I am currently poking around with the idea of buying another C-14 and just wanted to mention a couple of thoughts that have been reinforced by my recent review of this and some other motorcycles.
First, I believe the C-14 (and perhaps some other Kawasaki's) have an excellent and unique warranty plan, although some of it must be purchased. But at least it is available. A C-14 can be, and often is, protected under the factory warranty for up to nine years with unlimited mileage. A nice and comforting touch as this is a fairly complicated bike, as most high- end bikes are these days, and even an individual part or sub- group assembly failure can be very expensive. This is a very attractive part of buying one of these bikes.
The second thing that stands out is value. There are of course other bikes that may be 'better' in some, or maybe even lots of different ways. But for the cost, I think the C-14 may deliver the most features and best overall machine. This was driven home by a recent trip to a local dealer to look at C-14's when I heard a very faint whisper from across the dealer's floor while next to a C-14. Looking around, I saw that it was a BMW 1600 calling out to me that it needed a new home. And I can say without the slightest shame that I listened and responded by going over and saying 'hello'. A really nice bike, full of all the really slick, refined features that I like as well as that magnificent in- line six cylinder engine. Paradise on Earth in my view. But them I remembered it was a BMW and backed up a bit to take in the bigger picture that included maintenance and repair. The model I was looking at was a 2016 with less than 300 miles on it and it was pristine and as- new. But out of warranty. Having seen some repairs done on late model BMW's I can honestly say that they are downright scary both in price as well as parts availability, at least some of the time. Things such as a new ABS pump are truly amazing in price and one is stuck in the position of having a still rather valuable motorcycle that is nearly worthless unless a staggering amount of money is 'invested' and I use that word loosely.
A better comparison is probably a C-14 and a GoldWing (Hondapotamus). The Goldwing is an extremely reliable bike that is well proven over decades but it is also a lot more expensive than a C-14. In my own opinion it may not be overpriced but it does not even get close to the value of a C-14, no matter if comparing both new or both used.
Another bike that interests me a bit is the Honda 1200 VFR (no longer produced). Again, more expensive than the C-14 but the base bike does not include a lot of the sport touring parts of the C-14 such as hard saddlebags, large adjustable windshield and some other things. Some of these such as the bags can be added but they are small, have that added- on look and are very expensive.
Anyway, just a no- cost idea that I thought I would share. These bikes are a lot of bang for the buck and can be (at additional but not ridiculous cost) warrantied for a surprisingly long time giving great confidence I think.
