Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: just gone on October 04, 2020, 05:33:50 PM
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Damn you Kawasaki, Damn you all to Hell! (it works better if you picture Charleton Heston saying it).
D'oh!
I found some w/in four or five hours from me at pretty attractive prices- all new but 2020 leftovers. I could not care less what model year the bike is as long as it is a 2015 or later to get all the latest changed to the model. And the 2015 is out 'cause of the color :-( but anything from a 2016 on up works for me. And with the three year warranty, extendable two times, I should have a bike under warranty all the way to dirt (and no, I do not mean falling down in dirt ;) ;D).
Brian
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Glad I could help ya Brian. Just tell Andrea that we said you had to do it.
Ride safe, Ted
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:rotflmao:
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Maybe its time to start up production again on your gizmos, Brian. Who knows, I might even buy them. :yikes:
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Considering Brian mentioned buying one more bike before he becomes, "too decrepit to ride or die," I did some searching for a model that would fit his needs a little better, considering his physical condition. This will allow him to ride far into his infirm years. It is still a C14, so he should feel right at home. We should do all we can to keep Brian moving. If anyone has any ideas on how to make this more accessible for him, let us know. For starters, I believe some nice grab handles may be in order, to help him mount the bike...er...trike, maybe one of those handles they mount in showers.
(https://i.imgur.com/z2hsJmZ.jpg)
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For starters, I believe some nice grab handles may be in order, to help him mount the bike...er...trike, maybe one of those handles they mount in showers.
Ug, PLEASE don't ever buy such a horrible design! They are unstable and thus unsafe.
If you want to ride a 3 wheeled vehicle, it must have 2 wheels on the front. The typical design being something like the Can-Am.
I must be under a rock or something because this thing came out and I never even HEARD about it:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport-touring/models/niken-gt (https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport-touring/models/niken-gt)
What a complete mind-blower!
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Ug, PLEASE don't ever buy such a horrible design! They are unstable and thus unsafe.
If you want to ride a 3 wheeled vehicle, it must have 2 wheels on the front. The typical design being something like the Can-Am.
I must be under a rock or something because this thing came out and I never even HEARD about it:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport-touring/models/niken-gt (https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport-touring/models/niken-gt)
What a complete mind-blower!
But that one isn't a C14, and remember, Brian is old and infirm, so he will be keeping it under 30 mph and will most likely have one turn signal on at all times.
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Youse Guize is funny :D
And I saw the Yamaha- actually, I find it fascinating! Unfortunately, it is a little short on power and a little long on price so not really in the running.....
A gazillion years ago I saw a C-14 converted to a side car with a new front end in the flesh. A nice execution but nothing that was of any interest to me; in fact, I offered the owner a hand getting all those 'extra' parts off his bike so he could ride it correctly. :-)
Truth be told, I really do like the C-14. It has flaws but none that show when I am riding it, at least in my view. And at the end of the day and after all the farkling the basic bike still shines through and is a winner, at least for me. The only other bike I have seriously considered was (is) a Honda VFR1200; not sure what I really like about the bike but I took one for a test ride a liked it a lot. Very nice manners at low speeds and stable at medium speeds. I did not get to ride it at brisk speeds but given its power and weight I believe it would be more than good enough. That said, it is still not quite a sport tourer and I do like some quiet, steady highway time. In the end, I just feel comfortable and extremely content on the back of a C-14 and that alone is worth the price of admission, at least in my opinion. If I can find a color scheme that works (not fussy but NOT that vomit green and NOT flat paint!) and one at a reasonable price, I may well end up with one more Kawa- sickle.
And Andrea may whine and moan but once I get her scrawny butt on the back of the bike, right behind my scrawny butt, things will quiet down.
But by all means, keep it up and I will hit you with my cane and throw my dentures at you. :yikes: :rotflmao:
I <may> take a ride by a couple of dealers to see what the latest color scheme(s) look like.
Brian (old and feeble but not quite dead yet)
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If you want to ride a 3 wheeled vehicle, it must have 2 wheels on the front. The typical design being something like the Can-Am.
I must be under a rock or something because this thing came out and I never even HEARD about it:
https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport-touring/models/niken-gt (https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport-touring/models/niken-gt)
What a complete mind-blower!
I test rode the Niken at a dealer Demo day. Surprisingly like a 2 wheeler behind the bars. I tried to find something weird in the handling over uneven pavement etc but it felt just like a two wheeler, at least at the speeds we were going on the demo ride which was never over 45mph. The only advantage I could see for the design was the one Yamaha touted that the bike's front end was very planted on wet pavement because of having two tires out front. The two things I didn't like about it were 1) when stopped there was no button to push to lock the front suspension, so it would fall over just like a regular two wheeled bike without a side stand, and 2) the side cases were totally unsecured theft wise. They had hard sides attached to cloth zippers, anybody with a box cutter could easily go through all your stuff in seconds and leave you with a mess that you'd have to strap up somehow to continue on your trip after the police report was filed.
..but I'm off topic...
We should do all we can to keep Brian moving. If anyone has any ideas on how to make this more accessible for him, let us know. For starters, I believe some nice grab handles may be in order, to help him mount...
(https://www.gnc.com/dw/image/v2/BBLB_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-gnc/default/dwd36f7999/hi-res/037411_web_HealthPlus%20Original%20Colon%20Cleanse_Front.jpg?sw=2000&sh=2000&sm=fit) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51nIDVrembL._AC_SX679_.jpg)
I'm not sure about the bars, IIRC Brian has an in the wall (Toto?) tank toilet so these may not work, but you get the idea.
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The 2021 looks niiiiiiice in the Black which is of course both the fastest AND sexiest colour. :popcorn:
(https://content.kawasaki.com/Content/uploads/TrimGroup/concours-14-abs/mppOverViewImage/mpp-21_ZG1400E_BLK_RS_OR.20927202651.png?w=605)
That said, anything after 2009 has those damned linked brakes, so I'm out!
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Question: Why is there a poll for BDF? Did something happen to his C14 that I didn’t read about? What gives?
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..but I'm off topic...
(https://www.gnc.com/dw/image/v2/BBLB_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-gnc/default/dwd36f7999/hi-res/037411_web_HealthPlus%20Original%20Colon%20Cleanse_Front.jpg?sw=2000&sh=2000&sm=fit) (https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51nIDVrembL._AC_SX679_.jpg)
I'm not sure about the bars, IIRC Brian has an in the wall (Toto?) tank toilet so these may not work, but you get the idea.
:rotflmao:
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Youse Guize is funny :D
And I saw the Yamaha- actually, I find it fascinating! Unfortunately, it is a little short on power and a little long on price so not really in the running.....
A gazillion years ago I saw a C-14 converted to a side car with a new front end in the flesh. A nice execution but nothing that was of any interest to me; in fact, I offered the owner a hand getting all those 'extra' parts off his bike so he could ride it correctly. :-)
Truth be told, I really do like the C-14. It has flaws but none that show when I am riding it, at least in my view. And at the end of the day and after all the farkling the basic bike still shines through and is a winner, at least for me. The only other bike I have seriously considered was (is) a Honda VFR1200; not sure what I really like about the bike but I took one for a test ride a liked it a lot. Very nice manners at low speeds and stable at medium speeds. I did not get to ride it at brisk speeds but given its power and weight I believe it would be more than good enough. That said, it is still not quite a sport tourer and I do like some quiet, steady highway time. In the end, I just feel comfortable and extremely content on the back of a C-14 and that alone is worth the price of admission, at least in my opinion. If I can find a color scheme that works (not fussy but NOT that vomit green and NOT flat paint!) and one at a reasonable price, I may well end up with one more Kawa- sickle.
And Andrea may whine and moan but once I get her scrawny butt on the back of the bike, right behind my scrawny butt, things will quiet down.
But by all means, keep it up and I will hit you with my cane and throw my dentures at you. :yikes: :rotflmao:
I <may> take a ride by a couple of dealers to see what the latest color scheme(s) look like.
Brian (old and feeble but not quite dead yet)
I truly hope you find one soon. You shouldn't be without a bike. I didn't know you were, actually.
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/98/13/e6/9813e6730a8568c6ad493524cfd1483b.jpg)
That's probably me on the left.
