posted August 02, 2007 07:12 PM
Edited By: Ynoxas on 2 Aug 2007 20:15
Another FJR to C14 comparison I had a 2005 FJR 1300 that I traded in for my new 2008 C14.
I loved the FJR. Loved it. My favorite bike I have ever ridden. I had a few gripes, but all in all I loved it. I regularly referred to it as a "stallion" to my riding friends. Everyone who rode it, from friends new to motorcycling to my uncle who has ridden for 45 years, they all were incredibly impressed with it.
I reluctantly traded it for the C14. Below are my impressions and comparisons.
My overall grade is an A. It could have been an A+ with just a few minor changes.
I do not regret my decision to trade, and I would not want my FJR back. I've already gotten very attached to the C14. I expect to have several long happy years with her.
Below are my findings in no particular order or arrangement.
Understand all the below is just one man's opinion. You may agree or disagree with parts or all of it.
Rider Info:
========
I am 5'9", weigh about 250lbs (apparently motorcycling doesn't burn as much calories as the gym). I'm in my mid 30's and have ridden dirt bikes most of my life, and street bikes since 2000. This is the 5th street bike I have owned (I also currently own a Yamaha FZ6). I ride approximately 10,000 - 12,000 miles per year.
Let's start with the few things that absolutely suck about the C14:
- The mirrors are terrible. Useless. Unacceptable. Truly awful, to the point of I have no idea how it got through product testing or Q/A. The ONLY answer is that the fairing was designed and finished BEFORE the saddlebags. The mirrors are great for making sure your saddlebags are still attached, but do not rely on them to actually show you traffic.
- Heat. The C14 pumps out more heat than the famously hot FJR. The good news is it is located in a more bearable place, your ankles as opposed to your crotch. In stop and go city riding, it hits 3 or 4 bars and the fan is running after just a few minutes. This bike likes the open road. DO NOT get this bike for a daily commuter in urban traffic unless it is in the Yukon.
- The headlights are awful. I've adjusted them several times and I still can't see shit. I hope to find replacement bulbs immediately. The FJR headlights are easily 300% brighter.
That's it. Three significant flaws.
These flaws are very aggravating since they could have been avoided with some simple engineering. These flaws imply to me that the bike was not sufficiently tested or Q/A'd, which makes me somewhat worried about the long term prospects.
Now for what are not exactly flaws, but what I'm not 100% satisfied with:
- Air Temp Gauge. Seriously, the components to add an air temp gauge would have been probably around $1. On a $13k bike, that's a luxury I expect.
- Non-Locking glovebox. Why would you not do this? Or at least give the option to leave it locked or unlocked.
- Color choice. Even when bikes are relatively few in number, I think having at least 2 colors to choose from would be nice.
- If there are helmet locks, I've not found 'em.
- Cold start and idle are rough. Not exactly a flaw, but something I feel should have been smoothed before distribution. Idle at cold start is rough, not smooth at all, with very low responsiveness to throttle.
- There are a few stumbles in the Fuel Injection mapping. This might be the first bike I buy a Power Commander for.
- I don't like the hazard button placement. I liked it down off the bars like on the FJR.
- Reach to the ground is at least 1/2" more, maybe approaching 1". I could stand flatfooted (in boots) on the FJR. Now I'm struggling to get even one heel down.
Now for what I really like:
- Great seat. Very comfortable, very supportive. Wife reports passenger seat is more comfy than FJR as well.
- Great shaft drive. Believe the hype. Buttery smooth.
- Linear and predictable power delivery. The C14 has a ton of power, an overabundance even, but you have to go get it. At low RPM's the bike is very calm, perfectly manageable, and confidence inspiring. I often referred to my FJR as "hyperactive" because it was so jumpy and pulled so hard as soon as you turned your throttle hand. The C14 has insane power, but it's not all at 2400 rpms. Turns into "oh my god" power at 7k rpms.
- 6th gear is a wonderfully welcome addition. It appears to be a true overdrive. 85mph is smooth and effortless.
- QUIET. This may not be to everyone's liking, but is very important to me. If I'm gonna ride a bike for 6 hours, I don't want it to sound like a chainsaw being held 6" from my head.
