Concours C14 thread

Wout67 · 12-01-2008, 10:20 PM

I bought one a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely love it. The smoothness and the power of this bike never ceases to impress. Here's some pics from the Thanksgiving holiday.

Shorty · 12-02-2008, 12:41 AM

Look'n Good!

Paulvt1 · 12-02-2008, 12:58 AM

Lovely looking machine. Would love to get one.

HyperPete · 12-02-2008, 03:41 AM

Nice pics!!

Lovely aren't they!!!
I've had mine now a little over a year with about 25,000km up, seriously nice alround bike; mine's also black.... shines up so nice don't they!!!

Enjoy!!, you'll have a long and good ride if you can keep your license

Wout67 · 12-02-2008, 06:58 AM

you're right, Pete.

I've found myself saying "You're going to get yourself in trouble on this bike."

I have two pictures at my desk at work. One of my daughter, and one of my Connie.

FlagRS · 12-02-2008, 09:16 AM

Congratulations McGee

The Connie looks great...from KLR to Connie wow

Nice job - FlagRS

tjhess74 · 12-02-2008, 11:39 AM

fantastic machine indeed. ive had mine six months and im right at 15k miles. i marvel in it every time i see her still! she does soften up with some age though, but still very sharp and powerful. definately the best bike ive ever owned.

MAN OF BLUES · 12-02-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtrpete

Nice pics!!

Lovely aren't they!!!
I've had mine now a little over a year with about 25,000km up, seriously nice alround bike; mine's also black.... shines up so nice don't they!!!

Enjoy!!, you'll have a long and good ride if you can keep your license

Hey Pete, and TJ too I see!!!
Yeah, I made my way over here also....Got fed up with some of the stuff on my "Parent Forum"

I got the first one in Richmond, (see my avitar with Momma on the back, on the Dragon...) a year and a half ago, and with a little over 12k on it now, it just don't get any better!!! Wanted the Black one, but had no choice but to buy Neutron....
Did Ya get ABS Angus???.... first time it kicks in you'll be wondering why every bike doesn't have it...awesome.... not that i use the brakes all that much.....

Hurry up and burn those trashy (not really, they are great for 3 or 4k) tires off, and treat yourself to some Pilot Road II's....

Ride safe, and hire a good attourney.....

Shorty · 12-02-2008, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAN OF BLUES

Hurry up and burn those trashy (not really, they are great for 3 or 4k) tires off, and treat yourself to some Pilot Road II's....

Ride safe, and hire a good attourney.....

+1+ A tire change does wonders for this bike.

Wout67 · 12-02-2008, 05:48 PM

I can't imagine it getting much better than it is now. No, I didn't get ABS.. The dealership had two. Mine, and a red one with ABS.. I wanted black more than I wanted ABS, so that's how I went. If they had a black one with ABS, I would have went that way.

Sure is a far cry from the KLR... I can't say I miss it much. The guy who bought it keeps in touch with me to let me know how it's goin'. He seems to like it, so I'm happy for him.

tjhess74 · 12-02-2008, 06:22 PM

mob, glad to see ya! if im not the one stirring the pot, i try to stay out of some of that stuff. oh, i do love stirring the pot though...

heres mine:

and with the new kawi trunk:

yes, the pr2's are wonderful tires! on my next set though, im gonna try the shinko 009 ravens. ive heard great things about them as far as traction and life. for $170 shipped to my door, its a worthwhile experiment. if im less than happy, ill run back to the michelins without looking back!

ive got 8k approx on my pr2's and my rear is just starting to get a flat ring around the center, but still has lots of life left in it. the front looks new. theyve been on the dragon and surrounding roads, all sorts of interstate and two laners, and they have seen their fare share of off roading as well. btw, the c14 wasnt designed for dual sport, and it shows! i hit some roads in north carolina i wasnt sure id make it through without dropping her and dragging her down the mountain

im surprised i made it down with all my bolts and panels still intact!

Skippii · 12-02-2008, 07:00 PM

Okay, I've got to ask this.

I read a magazine review a while ago comparing Sport Tourers. The Connie came in 2nd from last, and they said if their Yamaha hadn't had an Automatic transmission, the Connie would have been last.

There was a long list of things they didn't like about it, the biggest one of which was that they said it wasn't nearly as fast or powerful compared to some of the smaller-displacement ones like the K1200GT.

What gives? Any truth to this?
The magazine said the only thing this bike did better than the rest was riding long wheelies.

Shorty · 12-02-2008, 08:49 PM

C14 Slower and less powerfull than the smaller bikes, yet rides better/longer wheelies?

