Kawasaki Concours Forum
Introductions - Tell us a bit about yourself => Introductions => Topic started by: SteveS on August 21, 2014, 07:13:53 PM
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Hello All:
I am a 50+ rider and my current ride is a 2012 GL1800 ABS.
Previous rides include a 2000 VFR800, 2004 ST1300, 2008 GL1800, and a 2012 VFR1200.
My 2012 GL1800 has been a hugh disappointment from the standpoint of reliability and build quality. So much so, that I am thinking of making a change. I do all of my own maintenance, including valve checks, so I need something that I can work on.
I have test ridden a 2010 C14.... Nice strong engine... I don't tour very much and ride 99% 1-up.
I need something that has the following characteristics
1. Fun (twisties) on the back roads
2. Reliable
3. Great handling -
4. Smooth Power - Little or no vibration
Maybe a good place to start would be the following questions
1. Typical Tire life? (I get about 10K on my wing)
2. Valve Check intervals? (32K on the wing- Factory Interval)
3. Oil Change intervals? (8K on the wing - Factory Recommended )
4. Air Filter Change (16K factory on the wing - took me 2 hours)
5. Brake Fluid (12K on wing)
How easy is it to take off the tupperware (Not easy on new wing - easier on 2010 and earlier)
I know this is a lot, but I'm hoping there are a few x-wingers out there to help comment
Thanks
:)
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I can't help you out much as I never owned a Wing and currently own a C10. But, let me be the first to give you a hearty WELCOME!!! :chugbeer:
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Welcome!
- Tire life is very subjective depending on the tire brand, the way the bike is ridden, and road surface. Good luck with that question
- Valve check interval is 15k (factory)
- Oil change is 7500 miles (factory)
- Air filter change 12k miles (about a 1/2 hour on a gen 1 08/09) (factory)
- Brake fluid every 2 years (factory)
- Removing fairing bits isn't bad as far as I'm concerned. It's easy for me, not sure for you. How hard can it be? Undo screws, take off fairing, note where screws went, put fairing back, put screws back in.
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If you don't tour and ride 1 up why do you want a 700 lb touring bike? Seems like the VFR fit all of your criteria. I had an 06 VFR but didn't find it comfy enough - a little too much on the sport bike side. My C-14 is very comfy (after the Sargent seat, risers, pullbacks and a V-Stream windshield). Stock suspension is very plush and handles very well in the twisties.
I saw a service article in, I think Rider magazine, that said the valve adjust on the C-14 was such a PITA that he would skip the first one (kinda like the VFR800). Very time consuming to remove and replace all of the tupperware and difficult to get it all lined up properly.
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You'll have to define 'touring'. I don't often get to take much more than long weekends and always ride solo. The only time the bikes' weight is felt is is when I'm pushing it around.
IIRC the writer in the Rider article was a lazy ass and advocated disregarding required maintenance.
I think his evil twin started a similar thread on the other forum that was good for many laughs.
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I saw a service article in, I think Rider magazine, that said the valve adjust on the C-14 was such a PITA that he would skip the first one (kinda like the VFR800). Very time consuming to remove and replace all of the tupperware and difficult to get it all lined up properly.
I don't agree with that at all. Yes, it is a PITA but it can be done by the rider depending on their skill set and the proper tools or you can take it to the dealer. Videos do exist of doing this procedure yourself. The first valve check/adjust is the most important as it gives you a baseline and potentially fixes any impending issues with clearances. Some have found that they didn't need any adjustments, some did. Depending if you are a thrasher, valves will probably need adjusting during this first check. Some valves might be on the tight end of their clearances and you may want to just go ahead and have the dealer set them in the middle and give you documentation on what they did.
It's up to the rider on how this gets done and whom does it or not. My preference was a dealer as I don't have the time and patience to get it done myself. My valves have always been in 'spec' but I'm not a thrasher when it comes to riding the bike. Don't skip this service...
If I were buying a bike, I'd also would want to know that this service (or any service for the matter) was done..
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I've owned a Valkyrie, VTX and still own a 2010 C14 and a Suzuki DR650.
