When will Kawasaki put the new ZX14R Engine in the C-14?

[tomp]

I was just reading about the 2015 Multistrada 1200S. That bike can certainly be considered in the ST segment. It has 160 hp and still under 500 lbs dry. More hp then the C14 and almost 200 lbs lighter. I know a big difference in price but the C14 is no longer the performance leader in the ST segment. A bump in HP wouldn't be the worst thing Kawi could do to this bike.

Saw one Saturday.  Nice looking bike.  Not the element protection the 14 has.  Ducati does everything THEIR way and doesn't care what others think or say.  The MS would be a great road bike, especially if the owner lived where there were twisties.  In my locale, it would just be a new VStrom 1000 on steroids at 2X the price.  Sport Touring requirements have gone through many revisions through the years.


 Rhino, it would be a great ride for where you are from, or currently residing. 

Read on the UK site that a GTR1400 owner replaced his with the new Yamaha Tracer, or FJ-09 here in the States.  For $10.5K, it's going to be a fantastic ST ride, too.

[maxtog]

I was just reading about the 2015 Multistrada 1200S. That bike can certainly be considered in the ST segment.

Peoples' definitions of sports touring varies, but I wouldn't consider it in the same class.  It is chain drive, it  has only a small, MANUALLY adjustable windscreen that can only move 60mm (2.25"), handlebar mounted mirrors, less fairing, smaller electrical system, etc.

It has 160 hp and still under 500 lbs dry. More hp then the C14 and almost 200 lbs lighter. I know a big difference in price but the C14 is no longer the performance leader in the ST segment. A bump in HP wouldn't be the worst thing Kawi could do to this bike.

It is only 3 hp more (160 vs 157, with ram, at crank, depending on source) .  And it is 150 pounds lighter, not 200 (520 vs 670 wet) and that still isn't right because the 670 on the Concours is WITH BAGS and it is without bags on the 1200S (I can't find the with bags on the 1200S).

A bump in HP wouldn't be the worst thing Kawi could do to this bike.

I don't think it would be a bad thing. 

[Rhino]

I don't disagree about chain drive and no electric windshield but the 2015 curb weight of the C14 is 690 lbs. 170 lbs difference is huge.

[maxtog]

I don't disagree about chain drive and no electric windshield but the 2015 curb weight of the C14 is 690 lbs.

Eeew, the site I referenced is wrong, or something changed.  Have to make a note of that.

170 lbs difference is huge.

True

[gPink]

We don't have 02 sensors unless you've added one.

yep

[gPink]

I don't disagree about chain drive and no electric windshield but the 2015 curb weight of the C14 is 690 lbs. 170 lbs difference is huge.

Must be that new mail slot in the windshield.

[tomp]

If I had the need and $$$$, I would go for the KTM 1290 Super Adventure.  550 LBs, with 7.4 gallons of fuel. and  160HP, too. The handling of any KTM is, excuse the word, AWESOME.  It's not the super Duke's HP level, but neither is the C14 the ZX14R's. 

I can't figure out where the extra weight is being carried of the new C14, either. Possibly around the middle, like mine..... tp

[maxtog]

I don't disagree about chain drive and no electric windshield but the 2015 curb weight of the C14 is 690 lbs.

Eeew, the site I referenced is wrong, or something changed.  Have to make a note of that.

I just checked the manual.  The C14 is 662 wet without bags (D) or 670 non-D and 679 with bags (D) or 688 non-D.  What is "(D)" ?  The manual doesn't say.  Might be non-California model is D?

So the site I was using actually is correct... sorta.  Now, why would the 2015 weigh more?  Could be the site is wrong.  The mailslot thing and a repadded seat is not going to add more than a few pounds....

[tomp]

From Kawi USA site

Frame TypeMonocoque Aluminum
Rake/Trail26.0 degrees / 4.4 in
Overall Length87.8 in
Overall Width39.4 in
Overall Height52.9 in / 57.7 in (windscreen DN/UP)
Ground Clearance4.9 in
Seat Height32.1 in
Curb Weight690.2 lb**
Fuel Capacity5.8 gal
Wheelbase59.8 in

The ** refers to gas tank 90% full, and all other fluids.

Rider magazine specs for the 2010.  Same weight.  Where did we go amiss???

CHASSIS
Tires, Front: 120/70-ZR17
Rear: 190/50-ZR17
Wet Weight: 690 lbs.

Load Capacity: 482 lbs.
GVWR: 1,172 lbs.

[maxtog]

From Kawi USA site Curb Weight690.2 lb**
The ** refers to gas tank 90% full, and all other fluids.   It has gotten heavier, I guess.  tp

Exactly.  How did it go from 679 (D)/wet/bags to 690.2?  Perhaps it is the non-D weight of 688... then it is only 2 pounds.  THAT I believe.

[elp_jc]

All 2015 bikes seem to be 50-state bikes. The 3 I've asked/seen, have all the CA crap, including mine. Manual still mentions a different CA model, but so far seems to be wrong. That's why. The windscreen is also a bit heavier with all the added stuff, but mostly is the CA stuff and larger cats. Don't remember where I saw that, so don't quote me on that, but makes sense.