- Very smooth shifting, smoother even than the FJR, which was the smoothest shifting bike over 1200cc perhaps ever.
- Tire pressure sensors are great! Two big thumbs up. Love the MPG readings too. And gear indicator has never left me guessing.
- KPASS system is heaven. I am already addicted and spoiled.
- Saddlebags are huge, and lock very easily and securely. Much easier to lock and fasten than FJR bags.
- Windshield has almost no turbulance/buffetting. The windshield only covers about 75% as much as the FJR, but is 200% less turbulent. The windshield goes much further "down" than the FJR, which means more air when hot. I will likely order a large windscreen for fall/winter.
- Very little buzz/vibration.
- Fit and finish is top-notch. Very high quality. Build quality on par with Honda.
- Bike is heavy, but weight disappears at speed.
- Handling is both light and quick, but also rock solid. VERY inspiring in corners and at speed. Not at all tiring to ride.
- Great large solid luggage rack.
Now for other random info:
- The color is not a true gray or charcoal. In natural light it has some bits of blue, and at some angles has a LOT of seafoam green in it.
- Gas mileage on 5 tanks has been between 38-42mpg.
- Horn is kinda cheesy.
- Has a "pass to flash" button on the left grip, index finger position.
- Sits a little more leaned forward than the FJR.
All in all, a wonderful bike. Small complaints with huge compliments.
If the FJR is a stallion, the C14 is a bullet train. Smooooooooth. Refined. A higher class of travel.
posted August 02, 2007 07:37 PM
Thanks for the comparison. I have a 2004 FJR and like you I love it. I am considering getting a C14 but I want to make sure I wont be dissapointed in it compared to the FJR. Your review helped. Any way around the mirror problem? I'm wondering if it wouldnt be worth waiting till next year and maybe they will fix some of these problems.
Thanks for your observations.
I'm not sure what could be done on the mirrors. The mirror housings are part of the front fairing. So you aim them by moving the glass. I don't know if new glass, maybe slightly curved or something, could help? It looks hopeless to me.
The first 100 miles I had a little bit of buyers remorse. I loved my FJR so much, the changes were mostly small and subtle, but noticable.
But beginning with my second ride, that all went away. I'm very happy with my purchase. The C14 is truly a world-class bike.
posted August 02, 2007 08:49 PM
This will help a some, adjust the mirrors up a bit and you can then see directly behind you. I had them too low, big difference, I also had to crank my headlights forever to get them high enough to see anything. Seemed like 20 turns to get them high enough. It still needs bulbs. Fish found a problem with the foam under the faring, and fixing it helps. I have been driving around in 100 degree weather and now that it is sealed properly it is cooler. And as the miles rack up (I have 1650) it is running smoother and cooler. I expect by 4000 the thing is going to be like glass and much cooler. Kawasakis are notoriously tight from the factory.
____________
Ted
2000 Green ZX12 sold
The fast color!!
Green 2005 ZX10R
2009 Concours Black ABS
Needs a life
Full throttle!
Posts: One MEEEEEELLION
posted August 03, 2007 06:39 AM
quote:Now for what are not exactly flaws, but what I'm not 100% satisfied with:
- Air Temp Gauge. Seriously, the components to add an air temp gauge would have been probably around $1. On a $13k bike, that's a luxury I expect.
- Non-Locking glovebox. Why would you not do this? Or at least give the option to leave it locked or unlocked.
- Color choice. Even when bikes are relatively few in number, I think having at least 2 colors to choose from would be nice.
- If there are helmet locks, I've not found 'em.
- Cold start and idle are rough. Not exactly a flaw, but something I feel should have been smoothed before distribution. Idle at cold start is rough, not smooth at all, with very low responsiveness to throttle.
- There are a few stumbles in the Fuel Injection mapping. This might be the first bike I buy a Power Commander for.
- I don't like the hazard button placement. I liked it down off the bars like on the FJR.
- Reach to the ground is at least 1/2" more, maybe approaching 1". I could stand flatfooted (in boots) on the FJR. Now I'm struggling to get even one heel down.
