Tell Me About Your C14

[XLR8]

I have heard they are fat pigs and even the Stig can barely get one around the track...
I have heard they are hard and expensive to work on...
I have heard they are smooth and reliable...
I have heard they are fast...

I am considering a leftover 2011 in silver or a 2012 if I can't find a silver one.

I have been to the COG forum but there's not a lot of critical thinking going on there, just a bunch of dudes going on about how it's the best bike ever made. Isn't that how it always is on those forums?  

Anything else I need to know?

[AzItLies]

I have heard they are fat pigs and even the Stig can barely get one around the track...
I have heard they are hard and expensive to work on...
I have heard they are smooth and reliable...
I have heard they are fast...

I am considering a leftover 2011 in silver or a 2012 if I can't find a silver one.

I have been to the COG forum but there's not a lot of critical thinking going on there, just a bunch of dudes going on about how it's the best bike ever made. Isn't that how it always is on those forums?  

Anything else I need to know?

Here's a compar'o   http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/584/5251/Motorcycle-Article/2010-Honda-VFR1200F-MSRP.aspx

that could be useful. It's the sport-touring genre. The new connie measured weight is 690. Yeah, that's hefty and will be especially apparent at slow speeds.

Although the bikes in this category "look" like sport bikes (kind of), they are much heavier. But! they do have the ability to tour all day long, for many days, in a row!

It depends on your needs. If I planned on doing multiple 2, 3 k mile rides a year, I'd still have my fjr. But mostly around town stuff? no, there are better bikes for that.

cheers.

[XLR8]

Thanks! I have previously owned a 2005 FJR. I liked it for the reasons you mention.

[Mike-H]

These days are there any really bad bikes?.....I don't think so, they all have their positive & negative points...you should just pick what works best for you regardless of price

[dan88z]

i have one so i'll be biased like the connie forum users. It's the best bike I've ever had, but all I had before this were cruisers which don't really compare. I wanted something that was comfortable for long rides, handled better, stopped better, and got up to speed better, it does all that with ease. It's a smooth, quiet bike. Its lighter than big cruisers and to me the low speed handling is easier than a cruiser, even with the center of gravity being higher. If I came off a 600cc sport bike I could see how it would be considered a pig, but if long rides at a "spirited" pace are your thing, this is one of the bikes that can do it.

[XLR8]

i have one so i'll be biased like the connie forum users. It's the best bike I've ever had, but all I had before this were cruisers which don't really compare. I wanted something that was comfortable for long rides, handled better, stopped better, and got up to speed better, it does all that with ease. It's a smooth, quiet bike. Its lighter than big cruisers and to me the low speed handling is easier than a cruiser, even with the center of gravity being higher. If I came off a 600cc sport bike I could see how it would be considered a pig, but if long rides at a "spirited" pace are your thing, this is one of the bikes that can do it.

Thanks for the feedback.  

[dan88z]

btw, my final 2 bikes were the fjr and the connie. they are both nice bikes but the connie won out, it just had more bang for the buck when you compared the features vs price.

[cornercarver]

I too will be bias as I have a silver 2011 Connie. You know the fast one LOL! I went from an 06 Gsxr750 to this. Yes the bike is heavy, however I was amazed how good it handled on my favorite twistys at speed. It did take a little time to get used to the weight at low speeds but is no big deal. The bike is used for a lot of two up which it is made for. It has plenty of power and the ride is great after some suspension adjustments. It is way to soft from the factory. The wife's only complaint was the rear foot peg location which was remedied with motorcycle Larry's foot peg brackets. It is nice to go on long rides now without going to a chiropractor afterwards. This may be my all time favorite bike, we shall see.

[lolife]

I'll reply but only b/c you don't wear Crocs.  

I have a black 09.  I bought it with 3500 miles on it.  It now has 24,000.  

Yes the bike is heavy.  In parking lots & easing her around, you can feel the weight.  In my opinion, once you get moving the weight disappears.  I didn't come from a Gsxr either so that may be why my opinion is so.

I wouldn't trade my C-14 for any bike made.  I use mine to commute to work daily, occasional weekend trips (about 1 a month) & daily rides in the N Ga mtns & W NC.  I can scare myself in the twisties, tour 500 miles a day & still diverse enough as a daily rider.  Its hard to find a bike that does all 3 really well & a C-14 is it.

