Advice on buying

[Cirne]

Sorry for barging in like this with a first post, but I had a question I wanted some input on from people who would know... It's been about two years since I had to retire my last bike (an '84 Honda VT500 Ascot), and I've been itching to get back in the saddle again. My uncle recommended I look into getting a Connie, since most of my riding is commuting (50 miles every day on the superslab) but every month or two I take trips of a few hundred to a thousand miles that I used to ride back when I still had a bike. I've been looking at classified ads all around my area (DC), and the difference between a pre-94 Connie or a more recent one tends to be about $2k. I don't mind at all caring for an older bike, but my question to you is this: are the changes in the '94 Connie important enough, in terms of safety or comfort, that I should be looking to spend the extra $2k? -Dani Church

 

[jaxrider]

This is a good question, and it would also depend on mileage and condition of the older versus the newer. While not an expert on the lineage of the C10, I know the brakes were upgraded sometime and the seat was changed to a more-sporting model. Others can weigh in and give specifics on the changes. Realistically, there are probably not a lot of changes. I do know of a very nice 2001 for sale with 14k miles on it that is in great shape and is owned by a 70+ year old COG member. It's beautiful (blue) and is in very fine condition. He is asking $3950 I think. It is in South Carolina. David in Jax COG# 7898 NE FL AAD & COG Vendor www.dreamjobresumes.com preparing resumes for COG members and friends I ride a KAWASAKI ZZR1200 Euro Review http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/ZZR1200.htm US Review http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/2002_kawasaki_zzr1200/inde

 

[jaxrider]

If interested in that 2001 pm me or email me and I'll send you the contact info. David in Jax COG# 7898 NE FL AAD & COG Vendor www.dreamjobresumes.com preparing resumes for COG members and friends I ride a KAWASAKI ZZR1200 Euro Review http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/ZZR1200.htm US Review http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/2002_kawasaki_zzr1200/inde

 

[HawkeyePierce]

I think the major changes are the larger front tire, dual piston calipers for the front brakes, redesigned dash. I have an 87, it gets hard to find a matched set of tires in the recomended sizes for the older bikes (if you are wanting the radial tires). I also noticed used front brake rotors at a reasonable price, are hard to come by. I'm not going to pay $280 to $320 each for new rotors--$50 used is more my speed. My bike had 150K on the clock when I got it, so no worries on how long they last. Don Don Marysville, WA 87 C10 170K & ready to go!

 

[Cirne]

Thanks for the input, everyone! I just bought a 2000 Connie on Thursday (from a COG member, in fact!), and I'm so happy with it. As soon as I have space in my budget, I plan on joining too!

 

[S Smith]

Here is a link to a good info on the classic Concours -- Steve Smith, COG #3184 COG Northeast Area Director (somewhere in south central CT)

If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.

 

[Paulie]

Dani, welcome to the asylum & good luck with yer Conc. It's a great way to see the USA! 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[millerized]

Welcome to the Zoo! Take a peek over at the schedule/calendar, start marking off days to take vacation. There are enough weekend rides to fill your calendar, and enough local (under 100mi) rides to keep the gas from going bad in the tank. Dog Days (Early August) will give you some great roads, some cooler temperatures to do them in, and some pretty great people to spend it with. If you need a hand learning about your new ride (maintenance/in's/out's quirks) just give us a yell. You've got 1000's of years of experience between the 2 forums, just waitin to be picked. Enjoy the ride! http://millerized.com/pegs I'll be in the garage

COG 6425, CDA 111 a through g

 

[Brett0769]

Never hesitate to 'barge in' and post a question or concern. There are a bunch of guys (and gals) here with a lot of experience with Connie and riding in general who are waiting to share it. Plus, the post hangs around for future people with the same question. I've certainly had many concerns of my own answered handily with just a quick search of the forums and I've avoided some dumb mistakes and potential problems the same way. A philosophy I like to adhere to is: "There are no stupid questions, only stupid mistakes made by people who didn't ask their stupid question." My roommate in college had an Ascot, it was a great little bike. Seemed he spent a lot of time riding around with gorgeous young women clinging to him on that thing. Maybe I did wait too long to start street riding...