Author Topic: 2008 C14 vs 2012  (Read 13373 times)

Offline Conrad

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #20 on: January 17, 2013, 04:30:58 AM »
Conrad?  He's a good guy and tells you likes it is....that is except for the Bears thing he has.  Other than that he is ok.  Oh, and there is that VW he drives as well.  He can't be expected to be perfect and drive a Prius.

I bought my 08 in Aug of 07 and I've reupped the extended warranty twice.  I'll probably be retired myself before it expires.  Not a bad deal if you ask me.

Why thank you Sparky! I was thinking the same thing about you except for that Prius thing.    ;)
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Offline Cheesecake

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #21 on: January 17, 2013, 07:03:49 AM »
2012
+1

But I might add, it depends on what you are going to do with it. If you just ride it, never wash it, and let the dealer do all the maintenance, the 2008 will be just fine, you won't notice much difference, except the heat on your legs that was fixed in 2010.
If, however, you constantly wash, wax, and try to keep it at it's best, I would get the new one. That will also help you avoid the gotchas you are gonna have with a 6 year old bike--like, the tire pressure sensors likely are going out, the battery is due to be changed, I'll bet if you take the seat off you will see some rust on the gas tank. The seals in the forks and rear drive are 6 years old, too.
2008 C-14

Offline gPink

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #22 on: January 17, 2013, 07:22:27 AM »
+1

But I might add, it depends on what you are going to do with it. If you just ride it, never wash it, and let the dealer do all the maintenance, the 2008 will be just fine, you won't notice much difference, except the heat on your legs that was fixed in 2010.
If, however, you constantly wash, wax, and try to keep it at it's best, I would get the new one. That will also help you avoid the gotchas you are gonna have with a 6 year old bike--like, the tire pressure sensors likely are going out, the battery is due to be changed, I'll bet if you take the seat off you will see some rust on the gas tank. The seals in the forks and rear drive are 6 years old, too.

 :o  So you're saying we first gen owners are unworthy.

Offline tjpgi

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #23 on: January 17, 2013, 07:51:14 AM »
I bought my bike in May of 2009, it came with the standard warranty of 3 years. I bought the 1st extended warranty right off the bat then purchased the 2nd extended warranty right before the initial warranty ran out. I'm covered till May of 2018.    :)

The cost for the 2nd extended was just a hair over $300. See this for more info. http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0

from the Kawi site...

2008 - CONCOURS 14 ABS 

 
Warranty Status                                                                               
Vin: JKBZGNA178A0xxxxx
  Your warranty expired on 05/22/2012. 
  Your Good Times Protection Plan expires on 05/22/2018. 
  No outstanding recalls for this unit.

Wow!  Now call me educated. I did not realize that you could re up the extended warranty. I have never heard of this. I wonder how many times you can re up it ( that is if you wanted to keep a bike for decades).
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Offline Conrad

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #24 on: January 17, 2013, 08:21:08 AM »
Wow!  Now call me educated. I did not realize that you could re up the extended warranty. I have never heard of this. I wonder how many times you can re up it ( that is if you wanted to keep a bike for decades).

Dunno. I do know that you had to have purchased any and all extensions before the initial 3 year warranty ran/runs out. At least that was the case when I bought mine. For more info you'd have to contact Pete, http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0
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"Don't bother me with facts, Son. I've already made up my mind." -Foghorn Leghorn

Offline stevewfl

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #25 on: January 17, 2013, 08:22:29 AM »
+1

But I might add, it depends on what you are going to do with it. If you just ride it, never wash it, and let the dealer do all the maintenance, the 2008 will be just fine, you won't notice much difference, except the heat on your legs that was fixed in 2010.
If, however, you constantly wash, wax, and try to keep it at it's best, I would get the new one. That will also help you avoid the gotchas you are gonna have with a 6 year old bike--like, the tire pressure sensors likely are going out, the battery is due to be changed, I'll bet if you take the seat off you will see some rust on the gas tank. The seals in the forks and rear drive are 6 years old, too.

There's a long list of items the 2010+ include that the 08-09 models exclude.

my favorite one is the mirrors are raised 50mm or so. not only do they see over the panniers but they keep the wind rain bugs off my gloves/hands for the most part.
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Offline MGvaleri

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #26 on: January 17, 2013, 10:00:31 AM »
C 14 2008/9 / used, with a few dollars you have a great bike, MY 2010/13 / have always been a great bike in the most updated, but your wallet is crying. :stirpot:

MGvalerio. 8)
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Offline Bryn

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #27 on: January 17, 2013, 10:18:26 AM »
Love my 2009... changed the screen for a Calsci large... Top Sellerie seat  ( French) Remus Okami..... It's got heated grips ... don't have a problem with the mirror position, and its cold most of the time here so the heat from the engine thing isn't a problem, more a blessing.... ;D

Online PH14

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #28 on: January 17, 2013, 11:47:26 AM »
Love my 2009... changed the screen for a Calsci large... Top Sellerie seat  ( French) Remus Okami..... It's got heated grips ... don't have a problem with the mirror position, and its cold most of the time here so the heat from the engine thing isn't a problem, more a blessing.... ;D

I love my 2009 as well, which I bought over the 2010 back in 2010, since it didn't have ABS and linked brakes.   :doublepuke:

Offline tjpgi

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #29 on: January 17, 2013, 02:31:37 PM »
Dunno. I do know that you had to have purchased any and all extensions before the initial 3 year warranty ran/runs out. At least that was the case when I bought mine. For more info you'd have to contact Pete, http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=225.0

Thanks for the info. Here is what I got back from Pete:

Yes, we can do another 3yr extension for $339.00. Just send me all required info , name , address, contact phone for me to call you, vin# and mileage of bike and we will get it done for you. Its also transferable to other owners  for free!