I am an unfortunate soul to have a KiPass problem.  I'll be the first to admit I'd rather have a key switch but KiPass hasn't stranded me.  My switch stuck in the down position & the return spring had to be replaced by a stronger spring.  It was done under warranty so I can't complain.  If it does stick, there's a connecter under the LH panel that can be unplugged & replugged to get you back going.  That's how I got her home.

I also had the low battery in the tire pressure sensors in cold weather & that too was repaired under warranty.

Other than those 2 things, all I do is change her fluids & ride. I'm due up on a valve check & I'll do that myself sometime soon.

[XLR8]

Thanks for the info guys.  

I just need to know one more thing.

Does it "haul the mail"?

I need to haul some mail.  

[lolife]

Thanks for the info guys.  

I just need to know one more thing.

Does it "haul the mail"?

I need to haul some mail.  

Depends on what kind of mail you're delivering.  

I work with a bunch of Harley people.  About 8 of them.  They all made fun of my bike until coming back from lunch one day, the guy with the fastest Harley (tricked out 2010 Road Glide) wanted to race at a redlight.  I left him ridiculously fast.  I let out in as I shifted into 3rd & was waaayyy out in front of him.  I may have just touched 100mph.

Yet I work with another guy who has a GSXr 600.  We haven't raced but we both know he'll win.  

I also work with a guy who has a FJR, we haven't raced or even talked about it.  We both got mad respect for each other's bikes & riding style.  In fact I work with at least 10 people who ride & yet me & the FJR rider are the only ones who will ride to Key West b/c its not "too far".  

The fastest I've had mine was approx 140mph.  

So I ask you, what kind of mail are you wanting to haul?  

[Cablebandit]

I can vouch for the fact that it will haul a small cannon in the pannier to 139mph GPS with relative ease.  

[dan88z]

I have a buddy with a VRod that's been worked some. Nothing major, the typical things people do- fuel processor, pipes, intake. We were out one day and as we came out of this town near us, he opened up, so I said lets see what happens. The road is straight and has farm fields on both sides, which were empty, no driveways or cross streets, great visibility all around for at least a mile. I revved up 2nd gear coming out of the town and left him in the dust. I think I was doing around 100 in 2nd gear when I shifted and the bike took off after that. I backed off after I hit 135. I still had a gear to go and was not even close to redlining. I checked my mirrors and he was pretty far behind me. I slowed down to 90 or so, and he blew past me. Later he told me he hit 130 which was the fastest he'd ever gone on that bike.

It might not be as fast as a lot of bikes but it's surely fast enough, especially to shut up the guys who have put thousands into their engines and have 30 grand invested in their bikes but still can't keep up with a stock bike. That's when you get the "it might be fast but it's ugly" comments. What's nice is now good it "cruises" at 100mph, it feels like it could do that all day, like doing 70 on a big twin cruiser bike.

[XLR8]

A friend sent me this today.

I have no idea how to embed vids here any more.

http://youtu.be/fF5ue0oXHQU

[gritsngravy]

The PD in my town starting using C-14's.  Some of the guys even wear full face helmets and decent looking protective gear.  Of all the big tourers the 14 seems like a decent value when you look at features, performance, cost etc.

[wibornz]

I shall chime in about hauling the mail.  I have a 08 C14.  I will have 49,000 miles on it by the end of the week.  No problems with the bike, fluid changes and just normal maintenance.


 I have pulled the flies, remapped with a performance map and power commander, added a slip on and a KN filter. I heat cycled the motor during the break in and after 10,000 miles, it seamed to gain even more hp.  

Ok, mail hauling.  I like throttle wheelies at 60 mph in 2nd gear.  Just whack the throttle and up she comes.  It is also fun pulling wheelies on corner exits and riding them til she straighten out.  I pull wheelies just every time I ride it and I ride often.  I have done many wot runs on the bike.  I shift out of 2nd gear at about 110 mph, 130 mph or so out of 3rd gear, 150 mph out of 4th gear and 5th gear will pull to about 164 to 168 depending on the day and condition.  Note I have a great location to run a good 3/4 flat out and can enter that place at about 60 mph.  Smooth flat and open fields on both sides of the road.  I have found that I can put the smack down on 600 cc bikes in a straight line and most bikes up to about 140 mph.  It really just depends on the rider and who gets the jump.  Not many bikes put out the power down low like the C14.  So it is not until you get above the 100 + that the other bikes really start to catch you and usually the playing is done by then.  

