Heat on C14...Will Kawasaki announce if they fix?

[deagle10]

I've leaning towards buying a new bike....and the C14 was the heavy favorite.  Sounds wonderful except for the heat complaints, which are just too many to ignore.

1.  Would Kawasaki wait a whole year before rerouting the heat (like start with 2009 model)?
2.  If/When they DO address it, will they make it public knowledge?  

I want one of these, but not until I KNOW the heat issue is better.

[jschmidt]

1. Probably.
2. No.

[jude]

2.  Marketing would have it read, "New and improved aerodynamics."

[brobers]

2.  Marketing would have it read, "New and improved aerodynamics."

It allows them to charge more for the privilege of comfort.  Gotta pay for those engineers.

[Baz]

Oh you will be waiting a couple of years for a fix. I bet the 2008 bike were probably completed in the fall of 2007.

Look for fixes in the 2010 model, would be my guess.

This why one never buys a 1st gen bike of anykind.

[dalan]

This why one never buys a 1st gen bike of anykind.

Not sure I'd agree with that sweeping statement.

My ZZR1200 is from the first model year (2002).  It has no issues, and nothing other than the forks were ever changed during the the model's run.

My ZX-14 is second-year model (07), but was unchanged from 06 and IMO there is nothing fixworthy on that bike either.

I really don't understand how people can think or expect that a 1400cc, 150+ hp engine sitting between their legs isn't going to feel hot sometimes.

[swimmer]

Not sure I'd agree with that sweeping statement.

My ZZR1200 is from the first model year (2002).  It has no issues, and nothing other than the forks were ever changed during the the model's run.

My ZX-14 is second-year model (07), but was unchanged from 06 and IMO there is nothing fixworthy on that bike either.

I really don't understand how people can think or expect that a 1400cc, 150+ hp engine sitting between their legs isn't going to feel hot sometimes.

+1 on everything especially the last comment

[kevin_stevens]

Oh you will be waiting a couple of years for a fix. I bet the 2008 bike were probably completed in the fall of 2007.

Look for fixes in the 2010 model, would be my guess.

This why one never buys a 1st gen bike of anykind.

That seems backwards to me.  I understand avoiding first YEAR bikes/cars, in case they have a fatal flaw that has to be re-engineered.  But an entire first generation?  So the first bike you consider is a second year of a second gen?  Because in a true second generation design, so much may have changed that you're effectively looking at a whole new bike again.  And a lot of very nice bikes never GET to a second generation.

I bought a first-year ZX-14, but only after they'd been out a full model year and it was known that they didn't have any problems, or updates for the second year.

KeS

[Mookie]

Since when does a high performance big bore fully faired motorcycle not produce uncomfortable heat?  

If you don't want heat don't get a lot of horse power or start investing in thermal tape  

[maddjack]

kawasaki is probley working on a new and improved key fob instead...
In reality my experiance with big green is they will fix,and nobody will  hear a word of it a a recall

[atadaskew]

If you don't want heat don't get a lot of horse power or start investing in thermal tape  

So why does the new Harley 96 motor run so hot?

[UFO]

I really don't understand how people can think or expect that a 1400cc, 150+ hp engine sitting between their legs isn't going to feel hot sometimes.

Yes, a 150+hp engine produces heat.
Yes, some of the recent bike designs have piss poor heat management.

Let me know when you start catching on.

[Ron_NC]

She gets a little hot in stop and go traffic, but I love mine  

[dalan]

Yes, a 150+hp engine produces heat.
Yes, some of the recent bike designs have piss poor heat management.

Let me know when you start catching on.

Meh.  I've got three powerful 1200cc-and-up fully-faired I4 bikes in the garage.... not exactly sure what else I'm supposed to "catch on" to.  

[r2t2]

Not sure I'd agree with that sweeping statement.

My ZZR1200 is from the first model year (2002).  It has no issues, and nothing other than the forks were ever changed during the the model's run.

My ZX-14 is second-year model (07), but was unchanged from 06 and IMO there is nothing fixworthy on that bike either.

I really don't understand how people can think or expect that a 1400cc, 150+ hp engine sitting between their legs isn't going to feel hot sometimes.

Agreed... And just for the original poster's edification, KHI has been making changes to the '08 model. A couple of the initial nits and gripes have been addressed in a mid change. And by wearing proper gear, the 'excessive' heat becomes a non-issue... I guess that old adage is true...

If ya don't like the heat... Stay outta the kitchen!  

[helodoc]

First kawasaki would have to acknowledge that a problem exists.

Remember it's the Trans Continental Super Sport.  

[DJStevieB]

Okay.... I believe it starts at where you live. Up here in the Northwest, heat is a good thing!

I have an '04 FJR that, according to the internet know-it-alls, is supposed to have a "heat problem". Well, it doesn't. It probably would if I lived in someplace with high heat and/or humidity. Bumper to bumper traffic on a Dallas freeway in mid-summer will burn up anybody on a motorcycle, no matter what brand.

Bring on the heat!

Oh, and the general rule of thumb is not to buy a FIRST year whatever... not first Gen. However, in most situations, motorcycles are imported a year or two behind the Europeans, Australians, etc.

[Outrace]

Sorry guys, but the G2 FJR has very good heat control.  The G1's sucked at it.  Yes, I had a G1 and now have a G2.