 

Pete

804.330.4800 ext 110

ultimateCycle

2011 GSXR 1000
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1976 KZ900
1991 Sportster XLH 1200

Offline Conrad

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #30 on: January 17, 2013, 02:53:25 PM »
Thanks for the info. Here is what I got back from Pete:

Yes, we can do another 3yr extension for $339.00. Just send me all required info , name , address, contact phone for me to call you, vin# and mileage of bike and we will get it done for you. Its also transferable to other owners  for free!

 

Pete

804.330.4800 ext 110

ultimateCycle

There you go!
Northern Illinois   Silverdammit '08 C-14 ABS

"Don't bother me with facts, Son. I've already made up my mind." -Foghorn Leghorn

Offline JBnAZ

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #31 on: January 17, 2013, 07:00:51 PM »
Life is full of trade offs - as pointed out previously the 08 is six years old so expect an investment of maintenance. The new ride will have to be broken in, so 600 miles of reduced adrenalin. I had a similar choice and went with the new ride - first service done yesterday  ;D


Offline martin_14

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #32 on: January 18, 2013, 06:37:06 AM »
Hi All:

New to forum. Looking to make big trip this summer to West Coast. Now have Road King & Speed Triple - looking to purchase a Kaw C14. Found nice 2008 with 15,000 miles - like new - $7,000. Have shot at 2012 new one with 36K warranty and 3 bags for $12,500.

Do you suggest buying the new bike vs the 2008?  Thank you for your comments & suggestions!

Mtrhead

the resell price of a bike has never influenced my purchasing decisions, but not only you'll pay 5500 more for the new one, you'll loose an extra 2000 as soon as you get out the door. The 2008 will loose maybe another 500 in a year. If the 08 look well mantained, I'd take it.
The 12 is no upgrade whatsoever over the 08. The raised mirrors on the 12 free up the visibility as much as rotating the ones on 08 a little. Grip heating costs 50 bucks plus half an hour work. I'd love to have the black rims, but not for 5000. The larger screen costs 170. Other than that... The glovebox on the side would be nice if a) the locking solenoid was reliable, and b) if Kawasaki used the half gallon freed from the top of the tank for fuel.
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Online PH14

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #33 on: January 18, 2013, 07:30:44 AM »
The glovebox on the side would be nice if a) the locking solenoid was reliable, and b) if Kawasaki used the half gallon freed from the top of the tank for fuel.

I prefer the tank top glovebox the older model has. It is more convenient to me, especially when getting money out for a toll. I have a tankbag on mine as well, it doesn't block the glovebox, but the glovebox is still more handy to me for toll money.

Offline maxtog

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #34 on: January 18, 2013, 08:54:53 AM »
The 12 is no upgrade whatsoever over the 08.

I totally disagree with that statement, but we are all entitled to our opinions :)  Plus you did not list even a quarter of all the differences (and I will not list them all here again). 
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Offline 556ALPHA

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #35 on: January 18, 2013, 04:54:16 PM »
dont think those differences alone are worth half the 5500, however condition of the 08 would dictate my thought process.  Maint. records etc.  Good luck with your quest. 

Offline texrider

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #36 on: January 18, 2013, 06:37:14 PM »
If the '08 was ABS and very clean, I'd go for it 'cause it's less buck$. I like my '09 ABS, but I've ridden a '12 and find it to be a totally fine bike as well. The small gizmos don't mean squat, as long as it's got ABS. Have fun!
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Offline bombsquad1201

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #37 on: January 20, 2013, 06:58:45 PM »
It looks to me that you have decided on the C 14, (that's great) now you have to decide on which year and if you want a new one or used one.
Any decision made is yours to make, my advise is to do your research.
I had a C 10 1986, (loved it, great bike)with 80 + miles on it when I decided I wanted a new one.
I found that dealers here, in Alabama would let me have a new 2011 for 13,000.00 OTD
I did all my research on this site, talk with several friends and decided that I wanted a used 2010.
I found a 2010 after months of looking, it was on the other side of the world, but it came with extended warranty a boatload of farkles.
I new I had the money to buy new, but the fact would be that, if I did that, I wound have to wait for maybe a long time to get farkle up.
I got a 2010 with 7000 miles. I am very happy.
Good luck, there's no bad decision.

Offline VirginiaJim

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #38 on: January 20, 2013, 07:02:43 PM »
80 + miles eh, didn't want to wear it out?  ;)   Hope you put more on the C14 while you have it in your possession.
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Offline Boomer

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Re: 2008 C14 vs 2012
« Reply #39 on: January 21, 2013, 10:03:25 AM »
The 2008 for me.
I've ridden a 2011 and it's nice but the linked brakes DO interfere with how I ride.
I have no need for traction control and the "taller" screen is nowhere near tall enough for me.
So, about the only things I would like to have on my 07 (08 bought August 2007) are Heated grips and the Thermometer.
I can fit those for under $100.

Now, others will feel differently (some quite vehemently as they try to justify their purchase ;D ) but what it comes down to is what do YOU want.
I paid full price for my C14 brand new without having taken a test ride. I don't regret it at all.  8)
I was going to buy the FJR1300 but hesitated for a week and then Kawasaki announced the C14, so I waited.

$5500 buys a lot of farkles and warranties, but it also buys a brand new bike that nobody else has farted on. <LOL>
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