Hmm...Never thot about it, but I checked and yep, my 1098S has air temp!
WRT Color - Black is supposed to be available as well?
posted August 03, 2007 07:30 AM
I think black is only available in the UK this year.
Why?...IDUNNO
____________
GodDamnit there's always such a big temptation to be good, to be good! (Tom Waits)
posted August 03, 2007 12:23 PM
Edited By: 1393kph on 3 Aug 2007 13:30
Nice comparison . . .. BUT
I ride an '06 FJR, so the heat would be an unwelcome addition.
However:
You say that you hate the headlights - others say they are the best they've ever seen
You say the low RPM power is tame - others say the bike is anemic until it comes on to the cam
You DON'T say that the handling is amazing by comparison - others swear the C14 makes the FJR seem like a truck
You LOVE the seat - the FJR/K1200GT/C14 comparo out of the UK says the FJR seat is the best of all.
The cost to add an air temp indicator is '0' - the ECU has a temp sensor already. For less than $5 you can get a stick-on thermometer - it will seem right at home on the bike.
The gear indicator is already on the second gen FJR, so this isn't ground-breaking.
You are only the second person I've seen who does NOT complain that the C14 requires more than 'regular' gas.
I would like to have a sixth gear - but that isn;t a significant lack - I'd have liked a 7th on my old Concours.
I have to state that I tried yamaha's touring screen and it was terrible - BUT I rode for a while with the screen removed altogether. I must say that thatwas the calmest air I've ever ridden a touring bike in!! OK, at 125 mph there's a LOT of pressure, but it was CLEAN pressure, no buffeting. I wonder if the C14 wouldn't be the same?
The real differences between the bikes is so small that there is no real 'winner'.
I'm still on the fence about the Ki-Pass - already heard about someone whose bike was returned to him by the service manager at his shop - the owner rode off and the shop closed for the day - by the time he realised that the shop manager had the fob in HIS jacket pocket, the shop was closed and everyone had gone home - he was lucky and managed to catch the guy, but it took an hour or two out of his life waiting for him to get back to the shop and return the transponder.
They need some way to bypass the thing in case the transponder gets lost or dies while on the road - they do NOT have a mechanism in this first release that anyone knows of.
posted August 03, 2007 12:46 PM
1393kph
I think you miss the point. Let me say this first, I am a Yamaha fan and always will be. That being said a sport tourer is a bike that first and formost needs to be able to perform.
There is no denying the ZX14 based motor is head of the class, early dyno results give it 20 more than the FJR.
Every single report says the shaft on the C14 is the smoothest and has absolutely no squat or lift, feels as good or better than a chain.
The C14 has a true overdrive.
The C14 is dead smooth.
These are truely important items and IMHO puts the C14 ahead.
Seats are subjective. Some think a Corbin is the tits, I can't sit on one for more than an hour without severe pain.
The Ki-pass system is to be thought of like a key, if you don't have the fob you are out of luck. My C6 Vette has the same type of system and I love it. (subjective) but without the fob you can still drive but you ain't starting it again.
The FJR is an awesome bike, good looking too, but in all the important ways the C14 seems to be a step ahead.
Last but not least, have you found an air temp gauge that is decent? I would love to get a small weather station that not only tells temp , but has a compass, humidity, barometric pressure etc. I found a couple of them but they are for indoor use and are too big.
I heard they improved the heat issues on the FJR on 2006 forward. My 2005 was pretty hot, and that was even with trying some of the heat mitigation techniques on the FJR boards.
I am VERY hopeful that the C14 cools down after break-in (as TegG suggests). Note that my FJR was noticeably cooler after about 8,000 miles. But still annoying. The first 3000 miles I actually considered taking it back due SOLELY to the heat issues. And the first 1000 miles of this bike have not been pleasant so far, heat-wise.
I'm going to work more on the headlights. The FJR lights were so good that perhaps I'm just spoiled? I can remember riding the FJR on a trip through rural Mississippi, not a streetlight within 30 miles, and my headlights were putting out more light than the 3 cruisers riding with me cumulatively.
