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.

[protondecay123]

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

He rides a Hayabusa IIRC and has for a long time. He hit a deer on his FJR years ago and replaced it with the Busa.

Price point at entering the market for a used bike would be something to consider. You can find used FJR's generally cheaper than C14's, though older.

[Justin]

He rides a Hayabusa IIRC and has for a long time.

He also has an FJR - In fact, he runs the FJRforum.com web site

[karstenp]

And this is what I mean by adding...

Hmmmmm.......Why the heck would anyone need that much "added on"?

[pjuddfan]

Hmmmmm.......Why the heck would anyone need that much "added on"?

Perry-

Quite simple, this guy feels the need to compensate for an IBA number higher than mine.
Uh, wait a sec...please disregard previous comment.
Time to change your signature, my friend!

Are you going to the J-Team BBQ?

Jim A.

[Bandito]

Have you considered a Suzuki Bandit 1200? I have 45000 miles on mine with out a lick of trouble and it will run whatever you put in the tank! I have a trunk and bags on it and it will still out handle my friends full on sport bikes, at least while I'm riding it. They are amazing motorcycles.

[dietDrThunder]

Have you considered a Suzuki Bandit 1200? I have 45000 miles on mine with out a lick of trouble and it will run whatever you put in the tank! I have a trunk and bags on it and it will still out handle my friends full on sport bikes, at least while I'm riding it. They are amazing motorcycles.

While the Bandit is a perfectly good bike, I will be wanting more fairing, a bigger seat, shaft drive, and in general more 'tour' to my s/t bike. I've got a CBR1100XX now that is fully s/t'd out, and I'm liking it so much that I may actually completely skip the FJR/C14 thing, keep the XX, and go right to a Gold Wing. I't will be a little bit before I'm ready, so I have time to mull it over.

[Specter]

I mulled over the C14/FJR decision in 08 and went with the FJR. Reasons for the decision:

It feels lighter and more compact,, but is comfortable for my 6'3" frame. C14 was ok but felt taller. ST1300 was too small, I hit my knees on the fairing.
It is a more proven LD bike. Lots more info and farkle solutions.
Easy to maintain.
Better gas mileage, and range per tank.
Bulletproof final drive.. C14 looked too much like a BMW design and was not yet proven.
Also don't like the Kiipass key fob thing.

40,000 miles later, I'm still very happy. I briefly considered a Super Tenere, but there isn't much wind protection.

Whatever you choose, make sure you go with shaft drive. All weather riding and rally conditions make a chain a liability. People do it successfully, but it isn't the norm.

[Cablebandit]

Bulletproof final drive.. C14 looked too much like a BMW design and was not yet proven.

 

[Specter]

 

In the last few years, the final drives of BMWs have been prone to failure at inopportune times irrespective of mileage. They are complex and have multiple U-joints within. The Kawasaki drive looks externally to have similar articulation.  FJR1300s have only one U-joint and no articulation at the drive axle.

[Cablebandit]

I understand the baseless claim you made.  I'm just waiting to see a pile of broken C14 final drives to back it up.  I understand the BMW drives explode fairly regularly.    In fact two local riders have had failures.  That's a pretty large percentage of a very small sample size locally.

The C14 final drive is a rock solid design.  Just as, if not more, robust then the FJR.  Which also has an excellent track record.

[Bounce]

The 3 main issues I have with the C14 v the FJR are:

Capacity (fuel)
Compression (Premium fuel)
K-Pass (call it a hard C so we can remember the list as C^3)

In the last few years, the final drives of BMWs have been prone to failure at inopportune times irrespective of mileage.

if by "last few" you mean ~10.

[Specter]

I understand the baseless claim you made.  I'm just waiting to see a pile of broken C14 final drives to back it up.  I understand the BMW drives explode fairly regularly.    In fact two local riders have had failures.  That's a pretty large percentage of a very small sample size locally.

The C14 final drive is a rock solid design.  Just as, if not more, robust then the FJR.  Which also has an excellent track record.

Glad to hear it. Wasn't making any claim. Just explaining my decision process in 08, when the C14 was new and unproven.

[roadstar]

When i was looking for a sport tourer , i had a short list (second gen FJR 1300-C-14-ST1300) sorry BMW but low dealer net work, high cost + dealer prices & the bad rear housing made me stop there. (yes i do have a K1100LT but they didn`t have rear trouble & no hydrolic clutch unit to get clutch wet & slip, and they run forever). Now back to the 3, i stopped looking at the C-14 all because of forum scare. Yes i admit that hearing about low milage schedule maintanence K-pass trouble, melting dash & James Bond flying side bags , stopped me dead. I was actually by that time looking for an ST1300abs , but non were to be found near me. So one day i saw the bike i now own 07 FJR & just fell in love with it & hope to have it for a long time.

If i were to ever look again, there are a whole lot of motorcycles out there that will munch up mile`s just as good as any sport tourer.

[dietDrThunder]

Since I made this thread, I've put about 7,000 miles on my XX, and I'm now fairly sure of my earlier thought. I love this bike as a S/t bike so much that I'm going to look for a Wing that I can afford, and create a dedicated LDR machine out of it. Thanks all for the replies.