Also like others have said, the supspension is soft from the factory, so spend some time and set it up for you.  The bike will reward you for it.  You can push the bike hard through the corners and drag pegs at speed with confidence.  Note: Get rid of the stock tires asap.  The retard at Kawasaki should be fired for putting the junk stock tires on the bike.  Put a set of PR2 or PR3 and the bike will handle twice as good.  While the bike is big, even at parking lot speeds, she is lighter on her feet that many would think. (tires....change the stock tires).  I can move the bike a slow speeds in full hand bar lock in either direction or go in slow circles while drag the pegs.  You just have to remember that you are not on a 600.  

Now what I like most about the bike.  I can get on and do 600 to 1000 mile days back to back and still enjoy the ride. Ride all day long at 75 to 85 mph in comfort then still have fun on a nice whindy road.

[XLR8]

That's what I like to hear.  

Anyone seen the 2012 red in person out in the sunlight?

[cornercarver]

Just saw one outside at my dealer last weekend. The paint has lots of metallic and does stand out. It is more of a brown to me, but I would take over all black.  It was funny the owner of the dealer ordered only one in that color and was the first 2012 he sold. The gentleman riding loved it. He already had risers and a cruise control installed.

[XLR8]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I couldn't resist after the test ride.  

[olderigetfasteriam]

Beautiful. Good choice.

[Kraz]

I wonder if the C14's are going to get upgrades similar to what the ZX14 got this year.  

[SuperSlider]

Since no one else mentioned it I'll chime in and say they crash like a champ and come back for more.  

[cornercarver]

Great choice! Enjoy

[XLR8]

Thanks everyone.  

I am going to need to take a class on how my dashboard works.    And I am assuming I can order more FOBs if I want.

I once owned a 2005 FJR 1300, and I own a KTM 990, and a VFR, so in case it helps a potential buyer here, I plan on giving a report of my impressions once I can get it out some more. In typical Idaho Spring fashion, it's snowing now.  

I can say this though. The handling of this C14 and my FJR are nowhere near the same. The FJR isn't even close. To be fair, I think the handling on the FJR was improved in 2006 but I can't imagine it is much different.

I was concerned about the low speed handling after hearing people's impressions but I think it handles better than any big bike I've been on. Want to see top heavy? My FJR was top heavy. I loved that bike (and would own a FJR again) but it felt like a double decker London bus at low speeds. The C14 is more nimble. Hell, after a full Winter of not riding I was pulling u-turns in the parking lot with little effort. Not quite like the video I posted above somewhere but very good for my skill level.

[BigBlock]

Congrats Ron on the new purchase, also great choice of colour.  I've been looking at the same bike up here for the past while.  Might pull the plug soon. The pretty wife got on one with me, and couldn't believe how much more comfortable it was compared to the Busa. I figured that was going to happen.

Enjoy the bike and ride safe.

[wibornz]

You can order additional fobs.  Just make sure you that you get them programed for the bike.  If you lose all the fobs, you are
F--cked.  Pull the flys out of the bike, it will make a huge difference.  I would ride it stock for a while and when you get used to it and want to feel like you have a new bike again.  Then pull the flys and she will be a new bike all over again.  Pulling the flys adds about 26 hp in the mid-range.  It is a big difference.

[XLR8]

Congrats Ron on the new purchase, also great choice of colour.  I've been looking at the same bike up here for the past while.  Might pull the plug soon. The pretty wife got on one with me, and couldn't believe how much more comfortable it was compared to the Busa. I figured that was going to happen.

Enjoy the bike and ride safe.

Hey what's up? I think you should do it! Sure it's a little larger and heavier but I really like the way it handles and feels going down the road. I can't wait to get it out on the open road.
Posted on: March 21, 2012, 06:37:25 AM

You can order additional fobs.  Just make sure you that you get them programed for the bike.  If you lose all the fobs, you are
F--cked.  Pull the flys out of the bike, it will make a huge difference.  I would ride it stock for a while and when you get used to it and want to feel like you have a new bike again.  Then pull the flys and she will be a new bike all over again.  Pulling the flys adds about 26 hp in the mid-range.  It is a big difference.

Thanks for the info.  

[big papa]

Congrats on the C-14.   I went from Hayabusa, to BMW K1200R, to R1200RT, now C-14.  Its a perfect balance between sport and sport-tour...    Suzi should make a Hayabusa ST!!

[XLR8]

Congrats on the C-14.   I went from Hayabusa, to BMW K1200R, to R1200RT, now C-14.  Its a perfect balance between sport and sport-tour...    Suzi should make a Hayabusa ST!!

Thanks man. I was thinking the same thing. I've been shopping for quite a while and this is always the bike I came back to so I bought it.