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In answer to the 'does Brian <not> have a bike' questions: yes, I do have a C-14 but it is not being used and has not been used in some time (years).
I was on my way to lead a COG ride in CT and was with another COG member WHEN SUDDENLY, we came to an intersection. It was a four- way but only a two- way stop and my road had a blinking caution light, so we had the right- of- way. But a Mustang was coming into the intersection from the left and of course one never knows what anyone else will do so I decided to stop (yes, at the caution light). Unfortunately, the other guy riding with me decided to accelerate (again, we had the right- of- way and so he was in the right here) but looked away for a moment and then.... impactus. Caught me on the left side and knocked us down on the right side. No injuries and Andrea and I popped up, no problem. But the bike was pretty heavily damaged: both saddlebags driven off the frame, both badly damaged. Damage to both sides center fairing, front fairing, left mirror damaged, right mirror snapped off. Other guy was also riding an '08 so there were a fair amount of C-14 parts in the road. His bike wrote $5K and mine $5.5K, he had his repaired while I did not. Put a new mirror on the rt. side and went to the fall COG rally that year and then put the bike up.
As an aside: the female LEO was absolutely astounded we were riding together and knew each other. She asked if we were still friends. :rotflmao: Yes, we are still friends though the gentleman does now have the unfortunate 'gift' of having me 'crash' into him and then throw myself on the floor at any events we both attend, in a dramatic and impromptu reenactment of this specific event. :o ;D
As it is an '08 with 100K miles it has little value. Being cosmetically trashed, it has virtually no value. I have not done anything with it and it is currently under gravitational bondage in the garage. And with the house situation, frankly I have been ignoring it. But lately, the urge is growing a bit and as already stated, occasionally the prices are extremely attractive on new left- over bikes, making a new or recent used C-14 an outstanding value in motorcycles. I really should not buy another one but then again, I am past the crisis part of the house and do have a reason to travel (grandkids 9 hours south of me).
Of course I will need handicapped access to any new vehicles, which I guess would be a crane for a motorcycle. For the others out there, no, I am not physically decrepit in any way, those rumors are just my 'friends' helping things along. ;) ;D
Oh and BTW, I did pick up the debris and continue onto CT for lunch and did lead the COG ride though my crash companion chose to go home and lick his wounds (proverbial wounds, no one was hurt in our little mishap).
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I posted that I was 'kicking the tires' on grabbing another C-14. Explanation about my current C-14 is in the post above.
I have seen left- over C-14's for just a hair over $10K. If I can find one of those, and I can make the logistics of getting to it and riding it home, I think I would grab it. Assuming it has gloss paint.....
Brian
Question: Why is there a poll for BDF? Did something happen to his C14 that I didn’t read about? What gives?
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I posted that I was 'kicking the tires' on grabbing another C-14. Explanation about my current C-14 is in the post above.
I have seen left- over C-14's for just a hair over $10K. If I can find one of those, and I can make the logistics of getting to it and riding it home, I think I would grab it. Assuming it has gloss paint.....
Brian
Okay Brian. I vote GO! Good luck in your search! (Glad that no one was hurt in your mishap)
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In answer to the 'does Brian <not> have a bike' questions: yes, I do have a C-14 but it is not being used and has not been used in some time (years).
Of course I will need handicapped access to any new vehicles, which I guess would be a crane for a motorcycle. For the others out there, no, I am not physically decrepit in any way, those rumors are just my 'friends' helping things along. ;) ;D
Oh and BTW, I did pick up the debris and continue onto CT for lunch and did lead the COG ride though my crash companion chose to go home and lick his wounds (proverbial wounds, no one was hurt in our little mishap).
I hope you find something that works for you, Brian. I had forgotten you were without a bike, for all practical purposes. You definitely will be able to put it to good use visiting grandkids. Oh, and nice to be counted among your 'friends.' Hope all is well with you and yours, and hope you get back in the saddle soon.
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Thanks for the well- wishes.
The choice has been made and it is a C-14, if only because nothing else out there is any closer to what I want. And after being an early owner of this model, I still think it is the best of its type available.
I have always had the thought that I would get another one but at some non- specific future time. After thinking they were going to be discontinued for the 2021 model year, and then discovering they will be available as a new model, I took a look at the prices. Pricing on this bike is very good MSRP and much better in the real world. The only lagging doubts are the new flat (matte as Kawasaki calls it) paint on the 2019's forward, and finding a new one at a competitive price. I am more than wiling to go back as far as 2016 for a new, left- over model if I can find one. As to the farkling, it is a bit off- putting how much my '08 is modified and frankly I would have to have all of those mods. on a new model. Lots o' work!
Okay Brian. I vote GO! Good luck in your search! (Glad that no one was hurt in your mishap)
I hope you find something that works for you, Brian. I had forgotten you were without a bike, for all practical purposes. You definitely will be able to put it to good use visiting grandkids. Oh, and nice to be counted among your 'friends.' Hope all is well with you and yours, and hope you get back in the saddle soon.
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The only lagging doubts are the new flat (matte as Kawasaki calls it) paint on the 2019's forward
That is only on the 2019 and 2020, not on the 2021.
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Ah yes, the 2021 is listed in 'metallic spark black'. Looks gloss on the web page. Might be worth waiting around a bit to see one in the flesh!
Still, anyone out there know of a new 2016 to 2018 for sale please do let me know, either directly on this forum or through e-mail, available right under my avatar above / left- thanks in advance. Have money, will travel so anything w/in two days' ride is worth considering (and that is to and past the Mississippi from the east).
That is only on the 2019 and 2020, not on the 2021.
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BTW: been telling Andrea about this poll and while she wants to hold out for a 'no' or 'ask Andrea', she is bowing to the overwhelming weight of the forum......
:rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Brian
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BTW: been telling Andrea about this poll and while she wants to hold out for a 'no' or 'ask Andrea', she is bowing to the overwhelming weight of the forum......
:rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Brian
:rotflmao:
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BTW: been telling Andrea about this poll and while she wants to hold out for a 'no' or 'ask Andrea', she is bowing to the overwhelming weight of the forum......
:rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Brian
Ok, so I'm somewhat overweight (400lbs :yikes:) but some of the others on here are positively whippet-like :banana
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
:popcorn:
Congrats on the decision to buy another C14 and good luck on the hunt. ;D :thumbs:
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BTW: been telling Andrea about this poll and while she wants to hold out for a 'no' or 'ask Andrea', she is bowing to the overwhelming weight of the forum......
:rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Brian
Well if she can remember her password, she gets a vote here same as anybody. She probably has more clout at home though.
andreaF
Last Active:
February 11, 2017, 06:56:24 pm
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Maybe we should start a GoFundMe account for Brian, so he can buy Andrea flowers to help sway her opinion.
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Andrea is already thinking about riding, never mind trying to nix a purchase.
Found a few 2021's already at dealers, at least they are advertising them as 'in stock'. MSRP on all but no idea what they would actually sell for. Color is 'spark black' which is metallic black, not my favorite as I would prefer a solid color but I can live with it. Still have not seen the matt silver in the flesh and so am holding final judgement although as I have mentioned, I am not a fan of flat paint on vehicles so I doubt it will be OK.
My local dealer has a used '16 that is supposed to be really clean but as usual the price is too high- $12,700 if memory serves. I can buy a 2020 new for quite a bit less than that.
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Thanks for the congrats but I will have to have some minimums met before purchasing anything. Price is the first hurdle with the local dealers confused about MSRP being some kind of wall. The second problem is the flat paint on the '19 and '20 models.
And then, assuming I find one I still have to decide if the logistics can be made to work. Picking up a new bike and riding it home would not be a problem except for all the mods. needed to make the trip; some of the add- ons could be done in a dealer's parking lot such as taps for heated clothes, and maybe even windshield, saddle and peg changes. But cruise control is a bit much for a 'side of the road' job and honestly I do not know if I can put lots of hours in the saddle without one. No CC means I have to keep at least one hand on the bars and I have never done that for long.... :rotflmao: :rotflmao: But seriously, my right hand does cramp and become quite uncomfortable after some hours. No problem if the bike is, say, 300 miles away but another story if it is 2K miles out.