I'm not sure I would say the C14 handling "blows away" the FJR. The FJR handled better than I ever thought that large of a bike would. I was always stunned by my FJR's handling.
Both bikes handle FAR better than any 600lb bike has a right to.
The C14 handles differently. Whether it is "better" or not depends largely on your riding style.
The way I described it to my friends was thus: On the FJR, it handled phenomenally, and it would remind you of it. You would go through a narrow section, and the bike would signal to you "wow, look how great I handled that section". The C14 handles phenomenally, but does so without any fanfare. You go through a narrow section, and you continue on blissfully unaware that you ever even encountered a narrow section.
Put another way, the C14 seems to handle on par with the FJR, but with less work and less "drama". Again, whether that is good or bad depends a great deal on your riding style. I ride medium-aggressive at times, but I'm not dragging the saddlebags by any stretch of the imagination.
I've described to a few people that at 60mph on a backroad on the C14 feels like a leisure ride on a bicycle. There have been times that I have said to myself "hey, you need to pick up the pace" to look and see that I'm already going 65-70 in a 45 zone. The C14 is PROFOUNDLY stable, almost to a flaw. I think some of you will understand what I mean by that.
I'm a heavy-set fella, so if you are thin or British (heh) that could affect the difference in seat preference. The C14 does feel more supportive and comfortable to me, but the FJR was FAR from uncomfortable. Basically we are comparing good and better, not good and bad. My wife is a normal-sized woman, not rail thin but not "big" either. She prefers the pillion seat on the C14 by a pretty large margin.
The power delivery is again a bit of a matter of taste. Some people like a bike that pulls like a log truck from 1500 rpm. The FJR was a mutant when it comes to low-speed grunt. The C14 does not match that.
There were times, especially in parking lots or low-speed traffic, I felt the FJR was a bit too jerky/touchy. "Hyperactive" as I said before. The C14 has much better "manners" at low speed, and the power delivery seems to me to be much more linear and predictable.
But, anyone who would suggest the C14 is underpowered or anemic I just can't take seriously. This is by any measure one of the most powerful bikes on the road. I think the truly exceptional smoothness (and it is exceptional, that's why you keep reading it in every review over and over) makes the bike seem less powerful than it actually is. You can gain speed at a breathtaking rate, just like the FJR. They just deliver that thrust differently.
Again, I truly loved my FJR, and I say that with no embarrassment or exaggeration.
I had some doubts about the C14 but have been won over.
Both bikes are marvels of modern motorcycle engineering. Picking between them is a luxury someone is blessed to have.
I rode one of the greatest sport-touring bikes on the planet for a few years, and now I get to ride another of the greatest sport-touring bikes on the planet for another few years.
Complaining in any way about this would be absurd.
posted August 03, 2007 10:19 PM
Oh, regarding gas, I always ran premium in the FJR, so running premium in the C14 requires no change of habit for me.
I don't want to get into a holy octane war, I know how those go. I had my reasons for running premium, and I'm happy with that decision. If I was a sucker, then I'm out about 70 cents on a typical Saturday ride. Not enough to register on my meter or to change my preferences.
Wormgear:
I'm not entirely sure I'm following what you are saying. My FJR had simply flawless fuel Injection. I never once felt a fuel "hiccup". The FJR was perfect upon cold start.
The C14 has already shown me 2-3 repeatable "hiccups" in the fuel delivery, and I'm just not at all happy about it's cold start and idle.
I assume some/most/all of this is due to new emission restrictions. I'm hopeful there will be a new factory map after about 6 months.
That reminds me, I think the muffler looks just fine.
Also, regarding color, the new Cycle World arrived today, and it also showed Black on an assembly line, but my dealer never mentioned a color choice when mine was ordered, and so far every picture I've seen, including on the Kawasaki website, has been the Neutron Silver, I think it's called.
Black would be out-of-the-question for me anyway. I like to ride bikes, not wash them. :-)
quote:An air temp gauge?...WHO CARES!...You'll know when it's cold, hot or just right...
