Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: EddiE J. on February 21, 2020, 12:30:30 PM

Title: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: EddiE J. on February 21, 2020, 12:30:30 PM
How many owners have reached the 100,000 mile mark

   
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: VirginiaJim on February 21, 2020, 02:49:12 PM
Well, mine would have hit that mark if I hadn't went to the dark side..without any major repairs.  Hitting that mileage mark would be relatively easy on that bike.  The engine is bulletproof as is all the other moving parts.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on February 21, 2020, 03:03:52 PM
I can only attest to know of 2, for certain, but they are now well over that mark.. and both of them had no major issues ever... just ride, oil, tires, fuel, adjust, ... and repeat..
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: maxtog on February 21, 2020, 04:27:32 PM
I will have about 45K on what will be a 9 year old 2011 in a few months.  So, I will get back with you in 11 years.... :)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie_rider on February 23, 2020, 12:18:00 PM
I think "Just Cliff" has about 215,000 on his.
At about 190,000 he did a track day on it..
As far as I know, only normal maintenance and "lots" of tires...

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie14boy on February 23, 2020, 01:13:00 PM
After 10 years of riding all over this country, I can state that my '09 C-14 is the most reliable VEHICLE I have ever owned. 98,787 trouble-free miles so far with only tires, fluids, brake pads, 5k oil changes with Mobil 1, 1 main battery and many FOB batteries, 1 headlite and a million smiles. I fully expect it will go 300k and outlast my biking years, as it has always run the same way since day 1. I will change the original spark plugs at 100,000 miles next month, even though it still gets 45-53 MPG all the time.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: banditrider on February 23, 2020, 10:24:23 PM
I'm sitting at just under 160,000km on my '08 and will hit the big number in the next month or so.

Zero issues.  Regular oil changes, a few air filters, plenty of tyres and quite a few sets of front pads (less rear), a couple of plug changes and one battery and that's it.  Rear shock does need some attention...

Happy camper :)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: garfield1974 on February 24, 2020, 08:33:15 AM
110,000 kilometers  ;D

1 leak on the shaft seal
1 leak on the fork seal
1 leak on the front brake pump

I am happy  :)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie14boy on February 24, 2020, 09:38:36 PM
After 10 years of riding all over this country, I can state that my '09 C-14 is the most reliable VEHICLE I have ever owned. 98,787 trouble-free miles so far with only tires, fluids, brake pads, 5k oil changes with Mobil 1, 1 main battery and many FOB batteries, 1 headlite and a million smiles. I fully expect it will go 300k and outlast my biking years, as it has always run the same way since day 1. I will change the original spark plugs at 100,000 miles next month, even though it still gets 45-53 MPG all the time.

The bike only saw a dealer 2 times for warranty work- once for the rear brake recall, and once for new potted batteries for the TPS. So far no dollars have passed from my tight fists for any problems or failures. ;)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: Rick Hall on February 25, 2020, 11:38:07 PM
How many owners have reached the 100,000 mile mark ?  Who can claim the highest odometer reading and what major service / parts did it require to reach that 100,000 or above mark ?  Inquiring Minds Want To Know . 

C-10 here, know the C-14 is more advanced/reliable.

All repaired by me, except for first fork seal repair prior to my FIRST BBG.

Several fork seals.
Blew a lower radiator hose @ ~100k miles, drove from ID back to CO with no coolant (or ~600 miles).
Rear shock replaced with a Progressive unit "just because" around 80k.
Carb rack puked fuel in Iowa, repaired in the Quickie-mart parking lot with hunk of baling wire and a gum wrapper.
Clutch is 'toast' at ~100k miles (basket internals replaced), it's till toast for rocket launches.

After I hit 100k, very few repairs needed.

Currently +180k miles on the odo since I bought her new, but haven't ridden 'Sam' in +3 years (cagers are totally brain dead now).

In short, if you can't get 100k out of a C-14, you're not riding enough.