Brian
Ok, so I'm somewhat overweight (400lbs :yikes:) but some of the others on here are positively whippet-like :banana
:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
:popcorn:
Congrats on the decision to buy another C14 and good luck on the hunt. ;D :thumbs:
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But cruise control is a bit much for a 'side of the road' job and honestly I do not know if I can put lots of hours in the saddle without one. No CC means I have to keep at least one hand on the bars and I have never done that for long....
Well, unless it is really far, perhaps you can make due with a simple throttle lock?
No problem if the bike is, say, 300 miles away but another story if it is 2K miles out.
Yikes, I don't think I could go even several hundred miles, even with CC. My body wouldn't take it. But that is also a big risk to ride so far- what if the deal falls through or there are problems?
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It depends on how far- if it is 2,000 miles, that would be at least two days of riding and a throttle lock would get old. 500 miles on the other hand would be more achievable with a 'make do' device.
Of course I would do all I could to ensure the deal was solid, such as a very good understanding with the seller (a dealer exclusively if it was a long way away). That said, there is always the chance that such a deal would fall through at which point I would make my way back in the same manner I ventured out. Inconvenient certainly but not a life- altering event or even a major upset really.
It is this type of consideration that must be factored into the distance traveled to buy a vehicle. For example, every additional 500 miles is worth some amount of money; I would not travel 1,000 miles to buy anything I could procure locally for, say, $500 less in cost. But for a $4000 reduction in price, I could fly somewhere, ride home and still make it worthwhile, at least to me. What would be much, much easier would be to find a more local dealer that would get to within a thousand dollars or so of the best price available and just buy it there. Unfortunately, my closest dealer, while excellent, sells for top dollar and for a C-14 that means MSRP plus destination charges and I am not paying that for the commodity that is a C-14.
Brian
Well, unless it is really far, perhaps you can make due with a simple throttle lock?
Yikes, I don't think I could go even several hundred miles, even with CC. My body wouldn't take it. But that is also a big risk to ride so far- what if the deal falls through or there are problems?
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One color is never mentioned, is it because it's a flat out no? 2017 Candy Imperial Blue.
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ABS-5013720806 (https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ABS-5013720806)
It's over priced a bit but they might work with you. ~650 miles away ODO 14 miles
(https://cdn2.cycletrader.com/v1/media/5f58ed3b5ccd5d4e5331dd96.jpg?width=1024&height=768&quality=70&bestfit=true&upsize=true&blurBackground=true&blurValue=100)
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Thanks- already saw that one. Blue is fine, and it is gloss so no problem there. But the bike is listed as used, not new, meaning the warranty 'clock' is already running, and nearly $13K is a bit high IMO for a used, four- year old C-14. As you mentioned they may be open to negotiation but I am still in the very early stages of just looking around and so would like to find a more attractive deal.
But again, thanks for the link Marty!
One color is never mentioned, is it because it's a flat out no? 2017 Candy Imperial Blue.
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ABS-5013720806 (https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/2017-Kawasaki-Concours-14-ABS-5013720806)
It's over priced a bit but they might work with you. ~650 miles away ODO 14 miles
(https://cdn2.cycletrader.com/v1/media/5f58ed3b5ccd5d4e5331dd96.jpg?width=1024&height=768&quality=70&bestfit=true&upsize=true&blurBackground=true&blurValue=100)
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That is a nice looking blue. Price is high though. Not sure where you are BDF. I've been browsing Cycletrader just for fun lately. There's a dealer in AL, Halls Motorsports that's asking $11,500 for new 2019's.
Actually looking just now, Owens Motorsports in Ill is asking the same for a new 2020. $13k for a 2017 is definitely high.
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I think BDF's in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.
BDF, in 2014 I bought mine from Kawasaki City in Irving as it was the best price in Texas.
Sales guy is Adrian.
I think they still have the best price and their near you.
NOTE: They sometimes also carry used or new Older models at great prices.
Just checked with Adrian and he has 1 new 2019 in stock, no used or NOS, should be receiving their 2021's in 1 month..
New 2019; (MSRP $15,599.00) (SALE PRICE $11,7999.00) (Out The Door IN TEXAS with TT&L $13,287.00)
https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory (https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory)
Ride safe, Ted
PS: If you go by there, tell Adrian that your the character I warned him about. :rotflmao:
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I think he's in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.
BDF, in 2014 I bought mine from Kawasaki City in Irving as it was the best price in Texas.
Sales guy is Adrian.
I think they still have the best price and their near you.
NOTE: They sometimes also carry used or new Older models at great prices.
Just checked with Adrian and he has 1 new 2019 in stock, no used or NOS, should be receiving their 2021's in 1 month..
New 2019; (MSRP $15,599.00) (SALE PRICE $11,7999.00) (Out The Door IN TEXAS with TT&L $13,287.00)
https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory (https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory)
Ride safe, Ted
PS: If you go by there, tell Adrian that your the character I warned him about.
Brian is in Rhode Island.
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OOps,,,,,,,
Ride safe, Ted
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OOps,,,,,,,
Ride safe, Ted
It was still nice of you to support this effort Ted in reaching out to Adrian. :thumbs:
Speaking of support, we need more votes folks! Poll closes soon. If we don't show enough support, Brian might just go off and buy a MultiStrada like Lather did. You know how those with long legs like to flaunt it sittin' on their high saddled DUCs, we can't be having any more of that now can we. So vote and vote often and if you can get around the forum software to do the latter, then you can probably get a high paying job (with some small bit of prison risk) in Chicago.
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Hey thanks twice Ted! Once for the thought and effort regarding the new bike, and once for mistaking me for a Texan, real or imagined. :-) You probably thought that 'cause you figurd' any carpetbagging Yankee would have.... er, 'slipped' with the razor shaving a real Texan out of spite. Not so though, some of my favorite folk in COG are Texans, most home grown and a few interlopers that got in a- fore you closed the borders.
Yeah, that means you Marty, and yeah, it is a back- handed compliment. My favorite kind, outside of fore- handed compliments.
:rotflmao: Three times.
OOps,,,,,,,
Ride safe, Ted
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Many thanks for the effort and info. Ted, I do appreciate it! Just under $12K is about the best price I have found for certain on a new 2020. I have found some for under $11K but they are a long way away, over 2,000 miles, and I have not gotten verification that that is the real, out- the- door price so I take them as 'fake news' until told otherwise by someone responsible at the dealership. I am willing to fly 'n ride but that does carry a significant cost and so must be considered in the final cost; I would pay an additional $1,000 for instance to buy locally and call it even.
That price, $11,800, is four grand less than my local dealer has offered and it is enough motivation to give it prime consideration. I did find one for $11,600 OTD in New Joisey, and that is attractive as it is driving distance, down and back. Plus Andrea would have to go with me and that should end the constant chirping about going anywhere with her- she would be afraid that I would go with her..... back to New Joisey! [joke- the majority of 'Jersey is actually beautiful IMO]
I think BDF's in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.
BDF, in 2014 I bought mine from Kawasaki City in Irving as it was the best price in Texas.
Sales guy is Adrian.
I think they still have the best price and their near you.
NOTE: They sometimes also carry used or new Older models at great prices.
Just checked with Adrian and he has 1 new 2019 in stock, no used or NOS, should be receiving their 2021's in 1 month..
New 2019; (MSRP $15,599.00) (SALE PRICE $11,7999.00) (Out The Door IN TEXAS with TT&L $13,287.00)
https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory (https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory)
Ride safe, Ted
PS: If you go by there, tell Adrian that your the character I warned him about. :rotflmao:
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Yeah, that means you Marty, and yeah, it is a back- handed compliment. My favorite kind, outside of fore- handed compliments.
I'll take one of your backhands any day, as long as it doesn't come with one of your "hugs". ::) ;D
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Well, at least you did not grab Mary Ann in any inappropriate places like Andrea did..... boy was that embarrassing for both of them. I really do not know why she did that in the first place- she claims it was to stop from falling. Yeah, sure.