I also had an 04 R1 which was WAY worse than my G1 FJR, and I've actually gotten blisters from my '00 RC51.  Point is, liter-plus bikes produce lots of heat but the factory can figure out what to do with it.  Yamaha spent way too much time figuring it out.  Honda (supposedly) still hasn't figured it out.  Kawasaki probably can't get it done until '09 (product development cycles).

[DJStevieB]

I just happened to think of something else....

Many riders don't wear complete ATGATT. So the riders who wear jeans with a low boot or shoe will feel the lower eminating heat.

I happen to wear leathers tucked into high-top race boots and I'm nice and comfy, no matter the weather.

It's subjective stuff anyway.

[Outrace]

Actually, it's relative.  Your same leathered-up rider, when comparing different motorcycles, will be feeling them relative to one another, regardless of attire.

[Bounce]

I have an '04 FJR that, according to the internet know-it-alls, is supposed to have a "heat problem". Well, it doesn't. It probably would if I lived in someplace with high heat and/or humidity. Bumper to bumper traffic on a Dallas freeway in mid-summer will burn up anybody on a motorcycle, no matter what brand.

as an owner of an 03 that came in the first wave of PDP bikes, i say yes and no. yes i drive in texas summers. no heat isn't a problem any more than any other full fared bike i've ever known. no it's not the know-it-alls; it's the whiners that don't wear gear or whose perception of heat on a bike in the summer is different than many other people.

[Outrace]

How about if it's the actual difference between the G1 and G2?  Have either of you ridden a G1 AND a G2 in Dallas traffic?  LBJ north at 5 or the mixmaster at 5?  I have.  There's a CONSIDERABLE difference.  Same motor, same bike, different heat management.  ATTGAT has nothing to do with it.

[FJRmgm]

there are a couple of mods for the G1 FJR that can easily be done that GREATLY reduces the heat - especially on the left shin area.

I have an '05 with the mods and rode a friends '05 without the mods the other day and there is a WORLD of difference.

But, that said, the G2 bikes are even better, but slower and have funky colors.

[FBRR]

Why is it most of the C14 "HEAT" complaints are from FJR owners???

I have no heat complaint. But then I don't ride in a T-shirt and shorts either.
In traffic you may know it's a big engine, but no hotter than sitting on my V-Rod with the fan Blasting heat out! I try to stay out of traffic no matter what I ride.

If you're riding a SPORT TOURING BIKE in town and traffic most of the time, you pick the wrong ride!

[Bounce]

there are a couple of mods for the G1 FJR that can easily be done that GREATLY reduces the heat - especially on the left shin area.

I have an '05 with the mods and rode a friends '05 without the mods the other day and there is a WORLD of difference.

But, that said, the G2 bikes are even better, but slower and have funky colors.

could be our experiences are similar.

atgatt, some easy-to-do things on the bike including a tank cover to mount my tank bag to. never seemed to have a heat issue that some people do. the general concensus is that it's a personal thing. riders have different tollerances.

[Outrace]

Why is it most of the C14 "HEAT" complaints are from FJR owners???

Maybe because FJRs manage heat better than the C14.

[ol Rocket]

How about if it's the actual difference between the G1 and G2?  Have either of you ridden a G1 AND a G2 in Dallas traffic?  LBJ north at 5 or the mixmaster at 5?  I have.  There's a CONSIDERABLE difference.  Same motor, same bike, different heat management.  ATTGAT has nothing to do with it.

I beg to differ.  It's another method of heat management.  I didn't realize my Sprint had a heat problem until I purchased ventilated textile pants.  I'm fine in my leathers, but I won't wear the lightweight perforated stuff again.

[r2t2]

Maybe because FJRs manage heat better than the C14.

And it took Yamaha how many years to get it right??? As I stated earlier Kawi IS making changes throughout the '08 model run and some owners that did experience heat issues have found that there are ways to alleviate the issue. Some have found that simply checking the foam under the fairing and making sure that it's where it's supposed to be has helped a lot...

[Outrace]

Believe it or not, I'm not one of those FJR guys who thinks it's a completely perfect platform.  There's no need for anyone to get their bright green panties in a wad.  However, the evidence suggests that Kawi missed the mark on this particular aspect of the bike.

Yes, it took Yamaha forever to solve the problem, but now they've set the standard for heat control in the category, IMO.  Kawi might get it right, but that kind of change generally takes two years to incorporate.

In all fairness, I haven't ridden the C14, so all my info comes from C14 owners and the press.  I don't think any of us has heard or read that the C14 has stellar heat control.

So, I'm willing to accept that the FJR has right handlebar vibration and that they once had valve guide problems.  Perfect platform?  Is there one?

[Bounce]

and that honda's gold wing platform needed heat management improvements from their GL1100 Aspencade, through their GL1200 Aspencade and only got some reasonable improvements with their GL1500 fairing design. So, while Yamaha took some time, their 3 year effort (03 to 05) doesn't stack up to Honda's 5 year stint (and 3 complete model changes).  Looking at it another way, Honda *never* fixed their GL1100 or GL1200 heat management.

[Connierider]

I think more than few folks need some cheese  with ther wine.I've heard some many complaints about heat.Good grief is a freaking motorbike.If you don't like a little heat then get aToyota! Just like all the bitching about heat on the gen 1 Conc.I had no complaint on mine after 40k miles in up to 110 degree heat.I test rode a gen 2 Conc and found it a great bike.Even in mesh riding pants.But hey what do I know.
I think the best complaint I've heard is my bike relly isn't 1400 cc,baaaaawwwwaaaaaaa!