Merits of LDR bikes: C14 and FJR?

[dietDrThunder]

I notice that there are a jillion (roughly) FJRs but only one or three C14's in the IBR. Is this a funciton of the FJR's being around longer, or do they have some aspects in the design or execution that make them superior LDR mounts? I'm asking because I've had my heart set on a C14 for some time, but I am getting into the LDR thing, so I want to know if I need to give the FJR  more consideration, and why.

Thanks!

[Cablebandit]

I've got to think that range is a big factor.  The C14 seems to be quite a bit thirstier than the FJR.  Especially at a spirited pace.  

[jeepinbanditrider]

The FJR has also been on the market for about 3 years longer than the C14 so there are going to be more of them out there.  The only one I see on a regular basis around here is a guy on base that has one.  Sometimes we pass eachother going here or there but I've never talked to the guy.

[Justin]

I think it's because Warchild rides one, a fan following so to speak  

[dietDrThunder]

As shallow as it might be, I just plain like the C14 more than I like the FJR. I think that's going to be the difference maker for me, as I'm pretty sure that either bike can be transformed (not all that much transformation needed imo) into a great LDR machine.

[jasonc32amg]

The c14 can get great mileage...but why

[bungie4]

Speaking strictly from an IBR/LDR perspective, range is important, but most guys end up with a fuel cell so thats moot. The real reason? The FJR is happy spinning the earth underneath it's tires on plain old regular 87 octane gas.

[Justin]

The FJR is happy spinning the earth underneath it's tires on plain old regular 87 octane gas.

Interesting. Does the c-14 ping when you run it on lower octane fuel?

[bungie4]

Interesting. Does the c-14 ping when you run it on lower octane fuel?

Probably not when ridden sedately, but the manual calls for premium.

[jasonc32amg]

Interesting. Does the c-14 ping when you run it on lower octane fuel?

You could probably get it mapped for 87.

[dietDrThunder]

Wow, I didn't know that. That is a significant consideration. It's most likely due to high compression...not likely mapping will help with that.

That might be a deal-breaker especially since most stations have gone to the wide-price-spread model that has 93 going for at least $.30 more than reg these days.

[Cablebandit]

My Weestrom has an 11.5:1 compression ratio compared to 10.7:1 on the C14.  The Wee runs just fine on whatever crappy fuel you can pump into it.

Mapping may not help in regard to the C14 but having your ECU flashed to change the timing may help somewhat.

[bungie4]

My Weestrom has an 11.5:1 compression ratio compared to 10.7:1 on the C14.  The Wee runs just fine on whatever crappy fuel you can pump into it.

Theirs a world of difference between compression ratio and cylinder pressure. Why do you think turbo engines only have a 7 or 8:1 compression ratio, while diesels are 18:1+

Though your point is taken. Usually compression ratio and cylinder pressure are interrelated.

[Huron52]

I was in Buffalo on friday and yes there was a lot of FJR's there. Actually I don't remember seeing any new connies there.
  If you don't like the Premimun fuel why not an ST1300 OR 1100.  

In my opinon  For a Long Distance Riding Machine you need

 Multi cylinders (smooth running)
 Good electrical output
Drive shaft (low maitanence) no I'm not talking BMW if only they could get that right
Low RPM's
Good wind/weather protection

After that you add everything else you need.

[Huron52]

And this is what I mean by adding...

[JamesG]

And to think that people used to do the same thing on CB550s and GS750s...

[Kneescrubber]

And to think that people used to do the same thing on CB550s and GS750s...

Or BMW R80ST

[jeepinbanditrider]

The number of miles that is considered "extreme" though seems to have changed over the years.

[Kneescrubber]

The number of miles that is considered "extreme" though seems to have changed over the years.

True!  

[dietDrThunder]

I was in Buffalo on friday and yes there was a lot of FJR's there. Actually I don't remember seeing any new connies there.
  If you don't like the Premimun fuel why not an ST1300 OR 1100.  

The ST1300 doesn't make the list, as I'd feel compelled to stab myself in the eyes every time I saw it in the garage. Someday maybe I'll decide that scooters look good, and that would open up the 1300 as a possibility. I know it's shallow, but I'm willing to admit that part of my enjoyment of bikes comes from the smile I get in the morning when I open the garage and see my bike. It's not that the FJR or C14 are beautiful bikes, but at least I can stand to look at them without an involuntary grimace, unlike the 13.

Love the 1100's, but it's been a while since I bought a new (or nearly) bike, so I'd like a new one.