Concours14 for IBA? What do you think?

[RECON]

I currently have a ST1100 and no complaints but thinking of getting a newer bike.  Nothing wrong with a ST1300 and know it would be great for IBA type rides but have always liked the looks of the newer Concours14.  Anyone have some thoughts on it for longer riding?  The smaller fuel tank compared to the Honda's isn't a deal breaker as I can add an auxiliary tank easy enough.  Other thoughts?  

[Bigwhited]

It is more than enough bike!  I've done a handful of IBA rides on an FZ1

[jfremder]

I currently have a ST1100 and no complaints but thinking of getting a newer bike.  Nothing wrong with a ST1300 and know it would be great for IBA type rides but have always liked the looks of the newer Concours14.  Anyone have some thoughts on it for longer riding?  The smaller fuel tank compared to the Honda's isn't a deal breaker as I can add an auxiliary tank easy enough.  Other thoughts?  

Might be little short on Watts if you want deer cookers along with your heated stuff.

[GTS_Rider]

I have a used one, '08 with ABS nearing 20k miles. Still runs and purrs excellent when I ride her, but needs a valve check soon. $7,500 ?

[FiremanBob]

So fast and comfy they might refuse to certify you for cheating.

[Wanderer]

You know....there's people that have done SS1K's on EX250's and dual sports.  probably even a scooter.
There were also several C-14's entered and finished the last IBR.  I've sat on a few and ridden 'with' one by happenstance (just coincidence to fall in behind him) for about 100 miles while on my FJR, I can't imagine why it wouldn't be a great mile-eater.  

As for fuel range, I understand it'll get 225 on a tank, which is respectable, everything pales in comparison to the 'supertanker' 400 mile range of the ST.
It wouldn't be MY first choice, but close to it and there's a long list of bikes that would be a worse option.
 

[dsmith41]

probably even a scooter.

True!  

http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/1995.cfm?DocID=3


I think the Connie14 would do just fine.  It's all about your own level of tolerance in the comfort dept.  The Connie leans more towards sport bike rather than a tourer like a ST1300 but if that's what you are looking for, go for it.

[miles]

The first generation C14 was an infernally hot bike.  Test ride before you commit.

[Orpheus]

It'll be more than enough as long as you're comfortable on it.  I'd see about sitting on one for a bit to make sure the bar reach, peg height, seat shape etc. fit you nice.

I just did one on a Buell 1125R, odds are you'll be OK.

[D-Mac]

I've done a few IBA rides on my FZ6 (one when it was stock). A C-14 would be an excellent choice for long-distance rides and a hell of a lot better. Just make sure you do you break-in miles on something other than droning interstates (that'll give you a chance to sort out what mods you'll want too).

It's a matter of taste, but I think the C-14 is the best looking ST on the market. Love the technology it has, and the motor is absolutely awesome. Gas mileage doesn't sound too great (although the new one has some sort of "eco mode"). The fact that Kawasaki seems committed to keeping this bike at the head of the back makes it even better.

[wibornz]

I just did 300 miles on my c14 on saturday and avg 44.3 mpg.  Pretty easy to get 200+ miles per tank.  The mpg improve after the bike get broke in about 10,000 miles.

[DosEquis00]

On my trip out west last year I was able to do an 800 mile day 2-up with no problem> I am sure it would not be an issue for an IBA.

[Slonishku]

C-14s are amazingly capable IBA bikes. I'd go so far as to call a C-14 an IBA weapon. They have a few minor points (alternator output/ fuel range) which are easily managed or addressed. After all, lighting these days is HID and LED (low wattage), and an auxiliary fuel tank is easy as pie to install.  

I was all giddy after I test rode a C-14 at the Intl Moto Show in Long Beach. In the misddle of the Iron Butt Rally last year, I was very tempted to buy one when my RE5 imploded outside Dubuque. There were two on the showroom floor in the little shop I limped into. Oh man, it was close.

[Khancours]

You can't go wrong with the C14!  I have done SS1k & BB1500 on mine and absolutely loved every minute!!!  

[mcgillicuty]

The only thing I don't like about the C-14 is the stock windsheild but that can be fix with some $$$ I have done a 950 mile day and it was no problem.

[Richard T]

The only thing I don't like about the C-14 is the stock windsheild but that can be fix with some $$$ I have done a 950 mile day and it was no problem.

I have a 2008 GTR1400 (European Concours) . I'm 6'4" so fitted the factory large screen and also added a 'Laminar Lip'. The wind protection is now so good I struggle to keep to legal speeds. Not many bikes that'll do 140mph sat up straight! (and that was a 6500rpm, with another 4000 to go before the redline)

[croach1776]

In head to head competition by Motorcycle Consumer News the 2010 Connie beat the Yamaha FJR1200 and the Honda ST1300.  Major complaint was the KIPASS and the foward leaning seat on the Connie.