Rick
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: PH14 on February 26, 2020, 11:40:35 AM
110,000 kilometers  ;D

1 leak on the shaft seal
1 leak on the fork seal
1 leak on the front brake pump

I am happy  :)

That's only about 68,350 miles though, which isn't much. We would consider that low mileage in the States.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: kzz1king on February 26, 2020, 12:58:54 PM
I didnt notice valve adjustments made in these posts.
Wayne
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on February 26, 2020, 03:24:03 PM
I didnt notice valve adjustments made in these posts.
Wayne

 :goodpost: :goodpost: :hail: :thumbs: :thumbs: :stirpot: :stirpot: :stirpot:

that's because half never did or will do the deed, and the other half did it, and finds it "just normal maintenance", like adding air to tires..

 :hitfan: :cool: :cool: :cool: :popcorn: :1DeadBanana :1DeadBanana :banana :salute: :salute: :salute:
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: maxtog on February 26, 2020, 03:53:22 PM
I didnt notice valve adjustments made in these posts.

I was going to post that, but decided since I waited so long to do mine, and it was SO bad, that perhaps I should just remain quiet...
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on February 26, 2020, 06:54:30 PM
 :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

(https://media.giphy.com/media/OUD7MPuEqWsbm/giphy.gif)
(https://media.giphy.com/media/HY3usiPjZJ8S4/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: just gone on February 26, 2020, 07:01:34 PM
'10 purchased in March of 2011, warranty runs out next month. :(

approx. 94,000+ miles  :)

 One set of spark plugs (@50,000+ mi),
 two valve adjustments (@18,000 mi.+ & @50,000+ mi),
 3rd-4th gears replaced under warranty for broken tooth on 4th gear,
 clutch bled once (during gear replacement)
coolant changed once (also during gear replacement),
 front and rear brakes bled 4 times,
 cam o ring changed to larger one (once),
front brake pads replaced 4 times,  rear 2 times,
unknown number of oil changes and tire changes. (I have records, I'm just too lazy to go total it up)
Main battery replaced once,
tire sensor batteries replaced once,
fob battery replaced twice*. (*3 times really, as original fob was lost with original battery.  ::) :-[ )
 Right side fork leak repaired (cleaned) with piece of 35mm film strip cut with hook on end.
One stuck throttle due to my not quite installing Rostra cruise control as I should have.  ::)  :-[
5 air cleaner filter replacements

Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: accbiker on February 27, 2020, 11:47:34 AM
I have 120k on a 2010.  Besides  valves at 20k, spark plugs at 60k and fork seals at 110k, it has been fairly maintenance fee with the exception of air filters, coolant, oil, oil filters, and tires.  Oh, yeah, plenty of brake pads too..

-David
Dunwoody, GA
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie14boy on February 28, 2020, 09:43:03 PM
I didn't notice valve adjustments made in these posts.
Wayne
OK, ya caught me. Being that the bike shop in San Jose recently quoted me $830. and I really don't trust these "mechanics" anyways from the stories I hear, I will do it if I notice a lack of normal valve noise, the mpg drops or it runs differently. I'm never selling it, so any harm being done is my problem. No one on here has complained of any burnt valves yet either, and I'm pretty sure there are more bikes with more miles than mine w/o valve checks. The spark plugs will tell a tale when I replace them after 10 years and 100k miles. Even though it is in perfect shape, the bike is only worth probably $2,000. and will outlive my riding time I'm sure the way I'm maintaining it. You guys can flame me, but I have asbestos underwears. ;)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: Rick Hall on February 29, 2020, 12:55:16 AM
Boys and girls, the O.P. stated MAJOR repairs ;) Oil, filter, fluids, pads, tires are not major repairs ;)

Flame on! Most will state you need to check valve clearance per mfg's recommendations. It's trivially easy. If close to limits, recheck in 10k miles before you spring bux for new shims.

Related, drove a Tacoma POC (Pile of ...) for 165k miles, shim over bucket valves (like the C-14?). First (only) check of valves at 130k miles, they were spot on.

