01 concours opinions

[phaze5]

hey guys as bad as i want to get a 09 kaw 1400 for 10,990  once again i have been out priced hahaha so anyway he has an 01 there other than the fact it is quite ugly, it has 7000 miles for 2800 has a small crack doesn't look like anything hard maybe a garage wall type deal, i realize i am a brokedick bob so i will settle hahaha

is there anything wrong with this year that would really piss me off if i bought this????? how do they handle??? what kind of power do they have ,,,,

i myself have never had luck with my older kawis, but they were older than this

[Andrew]

I understand, Wanting a "new bike" but sometimes "new to you" can be just as good and a lot cheaper.

01 C10 with 7k on the clock, great bike and low millage.
  Upgrades??? . I will let the folks who have a C10 make the recommendations. Fork brace is a nice add on

Yes they handle but only as well as they do, Some riders can just rail others ...well.

[squeezer]

Bulletproof engine, reliable ride, easy to work on, and one of the best owner's groups around that has sorted out every problem that could possibly pop up. No problems specific to the '01 that I know of. They never changed it enough for any problems to be model specific.

When I got back into riding about 12 years ago, I was also on a very tight budget and went with an '86 C10. I never regretted that choice. I had it in Maine, the Florida Keys, San Diego, and Oregon and loved every mile.

[chornbe]

Man, I just sold one I could have let you have for a song. You're 2 weeks too late.

Solid bike, does a little bit of everything, and ridiculously simple design (and hence, easy to maintain and work on most thing).

They're also ridiculously cheap in the used market and well supported in the aftermarket.

[mjc]

I have an '01 that I bought used four-years-ago and I love it. I've ridden all over So Cal, up and down the coast to Monterey and back and to Salt Lake City twice to catch the World Superbike races and enjoyed every mile.

Some known issues:

Top heavy.
Condition of fuel petcock. Leaky petcocks have been known to cause hydrolock. Keep an eye on it.
Higher mileage bikes sometimes leak some coolant from the water pump area. I replaced mine. Easy fix but a little time consuming.
Buzzing in the bars. People experience different levels of buzz. I have some but don't really pay any attention to it.
Stock shield can cause buffeting around the helmet. There are aftermarket shields.
Stock fork springs are too soft. There are aftermarket springs.
Lots of heat coming from the fairing area in stop-and-go traffic. Really noticeable when the ambient temp is 80 or above.

Otherwise, it's a mechanically simple and solid machine. Valve adjustments are easy because of the screw-and-locknut setup. The shaft drive is trouble-free. Great aftermarket support. I love mine.

Check out this forum and read up before you decide -- http://forum.concours.org/. Good luck.

[phaze5]

thanks guys i appreciate it, last kid almost ready for college and i work for myself, trying to spread my money around like butter is getting rather old lol

i just want a new bike and ridfe off into the sunset, sounds like this bike will atleast get me to another county hahaha

i sat on it and tried to imagine the w/s cut down as it was big hahah then i felt it was a little heavy price seemed right.

the dealer i happen to hate as he gave me a bad estimate on my sled last year, he never tore it down far enough to diagnose the problem, it was the difference that totalled it out, they just said they would of opened a new case with me having to pay another deductible haha

thats the only thing that is wrong and its blue but i know a guy that paints trys too anyway hahaha

[moto2wheelin]

I have had a '93 and a '99, loved both of them for what they are!  I have had several bikes since, but will always like my '93 very much.  It was fun, easy to work on, and dependable as hell!  Here is a picture of it in one of the many different stages I had it in below!  For the short shield that you mention, I would sure go with the Gustafsson that I have in this picture, you will have to drill the holes yourself as they don't come pre drilled, but it works!  I haven't owned either bike since everyone has started putting 17" wheels on the back of them, but I would think it would be a great move to make on the bike.  The only down fall to the bike is not having many tire options for the rear in a sport touring tire without it!  I rode with a guy this year that also had a ZRX front end on it and his bike was nothing shabby!  Over the years, I have also ridden with several guys on them bone stock that a lot of people would have trouble keeping up with, they just know how to ride.  It's not always about the bike!