That reminds me, with Covid, I have not gotten (or is that given) a 'Mary Ann hug' in a long me..... she must be really missing that by now. :-(
I'll take one of your backhands any day, as long as it doesn't come with one of your "hugs". ::) ;D
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Well, this price Ted worked out in TX is turning out to be one of the best deals. Unfortunately, it is almost 2,000 miles away. On the bright side, the route home does take me right by, and I mean w/in 10 miles, of a little fellow named Sam who I have not met yet but I am told he looks a lot like his very handsome grandpa...... The dealer in TX to Sammy's house is about 1,150 miles or so and <should> be able to be traveled in two days at most. Then a short stay followed by a 9 hour ride home which is doable on a mostly stock C-14 I believe. Things that make you go hmmmmmm.
Found one in New Joisey for less than a grand more, and that too might be negotiable. I certainly would not go past NJ and to TX to pick up a motorcycle for, say, $500. And of course I could point the new bike southwest and still make it to Sam's house and then home. But it is risky showing up in NJ and trying to negotiate because if it does not end well then I am in NJ with no motorcycle and it will not be practical to travel to TX from there.
This late in the year I really need some heated clothing but also would really rather not try and install a wiring harness in the dealer's parking lot. :-(
Whatever I do I suppose I will have to fire up SPOT so you lunkheads can follow along with my folly. ;) ;D
Sounds like I may be complaining but not really, I think it is great to have some fantastically good first- world problems! I will consult with Kirby and Mr. Elkhoof; it is only fair as they have to live with my decisions involving motorcycles and I would hate to embarrass or disappoint either one of them.
I think BDF's in the Dallas/Ft Worth area.
BDF, in 2014 I bought mine from Kawasaki City in Irving as it was the best price in Texas.
Sales guy is Adrian.
I think they still have the best price and their near you.
NOTE: They sometimes also carry used or new Older models at great prices.
Just checked with Adrian and he has 1 new 2019 in stock, no used or NOS, should be receiving their 2021's in 1 month..
New 2019; (MSRP $15,599.00) (SALE PRICE $11,7999.00) (Out The Door IN TEXAS with TT&L $13,287.00)
https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory (https://www.kawasakicityirving.com/default.asp?page=xNewInventoryDetail&id=6288452&p=1&vc=sport%20touring&s=Year&d=D&vt=motorcycle%20%2F%20scooter&fr=xNewInventory)
Ride safe, Ted
PS: If you go by there, tell Adrian that your the character I warned him about. :rotflmao:
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Did I mention Adrian sed {since your a friend of mine :o }
He will arrange to pick you up at the airport if you fly in?
The OTD price for out of state is less than I posted, and you handle the taxes in your state...
hint, hint,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ride safe, Ted
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Yep, you mentioned the pickup at the airport, and you mentioned the out- of- state price: $11,800. I am weighing the price vs. the cost of travel, especially the big variable of how far I can ride a mostly stock C-14 in a day. And now I have to add in the weather which has gone below frost overnight here, meaning I will have to pick and choose my days due to the lack of power for heated clothing.
It may seem petty but the final straw is the semi- gloss paint. I just do not care for it although it did not look as bad in person as I thought it would. Honestly, if the 2019's came in the same color as the 2016's did, a mid- tone gray, high gloss, this would already be over and Andrea would be complaining about how long I was staying in the garage :-)
Did I mention Adrian sed {since your a friend of mine :o }
He will arrange to pick you up at the airport if you fly in?
The OTD price for out of state is less than I posted, and you handle the taxes in your state...
hint, hint,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ride safe, Ted
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I will have to pick and choose my days due to the lack of power for heated clothing.
I think some phone negotiation could be done to have the dealer install a SAE battery tender type fitting on the
bike and you could make or buy a SAE to 12v coax adapter before you leave home bringing your heated gear with you.
If you make your own you could even put in a bridge rectifier in case the dealer installs the cable with wrong polarity.
Andrea would be complaining about how long I was staying in the garage :-)
I'm sure she prefers you out of the house...OH! wait....she still thinks you are going to finish the upstairs part of the house after you get a new bike?..HA! .Poor girl. :( :'(
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That is an excellent idea Marty! I had not thought of that but it is something most or all dealers can do.
That is an idea that could Make America Great..... Again!
Sorry, I could not resist.
I think some phone negotiation could be done to have the dealer install a SAE battery tender type fitting on the
bike and you could make or buy a SAE to 12v coax adapter before you leave home bringing your heated gear with you.
If you make your own you could even put in a bridge rectifier in case the dealer installs the cable with wrong polarity.
I'm sure she prefers you out of the house...OH! wait....she still thinks you are going to finish the upstairs part of the house after you get a new bike?..HA! .Poor girl. :( :'(
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And/or you could build your own harness {with appropriate fittings} and mail it to them to install during Make Ready.
Ride safe, Ted
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And/or you could build your own harness {with appropriate fittings} and mail it to them to install during Make Ready.
And/or just use the accessory jack (lighter socket) on the dash. It is a measly 5A (60W) but my vest, for example, is only 50W, I think. You could probably push it to 7.5A by swapping in a larger fuse for this one time, which would be 90W, which should be enough for most stuff. Using a controller, you could safely limit the draw.
Then you don't need to do ANY wiring to the bike, at least not for this one trip...
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My heated gear draws something like 150 watts or a hair more, if I use all of it. And it has been cold enough here already to need all of it, not very many times but I would like to have the option if stuck in another state with hundreds of miles to travel.
But the battery tender is really a good idea that I will probably use if I end up pursuing a bike out of state.
And/or just use the accessory jack (lighter socket) on the dash. It is a measly 5A (60W) but my vest, for example, is only 50W, I think. You could probably push it to 7.5A by swapping in a larger fuse for this one time, which would be 90W, which should be enough for most stuff. Using a controller, you could safely limit the draw.
Then you don't need to do ANY wiring to the bike, at least not for this one trip...
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What color gray were the 2018 C-14s? Only having seen them in photos, they look quite a bit darker than the '19 and '20 silver is. How does it compare to the 2016 gray, lighter, darker or the same?
Found a new '18 but they want more than I can get a '19 for. That said, the '18's do have gloss paint in a reasonable color and I would prefer it to the later bikes' color. Unfortunately the dealer is in a lousy place regarding flying to or taking the train, and it is too far to drive out and back.
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My heated gear draws something like 150 watts or a hair more, if I use all of it.
That is a lot. But not that surprising if you have sleeved heat and are including pants and gloves. Mine is just a vest- no arms. And remember, you won't need heated gloves on Gen2. You might be able to limit the draw or shed the pants?
As much as I like PCM (and that is what I use), that type of controller won't limit draw, only total power over time. So if that is the only regulator you have, it might not help much in this situation.
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What color gray were the 2018 C-14s? Only having seen them in photos, they look quite a bit darker than the '19 and '20 silver is. How does it compare to the 2016 gray, lighter, darker or the same?
They are dark, dark grey based on what I understand and have seen. Almost like black that faded a bit in the sun. About a million miles away from silver. I have not actually seen one in person though (and it is unlikely anyone here has, since it is just one single year).
Here is probably one of the better photos, where you can see the contrast with the actual black tires.
https://cdn1.cycletrader.com/v1/media/5f81e9934388dc7b2332cfe5.jpg?width=1024&height=768&quality=70&bestfit=true&upsize=true&blurBackground=true&blurValue=100
Found a new '18 but they want more than I can get a '19 for. That said, the '18's do have gloss paint in a reasonable color
Reasonable if you like black. If you don't like black (and I certainly do not) then it will be a problem.
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Yeah, I think it is closer to 175 and is a jacket liner, pants (not liners), gloves and socks or sole inserts (I have both but never use them together).
And yes, I am using the standard PWM controller so it does draw full power but turns it off for a portion of the cycle, which appears to be about one second. Not short enough to average across a fuse though.
Thanks for the link and yep, that is really dark. Not a problem though as I am not all that sensitive to color as long as they are not outrageous like the green on the '15's. I really like the gray on the '16. I am still thinking about that bike and would grab it except it is used- that in itself is no matter but 3 or 4 years have been chewed up on the potential warranty. But it does have Michelin PRX's (not sure which version) and the Kawasaki top box which is the best looking version I have seen yet. Also the upgraded comfort saddle which is as- new and could be sold for some amount of money.
Still looking around, still chewing on available choices found so far.
Brian
That is a lot. But not that surprising if you have sleeved heat and are including pants and gloves. Mine is just a vest- no arms. And remember, you won't need heated gloves on Gen2. You might be able to limit the draw or shed the pants?
