Time for a new bike: C14 or Ninja 1000

[wlselph]

Spring is almost here and I've been thinking about this for about 3 months. I'm selling my DL1000 and VFR.

Last Fall, I rented a C14 for a day and loved it. Really loved it!  Now, we have the new Ninja 1000 with hard bags on the way. Same ergos for both bikes. The Ninja is much lighter, even with the hard bags.

I guess the bottom line is the ABS and traction control. Is it worth the price difference? A lighter sport touring bike sounds more appealing. Anyone have any thoughts?

[Robert Ford]

Last summer, the Connie was going to be my next bike until I tried an FJR on for size, but I digress.

Both bikes have ABS but the style of riding I do doesn't warrant the extra coin for traction control, so for me anyway, it was a non-starter. ABS is the shit though. Wouldn't buy another new street bike without it.

[wlselph]

When I rented the C14, I also had an opportunity to ride a FJR for about 30 minutes. The C14 felt better to me. It's a very refined motorcycle.

In 48 years, I've never had ABS. Certainly not traction control either. The lighter weight aspect of the Ninja is what is appealing to me. It's probably a $3500 difference when the haggling is over.

[falconati]

Ninja 1000 by a long shot.

[keepergale]

I have been lusting after a Ninja 1000. Went in to the local dealer today and saw a new/unsold 2009 C14 for $9,999. I think that is a pretty good deal for here in California. They didn't have any Ninja 1000's either.

[Fourstring]

Ninja 1000 by a long shot.

Yeah.

[wlselph]

One other advantage for the Connie is shaft drive although chain maintenance has never been a big deal to me.

If the Ninja was offered with ABS, this conversation would never have started. I think it is an option in Europe.

[JSharp]

They aren't even close to the same bike.  The egos aren't the same and they feel completely different.  Less fairing coverage and no ABS on the Ninja either.  But about 200 less pounds to deal with too and the performance and handing that would go along with that.

I guess it depends on the riding you do and if you want a big heavy sport touring bike or a sport bike that's been toned down to make it better for touring. Myself, I want to sell my '03 C-10 and buy a Ninja 1000. It would suit the kind of riding I do a lot better.

[todao]

Seems to me it's a choice of refined vs. raw touring.  On the C14, you've got adjustable windshield, lots of space, better seat, tire pressure gauges, ABS... and more.  Really all day comfort and convenience.

The 1000 is raw sport touring.  More wind, not alot of day to day conveniences but it's easy on, easy off, travel light kind of a mentality.

If it was me, I do more canyons than touring, so I would go for the 1000 (but then I have a ZX14).  If I was going to do more touring, the C14 couldn't be beat over the long haul.  And it can still haul in the canyons.

The 2010 C14 is better than the 2009 though so if you are going to get a Connie, get the 2010.

[SuperHans]

In my mind, the only reason to go with the C-14 is if you plan on doing a lot of two up riding. Being an FJR owner, I personaly see no real use for these types of bikes if you're riding solo.  That's my opinion and probably not a lot of others on this site.

If the vast majority of your riding is solo, the Ninja 1000 is the hands down winner.

Traction control would'nt even figure in to the equation for me and ABS would be something I'd want on a big pig of a ST bike like a C-14 or FJR. I would'nt be as concerned with having ABS on the Ninja 1000.

[RiderCoach]

I'm surprised the OP would say the ninja and the connie have similar ergos?

They aren't even close are they? My guess is the ninja would have ergos close to the VFR, and actually it seems if you are going to compare the ninja to anything it would be the VFR1200. They both have bags available, are definitely on the Sport side, and probably about the same weight.

Just go by what kind of riding you do, get what's appropriate for that.

[Rincewind]

If you want ABS in a lighter, more hooligan bike, see the 2011 Monster 1100 EVO, BMW F800R, or Speed Triple ABS.  Traction control on the Duc, too.  Woot.

[scottzilla]

Based on what i'm reading the new Ninja is more of a sport bike in regards to handling.
I think with C14's being drastically reduced at dealers and plenty of used examples to choose from that's what I would buy.

[wlselph]

All good points. I realize they are very different bikes. They just happen to be the two I'm interested in.

Actually, the ergos are very similar with regard to lean angle. Only about a 2 degree difference. Your feet are a little more back on the Ninja but lean angle is about the same. My VFR is way more forward. I've gotten to the point where I don't like to ride it anymore.

Most of my riding is too and from work. I take long weekend trips to East Tennessee and Northern Georgia. My wife will not ride on a motorcycle so 2 up riding will never be a question. Once a year, I take a week long trip somehwere. I'm the type of person who travels light. My brother tows a trailer with his Harley and takes everything but the kitchen sink. Not me.

Having said all that, the lighter Ninja seems more appropriate. I would like ABS but knowing the way I am and most other enthusiasts, in 2 years, I'll want something else.

[deagle10]

You sound like your mind is made up.  Get the Ninja.

Personally I'd take the C14 in a heartbeat (2010 and later model)....but I pack like a girl.

[Justin]

If you really liked the c-14, then you can't go wrong IMO. As you haven't tried the Ninja yet, it's taking a chance. For some reason when I test *sat* on the Ninja it really hurt my bike, too upright of a position for me. Other than that, it seemed like it would be fun little ST. But really comes down to what you are really looking for in a bike.

[gradus]

My VFR is way more forward. I've gotten to the point where I don't like to ride it anymore.

2 up riding will never be a question.

IMO, as someone said above, no 2 up riding eliminates the C14.  

I'd want to be VERY confident about the Ninja's seating position if the VFR forward lean is a problem for you.  Without ever sitting on a Ninja 1000, I'd expect a similar position to the VFR.    

[RiderCoach]

Actually, my apologies to the OP.

After having looked at some pics of the new 2011 ninja, it is much more relaxed ergos then in the past. It indicates this feature as being new for this year.

Have to admit, it looks pretty sweet. Like the OP, aggressive ergos, I just can't do anymore. The Ol' back just aint cuttin it.

Nice looking ride for sure.

[Flying W]

If you want ABS in a lighter, more hooligan bike, see the 2011 Monster 1100 EVO, BMW F800R, or Speed Triple ABS.  Traction control on the Duc, too.  Woot.

????????????  not sport touring bikes and while you can tour on almost anything those choices would certainly be one of my last to tour or do a long day in the saddle on.

[Nitro]

Spring is almost here and I've been thinking about this for about 3 months. I'm selling my DL1000 and VFR.

Last Fall, I rented a C14 for a day and loved it. Really loved it!  Now, we have the new Ninja 1000 with hard bags on the way. Same ergos for both bikes. The Ninja is much lighter, even with the hard bags.

I guess the bottom line is the ABS and traction control. Is it worth the price difference? A lighter sport touring bike sounds more appealing. Anyone have any thoughts?

Never having driven the new 1000,  but having time on the connie and owned a fjr, I would say if you liked the handling and physical size of your vfr, then I wouldnt touch the tanker bikes with a ten foot pole if you could take the smaller agile ninja. I hated the diff in weight on mine, huge bikes,  took the fun out of riding for me.  Especially coming from a bike like the  vfr. Sounds like you cant go wrong with the ergos and power.  You really need try  them out first, then you can't go wrong whatever you bring home. If the abs is a must then u have no choice.  good luck! Going for a ride myself once the snow melts..