Skippii, nice try! - Ok, I'll bite
The C14 may not be not perfect for everyone (what is?)
BUT This bike is about the engine.

And the rest of the bike is pretty good too.

kutch · 12-02-2008, 09:35 PM

Wait a min...
From what I remember the bike is stupid fast...

Link to write up

"the new Connie will be cranking out somewhere in the neighborhood of 140-plus ponies. Still far above the respective 124.2 and 123.8 rear-wheel horsepower numbers we gathered from the BMW K1200GT and Yamaha FJR1300 during last year's ST comparo."

"This bike not only hauls," explains Tom, "but vibration is very minimal and once it is underway the bike is smooth as glass."

"Also contributing to the superb braking performance was the $900-optional ABS system fitted on our test bike. Unlike BMW's ABS system, the Concours package is not linked. As an R1200GS owner, our rider knows a thing or two about ABS and came away impressed that the independent wheel system on the Connie does its thing without any pulsating sensation."

"Looking at the big picture, there are no losers in this test. Learn to trust the BMW and it won't let you down. If handling is more important than power, then Yamaha has just what you're looking for. In fact the FJR put up an excellent fight, giving the Concours a run for its money and even winning over one tester. But sometimes size does matter. In this case the monster engine of the Kawasaki coupled with its smooth fuel injection, perfect ergonomics and almost perfect handling seals the deal for Team Green. But only just."

IKIGAI · 12-02-2008, 11:05 PM

What everyone seems to overlook with this bike,... is potential.
This is an 'over-built' motorcycle, and the engine in its stock state of tune is ridiculously under stressed.
Spend an afternoon and remove the belly fairing, side panels and gas tank. Open up the two inspection plates above the intake manifold, and remove the four secondary throttle plates. Plug in a Power Commander, and slide on an aftermarket canister if you want to lose 10 pounds, and then take it out for another spin.
You'll have a whole different ride with an extra 25 horsepower available right from idle.
Try that with the beemer or an FJ.

12-01-2008, 10:20 PM	#1
Wout67 ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Portland, OR Oddometer: 1,383	Concours C14 thread I bought one a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely love it. The smoothness and the power of this bike never ceases to impress. Here's some pics from the Thanksgiving holiday. __________________ The thing about quotes on the internet is that you can never confirm their validity. - Abraham Lincoln www.iamsecond.com

12-02-2008, 12:41 AM	#2
Shorty carpe'diem ona motorcycle Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Ripon, Ca. Oddometer: 449	Look'n Good! __________________ Shorty

12-02-2008, 06:58 AM	#5
Wout67 ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Portland, OR Oddometer: 1,383	you're right, Pete. I've found myself saying "You're going to get yourself in trouble on this bike." I have two pictures at my desk at work. One of my daughter, and one of my Connie. __________________ The thing about quotes on the internet is that you can never confirm their validity. - Abraham Lincoln www.iamsecond.com

12-02-2008, 09:16 AM	#6
FlagRS Formerly FlagGS Joined: Jun 2004 Location: N. AZ Oddometer: 1,042	Congratulations McGee The Connie looks great...from KLR to Connie wow Nice job - FlagRS __________________ I've been putting out fire with gasoline.

12-02-2008, 11:39 AM	#7
tjhess74 Studly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Jalalabad, Afghanistan Oddometer: 576	fantastic machine indeed. ive had mine six months and im right at 15k miles. i marvel in it every time i see her still! she does soften up with some age though, but still very sharp and powerful. definately the best bike ive ever owned. __________________ avatar pic: tathum gap, trail of tears, nc my goal is to see how many gallons of dead dinosaurs i can send through my bike. 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 Concours Owners Group #8904 2008 Yamaha FZ6-Black Iron Butt Association #30337

12-02-2008, 12:58 AM	#3
Paulvt1 Beastly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Wolverhampton. England. Oddometer: 2,821	Lovely looking machine. Would love to get one.

12-02-2008, 03:41 AM	#4
HyperPete Studly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Walcha, Australia Oddometer: 646	Nice pics!! Lovely aren't they!!! I've had mine now a little over a year with about 25,000km up, seriously nice alround bike; mine's also black.... shines up so nice don't they!!! Enjoy!!, you'll have a long and good ride if you can keep your license

12-02-2008, 05:48 PM	#10
Wout67 ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Portland, OR Oddometer: 1,383	I can't imagine it getting much better than it is now. No, I didn't get ABS.. The dealership had two. Mine, and a red one with ABS.. I wanted black more than I wanted ABS, so that's how I went. If they had a black one with ABS, I would have went that way. Sure is a far cry from the KLR... I can't say I miss it much. The guy who bought it keeps in touch with me to let me know how it's goin'. He seems to like it, so I'm happy for him. __________________ The thing about quotes on the internet is that you can never confirm their validity. - Abraham Lincoln www.iamsecond.com