Rick

OK, ya caught me. Being that the bike shop in San Jose recently quoted me $830. and I really don't trust these "mechanics" anyways from the stories I hear, I will do it if I notice a lack of normal valve noise, the mpg drops or it runs differently. I'm never selling it, so any harm being done is my problem.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: maxtog on February 29, 2020, 05:57:11 AM
Flame on! Most will state you need to check valve clearance per mfg's recommendations. It's trivially easy.

I agree that nobody should count a valve check/adjust as anything other than expected maintenance.  But it is far from trivially easy and is much more expensive than any other maintenance item (and far more than any other bike I have owned due to the complexity/difficulty).
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: maxtog on February 29, 2020, 06:03:44 AM
OK, ya caught me. Being that the bike shop in San Jose recently quoted me $830. and I really don't trust these "mechanics" anyways from the stories I hear, I will do it if I notice a lack of normal valve noise, the mpg drops or it runs differently.

As you know, I waited far too long to check/adjust mine, and it was way off.  There was no drop in MPG and no valve noise.  Although it was running poorly and performance was considerably off.  As to whether any permanent damage can be done unless there are symptoms, I don't know; perhaps?
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie14boy on February 29, 2020, 08:19:04 PM
As you know, I waited far too long to check/adjust mine, and it was way off.  There was no drop in MPG and no valve noise.  Although it was running poorly and performance was considerably off.  As to whether any permanent damage can be done unless there are symptoms, I don't know; perhaps?
The C-14 engine and running gear is built like brick outhouse- you would have to flog it mercilessly for years, never do any maintenance or be a complete idiot to harm it. 5 quarts of syn oil plus water cooling and being way under stressed means it's virtually bulletproof. My '74 Z-1 still purrs and rips after 45 years and it's air cooled.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: kzz1king on February 29, 2020, 09:06:05 PM
No flaming hear. I did mine once and dont plan to do it again.Just gonna ride it. I wanted a feel for how often people with high milage bikes checked them.
Wayne
Added a pic of my 74

OK, ya caught me. Being that the bike shop in San Jose recently quoted me $830. and I really don't trust these "mechanics" anyways from the stories I hear, I will do it if I notice a lack of normal valve noise, the mpg drops or it runs differently. I'm never selling it, so any harm being done is my problem. No one on here has complained of any burnt valves yet either, and I'm pretty sure there are more bikes with more miles than mine w/o valve checks. The spark plugs will tell a tale when I replace them after 10 years and 100k miles. Even though it is in perfect shape, the bike is only worth probably $2,000. and will outlive my riding time I'm sure the way I'm maintaining it. You guys can flame me, but I have asbestos underwears. ;)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: lather on March 01, 2020, 06:51:35 AM
I had 175,000 on my first 08, (pictured at track day in my avatar) Only normal maintenance and was was running great until it was killed by death- rear-ended by a Corolla.
My replacement 08 now at 94,000. Rather not talk  about my 09
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: just gone on March 01, 2020, 10:51:59 AM
Boys and girls, the O.P. stated MAJOR repairs ;) Oil, filter, fluids, pads, tires are not major repairs ;)

Noted, and response edited below.

'10 purchased in March of 2011, warranty runs out next month. :(

approx. 94,000+ miles  :)

 One set of spark plugs (@50,000+ mi),
 two valve adjustments (@18,000 mi.+ & @50,000+ mi),
 3rd-4th gears replaced under warranty for broken tooth on 4th gear @approx 48,000 miles.

Many will continue to say this bike is bullet proof, and perhaps most are. However my experience was not unique, and once the dealer called the
area rep he was able to accurately guess what the problem was over the phone. He had seen this before. The tooth broke off of my 4th gear and
fell down into bottom of the case. No I wasn't rough on it and I always use the clutch to shift gears. I think there was a known heat treatment problem
somewhere in the mix as the 3-4th gear part numbers changed well before the 1st gear ratio change in '15.

other not bulletproofs:

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20433.msg253669#msg253669 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20433.msg253669#msg253669)

http://forum.cog-online.org/concours-14-zg1400-general-chat-and-tech/concours-tranmission/ (http://forum.cog-online.org/concours-14-zg1400-general-chat-and-tech/concours-tranmission/)

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=19841.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=19841.0)

....so IMO, pretty reliable bike and I love mine,....... but bulletproof?  No.

Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: B.D.F. on March 01, 2020, 02:46:17 PM
Yeah, there are a few failure points on this model. I had the famous rear end seal failure, where the rear end lube (Easy boys!) in the hub splatters all over the wheel, road and rear fender. Also, several of us have had the gear position indicator fail, and a few other slightly weak areas. Small in percentage or actual number of cases certainly but there are enough of them that quite a few of us have either had it happen or directly watched it happen to other bikes.

And I must say, a C-14 down for a broken transmission gear is a sorry and sorta' scary sight: in the case of the one I saw in person, a hulk of a chassis surrounded by three tables full 'o C-14 parts. More than far enough torn down to wonder if it could be reassembled correctly ever again though all went well in this instance (very competent and able local dealer here).

Brian

<snip>

Many will continue to say this bike is bullet proof, and perhaps most are. However my experience was not unique, and once the dealer called the
area rep he was able to accurately guess what the problem was over the phone. He had seen this before. The tooth broke off of my 4th gear and
fell down into bottom of the case. No I wasn't rough on it and I always use the clutch to shift gears. I think there was a known heat treatment problem
somewhere in the mix as the 3-4th gear part numbers changed well before the 1st gear ratio change in '15.

other not bulletproofs:

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20433.msg253669#msg253669 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20433.msg253669#msg253669)

http://forum.cog-online.org/concours-14-zg1400-general-chat-and-tech/concours-tranmission/ (http://forum.cog-online.org/concours-14-zg1400-general-chat-and-tech/concours-tranmission/)

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=19841.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=19841.0)

....so IMO, pretty reliable bike and I love mine,....... but bulletproof?  No.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie14boy on March 01, 2020, 08:39:29 PM
No flaming hear. I did mine once and dont plan to do it again.Just gonna ride it. I wanted a feel for how often people with high milage bikes checked them.
Wayne
Added a pic of my 74
IMHO the 1973-74 Z-1's are the best looking original superbikes- liking the black headers. Mine still has the original clutch, Mikunis, dual points and rear brake pads. My Z-1 smoked a lot of Hondas, H2's and Corvettes in it's day and still feisty.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: kzz1king on March 02, 2020, 09:51:00 AM
I agree. I rebuilt a 1000 motor. Mild cams, 29 smoothbores and 1075 bore. It is a lot of fun. I dont ride it that much anymore but it gets ridden every year. I bought it form a friend in 1976.
Wayne