As much as I like PCM (and that is what I use), that type of controller won't limit draw, only total power over time. So if that is the only regulator you have, it might not help much in this situation.
They are dark, dark grey based on what I understand and have seen. Almost like black that faded a bit in the sun. About a million miles away from silver. I have not actually seen one in person though (and it is unlikely anyone here has, since it is just one single year).
Here is probably one of the better photos, where you can see the contrast with the actual black tires.
https://cdn1.cycletrader.com/v1/media/5f81e9934388dc7b2332cfe5.jpg?width=1024&height=768&quality=70&bestfit=true&upsize=true&blurBackground=true&blurValue=100
Reasonable if you like black. If you don't like black (and I certainly do not) then it will be a problem.
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Well now this might be a bit of a game- changer: it is snowing outside. Not likely to build up on the roads but it is only 35 outside and I would not ride under these conditions. Makes it a bit scary thinking about bringing a bike home from any distance, even if I started off in the sunny south. :(
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Definitely that time of year when the weather starts changing but a bit early for snow..
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Well now this might be a bit of a game- changer: it is snowing outside.
Wow.
Here, yesterday, it was freaking 81F! And then I woke up to low 50's. So some front must have moved through. But the idea of snow right now is pretty amazing.
Not likely to build up on the roads but it is only 35 outside and I would not ride under these conditions.
I would NEVER ride through any frozen or potentially frozen precipitation. Of course, it could be a fluke, and you could plan your trip with weather checking in mind, in advance.
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Definitely wouldn't do it on my Indian...I fall down and go boom too many times as it is.
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I am a considerably way north of you. Snow this heavy at maybe 3" and sub- freezing temps. during the day is unusual but not unheard of.
Planning the days to ride is great until I find myself in NJ or TX and start on the way home. I would have to plan the trip some days in advance so just cannot predict the weather with any certainty this late in the year. My fear is that it would close in south of me (where I live) with precipitation and cold temps and I would be stuck on the outer edge of this weather. Several days in a hotel, being bored to death, would eat a lot of any savings on the price of the bike in the first place.
Another option would be to use a trailer; I have one that would do and a friend of mine offered me his, which is a true motorcycle trailer and would be perfect for transport. It is an open trailer but still, it would be a safe and reliable way to move a bike. Of course dragging that thing to TX and back would again trim off some savings to be sure.
As I said before, is it not great to have first- world problems? There are some on this planet concerned for their safety and survival while I am pondering the best value and color of a new toy. I am truly grateful for my situation so please indulge my little bit of whining- I fully understand just how important this is on a scale of all things.
Wow.
Here, yesterday, it was freaking 81F! And then I woke up to low 50's. So some front must have moved through. But the idea of snow right now is pretty amazing.
I would NEVER ride through any frozen or potentially frozen precipitation. Of course, it could be a fluke, and you could plan your trip with weather checking in mind, in advance.
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Do a fly and ride with the trailer on standby if the weather turns to crap.
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Do a fly and ride with the trailer on standby if the weather turns to crap.
How's that gonna work? ???
Andrea hooks up the trailer and comes to rescue him?
If my legs weren't so short I'd pick up the bike for him and ride it to his son's house and he could trailer there
to pick it up and buy me a ticket on Spirit to get me home. But I'm not risking someone else's brand new bike without tip over protection
to my skinny stumpy legs.
Sometimes these first world problems are as tough to figure out as the third world problems.
Maybe if the dealer has one still in a crate it might be best to just ship it and let Brian do his own dealer prep. He is certainly qualified and would probably enjoy it.
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Wow, thanks for the kind thought of the offer. Seriously, I know you mean it and I do appreciate it!
I am really having a hard time plunking down cash for an item unseen and untried, at least in the very cursory sense of hearing it run. No need to ride a new bike but I would like to see it to check for shipping damage as well as start it just for the quick check that 1) it starts- the odds are a million to one but I am just wary 2) It has all the obvious thing such as fobs, saddlebags, etc. and 3) really is what it is supposed to be. It is about $700 to ship a bike basically cross- country and if I was confident of NOT being surprised in some way, that is what I would do- buy it long distance and have it shipped. Of course I could travel (train or airplane) to the dealer, verify the bike and cement the deal and then fly back while shipping the bike but honestly by that time, I would have spent so much money on..... er, saving money that it would be pointless and foolish.
I plan on stopping by my local dealer one more time to see if I can nudge something loose: both the used '16 and new '20 are in contention with price being the last issue in the way. I doubt we can reach a deal but it is worth the shot, besides I absolutely despise hearing 'you should have said something, we could have worked on the price' after the deal has been cut somewhere else. In act, I always tell vendors to sharpen their pencil and make a 'best effort' now because we are moving forward on this and the only thing left in an open state is the choice of vendor.
At that point, I have several things I can choose from and they all come down to value vs. cost. There is a '19, new, about 300 miles from me that I can have for $12,500. Ted's deal in the best one in price at $11,800 for a '19 and is about 2,200 miles away. Also a new '18 for the same $12,500 about 800 miles away and I like the color better than the '19 and '20's. 2021 models are now on dealer's floors and of course they can be had at any time, they simply cost more. But those I can buy locally without any hassle, and the color is OK though not great- I really do like the color the '16's have.
If the 2022 is a beautiful color, Mr. Elkhoof is going to kick me all over the place- somehow, we have identical taste in colors. Well, actually everything if I am honest. ;) ::)
How's that gonna work? ???
Andrea hooks up the trailer and comes to rescue him?
If my legs weren't so short I'd pick up the bike for him and ride it to his son's house and he could trailer there
to pick it up and buy me a ticket on Spirit to get me home. But I'm not risking someone else's brand new bike without tip over protection
to my skinny stumpy legs.
Sometimes these first world problems are as tough to figure out as the third world problems.
Maybe if the dealer has one still in a crate it might be best to just ship it and let Brian do his own dealer prep. He is certainly qualified and would probably enjoy it.
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Well, as you folks voted with an overwhelming clarity (and frankly much better than the US did as a whole less than two weeks ago perhaps :rotflmao:) I guess I had no choice. Called on several out- of- state 2019 C-14s, new and got OTD pricing. Some were attractive but far away and of course that came with all the hassle of a non- native purchase including registration, a VIN check (PITA required under my home state's law), foreign title, etc. So I went to my local, favorite dealer and cut an acceptable deal on the new 2020 they had on the floor. Finally, I bought that pristine 2016 they had for sale. :o ;D Yeah, it was convoluted. Paid on the high side for it but not ridiculous and truly, it is immaculate. Has just over 6K miles on it, just enough to have a new set of Michelins on it so new they still have the vent posts on the sides of the tires. Older, retired guy bought it new at that dealer and they have serviced it since then. Also comes with the Kawasaki touring saddle, as well as the original in a box, and the Kawasaki color- matched top box. Paid $9,500 for it out- the- door, not including registration, title fees or tax. As I said, on the high side of the acceptable range but the bike is exemplary and I doubt I could find another in that condition, plus we both really like the color.
Rode it home about 15 miles. Runs great, smoother I think than my '08. Of course, nice bike and runs / rides as new but with 'real' tires on it.
Now looking forward to and dreading the farkling at the same time, and I keep remembering just how many farkles and mods. were done on my '08- this is gonna' take some time. I need both a low- fuel eliminator as a KiPass activation switch bypass right off but the putz that makes them is out of stock. ::) :banghead:
(http://i.imgur.com/l7SQtHV.jpg) (https://imgur.com/l7SQtHV)
(http://i.imgur.com/E8H8gaB.jpg) (https://imgur.com/E8H8gaB)
(http://i.imgur.com/9AGRbef.jpg) (https://imgur.com/9AGRbef)
(http://i.imgur.com/mXEJoXF.jpg) (https://imgur.com/mXEJoXF)
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Congratulations!
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Yahooo!
Congratulations..
I like the color. Is that Silver (Dammitt)?
Uhh/err.
Aren't you the Putz that makes them (who is out of stock)?
:hitfan:
Ride safe, Ted
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Thought there was a mail slot in the windshield.
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Thought there was a mail slot in the windshield.
There is. It is visible in his photos.