Agreed 100%
Seriously, is it THAT important to have a temp. gauge? Hell no! If you're hot, you're hot. If you're cold, you're cold. You don't need a tempurature gauge to tell you that.
I've read statements by, and talked to people who say KIPASS is just technology for technology's sake. Right. Technology that makes starting a motorcycle easier/cleaner for the end-user, as well as doubling up as an effective built in security system is fine by me.
But a temperature gauge, that's where it's AT! Unless you were struck by lightning, and lost your sense of hot and cold, you don't need something telling you it's hot or cold.
Maybe I should bring a shirt for the all irony....
Those who honestly say the C-14, or any other form of consumer transportation (short of say, a snow mobile - I can see that), is any less of a vehicle because it doesn't have a temperature gauge can take a thermometer and stick up you know where!
I think you might be exaggerating JUUUUUUUUUUUUUST a little bit.
I said I would like to have a temp gauge, and considering it is standard equipment on many lesser motorcycles, it doesn't seem that much to ask.
I would "like" to have one. That's all. Let's try not to lapse into hyperbole.
The LCD display already shows current and average MPG, range, tire pressure (!) and voltage. Adding temperature would have been, literally, a 1 hour job in R&D.
It's not like we're talking about a track bike here. We're talking about one of the most technically advanced motorcycles ever from Japan.
posted August 04, 2007 08:03 AM
Regarding heat, yesterday I rode my ZX10 and my repaired C14 back to back. The 10 was hotter! The C14 after the repair, is much improved. I'm at 1700 miles and the temp guage seems to be running a bar down.
As for the outside temp guage, I put one on my 12 and I loved it, i don't know why, but it would give me something to think about (looking and guessing how hot or cold it would get). Again, they make these little weather stations for cars that have a compass, barometric pressure, (good to know if the weather is changing) etc. I will eventually find one small enough to mount in a faring panel.
____________
Ted
2000 Green ZX12 sold
The fast color!!
Green 2005 ZX10R
2009 Concours Black ABS
posted August 04, 2007 11:45 AM
Edited By: AllStingNoBling on 4 Aug 2007 12:53
quote:sting:
I think you might be exaggerating JUUUUUUUUUUUUUST a little bit.
I said I would like to have a temp gauge, and considering it is standard equipment on many lesser motorcycles, it doesn't seem that much to ask.
I would "like" to have one. That's all. Let's try not to lapse into hyperbole.
The LCD display already shows current and average MPG, range, tire pressure (!) and voltage. Adding temperature would have been, literally, a 1 hour job in R&D.
It's not like we're talking about a track bike here. We're talking about one of the most technically advanced motorcycles ever from Japan.
Let's try to keep our perspective, shall we?
I know I was exaggerating. I'm just trying to poke a little fun at the relative merits the of different features of each bike, while injecting a little of my POV.
That being said, I certainly understand these points of yours: "The LCD display already shows current and average MPG, range, tire pressure (!) and voltage. Adding temperature would have been, literally, a 1 hour job in R&D.
It's not like we're talking about a track bike here. We're talking about one of the most technically advanced motorcycles ever from Japan."
I still feel a temperature gauge is a superfluous feature though. Now, if we're talking about monitoring ambient riding conditions, a full weather overlay with a precipitation layers on a GPS is something to squawk about! How cool would it be to, "look," a few states, or counties over to see what you're getting into. That, my friend, is what I'd call progress
Anyways.... My little brother has an '07 FJR, besides being, "part of the family," I frankly think the bike is magic! What kind of jerk would knock his kid brother's bike, especially since it is such a great machine?!
posted August 04, 2007 01:41 PM
I got 48.9 mpg on hiway 81, one tank after the other, being carefull to fill to the exact same place each time. This is running between 75-80mph with one burst to 100-110 to overtake idiot trucker. This thing either gets fantastic gas mileage in overdrive or I've got a problem. Best mileage I've ever got. I know this sounds to good to be true but damn I'm loving it.
