Kawasaki improved with the newer bikes. For me that would be and was the major reason I went with the newer generation and for all the other changes they made to the newer bikes. You can pick up 2012s all over the place for $11,000. the last time I looked.

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #21 on: January 27, 2014, 08:47:49 AM »
Kwak thought that there was enough of a user issue to redesign for better heat management control on the 10+ bikes.  The only real time I had an issue on mine was when it was first purchased.  For some reason, it doesn't bother me now but if heat is of great concern then I would go with the 10+ bikes.

Ironically, the heat issue in warmer weather doesn't much help you in colder weather.  I found this to be the case with the C10 as well.

If something were to happen to my 08, I would be purchasing a 10+ bike, linked brakes and all.  It would not be for the heat, though.  It would be for the other features.
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Offline manowarwi

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #22 on: January 27, 2014, 10:06:01 AM »
I never noticed a big heat issue on my '08 either, although in all fairness living in Wisconsin I think I have ridden in near 100 degree weather all of 5 days in the last three years.   The previous owner also had installed the engine heat blockers so I'm sure that helps too. 

I think the redesign was as much to modernize the look of the C14s as it was to specifically address the heat.  I'm sure they were thinking "hey, while we are redesigning the fairings anyways, lets address the heat issue we've had complaints about" not the other way around. 

I can't comment on the linked breaks, although ABS would be nice.  I'm really hoping in the near future we'll see another redesign with abs, traction control, cruise control, and maybe even an audio system all standard to help it compete with the new ST offerings from BMW, Triumph, etc, but now we are getting off topic...
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Offline maxtog

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #23 on: January 27, 2014, 04:07:44 PM »
When you guys refer to "windshield memory" what is it you mean?  Or are you referring to the way it moves to the lowest position when turning the bike off?

Gen 2 has an option to automatically put the windshield up to several positions when the ignition is turned on

Quote
I know I've only had the bike a few months, but have I missed something?

Time to read the owner's manual :)
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Offline gPink

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #24 on: January 27, 2014, 04:12:10 PM »
My gen 1 windscreen is automatically where I left it.  :)

Offline maxtog

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #25 on: January 27, 2014, 04:12:23 PM »
I never noticed a big heat issue on my '08 either, although in all fairness living in Wisconsin I think I have ridden in near 100 degree weather all of 5 days in the last three years.   The previous owner also had installed the engine heat blockers so I'm sure that helps too. 

The blockers will help, but it is only part of the picture.  They added a midpipe heatshield and also significantly changed the front fairings.  As for not having an issue- some don't notice an issue on the 1 gen as much as others- but if you have no basis for comparison, that is a factor too.

Quote
I think the redesign was as much to modernize the look of the C14s as it was to specifically address the heat.

Kawasaki doesn't change the Concours on a whim like that.  It was only 2 years old when they made the change, and they have made no other significant changes in the 5 years following.  The changes for heat management and the many other changes were made to address specific limitations that they thought they would get beaten up over later (I wish that included cruise control).  I don't think the aesthetics were much of an issue.
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline maxtog

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #26 on: January 27, 2014, 04:13:17 PM »
My gen 1 windscreen is automatically where I left it.  :)

Then it doesn't go down automatically on ignition turn off, now does it?  :)
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline gPink

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #27 on: January 27, 2014, 04:16:24 PM »
Then it doesn't go down automatically on ignition turn off, now does it?  :)
Of course not. Why would anybody want that?

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #28 on: January 27, 2014, 04:45:26 PM »
Remember when the 08's came out?  The sun was being magnified through the screen and melting/striping the cluster.  I've got a bit of a mark on mine that I attribute to the screen.  I think the recommendation (somewhere?) was to retract the screen when it was parked.  I don't remember to do that 3/4s of the time.  Quite frankly, I'm lucky to even find my bike again after I park it.
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Offline gPink

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #29 on: January 27, 2014, 04:48:34 PM »
I've never had occassion to worry about it as that area is my helmet holder.

Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #30 on: January 27, 2014, 05:15:57 PM »
Of course not. Why would anybody want that?

so you can put the bike cover on it without stressing the extended windshield.  Because I only put it up if it is raining or a cold wind is hitting my neck.  Because an extended windshield makes the bike look dorky and I don't want to walk out to a dorky looking bike.
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Offline gPink

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #31 on: January 27, 2014, 05:24:36 PM »
 :yikes: Not the dreaded dorky bike syndrome.... :rotflmao:

Offline maxtog

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #32 on: January 27, 2014, 05:41:36 PM »
so you can put the bike cover on it without stressing the extended windshield.  Because I only put it up if it is raining or a cold wind is hitting my neck.  Because an extended windshield makes the bike look dorky and I don't want to walk out to a dorky looking bike.

+1 :)
Shoodaben (was Guhl) Mountain Runner ECU flash, Canyon Cages front/rear, Helibars risers, Phil's wedges, Grip Puppies, Sargent World seat-low & heated & pod, Muzzy lowering links, Soupy's stand, Nautilus air horn, Admore lightbar, Ronnie's highway pegs, front running lights, all LED, helmet locks, RAM Xgrip, Sena SMH10, Throttle Tamer, MRA X-Creen, BearingUp Shifter, PR4-GT, Scorpion EXO-T1200,etc

Offline theAmazingKickstand

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #33 on: January 27, 2014, 06:53:46 PM »
Remember when the 08's came out?  The sun was being magnified through the screen and melting/striping the cluster.  I've got a bit of a mark on mine that I attribute to the screen.  I think the recommendation (somewhere?) was to retract the screen when it was parked.  I don't remember to do that 3/4s of the time.  Quite frankly, I'm lucky to even find my bike again after I park it.

For the life of me I couldn't figure out how the previous owner managed to slightly melt the speedo needle!!!!
I guess I'll keep the auto down function.

Offline stevewfl

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #34 on: January 27, 2014, 07:15:35 PM »
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Offline martin_14

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Re: Opinions please
« Reply #35 on: January 28, 2014, 02:05:44 AM »
Then it doesn't go down automatically on ignition turn off, now does it?  :)

Plus, the Generation 2 makes fantastic pancakes, saves the polar bears and reduces the deficit in the health system  ::)
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