[Windblown]

My '04 is ridden hard and put away wet. It sees more riding time below 50 degrees than above, and therefore it accumulates lots of salt and road grime which often stays attached to it longer than I care to admit.

Maintenance is a breeze. I've had two mechanical issues so far: Front rotors warped at 21,000 miles. I'm actually surprised I didn't warp them sooner given the abuse they get while riding with friends on sport bikes in the twisties.  I also replaced the spark plug wires not too long ago because the tip on one burned up from not being firmly attached to the plug (My own fault no doubt, an over site following a valve check is my guess)

A fork brace is a required add-on IMHO. I also replaced the front springs with straight rate springs. I should replace the shock at some point but I'm a lightweight and ride solo, so I can get away with more than some.

The motor is nothing to write home about in the power department it can move the bike along pretty smartly once wound up.  

Handling: The bike is heavy and had has old-school steel frame. When pushed really hard in the corners you get a bit of flexi-flyer feel. However, I have yet to ride a big bike that settles into a corner as well as the Concours does. The bike is capable of lean angles that surprises others that don't realize it's sporting potential.

My biggest complaint: Limited tire selection due to the outdated rim sizes.

Nice work! If face lifts on women looked that good a 90 year old could look HOT!

[ConPilot1]

hahahahahhah LOL buy it LOL OMG hahahahahahahahah LOL

[phaze5]

so it flexes like my n/h but is faster????????? does it like the 80 90 mph region? backroads hahaha in the middle of nowhere usually, i like  what ya did to yours hahaha looks like something i would do

[chornbe]

WAT???

[Roadhound]

You won't detect any flex in the bike if you make sure all of the 4 motor mount bolts are properly torqued and the swing arm bearings are torqued correctly. The steering head bearings do need a little preload when you adjust them. Install a set of Racetech 1.0kg springs, cartridge emulators, and good 15wt fork oil and the front end will work very well. You can drain the fluid from the rear shock and refill it with good 15wt racing suspension fluid, keep the air pressure in the shock at 50psi and it will work better than you would expect. There is not much choice in tires, but the Avon Storm Front and the Avon Azaro rear tires work very well on the bike. I highly recommend the 110/80/18 size tire on the front.

It's a solid bike and can be a very rewarding ride. I've enjoyed all 3 I've owned, an 86, a 2000, and currently ride a 2006. Take the time to adjust it properly, spend a little money on the suspension and you'll enjoy it.

[moto2wheelin]

so it flexes like my n/h but is faster????????? does it like the 80 90 mph region? backroads hahaha in the middle of nowhere usually, i like  what ya did to yours hahaha looks like something i would do

I say go for it man, you'll like the bike and will have fun with all the stuff you can do to make it your own and comfy for you!  It loves the 80-90 region, I have ridden with several guys on them through the mountains in N Georgia and close by and some of them realized that it is a different bike at 7k rpm's and above.  It does have more vibes than most of the more current bikes I have had lately, but it's just a cool, cheap to maintain, fun bike.  Like the other guys have said, you spend some time and money setting it up better and it can be a good all around bike that can do many things!

[max1138]

im at 128k on my blue 01( bought new in 02), replaced a water pump at 40k (odd thing there, most go the lifetime of the bike but a small percentage go at 40k or sooner)
like the man said stone simple to work on, spend the money for the springs and emulators  for the front its worth it.
go with 15w belray-rsf in the rear shock and its good well past the point where reason is out the window as far as twisting the throttle down a winding road.
tires are getting to be a problem with the avon rear the only real choice left in a 150/16/80  there are a few 110/120-18 options left for the front
kosman wheelworks will build you a weldup 17 rear from your stock that will take a 160/170-17 and opens up a whole lot of choices there for about 600 bucks shipped.

given that its an 01 and 9 + years old replace the hoses theyre due. about $50 at murphskits.com

SS brakelines will make the most of whats there, ebc HH+ pads are about as good as it gets in that model bike.

after 9 years and 128k miles if mine fell apart in the garage right now  I couldnt complain,I haven't spent $500 on repairs yet with me turning the wrenches.
: NOTE thats repairs only, theres substantially more in farkles on it
however i know of examples with over 200k on them still running strong so  Im hoping to make it to 2012 whereupon I will buy a new bike and give this one to my nephew.