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Congratulations, Brian! The bike looks great. Glad you found one close by and got it before the weather got too bad.
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Thanks for the well- wishes Gents!
Just ordered the first piece- a fender extender. Will be ordering a bunch of little stuff starting today, things like bar risers and such. Also going to start working on both bikes- I have to remove the comm. system from the '08 and install that on the '16 as well as power taps for heated gear, both of which we need right away. Also both GPSs as the main one of them feeds into the comm. system for both my music as well as cell phone. And that reminds me, I have to dig the Bluetooth dongle out of the tail piece (Easy Boys! the tail piece on the bike) as that is Andrea's cell connection into the comm. system. As I remember, that was painful to install and so should be doubly so to R&R.
Noticed on the way home how sluggish it is on the low end- going to have to address that too, either with a flash or a Power Commander and fly-ectomy.
I was basically on my own back in '07 and '08 as there was virtually no knowledge or information on this bike then. I <believe> I was the first one to hang a Rostra on one of these but at least the first to publicize it- now it is old hat with all kinds of mods. and improvements to the original install. Kinda' nice to be on the longer road here as it is a lot easier to order and install than to conjure and guess (Buell pegs fit but only after some mods.). Quite a few of us 'old timers' discovered and shared all kinds of info. on this forum starting way back then.
I am not particularly happy with the gen. 2 fairings on the C-14 and have tried to avoid R&R'ing the maid mid- fairings because of the way they tab and rubber gasket to each other and the bike. I watched a few tabs get broken off and that is definitely off- putting. It is beneficial regarding less heat flowing over the rider but I definitely prefer to work on the earlier model as well as preferring the looks. Not too terrible as long as I get better at dealing with the fairing before snapping off the interlocking parts..... :o >:(
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Noticed on the way home how sluggish it is on the low end- going to have to address that too, either with a flash or a Power Commander and fly-ectomy.
I suggest a Flash as it's easier, {probably cheaper} and if there is something you don't like, adjustment's can be requested/done.
NOTE: I am intentionally NOT suggesting which Flash to purchase.
{I prefer the one I have, but I have not tried a flash from the other supplier and so I can not compare}.
Ride safe, Ted
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Noticed on the way home how sluggish it is on the low end- going to have to address that too, either with a flash or a Power Commander and fly-ectomy.
Life is short. Just flash it. Instant results, zero work, better results that can be had any other way. No lost screws. No splicing into pristine harnesses. No fiddling. Nothing to later fail. 'Just dew it' and be done with it! Trust me, you will be glad you did.
I am not particularly happy with the gen. 2 fairings on the C-14 and have tried to avoid R&R'ing the maid mid- fairings because of the way they tab and rubber gasket to each other and the bike. I watched a few tabs get broken off and that is definitely off- putting.
They are much nicer looking and much more air-management-efficient than gen 1 fairings. But they are, indeed, a pain in the ass to remove and install. 10 times worse if you have Canyons installed. And yes, I have broken a few tabs- I think it is impossible not to. Fortunately, the tabs don't seem to matter as much as I thought (at least the few I ruined).
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With all due respect, I believe you are generalizing and glossing over facts in an effort to make flashing the ECU the 'only' way to go.
I have personally removed the secondary 'flies from quite a few C-14's and ZX 14s successfully and not one of them proved to be difficult or tricky in any way. In fact, I have never heated the screws or felt the need to do so; merely using the correct driver and providing sufficient down- pressure (but not so much that it bends the throttle rod... sheesh!) is more than sufficient to simply remove the screws.
There should be no lost screws in removing the flies on a C-14 (or ZX 14 or any similar motorcycle). The upper or secondary butterflies are located over the primary butterflies, which are fully closed for the entire procedure. So even if one drops a screw (or seven screws), no big deal- just pick them up off the lower 'flies.
There is no splicing involved with a Power Commander- it is 'plug 'n play' and depending on where purchased, it has a map already loaded and is ready to go.
Fiddling- not sure what 'fiddling' you speak of but there is none that I am aware of.
You clearly have a preference for the (I believe) one item you have tried. A common human situation but I feel compelled to point this out- choosing a favorite method without any actual experience to compare it with is.... well, pretty much useless. Like trying exactly one bottle of wine and then pronouncing it wonderful, especially compared with other drinks, and clearly the best choice. I have personally ridden many miles on a C-14 with a PC III and a custom (my own) map and with the 'flies removed. I very much like it and would not hesitate to do it again, although of course with a PC V as a PC III will not work on a gen. 2 C-14. I have also ridden C-14's with both Shoodaben (sp?) and Ivan's and found them to be good, with a distinct nod toward Ivan's but am not convinced it is better than a re-mapped and 'flies- removed C-14. I would agree it is the easier way but that certainly does not make it, or anything else in life, the 'best' way to go. In the end, I probably will go with an Ivan re-flash and if I find it lacking, will probably grab a system that allows charting the mixture in real- time and re-flashing the ECU on my own. More expensive but tailored for the use in mind.
I honestly hope this critique is taken in the manner meant, which is the free and honest exchange of ideas rather than any type of conflict, which is certainly not my intention. That said, our ideas may conflict but we personally do not have to.
As to the second part of your post, well the 'best looking' is purely a matter of personal preference. I prefer the looks of the first generation C-14 and especially do not care for the sweeping arc of the mid- fairings of the second generation C-14 fairings. To clarify, I do not despise them or there would not be a gen. 2 C-14 sitting in my garage at this moment :-) If I truly disliked the looks of a second Gen. C-14, there would almost certainly be a K1600 BMW sitting there instead.... which I both like the looks of and really (read: really, really, really!!!!!) like the idea of an inline six engine in a motorcycle. So while I do not find the second Gen. C-14 to be ugly in any way, I do prefer the lines and many of the features (central glove box, no wiring in the upper fairing covers, lower mirrors, and several other aspects) of the gen. 1 C-14. Of course I readily acknowledge that the second Gen. C-14's do a much better job of managing heat as felt by the rider(s) but would still prefer the sharper, angular and straight fairing lines of the early C-14s.
Back to the subject at hand, a front fender extender is the winner in the first farkle ordered contest :-) Today will include a Rostra CC and keypad, a pair of handlebar risers and perhaps a set of hand air deflectors if I can find any suitable. I have two sets for the '08 and greatly prefer the Baker hand wings but they do not seem to be available for Gen. 2 C-14's anymore. The plan is to swap the Buell footpegs, the Calsci windshield (and MRA visor) as the stock '16 windshield is far, far too short, the Starcom1 comm. system, the dual- purpose taillight (yellow turn signals integrated into the tail lights), the GPS mounts, and a handful of other trinkets from the '08. Then all kinds of little things such as the BMW sport grips I really liked on the '08. Then the roar will slow to a trickle of little things such as the webbing in the saddlebags, a fantastic but foolishly simple thing.
Brian
Life is short. Just flash it. Instant results, zero work, better results that can be had any other way. No lost screws. No splicing into pristine harnesses. No fiddling. Nothing to later fail. 'Just dew it' and be done with it! Trust me, you will be glad you did.
They are much nicer looking and much more air-management-efficient than gen 1 fairings. But they are, indeed, a pain in the ass to remove and install. 10 times worse if you have Canyons installed. And yes, I have broken a few tabs- I think it is impossible not to. Fortunately, the tabs don't seem to matter as much as I thought (at least the few I ruined).
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With all due respect, I believe you are generalizing and glossing over facts in an effort to make flashing the ECU the 'only' way to go.
For most people, it is the best way. It is much easier than removing throttle plates (which also sacrifices some of the traction control system) AND installing a PC. Of course, you are not most people, so there is that :)
I feel compelled to point this out- choosing a favorite method without any actual experience to compare it with is.... well, pretty much useless.
I am familiar with both processes, even though I didn't actually perform them. But you are right that I can't speak to the actual comparison of results, only the process.
[Oh, and no offense taken at all, but do realize I didn't formulate that opinion in a vacuum, lots of feedback on the forums has been helpful, yours included.]
Back to the subject at hand, a front fender extender is the winner in the first farkle ordered contest :-) Today will include a Rostra CC and keypad, a pair of handlebar risers and perhaps a set of hand air deflectors if I can find any suitable. I have two sets for the '08 and greatly prefer the Baker hand wings but they do not seem to be available for Gen. 2 C-14's anymore.
