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Topic: How's the reliability of the C14?  (Read 2586 times)
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Humbucker
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« on: May 09, 2012, 04:43:33 PM »
I just went out and rode a bunch of cruiser/touring bikes at the Victory demos here yesterday and while they make a fine, well put together bike, at the end of it all, I still can't say that they made me want to dump my VN1600 Classic and open up my wallet.

I might just keep the old 1600 Classic for a second bike and look into something like a Concours 14, I took one out for a ride a couple of years ago and it rocked my world!

The only thing that concerns me is some of the bad press that I've read about the Kipass system, not only did I read some complaints online but I even read one in a motorcycle magazine recently. Seems that the Kipass module went south and had to be replaced, for around $1000.00

And supposedly a Kawasaki help-line tech told them that "the electrical system on this bike will make an old man out of you".

What do you guys make of the reliability of this bike?  I'm a bit spooked by some of these comments that pop up.
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« on: May 09, 2012, 04:43:33 PM »
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Windblown
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« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2012, 05:16:06 PM »
I wouldn't let a few comments throw ya. The internet is a place where a minority can be heard quite loudly. (Not a bad thing)

One common thread I've noticed: Ducati, BMW, & Kawasaki have all had threads pop up over the new fangled ignition systems occasionally causing failures. I think it's some type of euro requirement or something?  It wouldn't keep me from buying any of these bikes, but it would be something I would only have fail me once before some serious modding occurred.
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« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2012, 06:38:58 PM »
Mines been dead reliable.
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« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2012, 07:09:53 PM »
Sold mine (08) just to have something different. No problems with mine at all...Kipass and all.  My friend has 45,000 on his 08 and just had a scare. Bike wouldn't fire when turning Kipass.  He had a cable wiggle loose from the battery terminal which caused the malfunction.  He doesn't baby his bike either when it comes to riding.  Other than that cable, as said above...dead reliable.
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dan88z
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« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2012, 07:17:59 PM »
I went from a VN1600 to the C14. I'll never look back. The only negative is it eats tires. I got 5800 out of the stockers, hoping the PR3's I have on there now last a little longer.
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« Reply #5 on: May 09, 2012, 08:07:57 PM »
I'm on my second C-14 first one I racked up 45,000 miles with no problems, Second one I have 22,000 miles on and it's also been rock solid reliable!
 Dan, just ordered a new rear PR3, I got 9500 miles out of the last one!
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« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2012, 08:26:08 PM »
Well, considering I had a 2008 C14 (one of the first in VA) and I currently have a 2010 MTS 1200S, I will say this regarding keyless ignition systems... Ain't neva eva eva gonna go back, neva eva!  They have been reliable, and the convenience factor is through the roof!  My C14 never had an electrical issue, and the only mechanical issue it had was that it would warp the front rotors every once in a while.  That was a annoying, but I was going to solve it via EBC components... in the end I decided to solve it via selling the bike and buying the Ducati  Bigsmile
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« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2012, 08:26:08 PM »

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wibornz
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« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2012, 09:10:33 PM »
I have a 08 C14.  I ride it year round through the rain, snow and heat of the summer.  Almost 52,000 miles on it and other than front rotors that were replaced under warrenty, the bike has been very reliable.  Still running strong.  I like the Kpass system.  No problems.  


It should be noted, that I ride it HARD.  51 days 3 hours and 51 minutes, I will be leaving on a 7,000+ mile trip.  Not a worry in the world about it not getting me home.
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TED
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« Reply #8 on: May 10, 2012, 02:03:59 AM »
I'm glad to hear that none of you guys have had any issues with your C14, it makes me more comfortable in putting this bike at the top of the list.  Thanks!
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wibornz
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« Reply #9 on: May 10, 2012, 10:18:43 AM »
My plan is 200,000+ miles then buy a new one.  There are c14 already with over 200,000 miles on them.  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  Ride Ride Ride Ride gas  That what you will do with a C14.
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TED
I have been married longer than I have not been married.  I have worked on my job longer than I have not worked at my job. 
Motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, jeeps, and a wife....Where the hell is my money going again?  Life has been good to me
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« Reply #10 on: May 10, 2012, 10:20:38 AM »
You forgot new tires after every 25 fill-ups.   Lol
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« Reply #11 on: May 15, 2012, 05:30:54 PM »
16K miles and no issues. Got 8500 miles out of the stock tires; currently running PR3's, expect at least 12k out of them.
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Wayne aka "CigarSki"
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« Reply #12 on: May 17, 2012, 06:20:00 PM »
Quote from: Cablebandit on May 09, 2012, 06:38:58 PM

Mines been dead reliable.


How about now?  Bigsmile
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« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2012, 07:07:32 PM »
27,000 trouble free miles on my '10. Oil changes along with tire replacements. I rail that thing! Get some. Cool
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« Reply #13 on: May 17, 2012, 07:07:32 PM »

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Cablebandit
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« Reply #14 on: May 18, 2012, 06:17:23 AM »
Quote from: Smoker on May 17, 2012, 06:20:00 PM



How about now?  Bigsmile


Still at 13.5 volts this morning.  I think my super high-tech GPS may have drawn me down.  I guess time will tell.


Oh.... Twofinger Twofinger Twofinger Twofinger Twofinger Twofinger Twofinger Twofinger
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« Reply #15 on: July 30, 2012, 04:38:07 PM »
25k+, nothing but gas, oil, tires and brake pads.  And farkles.  Bigsmile
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« Reply #16 on: August 21, 2012, 10:07:10 AM »
We have gone across the country four times on our 2008 and never had an issue.  Bigok
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