[ZB3]

I have a 2005 that I bought in 2007.  I have put almost 40000 miles on her and have been coast to coast twice on that bike.  I stripped most of the farkles off that the PO had put on the bike but do like having a fork brace.  In the right hands you can keep up with your buddies and there newer lighter bikes.  I replaced fork seals last year and that has been it other than easy do it yourself maintainence.  Above 5000 rpm she comes alive and will cruise triple digits all day.  The Avon tires work in the twisties.  The COG owners group is always willing to help keep the bike going.  I like the looks of the new Ninja 1000 put it will be along time before I wear out this Connie.  Ridden hard will get you 31mpg and ridden normally will get between 47 to 52 mpg.  One of the best bang for the buck bikes ever made.  Have fun, Wayne

[maddjack]

I bought one in 1990 and ran it 113k with nothing more than 1 J box and a petcock go bad. Simple as a stone axe and as solid, good price low miles , buy it

[ConPilot1]

That's a hot looking old Connie right that. Very nice.

[stealth1]

I owned a 2000 model for 3 years and 25000 miles.
It was solid and comfortable if a little antiquated.
As others have mentioned wheel size limits tire choice somewhat.
When compared to newer bikes it is down on power to weight ratio.
500 mile days are a piece of cake on that bike.
I would have kept it longer but it failed the sliding down the road on it's side at 70mph test.

[motorcyclemac]

I have had 3 of them.  A 1990, 2005 and 2006.  I really like them for what they are.  They aren't blinding fast.  They don't handle like a razor.  They aren't light.  BUT....all that being said...they are stone ax reliable, have one of the best fairings I have ever experienced.  They will go fast enough...and run 90-100 for long stretches with relative ease.  There are times when I would like bigger brakes and a slightly more capable front end...but that aside my current 06 suites me very well.  

I have an aftermarket Rich's seat with gel pad.  Bar risers, Cee Bailey wind shield, Passenger back rest and a tank bra on it.  As for the engine I have shimmed the needles and adjusted the idle screws for optimal performance with larger main jets.  It runs pretty damn strong...I would guess it makes an honest 100-110 horse power.  It runs just fine on junk 87 gas.  Starts on the first crank every time.  

I have had lots of bikes over the years and I feel most at home on a C10.  I have ridden with LOTS more power...and had thumpy cruisers as well...  but for daily work on a reliable machine that I wouldn't hesitate to cross the country on....it would be my 06 C10.  

What can I say....it is really a truckster in a way....but does a pretty darn good job of most everything except extreme speed and handling.  But then again....most that have the speed and handling....don't have Connie's hard bags or weather protection.  For daily work....I'll take those bags....and the ability to ride in a total down pour and stay dry.  Dry is no joke.  I have ridden in some real toad choker rain storms here in the Pacific Northwet....and the only part of me that gets wet...is the toes of my boots.

Cheers
Mac.

[Nitro]

had a green one.. Bullet proof, great protection, fast enough, and cheap, but one of the hottest  leg cookers I have ever owned, and that dreaded connie buzz  that all the real fan's claim doesnt exist did me in, torture to ride for more than 30 minutes, (and yea I tried all the fix's, best was a diff bike). You have any problem at all with hands going numb easy, run from this bike. If not, then its a fine old mushball for what they cost.

[caslaw]

Connie is a great do almost everything year rounder.  Forgiving, reliable, and a little sporty, it is an ideal distance sport tourer.  Tire selection, brakes, and summer heat are some issues.  If you enjoy mc camping you would be hard pressed to find a better street machine.  Best value in motorcycling IMO.  Can be flogged too.

I would ask yourself what you are going to use the bike for.  If you are going to be touring 70 percent and riding locally 30 percent this is a great choice.  In my case it is the opposite so I changed to a ZZR.  But after modding the ZZR for touring I was in for twice as much bacon as with Connie.  

In short sportTOUR = Connie SPORTtour = ZZR or similar.  