____________
Everybodys tyring to go green, I did years ago.
posted August 04, 2007 10:56 PM
I think my mileage will go up once I'm through being throttle happy. ____________
'08 ABS Concours 14
'97 YZF600R
'00 ZX6e (rideable but needs paint)
posted August 08, 2007 09:04 PM
Well since the air temp gauge seems to be a nicety, how about an altimeter, compass and one of them things that state your lean angle..now that would be cool!
quote: Let's start with the few things that absolutely suck about the C14:
- The mirrors are terrible. Useless. Unacceptable. Truly awful, to the point of I have no idea how it got through product testing or Q/A. The ONLY answer is that the fairing was designed and finished BEFORE the saddlebags. The mirrors are great for making sure your saddlebags are still attached, but do not rely on them to actually show you traffic.
* Keep working on them. I was able to get the mirror about 75% useable.
- Heat. The C14 pumps out more heat than the famously hot FJR. The good news is it is located in a more bearable place, your ankles as opposed to your crotch. In stop and go city riding, it hits 3 or 4 bars and the fan is running after just a few minutes. This bike likes the open road. DO NOT get this bike for a daily commuter in urban traffic unless it is in the Yukon.
* I'm coming from sportbikes and the heat is alot worse but not unbearable even in stop in go 100f Dallas traffic. I was able to spend a week on a friends ST13 and it's just as hot as the C14.
- The headlights are awful. I've adjusted them several times and I still can't see shit. I hope to find replacement bulbs immediately. The FJR headlights are easily 300% brighter.
* I agree and I went as far as ordering a HID kit. Sylvania Silverstars are a good replacement if you don't want to spend the bucks on a HID kit.
That's it. Three significant flaws.
* Wow you didn't put the glove box in there instead of below. Yours must not have trouble opening yet.
These flaws are very aggravating since they could have been avoided with some simple engineering. These flaws imply to me that the bike was not sufficiently tested or Q/A'd, which makes me somewhat worried about the long term prospects.
Now for what are not exactly flaws, but what I'm not 100% satisfied with:
- Air Temp Gauge. Seriously, the components to add an air temp gauge would have been probably around $1. On a $13k bike, that's a luxury I expect.
* I agree. A compass would have been nice also.
- Non-Locking glovebox. Why would you not do this? Or at least give the option to leave it locked or unlocked.
* Wait for the accessories to come out. I'm sure someone has a new box in the works.
- Color choice. Even when bikes are relatively few in number, I think having at least 2 colors to choose from would be nice.
* While I agree I would have picked this color over the black. I'd be diggin Kawi green but I'm sure it wouldn't sell very well.
- If there are helmet locks, I've not found 'em.
* Check your mirrors. I know you can see those big ole saddle bags. =D
- Cold start and idle are rough. Not exactly a flaw, but something I feel should have been smoothed before distribution. Idle at cold start is rough, not smooth at all, with very low responsiveness to throttle.
* Maybe you should have the dealer check yours out? First time I've heard of this and mine starts no different than my Honda I4's.
- There are a few stumbles in the Fuel Injection mapping. This might be the first bike I buy a Power Commander for.
* Wow I thought a PC was required for the FJR to make it ridable. Again maybe the dealer should look at this. I think all of the reviews have said this bike is very smooth.
- I don't like the hazard button placement. I liked it down off the bars like on the FJR.
* Fair enough
- Reach to the ground is at least 1/2" more, maybe approaching 1". I could stand flatfooted (in boots) on the FJR. Now I'm struggling to get even one heel down.
* I'm sure for a small fee you can find lowering links soon.
Now for what I really like:
- Great seat. Very comfortable, very supportive. Wife reports passenger seat is more comfy than FJR as well.
* I love the seat but it has room for improvements. My woman likes the seat but not how high she is behind me.
- Great shaft drive. Believe the hype. Buttery smooth.
* No hype just a good design that works.
- Linear and predictable power delivery. The C14 has a ton of power, an overabundance even, but you have to go get it. At low RPM's the bike is very calm, perfectly manageable, and confidence inspiring. I often referred to my FJR as "hyperactive" because it was so jumpy and pulled so hard as soon as you turned your throttle hand. The C14 has insane power, but it's not all at 2400 rpms. Turns into "oh my god" power at 7k rpms.