Since the mirrors are considerably higher, I find that there isn't as much air on my hands as I would expect. Even with risers. It is something you might need to experiment with (if you haven't already).... perhaps deflectors won't be needed. Can't say. One thing is for sure- you are riding in MUCH colder weather than I do. But with the heaters on maximum and even medium weight gloves, I have no problems, even in the mid 40's (F). Below that, I would need to switch to winter gloves, which I hate, because I feel like I am not in control.
[...]
I notice you didn't mention headlights... :stirpot:
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Great- glad to hear you are not offended. That honestly was not my intention although I do understand the line between words such as firm or honest and harsh or nasty are often too close, especially when writing without the benefit of personal interaction.
My first and only ride was Sat. bringing the bike home. I honestly did not think I would be able to take possession of a motorcycle that day and so only brought my winter riding jacket with me, so I rode home with bare hands and head (yep, no helmet, which is legal in my state but perhaps not a great idea) jeans and sneakers. It was in the low 40's and I immediately noticed how cold my hands were with the 'ice wind' on them. The mirrors are higher on gen. 2 bikes, as you point out, but not high enough to block direct airflow to the hands. My fingers were numb shortly, even with the heated grips. This affirms my original thought that heated hand grips would be wonderful perhaps light gloves when it was, say, 62F outside. As I typically ride all winter, well below freezing temps, heated winter riding gloves are needed and I doubt I will ever again use the heated grips. A truly useless upgrade to me, although I can see where others like them for just taking the edge off when it is 'chilly' rather than truly cold outside. I have Baker hand wings on my '08 and while they did make a set for second gen. C-14's, my originals may still work because the originals only use one fairing screw to mount them anyway.
I found out that the second gen. windshield is far too short for me also. While taller than the gen. 1 windshields, I had to practically lay down on the tank to get my bare head out of the windstream. So the 6+ CalSci on my '08 plus the MRA visor extension will be going on the '16 as well. I <believe> the older windshields fit as long as the old type hardware is used in place of the new vent assembly in the windshield.
Headlights- they will wait until later in the winter when I can take the bike down to install them. Because they have not been tried in a C-14 in actual use, I expect some twiddling will be needed to have them work correctly. I am looking forward to using them though and I expect excellent light output and control out of them. The projectors are out of an Infinity FX35, renowned for their excellent headlights. One problem that they will not address is side / upper lighting when cornering though. These days though I may be able to fit a small LED spotlight inside the housing that points up and outward (away from the centerline of the bike) to throw some light on the road when the bike is leaned over. A slick thing that could be added would be to switch each light on automatically whenever the high beams are on and the bike is leaned over more than, say, 6 or 8 degrees. Fairly easy to do with the solid state accelerometers available today though we will see if I ever actually put the time in to actually making something to do that.
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[Oh, and no offense taken at all, but do realize I didn't formulate that opinion in a vacuum, lots of feedback on the forums has been helpful, yours included.]
Since the mirrors are considerably higher, I find that there isn't as much air on my hands as I would expect. Even with risers. It is something you might need to experiment with (if you haven't already).... perhaps deflectors won't be needed. Can't say. One thing is for sure- you are riding in MUCH colder weather than I do. But with the heaters on maximum and even medium weight gloves, I have no problems, even in the mid 40's (F). Below that, I would need to switch to winter gloves, which I hate, because I feel like I am not in control.
I notice you didn't mention headlights... :stirpot:
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First of all Congrats on the new bike!, I've been in and out of this form for a number of years and have always enjoyed you posts.
If its ok to go off topic for a moment I’d like to chime in with my experience on I’m surely the over debated Fly’s out vs Flash conundrum.
I pulled the fly’s and added a Fuel Moto PC 5 on my 08 Conny, I later added an Area P exhaust with a Fuel Moto remap and was extremely happy with the power and increased fuel economy. I was extremely happy till I had my ZX 14R flashed by Ivan that is. For the sake of this post let’s assume for the moment that the power and fuel economy between the flash and removing the fly’s are similar. The rideability is where I found the flash really made a difference. The engine was smoother, don’t asked me how it just was. The shifting was significantly better, with the fly’s out the RPM’s drop very quickly while changing gears which made gear changes notchy and having to add a little throttle for a smooth transition, with Ivan’s flash the rpm’s slowly descended making the gear changes much more synchronized. Then there’s the fans coming on earlier, less driveline lash because the throttles aren’t completely shut off when the throttle is closed and a host of other subtle improvements that all added up to a much nicer and more refined ride.
I’m pulling the plastic on my new to me 2018 Conny for other reasons and would have no trouble removing the fly’s, but after my experience with my ZX 14R, My ECU is going to Ivan. Other flashes may be better or worse I don’t know, but if someone is considering a flash I’d recommend going to Ivan's site, grab a beer and read all the changes he makes to your ecu, it’s quite remarkable
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It is fine with me- the point to this thread is finished anyway, I did buy a new (to me) bike. So 'Should I do it' is kinda' in the rearview mirror now ;D
I will almost certainly try a flash simply because it is so easy and about the same price as a Power Commander anyway. If I want to change after the flash, the next step is a kit to monitor the mix via O2 sensor, make a map of the actual mixture in real- time, then flash the ECU with the generated mixture map. A nice solution but a bit more than I want to spend for one bike.
The big problem with smooth shifting for me has always been throttle cable play- I find the right amount to be zero. The bike I just picked up is several steps beyond a little, or even a lot, slack. Taking the slack out and wrapping the handlebar with Teflon tape is all that I have found is needed for a very precise throttle resulting in a very smooth shifting bike.
First of all Congrats on the new bike!, I've been in and out of this form for a number of years and have always enjoyed you posts.
If its ok to go off topic for a moment I’d like to chime in with my experience on I’m surely the over debated Fly’s out vs Flash conundrum.
I pulled the fly’s and added a Fuel Moto PC 5 on my 08 Conny, I later added an Area P exhaust with a Fuel Moto remap and was extremely happy with the power and increased fuel economy. I was extremely happy till I had my ZX 14R flashed by Ivan that is. For the sake of this post let’s assume for the moment that the power and fuel economy between the flash and removing the fly’s are similar. The rideability is where I found the flash really made a difference. The engine was smoother, don’t asked me how it just was. The shifting was significantly better, with the fly’s out the RPM’s drop very quickly while changing gears which made gear changes notchy and having to add a little throttle for a smooth transition, with Ivan’s flash the rpm’s slowly descended making the gear changes much more synchronized. Then there’s the fans coming on earlier, less driveline lash because the throttles aren’t completely shut off when the throttle is closed and a host of other subtle improvements that all added up to a much nicer and more refined ride.
I’m pulling the plastic on my new to me 2018 Conny for other reasons and would have no trouble removing the fly’s, but after my experience with my ZX 14R, My ECU is going to Ivan. Other flashes may be better or worse I don’t know, but if someone is considering a flash I’d recommend going to Ivan's site, grab a beer and read all the changes he makes to your ecu, it’s quite remarkable
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so I rode home with bare hands[]It was in the low 40's and I immediately noticed how cold my hands were with the 'ice wind' on them. The mirrors are higher on gen. 2 bikes, as you point out, but not high enough to block direct airflow to the hands. My fingers were numb shortly, even with the heated grips. This affirms my original thought that heated hand grips would be wonderful perhaps light gloves when it was, say, 62F outside.
Bare hands would be freezing no matter what. I use medium weight gloves most of the year, including most of the winter (solid palm, lightly perf back and breathable center area between the two, zero insulation), and with them don't even use/need the heated grips until it is about 56F or so, and even then only on low. As the temps drop, I will raise it higher, until it hits maximum. At around 42 or so, medium gloves are not heavy enough with heat on maximum and would have to switch to insulated gloves for extended riding. With such heavier gloves, it does take a longer time for the heated grips to be effective. Above 76F or so, I switch to thin/light-weight summer gloves.
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Congrats on the new bike Brian. Sounds like you need to pace yourself with the farkling though. ;D
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Thanks!
I have been two days, though not full days, taking off old farkles from the '08 and am not done yet. I have got to get taps in for heated gear, the comm. system and the taller windshield on the new bike right away though or we cannot ride it as it is cold out.