IMHO the 1973-74 Z-1's are the best looking original superbikes- liking the black headers. Mine still has the original clutch, Mikunis, dual points and rear brake pads. My Z-1 smoked a lot of Hondas, H2's and Corvettes in it's day and still feisty.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: mikeb2411 on March 02, 2020, 02:40:19 PM
Hey guys, it's been a while but I used to be the proud owner of a 2012 C14. I owned and rode it for 2 years before trading it in and it had 50k miles on it when I let it go (approximately), but it was running great at that time with zero issues. I traded for a Triumph Trophy, a really nice bike, with serious issues after 30k miles! I am now on a Triumph Tiger and it, too, is a great bike but I am preparing to send it in for a warranty repair, bad alternator, and then see where it goes from there. The Trophy started failing the exact same way, bad alternator. Then, 2 of the gears had to be replaced, the clutch basket had to be replaced, and finally, it sucked a valve and that was the end of that bike for me. It spent 8 months of 1 year in the shop! The Tiger was their way of helping me get out of the Trophy. I do like the legroom the ADV bike offers but I do miss the wind protection offered from a sport touring bike (it's very windy and noisy on the Tiger and I am not a huge fan of that). I read how all of you are enjoying trouble-free ownership and I get jealous! I am 100% confident I would have had 200k miles on my 2012 had I not traded it. Do I regret letting it go? Heck yeah! I have always been partial toward the C14 and will be so until it dies! I did need to test the waters but in the end, I do miss my Concours and if my knees can handle it once the Tiger is done, there is a good possibility I am going back to the Concours. I miss my flashed C14; so much power, soooo smooth, so much fun to ride but I took the bait and have to finish what I started. Enjoy those trouble-free miles boys and I might be back, someday.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie14boy on March 04, 2020, 07:29:53 PM
Hey guys, it's been a while but I used to be the proud owner of a 2012 C14. I owned and rode it for 2 years before trading it in and it had 50k miles on it when I let it go (approximately), but it was running great at that time with zero issues. I traded for a Triumph Trophy, a really nice bike, with serious issues after 30k miles! I am now on a Triumph Tiger and it, too, is a great bike but I am preparing to send it in for a warranty repair, bad alternator, and then see where it goes from there. The Trophy started failing the exact same way, bad alternator. Then, 2 of the gears had to be replaced, the clutch basket had to be replaced, and finally, it sucked a valve and that was the end of that bike for me. It spent 8 months of 1 year in the shop! The Tiger was their way of helping me get out of the Trophy. I do like the legroom the ADV bike offers but I do miss the wind protection offered from a sport touring bike (it's very windy and noisy on the Tiger and I am not a huge fan of that). I read how all of you are enjoying trouble-free ownership and I get jealous! I am 100% confident I would have had 200k miles on my 2012 had I not traded it. Do I regret letting it go? Heck yeah! I have always been partial toward the C14 and will be so until it dies! I did need to test the waters but in the end, I do miss my Concours and if my knees can handle it once the Tiger is done, there is a good possibility I am going back to the Concours. I miss my flashed C14; so much power, soooo smooth, so much fun to ride but I took the bait and have to finish what I started. Enjoy those trouble-free miles boys and I might be back, someday.
Mike I remember you well since Ojai is one of my 5 favorite places to ride in Ca. I used to give you grief about the wife and spending money- all in good fun I hope. It's good to hear you are coming back to your senses after doing other bikes, and being disappointed. For most of us, C-14's are best.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: mikeb2411 on March 05, 2020, 09:35:30 AM
connnie14boy, I remember those days. It was fun! She STILL gives me grief :'(

What's funny is what I was told when I purchased the Trophy; "The Trophy will be way easier on tires than the Connie"...Bulls#$t! If you guys think the Connnie is tire-hungry, the Trophy and Tiger eat tires like they're chocolate! I have yet to find a tire that will go more than 3k miles on either bike! I remember the days of the Connie and getting at least 6k-8k on a set! I do like the 10k service intervals of Triumph but their support is sooooo bad that I would gladly go back to Kawi's 6K intervals. And, it's really 12k because the oil and fluid changes are so easy on the Kawi that those can be done in our own garage, something I do miss doing! The fuel range on the Tiger is TERRIBLE! If I hit 180 miles on a tank, I'm pushing the bike! I expected more out of an ADV Touring bike but I guess there isn't anything in the UK that is more than a few miles away? ???

I really do miss the smoothness of the Kawi, I miss the look and feel of that bike, and I do miss the farkling! I ride home daily on my Tiger and there is a guy I see once or twice a week on a black C14 and I get that warm, fuzzy feeling inside when I see that bike because the Concours, IMHO, has always been one of the best-looking bikes on the road!

There are many reasons to want to go back to the Concours, only 1 or 2 that would keep me away. The main factor is going to be legroom; the ADV bike has sooo much of it whereas the Concours makes my knees feel tight!

I DO NOT care for the new color scheme and will wait to see what the 2021 model looks like. I have heard that Kawi is going to add LED headlights to all their bikes so I am assuming the 2021 models will have them. I thought I needed all that technology that the Tiger and Trophy have but there is something really nice about the simplicity of the Concours.