* Yup great power. See Power Commander comment. The PC can cure most drivablity problems.
- 6th gear is a wonderfully welcome addition. It appears to be a true overdrive. 85mph is smooth and effortless.
* Yup Big K did listen when the customers asked for a true OD. I love it.
- QUIET. This may not be to everyone's liking, but is very important to me. If I'm gonna ride a bike for 6 hours, I don't want it to sound like a chainsaw being held 6" from my head.
* Aww come on. Actually I'm loving the quiteness myself.
- Very smooth shifting, smoother even than the FJR, which was the smoothest shifting bike over 1200cc perhaps ever.
* I agree. Someone did their homework and got things right.
- Tire pressure sensors are great! Two big thumbs up. Love the MPG readings too. And gear indicator has never left me guessing.
- KPASS system is heaven. I am already addicted and spoiled.
* Same. I've already been asked by several friends why I leave my key in the bike. I love watching them go and try to remove/start the bike without the transponder.
- Saddlebags are huge, and lock very easily and securely. Much easier to lock and fasten than FJR bags.
* Again homework done correctly. The ST13 is a pain to get the bags off.
- Windshield has almost no turbulance/buffetting. The windshield only covers about 75% as much as the FJR, but is 200% less turbulent. The windshield goes much further "down" than the FJR, which means more air when hot. I will likely order a large windscreen for fall/winter.
* I love the shield but I think in a couple of months a taller shield might be better.
- Very little buzz/vibration.
* My hands tingle a little if I'm running down the highway at 80+ (3750+ RPMS).
- Fit and finish is top-notch. Very high quality. Build quality on par with Honda.
* Another thing I noticed. I was suprised that Big K has something up to the benchmark.
- Bike is heavy, but weight disappears at speed.
* I think the bike is just right.
- Handling is both light and quick, but also rock solid. VERY inspiring in corners and at speed. Not at all tiring to ride.
* I agree very fun to ride.
- Great large solid luggage rack.
* I've used it to lock helmets to when I went for a two day ride and the bags are full.
Now for other random info:
- The color is not a true gray or charcoal. In natural light it has some bits of blue, and at some angles has a LOT of seafoam green in it.
* It looks great imo.
- Gas mileage on 5 tanks has been between 38-42mpg.
* I'm getting more like 36-38 but I
- Horn is kinda cheesy.
* Very
- Has a "pass to flash" button on the left grip, index finger position.
* Great all I need is to flash the lights at all the pissed off non driving yankees down here in Texas. I've never used it.
- Sits a little more leaned forward than the FJR.
* Aftermarket should be out soon to take care of us.
All in all, a wonderful bike. Small complaints with huge compliments.
If the FJR is a stallion, the C14 is a bullet train. Smooooooooth. Refined. A higher class of travel.
quote:An air temp gauge?...WHO CARES!...You'll know when it's cold, hot or just right...
lol! For some of us who regularly ride in the winter in the northeast this isn't a bad thing to have. When the temps drop below 35 I am always more careful of black ice.
quote:An air temp gauge?...WHO CARES!...You'll know when it's cold, hot or just right...
lol! For some of us who regularly ride in the winter in the northeast this isn't a bad thing to have. When the temps drop below 35 I am always more careful of black ice.
You guys in the north east probably feel the same way about the heat issue for the guys in the hotter areas. huh
posted September 01, 2007 06:57 AM
RE: MIRROR BLIND SPOTS.
I got the mirrors adjusted relatively well so I could see behind me as well as to the side. Unfortunately, blind spots still remain.
$4 later the problem was fixed. I got 2 little (2" or 3" whatever the small size is) stick on blind spot mirrors. Every vehicle and motorcycle I've ever owned had 'em installed within days of purchase. I mounted them at the stock mirror's outer edges. I can easily see 2 lanes across now. In a quick lane change situation, i need only glance at the little mirror to see if a car is there.
Still getting used to night time riding with these mirrors.
HOME
NEW TOPIC
posted August 02, 2007 07:12 PM
Edited By: 
Unless you were struck by lightning, and lost your sense of hot and cold, you don't need something telling you it's hot or cold.