I am also contemplating a new GPS; currently using a Zumo 550 as the main GPS and it is wired into the comm. system. The problem is that no models after the 550, which is fairly old, have sound taps in them as they are strictly Bluetooth. So very many first- world problems, eh?
Congrats on the new bike Brian. Sounds like you need to pace yourself with the farkling though. ;D
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I am also contemplating a new GPS; currently using a Zumo 550 as the main GPS and it is wired into the comm. system. The problem is that no models after the 550, which is fairly old, have sound taps in them as they are strictly Bluetooth. So very many first- world problems, eh?
Yeah. I finally gave up on Garmin/Zumo. Just too expensive. After my last one failed, again, I decided to just use my phone in an X mount with a magnetic power coupler and Sena bluetooth for helmets. Loaded the maps off-line into Google maps (free), which was pretty easy then use "Google Auto" (free) as the app. Also stitched capacitive thread on the end of the left index finger of all my riding gloves. I have been very happy with that setup for over two years now. I have full maps, full nav, music, coms, phone, text-to-voice-to-text, etc. Something to consider.
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Well, after a couple of weeks working on the '16 as time allows, I have changed my mind regarding the gen. 2 fairings; I used to really dislike them and avoid them whenever possible..... how I despise them. Truly awful arrangement with all the soft rubber edging that folds, spindles and mutilates into the bike's engine to seal them. Between the little tabs that slip into the rubber, and the multiple places that two and sometimes three parts have to blend and fit not only each other but into crooks and crannies in the engine and frame, it is horrible. There are also rubber baffles under the fairing that seal the radiator venting spaces from the rest of the cowling, and they too are a gigantic PITA to R&R or even work nearby. Everything is tight, very finicky regarding fitting and held in place by either plastic rivets (DOH!) or simple 'mash' into place in spaces here and there (double DOH!). It would be a lot easier to work on and with if each piece firmly attached to something, and then the next part of the fairing attached to the previous, etc. But this process where three things, one of them rubber, all come together and sort of 'argue' into place is just unpleasant and imprecise IMO.
There are more differences between this bike an my '08 than I was expecting. The entire fairing framework is different, and that is not a bad thing, just different. I bought BMW sport grips thinking that the grips on the '16 were covers but they are the actual heating element molded in with the grips and wiring. So to change them, I will have to remove the wiring and get an earlier throttle tube to put the right grip on. So I will hold off on that for a while but I really do dislike the straight, hard plastic grips and much prefer the tapered, rubber BMW grips so that will probably be changed in the future.
The '16 also has the evaporative fuel system so I suppose Kawasaki got tired of making two different C-14's for the US market, one for CA and one for the other states. Not a problem though it does steal a little room under the top / right fairing as well as behind and under the fuel tank.
The plumbing and wiring on the bike is considerably better than it was on the '08. A minor point but it is nice to see progress there.
I am currently working on the method of installing a Rostra on the '16. I think the actuator will end up in a similar place under the left cowling, most likely higher than it was on the '08. Also working on the method of attaching the cable end to the throttle arm, really trying to simplify that. I believe it can be done with one single piece of mounting bracket but have not actually done that yet.
The weather here has been excellent for working in an unheated building with a sweatshirt! Early Dec. and no coat needed, which is great.
And the tires are PR 5's, not even scrubbed in yet. No experience with this tire though I did really like the PR2's and PR3's.
Off to sit and ponder that Rostra mounting a little later tonight.
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I hated the Connie grips too, and installed thin-wall sleeves over the OEM grips.
Cheap but a lot more comfortable, and the heat still works fine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-106-MM-Soft-TRP-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Handle-Grips-Handbrake-Covers-/174497432527?var=&hash=item28a0db83cf (https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-106-MM-Soft-TRP-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Handle-Grips-Handbrake-Covers-/174497432527?var=&hash=item28a0db83cf)
Ride safe, Ted
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Well, after a couple of weeks working on the '16 as time allows, I have changed my mind regarding the gen. 2 fairings; I used to really dislike them and avoid them whenever possible..... how I despise them. Truly awful arrangement with all the soft rubber edging that folds, spindles and mutilates into the bike's engine to seal them. [...]
Yep, they look great, perform great, but are a royal pain in the *ss to assemble and disassemble. Try having those AND crash bars and it is enough to make you go crazy.
I bought BMW sport grips thinking that the grips on the '16 were covers but they are the actual heating element molded in with the grips and wiring. So to change them, I will have to remove the wiring and get an earlier throttle tube to put the right grip on. So I will hold off on that for a while but I really do dislike the straight, hard
Like many people, I put some "grip puppies" over the stock grips. The stock ones are pretty hard and having a sleeve over them helps a lot. Mine are the kind without velcro, they are one-piece. Were difficult to get on, which I suppose is good so they don't slip, but have lasted all these years without any issue (amazingly).
The '16 also has the evaporative fuel system so I suppose Kawasaki got tired of making two different C-14's for the US market, one for CA and one for the other states. Not a problem though it does steal a little room under the top / right fairing as well as behind and under the fuel tank.
You can remove it if you like. Mine didn't have it and it is where I mounted the air horn stuff.
The plumbing and wiring on the bike is considerably better than it was on the '08. A minor point but it is nice to see progress there.
There were a lot of changes between gen 1 and gen 2. Most of which were good. Far more changes than one would expect after just 2 years, but the C14 was based on the ZX-14 which had been out years before. So I think they were ready to make changes on the ZX-14 and many of those just flowed over to the C14, where compatible. I think the other changes went through due to some critical reviews.
And the tires are PR 5's, not even scrubbed in yet. No experience with this tire though I did really like the PR2's and PR3's.
Wicked! I hated the Bridgestone OEM's, LOVE the PR3's, so that is one headache you can skip (assuming the PR5's are as good or better than the prior models, which is likely).
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The fairings are bad enough that I spent some time looking at other bikes a couple of times this week, specifically the Feejer (of course, obvious choice) and OldWings. I really like the C-14 a lot and that is the only reason that '16 is still in my garage 'cause working with those fairings ain't doin' much to endear it to me :-( And I have a set of canyon cages, fronts and rears, in a box to go on this bike.... and I agree that they will not make the process any slicker. And it is seriously far from 'slick' already. And as already mentioned, I actually prefer the looks of the gen. 1 C-14 anyway so the fairings are a miss for me on two fronts. Of course there is no guarantee that either the FJR or OldWing is significantly easier to work on anyway so that slowed me down a bit.
It is not so much that I hate the stock grips, or any grips as I really do like the BMW grips. I will take the current ones off the bike but will do so un such a manner as to not butcher the heated grips for (perhaps) the next owner. Personally, heated grips are useless to me as I almost never ride without wearing gloves and have and use heated gloves routinely. For me personally, heated grips are an addition to the bike that addresses a problem I do not and never have had.
The tires were actually a modestly important selling point for me- if I bought the 2020 (new) C-14, not only would I not have decent tires, I would have a set of Brickstones that I either had to suffer my way through wearing them out, or much more likely buy a set of PR's and install them, ending up with a set of barely used Brickstones that I would never use. Sure I could sell them but not for a significant amount and almost certainly there would be shipping costs, devaluing selling them even further. So the '16 had those two advantages, it had decent (I think good to excellent) tires already on it and they are effectively new, and the bike did NOT have lousy tires that I would have to pay for and basically dispose of. As I said, I think the C-14 is a fantastic motorcycle but it is crippled by the factory tires and I just could not buy a $15K motorcycle only to have to suffer with those tires. I would end up changing them out right away. Of course the Brickstones being lousy tires is my personal opinion of course. ;)
Yep, they look great, perform great, but are a royal pain in the *ss to assemble and disassemble. Try having those AND crash bars and it is enough to make you go crazy.
Like many people, I put some "grip puppies" over the stock grips. The stock ones are pretty hard and having a sleeve over them helps a lot. Mine are the kind without velcro, they are one-piece. Were difficult to get on, which I suppose is good so they don't slip, but have lasted all these years without any issue (amazingly).
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Wicked! I hated the Bridgestone OEM's, LOVE the PR3's, so that is one headache you can skip (assuming the PR5's are as good or better than the prior models, which is likely).