Considering going to Concours 14 from FJR1300

[Blue is Best]

Time to consider getting a new bike. Some really great deals out there. I absolutely love the FJR1300 and have ZERO problems with my 2012 FJR1300. But, I am spoiled and want new again. They are giving away 2017 Concours 14s that are in the best color. BLUE!

The gas mileage, tank size and added weight are concerns but the $2,000 plus savings and standard three year warranty may very well make me forget about those items. I would purchase a slipon exhaust(get rid of that horrendous stock bazooka) and get the ECU flashed. We'd be in business then.


What do you think?

[Sport-Touring]

[jay547]

Make yourself happy.  

[rajflyboy]

I think you will be really happy with the motor.

I think Kawi motors are better than Honda and Yamaha.  

Always nice to try something different as well.  You don’t have to buy the same bike over and over again.

[bonnieboomer]

It's very stable in rain and wind - up to any speed you'd probably care to ride. Also responds well to emergency inputs. Mine got treated to cruise and a slip-on, but it never lacked for power. Returns about the same fuel mileage as your 1250. The little cubby on the tank accommodates a holstered G26 nicely. Would probably still have it if blessed with a longer inseam...
bonnieboomer

[DosEquis00]

Went across the country and back 2-up and it was great. Comfortable 2-up machine with some grunt and it never missed a beat.  

[Biking Sailor]

The Connie is a very good touring bike, but why go intermediate? Since you are moving that direction, just go ahead and get a Goldwing.  

[Blue is Best]

BB and 2XXs- Gas mileage is of a concern to me. I've heard/read low 40s. Very low 40s! That is not good for me. I am one of those gas up and stop no sooner than 200 miles away types. My Bandit gets way over 50 mpg so I don't see the C14 even getting close to that. My FJR gets 50 mpg and with the 6.6 gallon tank gas stops are a very minor concern.

I've also heard/read that the C14 is on the same level of power and torque with the FJR below 7,000 RPMs. I'm hoping by reducing weight(losing the bazooka) and picking up a few HP the C14 will be more than what I have now.

What do you guys see for cruising RPMs at 80 MPH?

[Blue is Best]

The Connie is a very good touring bike, but why go intermediate? Since you are moving that direction, just go ahead and get a Goldwing.  

No way! I've got buddies that have them. And I've ridden them. Just too big. I've picked up my FJR but I could never pick up a GW! If my riding was only interstate from great distances I MAY consider one.

[tidrick]

No way! I've got buddies that have them. And I've ridden them. Just too big. I've picked up my FJR but I could never pick up a GW! If my riding was only interstate from great distances I MAY consider one.

I've picked up a friend's GW. Not as bad as you think. I'm not on the overly muscley side... :-) The original "pick up your bike alone" videos were of a lady picking up her Wing.

BUT.... having also ridden a couple of wings, an FJR and a Connie - my vote (not that it matters) is to stay firmly in the SPORT-touring world.

Satisfy the itch - take me along to enjoy with you vicariously as I eye-ball my 20 and 22 year old bikes sitting in the garage. The 20 yr old needs the arteries to its heart chambers degunked and I don't trust myself with the tiny little carbie pieces.

Good luck!

[bonnieboomer]

re: mileage. You are correct; went back and checked fuel logs for a trip from VA to SLC on my '08 Con14. Going out was 40.2, and coming back was 43.5. This was riding as fast as conditions and enforcement allowed, mostly interstate. Worst tank was 33mpg in western WY with a strong headwind at an average 90mph. Three bags, solo.

The Bandit sometimes gives 50 mpg, depending on how much hooning has taken place. Also usually 3 bags.

I still think the Connie is superior to the FJR, unless you have a 30" or less inseam like me. My longest FJR trip was a weekend up the Pacific Coast from SF on a rented '08. It was OK, but nowhere near good enough to inspire buying one. Hence the Bandit, which I've set up to try to equal the performance of my 1st gen FZ-1, with the addition of ABS.

bonnieboomer

[Bounce]

It's very stable in rain and wind - up to any speed you'd probably care to ride. Also responds well to emergency inputs. Mine got treated to cruise and a slip-on, but it never lacked for power. Returns about the same fuel mileage as your 1250. The little cubby on the tank accommodates a holstered G26 nicely. Would probably still have it if blessed with a longer inseam...
bonnieboomer

True. Over a Vet Day's weekend, I bucked 50 mph head winds from Van Horn, TX to Deming, NM for about . The next day (Deming, Las Cruses, Alamagordo, Vaughn, Santa Rosa, Tucumcari, San Jon) was side winds of nearly as bad leading to a huge thunderstorm that had me turn around and head back 25 miles to Tucumcari for the night. More for the threat of the storm than the wind itself. The next day was frigid (ice on the bike cover) with strong winds until I punched through the front in the TX panhandle where is was sunny and warm-ish.

The bike FJR never felt unstable but I was glad I had heated gear.

What do you guys see for cruising RPMs at 80 MPH?

A mix of many difference gas sources, elevations, etc. during the 2003 IBR and I could depend on 250 miles between fill-ups without aux fuel (so understand that local fuel and known locations could have milked more distance per tank). That was on the original gear ratio of the Gen 1 FJR (which I still ride). The Gen 2 changed ratios so cruising at FJR-nominal results in lower RPMs across the board in high gear.

[mcrider007]

What do I think?  

I think if you are interested in ride quality rather than pure acceleration you should test ride a FJR ES model before buying a C14.  That $2000 savings will disappear pretty quickly when you have to upgrade the C14s harsh suspension to try to match the FJR and you will still have a top heavy bike when you run out of upgrades.

