Concours14

[RiceToy]

A few months ago there were quite a few posts with excitement for the new Connie14. For those who have experience with them by now... what's the word on these re-tuned ZX's with hardbags? I can pickup a barely used one for $10K and am considering it. The only negatives I've come across so far are: Heat on the legs and 140-mile gas stops (which may be less than an hour of riding )

 

If there is anyone who has more experience than a demo ride - I'm interested!

 

Meanwhile the search continues for a silver R1100RT (or 1150) just like the one in the upper right-hand corner of this page.

[Wiley]

The only negatives I've come across so far are: Heat on the legs and 140-mile gas stops (which may be less than an hour of riding )

 

Don't forget weight, hideous muffler, and the stupid key.

[peterbulgar]

Find a copy of the December issue of Motorcycle Consumer News. It features a comparison test of the Honda ST1300, Yamaha FJR1300 and the Concours 14. They were prepared to like the Kawasaki but it ended up last. OTH $10k seems like a real deal...

Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA

[g_frey]

The skinney seems to be: a great 1/4 mile bike, not so good on curves, lacks low end or at least feels that way, engine harder to work on than some. RT and FJR are better over all unless you have to pass everybody on the road on a straight!

[RiceToy]

Yes, I forgot the 'stupid key'... dealer talks it up, but if you look at the communication path, it proves just how complicated a momentary contact can get with modern technology.

 

It'll be interesting to see just how 'cool' that is after a few years of sun, rain, wind and vibration.

[Dragnet]

RiceToy,

 

I've had my '08 Concours 14 since November 9th and only have about 2000 miles on it. Not a great amount of experience with it, but here's what I can tell you:

 

I'm getting about 36-38mpg, which means I start looking for fuel at about 175'ish miles. The engine heat is not an issue, but then again, it's late November on the Central Coast of California, and the cooler ambient temps. could be mitigating that issue. I'll get back to you in summer when it hits over 100 degrees here.

 

I got tagged for $240 on the first fluid change @ 700 miles. Oil & final drive fluid; $45 in supplies, the rest in labor. I won't let that happen again, as I'll be doing that work in my garage. There is alot of plastic to remove to get to the oil filter & plug. That might account for the labor time fee.

 

The bike handles like a dream. It feels lighter than my Yamaha FZ1. The C-14 has lots of power. I'm finding that it seems to want to cruise at 90mph, so I have to keep an eye on the speedo. It also has great brakes.

 

There seems to be alot of wind noise at speed with the windshield up all the way. Many Concours owners are replacing the stock windshield with units available through Cee Bailey. I just returned from Corbin (Hollister,CA) where I replaced the stock seat. Not that there was anything wrong with the stock seat, I just like Corbins. They make a two piece, and I also purchased their Smuggler box that they make for the C-14. (www.corbin.com)

 

Lastly, right off the showroom floor, my front tire air pressure sensor failed and does not work to this date. Apparently, Kawasaki did a poor job sub-contracting those units, as many (front and/or rear) are failing. Kawasaki is working on the problem.

 

You might want to take a look at the Concours Owners Group (GOG) at www.concours.org. for additonal information.

[RiceToy]

The skinney seems to be: a great 1/4 mile bike, not so good on curves, lacks low end or at least feels that way, engine harder to work on than some. RT and FJR are better over all unless you have to pass everybody on the road on a straight!

 

What about the Honda ST1100 or 1300?

[RiceToy]

Dragnet - Thanks for your input! 175 miles isn't too bad - that's a comfortable distance between leg stretches for me. I'm no Iron Butt (yet). $275 for oil changes seems like a lot, but so does $4 for a gallon of milk.

 

Thanks for your post. I'd like to hear more as the miles roll on.

[Doppelganger]

Rice Toy-

I found a '92 Honda ST 1100 for just under $7K in Daytona about 30 days ago. This is my report...

 

Brakes- Good but not as strong as my '99 1100 RT-P. I also like having the anti-dive on the RT-P. There seems to be a problem (according to the idiot lights) with the ABS, but I haven't found exactly what that is.

 

Motor & Trans- Strong, smooth and quiet. Lots of heat on my left knee. Trans seems a little smoother than the RTP...more 'racy' I guess?

 

Ergos- Slighly more forward (aggressive) than my RT-P that has pull-backs. There are some aftermark "HELIO" bars on the ST. These are highly adjustable, but still forward. I have Corbin seats on this piece and they are comfortable for both rider and pillion. The operator interface is not as intuitive (IMHO) as the Beemer. ie...one switch operates both turn signals on/off. Horn, brights etc are well-placed. This machine had an aftermarket cruise installed. The dash is well laid out and legible.

 

This edition did not have the adjustable windshield, which I use regularly on the RTP. Forward lighting is strong. Bags are difficult to remove, but functional.

[ScottT]

175 miles isn't too bad

It can be if you happen to be touring out west where gas stations are fewer and farther apart. During my trip to and from the RA rally in Idaho I was really glad i could go 350+ miles on my RT. A couple of different times towns I was going to fuel up in didn't have gas stations anymore. The extra range meant in one of those cases that I was not out of gas. Long range gives you much more freedom to explore off the the beaten path.

[downtick]

For 10k OTD that sounds like a real deal. I remember when it first came out, like so many other bikes, everyone was willing to pay top dollar. I still think that the FJR1300 is great.

 

I'm also a little bothered by the mirror position, I feel like they are oddly low. I sat on the bike but have not ridden it. Everyone I've talked to seems to really love it, but who is to say that they have tested any other sport-tourer.

[jakfrost]

The ABS lite was the reason I ditched the ST1100 after 4 years and 58,000 miles...the dealer replaced one of two possible causes for the lite to be on. Cost 876.84. Lite was still on. They wanted another @900.00 to replace the 'other' reason it could be on. Like the song from 'Ween'..."Piss up a rope", I moved on up the road, to the BMW dealer. Never been back.

 

Jim W.