First real ride on the C14 today :-))

[cognosticator]

A fairly nice day today so got the honeydo's out of the way and two buddies came by around 2 and we took off for the country, well luckily I live in the country for the most part. Only put 110 miles on it, but it was balls to the wall for the most part.

Man this bike is stinky fast, and I haven't even gotten into the meat yet as I only had 39 miles on the bike when I started out today.  I can tell this thing revs quick when it hits the power band, and not sure where that is yet as I was watching the road.  I have read some bad feedback on the handling of the stock tires, the BT021.  I have to say that my bike handled great and we did some high speed twisties, (there are a few close to where I live) as well as some high speed sweepers and I don't have any complaints with the tires, the suspension definitely needs some work as it is still set the way it came off the showroom floor.  I will set the sag and do some tweaking on the rebound settings and hopefully that will help.  My bike kinda wallows around when leaned over and hitting rough pavement.  My buddies ride a 750 gixxer, the other a K12s BMW and on couple of occassions they wanted to see who had the quickest bike, I didn't try to even stay with them from a standing start, I told them to give me 600 more miles then I would.  I think either of them would pull away from the Connie because of the Connie's weight.  I was following them fairly close and looked down to see the speedo at 120  Shocked so I backed it down some. The shifting was as smooth as I have been reading about and sometimes I could not tell the gears shifted.

I am 95% happy with the bike so far, the only gotcha was the 32 mpg I got from the first tank, but then again it was mostly spirited riding and 80-90 mph crusing speeds. I am hoping I will get at least 40 mpg when I get it broke in and go on a trip and ride like a sane person.

I am glad I got this bike, and I will get use to the weight. Actually the only time I noticed it was when backing out of my garage, other than that, it wasn't a factor.

The bike looks great without the bags too, that is nice as I took them off for the ride today

[DoggyDaddy]

Congrats!  

Here's to a long, happy relationship!  

[propeller]

I'm happy you where out enjoying your C14...here up north, all we can do is look at it and dream of the days will be able to take it out.

P.S. with such a comfy bike, riding to the National in WV should be a piece of cake  

[cognosticator]

Congrats!  

Here's to a long, happy relationship!  

Thanks DD

[cognosticator]

I'm happy you where out enjoying your C14...here up north, all we can do is look at it and dream of the days will be able to take it out.

P.S. with such a comfy bike, riding to the National in WV should be a piece of cake  

It isn't the distance that will keep me from the national, it is time off  

I have been to WV 4 times, I love the riding throughout WV

[X1rider]

When I was working in SoCal during the summer of 08, I rented a C14 from www.werentmotorcycles.com and was completely satisfied with the bike for the 530 miles I rode it. In one day! The most comfortable stock seat I have ever sat on in 30 years of riding.

I took this crappy cell phone photo on the Angeles Crest Highway. I heard a weird sound, turned around, and a Desmosedici roared by. I wasn't quick enough to snap a picture!

I really enjoyed riding the C14. I have read the 2010 model is even better.

[bikerstarfjr08]

I am 95% happy with the bike so far, the only gotcha was the 32 mpg I got from the first tank, but then again it was mostly spirited riding and 80-90 mph crusing speeds. I am hoping I will get at least 40 mpg when I get it broke in and go on a trip and ride like a sane person.

I am glad I got this bike, and I will get use to the weight. Actually the only time I noticed it was when backing out of my garage, other than that, it wasn't a factor.

The bike looks great without the bags too, that is nice as I took them off for the ride today
[/quote]

I rode the Connie (2008 model) when I was in the hunt for an ST. I liked the bike a lot and would have bought it but a deal came my way on a 2008 FJR with only 625 +/- miles on it. I just could not pass up the price the guy put on the FJR and it already had Two Brothers Racing slip ons, PCIII, graphics kit and Back Off Brake Lights.

I liked both of the bikes. They were both heavy but fairly fast and handled well for a big heavy bike. The sitting position and stock seats were comfortable. I now have almost 7,000 miles on the FJR and I have gotten used to the weight.

Enjoy the bike, it is a great ride and you will really like the long distance personality it has.

[wibornz]

Get it broke in and the milage will go up to about 40 to 42 mpg.  If you remove the flies, hold on. You will give the gxsr 750 all that it wants in the straights. It will suprise all your sportbike buds.

[Spanky]

Congrats and enjoy the new ride. I got my 09 in July and I am very happy with it. Check out concours.org forum to get some input on after market stuff and technical know how. Some of those guys really know their stuff about the connie and share their knowledge freely. I found it to be helpful in deciding on what upgrades etc. to get. Have a great time!

[ridingfar]

The C14 comes set up for a 150 pound rider. A few minutes readjusting the suspension will make a dramatic change in handling. The B-stones are ok new, but they wear badly. You'll fell it by 1000 miles, and want to pitch them by 2000...

Congrats, enjoy and ride safe...it's got a hell of a motor!