[2WheelPilot]

In my case it is the opposite so I changed to a ZZR.  But after modding the ZZR for touring I was in for twice as much bacon as with Connie.  

With the current prices on ZZR12's, I don't think this is the case any more.  I have a ZZR12, and after some rides, I feel a bit sore and think, maybe I'd be better off with a C10.  Then I do the research, and decide that I need to either: farkle my ZZR for more comfort and storage, or... get a C10 and farkle it to improve the handling, brakes, suspension, and headlights.  I conclude that I'm probably better off with the ZZR.  It handles better, stops better, and has normal sized tires.  Oh, and the headlights beat anything I've ever ridden or driven without HID's.  It's hard to make a C10 handle as well as a ZZR.  But... it's also hard to put shaft drive on a ZZR, so if that's important to you....

[caslaw]

With the current prices on ZZR12's, I don't think this is the case any more.  I have a ZZR12, and after some rides, I feel a bit sore and think, maybe I'd be better off with a C10.  Then I do the research, and decide that I need to either: farkle my ZZR for more comfort and storage, or... get a C10 and farkle it to improve the handling, brakes, suspension, and headlights.  I conclude that I'm probably better off with the ZZR.  It handles better, stops better, and has normal sized tires.  Oh, and the headlights beat anything I've ever ridden or driven without HID's.  It's hard to make a C10 handle as well as a ZZR.  But... it's also hard to put shaft drive on a ZZR, so if that's important to you....

Exactly.  You can get a good condition C10 for about 2-3k.  4k for a ZZR.  Add Corbin seat and/or Russell Daylong (I got both), rack (SW Motech) hard bags (Givi or Shad), touring shield (I got Gufstaffson Super-G + MA spoiler), and bar risers, and you are in for about $5500.  Now, for another 1-2k you could get a good condition FJR.  But again, it depends on what you want.  I can run the Corbin, sport shield, and tail and tank bags for a true heavyweight sport bike that will frankly shred a C10 (which is no slouch BTW).  Switch to the Russell Daylong, touring shield, and hard bags (I got a truck to) and you have a GT bike that is almost as comfortable as a C10.  I almost got an FJR but again, this is basically a more modern C10 with the same compromises.  I feel that I have made a choice without compromises (well maybe chain drive but that is a fair trade IMO for power/maintenance).  Of course, the ZZR I got has Madaz racing pipes and was dyno jetted to 150HP (add ram air induction to that for real output) and sound like a buzzsaw at open throttle - so I got that going . . .

Having said that, if you are looking for value, at $3k for a real sports tourer, hard to beat a C10 in the value department.

[JSharp]

It's been mentioned before in the thread but I'll mention it again. The Connie has really good fairing protection. You can ride in 40 degree weather with no problem without heated clothing or heavy gear. The downside is they're hot in the summer. If you do a lot of low speed riding in hot weather you'll suffer for it.

[Motocentaur]

When I got my Connie, it literally added a month on each end of my riding season due to the excellent fairing. It can get pretty hot behind there in the summer though. It will do it all except for dirt.

[KBSimNL]

Yeesh, I'm definitely in the wrong province. I paid $6,000 for my '01 last July. Admittedly it was in showroom condition, w/ 42,000 km and the bag mount cover panels wrapped in bubble wrap. Still, it looks great and runs great and I wouldn't have anything else right now. What the others are saying about the soft fork, numb hands and freakin' tires is correct. Think I might look into the rear wheel and fork spring swaps. Any links out there, forum?

[KBSimNL]

Come on, it looks GREAT!  

[stealth1]

Come on, it looks GREAT!  

Your info says 2001 Concours.
I had a 2000 model in that color.
Still have the antler covers in the shed.
I thought the color changed in 2001?

[KBSimNL]

Heh, I had this discussion over at the COG; Canada got the Candy Persimmon for 2001, a year after the U.S. market. As I said there, the colour sold me before I even sat on the thing, and I'm glad it did.  

"Antler covers"?

[Gary B.]

"Antler covers"?

Yup, remove the bags and antlers, and replace with two color-keyed covers that you should have gotten with the bike.

[KBSimNL]

Got those, safely encased in bubble wrap. PO was a stickler, God love him.