[Biking Sailor]

I test rode both an FJR and a C14 a day apart back in 2015 when I was in the market for a big sport touring bike. The Honda ST was NLA at that point and the RT was out of my price range (but I still test rode one). The C14 felt physically bigger than the FJR. The RT was lighter only less powerful.

I went with the sportier of the two and it still ticked all my desired boxes for comfort and function. 40,000 miles later, I'm still satisfied with the FJR choice. Either one is a very capable bike, so pay your money and take your chances.

[FJRider]

Does the C14 have cruise control?

[Biking Sailor]

Does the C14 have cruise control?

It did not when I was shopping in 2015. One of the reasons I went with the FJR.

Also, just checked to make sure I remembered right, the C14 recommends premium where the FJR only requires regular. When traveling that makes a difference to me, as there are lots of back road towns with regular only gas stations.  Some use low octane anyway and claim no issues, but my OCD nags at me and distracts from the ride.

[PatM]

Both are fine bikes and there great deals to be had on '17, '18 unsold bikes.
I went through that decision when I got my '09 FJR. Then again in '16 when I was looking for a replacement after 130K.
Since 2010 the big C14 hasn't changed much while the FJR has evolved enough that I considered it as a replacement.
If I was in the market for one of those, I would go Yamaha just because of that.

I still miss that engine but just love my RT.

[Blue is Best]

The C14 does not have cruise control but I have a spare mechanical one and I would take off the Audiovox CC on my 2012 FJR anyway and install it on the C14. The C14 is not ride by wire.

I just keep wanting to come back to the FJR1300. I am really trying to convince myself to try the C14. I think the FJR1300 is a better bike especially after 2016 and the new generation improvements. But that $2,000 price difference keeps yelling at me!! I don't think the ride quality difference between the two is a deal maker for me. Decisions, decisions!

[rajflyboy]

Funny

I just saw a Concourse broken down on the road near my house.  This one was like a brownish almost dark gold color.  Not sure what year.

I still love the Kawi

[FJRider]

Riding any distance without electronic cruise control is a pain. I would never buy another bike, a modern bike that is, without CC. After the first hour into a long ride without it you realize you made a bad mistake.

[jay547]

I've never had a CC bike.

[SLK50]

I've never had a CC bike.

It’s a lot like black.

[rajflyboy]

Riding any distance without electronic cruise control is a pain. I would never buy another bike, a modern bike that is, without CC. After the first hour into a long ride without it you realize you made a bad mistake.

How about those throttle lock things you can buy ?  I haven’t used one but I have some friends that like them.

[micah2074]

How about those throttle lock things you can buy ?  I haven’t used one but I have some friends that like them.

I have one. It’s alright for giving your wrist a rest. I would prefer a real cruise control.

[FJRider]

I have one. It’s alright for giving your wrist a rest. I would prefer a real cruise control.

CC is like an electric start. Once you had one for the first time there ain't no going back.

[micah2074]

My next bike will be an FJR. I agree.

[kver]

I've never had a CC bike.

Me neither --- I've used a throttle lock on occasion and keep a throttle rocker in my "glove box"  on the sprint for super slabbing, but that only gets used after 3 or 4 hours of slab...  

[bergmen]

The C14 does not have cruise control but I have a spare mechanical one and I would take off the Audiovox CC on my 2012 FJR anyway and install it on the C14. The C14 is not ride by wire.

I just keep wanting to come back to the FJR1300. I am really trying to convince myself to try the C14. I think the FJR1300 is a better bike especially after 2016 and the new generation improvements. But that $2,000 price difference keeps yelling at me!! I don't think the ride quality difference between the two is a deal maker for me. Decisions, decisions!

Please test ride a gen III FJR before deciding to go C14. They have throttle-by-wire and two drive modes that revolutionize the throttle response. Also, no need to fiddle with after-market CC, it is integrated into the system.

The TPMS on the C14 sux big time. Internal sensors that are a fortune to replace. Valve clearance checks are a freakin' nightmare, all of the owners hate it. Intervals on the C14 are much shorter than the Feej and easily take a full weekend (plus a case of beer and several pages of cuss words).

Regular gas and 6.6 gallons vs. premium and 5.8 gallons. Very big difference here.

Honestly, the FJR rules!

Dan

[Blue is Best]

Please test ride a gen III FJR before deciding to go C14. They have throttle-by-wire and two drive modes that revolutionize the throttle response. Also, no need to fiddle with after-market CC, it is integrated into the system.

The TPMS on the C14 sux big time. Internal sensors that are a fortune to replace. Valve clearance checks are a freakin' nightmare, all of the owners hate it. Intervals on the C14 are much shorter than the Feej and easily take a full weekend (plus a case of beer and several pages of cuss words).

Regular gas and 6.6 gallons vs. premium and 5.8 gallons. Very big difference here.

Honestly, the FJR rules!

Dan

I've been checking some videos on the C14 valve checks, the shorter check intervals, the smaller gas tank, premium gas and 5 or more MPG less. Maybe that $2,000 savings ain't worth it! One of my life sayings is "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I am believing that I should follow my own advice here and stay with the FJR that I really like anyway.


         

[FJRider]

It’s a lot like black.

Some of us have gone back.

[bergmen]

I've been checking some videos on the C14 valve checks, the shorter check intervals, the smaller gas tank, premium gas and 5 or more MPG less. Maybe that $2,000 savings ain't worth it! One of my life sayings is "if it ain't broke don't fix it". I am believing that I should follow my own advice here and stay with the FJR that I really like anyway.


        

Now yer talkin'! Next time you are in my neck of the woods, stop by and you can take a test ride on my 2014 A model. You will have to promise to bring it back though.

Dan

[Blue is Best]

Now yer talkin'! Next time you are in my neck of the woods, stop by and you can take a test ride on my 2014 A model. You will have to promise to bring it back though.

Dan

Thanks.