I have toy'd with the idea of a BMW RT as my next bike but I can't justify the cost (cause I would want the fully-loaded model for only $30k :o), don't want the issues that come with that bike, and it still wouldn't be the Concours. There is nothing like a flashed and farkled Concours! Oh, and the luggage on the Concours is the best!

So, there you have it. I have ridden and tried Triumph and BMW and I still lean toward the Concours. I need more time to get out from under the Tiger and I need Kawi to produce a color scheme I can fall in love with and then the switch back to the Concours just might happen!

Until next time,
Mike
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: just gone on March 05, 2020, 10:09:56 AM
....and will wait to see what the 2021 model looks like. I have heard that Kawi is going to add LED headlights to all their bikes so I am assuming the 2021 models will have them.

2021 model?...Wow, aren't you the optimist.  :rotflmao:



Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: B.D.F. on March 05, 2020, 10:20:00 AM
Unfortunately, I think you are right Marty. I believe a 2021 model of the C-14 is going to be a 2020 model.... sitting at the dealer with dust on it.

Not hoping for that, just afraid that is going to be the way it goes.

Brian

2021 model?...Wow, aren't you the optimist.  :rotflmao:
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: mikeb2411 on March 05, 2020, 10:33:37 AM
There is a 2019 still sitting there on the showroom floor of my dealer...sales claims it hasn't even been an afterthought for most.

The ADV bikes are getting a lot of attention and Triumph has put a lot of effort into the Scrambler and Bonneville lineup, and then there's the Rocket! That means people walk past the Concours as if it's not there. I go to the shop frequently and I have NEVER seen anyone give the C14 a look...sad days!

Maybe I'll wait till the 2019 drops below $10k and then get it! I'd ride that color for under $10k! I would take the green stripe off though!
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: maxtog on March 05, 2020, 03:11:39 PM
There are many reasons to want to go back to the Concours, only 1 or 2 that would keep me away. The main factor is going to be legroom; the ADV bike has sooo much of it whereas the Concours makes my knees feel tight!

You must have some really long legs :)  I have a 28.5" inseam, so I have just tons of extra space.

Quote
I DO NOT care for the new color scheme and will wait to see what the 2021 model looks like.

I am not fond of the "two tone" thing, but... and I have speculated incorrectly more than once now....  I seriously doubt there will be a 2021.  The 2019 and 2020 appear to be "leftover parts depletion" models.  But I guess we shall see.  Of course, you can get a 2019/20 and peel off the green sticker stuff and paint the few odd panels.

Quote
I have heard that Kawi is going to add LED headlights to all their bikes so I am assuming the 2021 models will have them. I thought I needed all that technology that the Tiger and Trophy have but there is something really nice about the simplicity of the Concours.

If there is a 2021, and I really doubt it, it will absolutely be identical to the 2019/2020.  Of that I am about 99% sure.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: maxtog on March 05, 2020, 03:14:05 PM
There is a 2019 still sitting there on the showroom floor of my dealer...sales claims it hasn't even been an afterthought for most.

It isn't glitzy.  It is just reliable, affordable, smooth, and fast.  Glitz wins.

Quote
Maybe I'll wait till the 2019 drops below $10k and then get it! I'd ride that color for under $10k! I would take the green stripe off though!

Exactly.
And replace all the bulbs with LED and farkle some and bam.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: mikeb2411 on March 05, 2020, 03:15:49 PM
Hi Max, nice "talking" with you again ;)

Regarding my legs; it's not the length as much as it is my knees! I had my 3rd knee surgery in 2019 and it has been a little on the "tight side" since, that is my concern!

I saw that the 2020 is exactly the same as the 19 so you are probably correct which means if I am going to do it, I need to do it within the next 2 years.

My thoughts exactly when it comes to the color...peel off the green and paint what needs to be painted!
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: maxtog on March 05, 2020, 08:42:40 PM
My thoughts exactly when it comes to the color...peel off the green and paint what needs to be painted!