12-02-2008, 06:22 PM	#11
tjhess74 Studly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Jalalabad, Afghanistan Oddometer: 576	mob, glad to see ya! if im not the one stirring the pot, i try to stay out of some of that stuff. oh, i do love stirring the pot though... heres mine: and with the new kawi trunk: yes, the pr2's are wonderful tires! on my next set though, im gonna try the shinko 009 ravens. ive heard great things about them as far as traction and life. for $170 shipped to my door, its a worthwhile experiment. if im less than happy, ill run back to the michelins without looking back! ive got 8k approx on my pr2's and my rear is just starting to get a flat ring around the center, but still has lots of life left in it. the front looks new. theyve been on the dragon and surrounding roads, all sorts of interstate and two laners, and they have seen their fare share of off roading as well. btw, the c14 wasnt designed for dual sport, and it shows! i hit some roads in north carolina i wasnt sure id make it through without dropping her and dragging her down the mountain im surprised i made it down with all my bolts and panels still intact! __________________ avatar pic: tathum gap, trail of tears, nc my goal is to see how many gallons of dead dinosaurs i can send through my bike. 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 Concours Owners Group #8904 2008 Yamaha FZ6-Black Iron Butt Association #30337 tjhess74 screwed with this post 12-02-2008 at 06:33 PM

12-02-2008, 07:00 PM	#12
Skippii Hookers, my lad. Joined: May 2008 Location: Richmond, Va Oddometer: 6,224	Okay, I've got to ask this. I read a magazine review a while ago comparing Sport Tourers. The Connie came in 2nd from last, and they said if their Yamaha hadn't had an Automatic transmission, the Connie would have been last. There was a long list of things they didn't like about it, the biggest one of which was that they said it wasn't nearly as fast or powerful compared to some of the smaller-displacement ones like the K1200GT. What gives? Any truth to this? The magazine said the only thing this bike did better than the rest was riding long wheelies. __________________ "I'm half afraid Skippii's bike might actually be a giant hamster ball that he somehow powers around. With ape hangers." -GailCallsMeKarl

12-02-2008, 08:49 PM	#13
Shorty carpe'diem ona motorcycle Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Ripon, Ca. Oddometer: 449	C14 Slower and less powerfull than the smaller bikes, yet rides better/longer wheelies? Skippii, nice try! - Ok, I'll bite The C14 may not be not perfect for everyone (what is?) BUT This bike is about the engine. And the rest of the bike is pretty good too. __________________ Shorty

12-02-2008, 09:35 PM	#14
kutch That fell off where? Joined: Jul 2005 Location: Here, There and trying to be Everywhere. Oddometer: 583	Wait a min... From what I remember the bike is stupid fast... Link to write up "the new Connie will be cranking out somewhere in the neighborhood of 140-plus ponies. Still far above the respective 124.2 and 123.8 rear-wheel horsepower numbers we gathered from the BMW K1200GT and Yamaha FJR1300 during last year's ST comparo." "This bike not only hauls," explains Tom, "but vibration is very minimal and once it is underway the bike is smooth as glass." "Also contributing to the superb braking performance was the $900-optional ABS system fitted on our test bike. Unlike BMW's ABS system, the Concours package is not linked. As an R1200GS owner, our rider knows a thing or two about ABS and came away impressed that the independent wheel system on the Connie does its thing without any pulsating sensation." "Looking at the big picture, there are no losers in this test. Learn to trust the BMW and it won't let you down. If handling is more important than power, then Yamaha has just what you're looking for. In fact the FJR put up an excellent fight, giving the Concours a run for its money and even winning over one tester. But sometimes size does matter. In this case the monster engine of the Kawasaki coupled with its smooth fuel injection, perfect ergonomics and almost perfect handling seals the deal for Team Green. But only just." __________________ "Keep your front wheel down and your head up..."

12-02-2008, 11:05 PM	#15
IKIGAI Studly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2007 Oddometer: 872	What everyone seems to overlook with this bike,... is potential. This is an 'over-built' motorcycle, and the engine in its stock state of tune is ridiculously under stressed. Spend an afternoon and remove the belly fairing, side panels and gas tank. Open up the two inspection plates above the intake manifold, and remove the four secondary throttle plates. Plug in a Power Commander, and slide on an aftermarket canister if you want to lose 10 pounds, and then take it out for another spin. You'll have a whole different ride with an extra 25 horsepower available right from idle. Try that with the beemer or an FJ.

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