Kawasaki Concours Forum

Introductions - Tell us a bit about yourself => Introductions => Topic started by: hhansen0 on March 18, 2016, 07:52:17 PM

Title: New Owner
Post by: hhansen0 on March 18, 2016, 07:52:17 PM
I just purchased a 2012 C14 and have a question about what owners would recommend as first items or order of business I should look at.  It is mostly stock, 5000 miles, has aftermarket risers and grips, larger windshield and rear matched case.  I won't be able to see it in person for a couple more weeks when we move from Las Vegas to Portland for the summer.  I am 6 ft, 195 lbs and wanted to know if there are any suspension settings I need to look at.  Any other items you would recommend?  Thanks in advance for your input.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: connie14boy on March 18, 2016, 10:58:13 PM
I just purchased a 2012 C14 and have a question about what owners would recommend as first items or order of business I should look at.  It is mostly stock, 5000 miles, has aftermarket risers and grips, larger windshield and rear matched case.  I won't be able to see it in person for a couple more weeks when we move from Las Vegas to Portland for the summer.  I am 6 ft, 195 lbs and wanted to know if there are any suspension settings I need to look at.  Any other items you would recommend?  Thanks in advance for your input.

Hey and welcome to the best forum for C-14's. IMHO, if the bike has the original Crapstone  021 tires, ditch 'em now, get a decent pair of Michelin PR's or Pirelli's and get a 'sag-set' for the suspension from someone who knows how to perform one. Had mine done by an ex WERA/CCS racer many years ago- these 2 things make a big difference and will deliver a lot of grins. Also, a lot of guys dump the huge zeppelin muffler immediately, and get the seat redone by Baldwin, Laam, or Russell. Ride safe.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: AlbertaDoug on March 18, 2016, 11:00:24 PM
Welcome to the forum.

Change your oils and Check your tires. If the tires are the original crapstones then you might want to try out some Michiline PR4GT's, they highlight this bikes attributes.


You could start here for some insight into your suspension.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=search2 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?action=search2)

The search engine is your friend here.
Cheers and enjoy your new ride.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: hhansen0 on March 19, 2016, 08:17:40 AM
thank you for the suggestions as I didn't even think about tires yet!  Appreciate your wisdom and info
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 19, 2016, 10:02:27 AM
Probably should change the battery out as well.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: hhansen0 on April 01, 2016, 06:30:05 PM
Picked up the bike today and I guess I got lucky, the previous owner changed to Michelins, added Precision Engineering adjustable riser/handlebars, TOPBLOCK guard brackets, a Laam custom seat, C. Bailey windshield, and customized gold anodized rims.  He spent a lot of money to ride just 6K miles.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: connie14boy on April 01, 2016, 08:30:39 PM
Picked up the bike today and I guess I got lucky, the previous owner changed to Michelins, added Precision Engineering adjustable riser/handlebars, TOPBLOCK guard brackets, a Laam custom seat, C. Bailey windshield, and customized gold anodized rims.  He spent a lot of money to ride just 6K miles.

Lookin' good- that's a great color, but it still has that huge black zeppelin hanging off it. :'(
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: Eupher on April 02, 2016, 07:44:50 PM
Probably should change the battery out as well.

Yep, mine (a 2012 bought NOS in September) died about 2 weeks after I brought the bike home.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: SilverConnieRider on April 02, 2016, 08:29:23 PM
Nice - But it's missing the body colored cover that covers the battery opening.

You don't need moisture, bugs or other creatures getting in there.  I would say (if possible) talk to the previous owner
and see if he has the cover somewhere or you may have to bite the bullet and go get one from a dealer.  I wouldn't delay if it was me.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: hhansen0 on April 04, 2016, 02:57:03 PM
Silver, thanks for the heads up on the cover.  I didn't even notice it until you pointed it out.  The previous owner passed away which is why the bike was for sale and I talked with his widow and she has it.  I will get it picked up asap.  I am going to put a battery tender plug on it, ordered one today, and will get it on also so the cover can be replaced and the battery can be tended with the cover on.
Title: Re: New Owner
Post by: Scaffolder on April 05, 2016, 05:07:58 PM
Congratulations.