Relative to the Valkyrie and the VTX the C14 is more fun, more reliable and MUCH better handling. As far as power, feels like it is jet propelled relative to the Valkyrie or VTX. Effortless delivery at any speed. The Valk engine is smooth as silk but doesn't hold a candle to the C14.
BTW: Welcome to the forum and if your anywhere near Austin, I'd be happy to let you ride mine.
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I was shocked to read a service editor in a magazine advise to skip the first valve adjust, but that's what he wrote
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I was shocked to read a service editor in a magazine advise to skip the first valve adjust, but that's what he wrote
I did. The manual for the exact same bike sold in Europe says 50,000 KM. I went with the Europe number and did mine at about 29,000 miles. All were still in spec.
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I did. The manual for the exact same bike sold in Europe says 50,000 KM. I went with the Europe number and did mine at about 29,000 miles. All were still in spec.
I was shocked to read a service editor in a magazine advise to skip the first valve adjust, but that's what he wrote
I agree with the Euro service interval but that is an individual choice. As TalleyRex said I found it irresponsible for a motorcycle magazine to be advocating skipping service.
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I went from a 05 ST1300 to a 06 GL1800 to a 09 C14... so I can somewhat relate to the direction you are looking at.
Changing fluids on the C14 will be about as easy as it was on the Wing... not as bad as it was on the ST.
Tupperware will be easier than the Wing... not as bad as the ST... no plastic tabs to break, unlike ST. :o
You will laugh every day you ride the C14... 8)
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Get a honda st1300 you will be glad you did
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Get a honda st1300 you will be glad you did
Why?
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Get a honda st1300 you will be glad you did
:_shudder_Emoticon
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Get a honda st1300 you will be glad you did
I rented one for a week before I bought my 2010 C14. Not a bad bike but I thought the C14 handled better, more comfortable and way more power. In fact renting the ST1300 is the reason I started looking at sport touring bikes. Also test rode a BMW K1300 GT, and R1200RT and an FJR. I still think the C14 is the best bang for the buck in this category.
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Get a honda st1300 you will be glad you did
Yeah... nothing like paying top dollar for 11 year old technology. :o
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Get a test ride on a Ninja 1000 ABS with factory hard bags. Might be just what you need.
How about the new Honda CTX1300 tourer. Valve covers are easily accessible. Or a Moto Guzzi.
The Concours is a great mile eater. I have put close to 28,000 in two years and it has to share riding time with my other bikes.
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Get a test ride on a Ninja 1000 ABS with factory hard bags. Might be just what you need.
How about the new Honda CTX1300 tourer. Valve covers are easily accessible. Or a Moto Guzzi.
The Concours is a great mile eater. I have put close to 28,000 in two years and it has to share riding time with my other bikes.
With its low seat it does look like it might be a nice cruiser. I'd like to take one for a ride.
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Get a honda st1300 you will be glad you did
I had an '06 and it would bake your shins and blow hot air on you and was nearly unbearable over 95 F it wasn't great for touring. And I've been on a 1st gen FJR and C-14 and the ST I had was far worse for heat. The C-14 is a far step better than a ST 1300.
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If heat is a concern then the 10+ models would be the ones to choose from.
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32k miles in 18 months and zero complaints. Ride one and try it for yourself. Consider it a blank canvas: some guys turn these into rocket-propelled Goldwings, while others ride in the Cascadian Mountains with them.
(http://youtu.be/hrAnp8zWqEg?t=24m37s)
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I need something that has the following characteristics
1. Fun (twisties) on the back roads
:Not in the VFR league but way ahead of the Wing. I owned a VFR800 and my C14
keeps away all the the slightest nostalgia.
2. Reliable
:Nothing has gone wrong in the three years I have owned it. Not a lot of moaning in this forum
3. Great handling -
:Very solid and predictable. I am a "senior" rider and I leave only a very small chicken strip.
:Don't forget the ABS, traction control and slipper clutch.
4. Smooth Power - Little or no vibration
:Buzzier than the Wing but when you find you hit rev limit in 2nd gear at around 100mph, well....
:I find that for touring type rides there are sweet spots in the rev range that are very well mannered.