Nobody has confirmed it, but I think the black behind the logo and on the upper part of the fairing is also a sticker.  I don't know if that is true and if true, what is behind it, at least on the front fairing.  If it is body colored, I could deal with just sticker removal and painting the tank.  I don't know what they were thinking...
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: VirginiaJim on March 06, 2020, 05:48:09 AM
Too much Saki.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: Boomer on March 06, 2020, 07:58:48 AM
If you have knee problems on the C14 try these.
https://www.advancedsporttouring.com/Concours_14_Foot_peg_Lowering_Brackets_p/c14-27.htm (https://www.advancedsporttouring.com/Concours_14_Foot_peg_Lowering_Brackets_p/c14-27.htm)
I haven't fitted mine yet, but will be shortly.

I have an inside leg of 33" and size 15 feet so I need all the space I can get.
Hopefully they won't cause me to start ripping the toes out of my boots when cornering, but I guess we will see.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: mikeb2411 on March 06, 2020, 02:07:23 PM
I've seen those lowering pegs before. If you order them you might not get them, knowing that guys reputation!
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: just gone on March 06, 2020, 03:04:41 PM
I've seen those lowering pegs before. If you order them you might not get them, knowing that guys reputation!

Supposedly his reputation for delivery has improved lately. I purchased from them/him years ago and I'm still happy with my bars setback plates ("Riser Adapters").

However, whenever the "Returns Department" address is a UPS Store and "Suite 111" is really box 111, the buyer should beware. ;)
Quote from: AST website
Please send all returns to:
Advanced Sport Touring

Attn: Returns Dept.
235 Apollo Beach Blvd.
Suite 111
Apollo Beach, FL  33572
https://www.google.com/maps/@27.7707437,-82.3936994,3a,52.8y,358.21h,79.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sp9WIpsQSqV6gtHyiSoM-Ug!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&authuser=0 (https://www.google.com/maps/@27.7707437,-82.3936994,3a,52.8y,358.21h,79.97t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sp9WIpsQSqV6gtHyiSoM-Ug!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&authuser=0)
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 06, 2020, 04:38:24 PM
I agree Marty, use caution when placing an order, the order may go thru, but any and all subsequent contact attempts, if a return, or problem exists, is always the point where his true colors shine brightly.. i.e.  he drops off the planet, and becomes incommunicado...  just warning ya'll...
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: connie_rider on March 06, 2020, 04:46:45 PM
Just my .02.
I've never had a problem when I purchased from them.
Always shipped on time and their products have been great.

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: mikeb2411 on March 09, 2020, 08:57:22 AM
I remember those days and ordered quite a bit from him when building up my bike. He was, for the most part, pretty good about getting my orders out but I did run into two different times when I order something and never received it and was unable to get a response from him >:(
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: lather on March 09, 2020, 10:48:31 AM
He is a good guy but has some problems. When I crashed my 08 I needed some replacenment hardware for my AST highway bars. I contacted him and asked to purchase the hardware. He replied and said he would send for free and asked for my mail address. I sent him my address and waited. After 3 week nothing so I bought the stuff from MCMaster Carr online for about 20 bucks and installed. A week later the hardware arrives from AST!
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: charles r on March 12, 2020, 07:36:22 PM
I cleared 100k back in 2011. Since then, I've only put on another 20k miles. Other than normal maintenance, the only other part I've replaced was the clutch slave cylinder. It got a bit spongy, and I couldn't bleed it out. Has worked perfectly since.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on March 12, 2020, 09:18:14 PM
He is a good guy but has some problems. When I crashed my 08 I needed some replacenment hardware for my AST highway bars. I contacted him and asked to purchase the hardware. He replied and said he would send for free and asked for my mail address. I sent him my address and waited. After 3 week nothing so I bought the stuff from MCMaster Carr online for about 20 bucks and installed. A week later the hardware arrives from AST!

