In my exploration into possibly replacing my c14, I rode these two new bikes today.
First the Trophy.
What intrigued me about this bike right away was how similar it is in stature/scope to the BMW RT12, which I owned and really liked. The fairing is generous, and weather protection is very impressive. Again, compared to the RT, which was it's design target, it seemed to have the features I had/have come to really appreciate. Electronic suspension, cruise, etc.
The bike I rode was blue, and looked pretty handsome. I did notice some of the panels had gaps with tabs still visual, as if they were not seated properly. Materials looked a bit on the less expensive side here and there around the fairing, but not bad. My RT had a higher level of quality in the fit and finish department though.
Today was 50 degrees or so here, and I started out on my test ride. My first impressions as I rode away were that it was not as refined feeling as I expected. The triple is overall very smooth, but not in an inline 4 manner. There is a subtle gritty feel to the engine that you only get with the triple. Generally from past experience on the Tiger 1050, I have really come away lusting for a triple, but the Trophy did not really speak to me the way the old Tiger engine did.
As mentioned wind protection was top notch. However trying to use the controls for the radio and other functions was frustrating. I had to take my hand off the grip to adjust the sound system, and the windshield button was a reach also. Overall and just for comparisons sake BMW does a much nicer job of providing better ergonomic controls with the multi-function wheel.
Acceleration was pretty impressive, and there was nice usable torque throughout the rpm band. Not C14 fast by any means, but plenty for me. Fueling and clutch action were really impressive, though I thought the ride by wire was a little to touchy at times, and lacked good feel. Transmission was a mixed bag. It shifted accurately, but did produce a nice "clunk" when changing gears at times.
To sum it up, I think it is a great bike, but somehow left me a little underwhelmed due to its lack of refinement. Some may disagree, and my expectations may have been too high. To put it another way, I would not sell my C14 to buy a Trophy. It just wasn't that compelling, and if this type of bike is truly a consideration, I would probably wait for the new RT next year, and test ride that.
Next was the FJR.
Lots to like about this bike. A real key, bigger fuel tank, better brakes. All things I grit my teeth over that IMO are needed on the c14. Fit and finish on the FJR are nicer than the C14. Nicer dash, accents and details that make the fjr seem more polished and generally of better quality.
My first observation was that the fjr was short on wind protection compared to the c14. That said, I have a large Aeroflow and wings on mine, so I took the observation with a grain of salt. The fjr feels a touch less bulky, but not necessarily better handling. In fact I feel my C14 with the 190/55 PR3 upgrade steerls lighter and handles somewhat better. The fjr felt really strong through the gears, and was probably close to just as smooth as my C14. Overall, I prefer the C14 engine and transmission to the fjr. The C14 feels more relaxed at 80 mph due to the 6th gear. I noticed about a 500 rpm difference on the fjr. Brakes were really well sorted out and are a compelling reason to consider going to the fjr. Much nicer, and more forgiving.
The fjr has benefited from ongoing improvements without radical changes. It is a very well executed bike with a feel of quality and polish. The lack of a 6th probably would not bother me, but the cruise not being usable after 80 mph is a bit of deal killer. Honestly, if the fjr cruise was good to 90-100 mph, I think I might pull the trigger and buy it.
That all being said, neither of these two bikes made a compelling case in my mind at this point to sell my C14. The best option at this point in time for me seems to be adding MC Cruise.
Cheers!