it's 2020.. problems should be rectified by now....
I considered being an industry member of COG, and selling products.. thought a bit, and said "naaah", even then, I still sent out cam sensor o-rings, daily, where I had to go to a post office and mail them, for $1 a pop, for 2 rings... then gave that to Murph to do, as I didn't make squat doing it..  (by the way, the rings he sends for the price he asks, are still half the price Kaw demands for a single ring.. and, the MOB rings actually seal, unlike the OEM ring..so buy Murph rings.. please  best value product by far...)
so, share the experience of getting a refund, and sending it back..(oh wait, sorry.. misread... he sent it for free a month later) or did you just say "f'it" and toss that money in the hardware bin?

my point was, it's all groovy when you get what ya wanted, but when ya don't, and expect the same service as when your charge card is on the line.. well ,,,, what ever. There are still folks, (quite a few) that got stiffed, and never got reconciliation, or product from a decade ago. easy to search for them in the search mode.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: Boomer on March 13, 2020, 03:45:25 AM
I ordered my peg lowering brackets late last year and they were delivered to the UK in under 2 weeks.
I paid by Paypal so if there were any issues I could file a claim for a refund. The same goes for a credit card.
If you pay for anything over the net by any other method, then be prepared to lose your money.
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: datsaxman@hotmail.com on July 04, 2020, 11:46:20 PM
If it is OK to go back to the original topic,

160,000 miles on my 2008 C14 about three years ago.  Cam chain rattles some since maybe 145,000.  I was (infamously) unable to extend the extended warranty coverage right about this time 7/4/2017.  More or less retired the beast and got a fresh (er) 2010 with very low miles.  Up to 85,000 now.  Two good years, but pretty light so far this year.  I also have a third C14, another 2008 with 55,000 miles and a fried ECU.  That kinda SUX.  See "lack of warranty availability" for the reason that has become a parts bike. 

ZERO major trouble, excepting the spontaneous ECU meltdown.  I do my own work, and have half a dozen valve adjustments under the belt.  Not a terrible task by any means, but there are a bunch of things that have to be removed to get access.  And there are always things that have to be repaired or rebuilt or replaced or rethought during the process.  I like me some crash bars, too.  Retrofitting the 2008s for the 2010 took a little doing!


Anyway, ... The C14 has been very reliable.  Ridiculous for a motorcycle.  I would buy another.



Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: tjhess74 on July 14, 2020, 08:41:49 PM
Since 'close to 100k' people have piped up, I'll add mine. I'm at 94k. The bike was down this past year due to fried computers, and sat for two years while I was overseas. I also don't ride hardly at all anymore since I have a take-home car at work and kids.

Major issues: as mentioned, last year, one or more of the bike's computers quit working. The KIPASS has been replaced twice. Cam chain tensioner. rear end leak. Clutch slave cylinder issues that still aren't resolved. Melted dash cluster. Cooling fan seized. Fuel tank replaced due to external rust. I'm sure there's some stuff I have forgotten. Much of the above was covered under warranty.

Overall, I love the bike and have had many great trips with her. If I could go back in time, I don't know that I would have taken the C14 path...
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: Justcliff on August 20, 2020, 11:34:25 AM
With 233,500 miles on the clock I guess I'm qualified to post in this thread. 2008 C14 bought new by me, all travel smiles never any commuting/aarons for me. Should surpass 240,000 by the end of September as I have a couple little rides coming up.

Regular maintenance only & 3 valve adjustments. I did replace the fuel pump & throttle cables last year as it just seemed like a good idea. Had a grounding problem a few years ago, but no parts replaced.

Many many tires!
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: mikerose on August 20, 2020, 02:02:27 PM
On my 2008 C14 I had 133,000 Then in 2015 I bought a new C14 as of today I have 100,050 God I love this Bike.

Mike
Title: Re: 100,000 Mile C-14's
Post by: datsaxman@hotmail.com on October 21, 2020, 04:42:47 PM
Yeah, no problems with fuel pumps for me.  And I have a low mileage spare.

But I DO like to replace the fuel filter every so often.  It sure seems kinda SMALL.  Cheap and easy to do!

DSM