Dale_Eads_FL
Big Wheel
I've owned 3 connies and curently have a 05 witch I love, but i'm thinking of purchashing a 09 C14. What are the differences? Handling, weight,etc.
Stepping up to an FJR as I did, from a C10, I agree with Brett. The really neat thing about the C10 was that almost anyone can work on one. They are straightforward, simple machines to work on. The one regret I have with the higher tech bikes is that they leave people like me, who are not electrical engineers, out in the cold when it comes to working on these new bikes. I don't dare mess with the valve actuating system (shim under bucket) or anything to do with the ECU, the electrical, fuel and exhaust systems. It's all tied together in some mysterious electronic maze that simple minds like mine can't get ahold of. My old C10 was great for being easy on the wallet when it came to maintenance. Not so the FJR and by inference, the C14. ON THE OTHER HAND>>>>> Damn! I love my Feejer. Bob "Flylooper" Burns COG #5887 E Clampus Vitus, YB#1 '04 FJR 1300Don't knock older technologies too much. No need for an electronics engineer when working on the C10. Hell, even I can do most stuff and that's saying A LOT.
So? Is that a bad thing? I found it relevant, since I just moved from a C10 to a C14.You resurrected a thread from 2008.
Well, he might have just been pointing it out to you as some don't notice the dates. Surprisingly (to me anyway) there are those that are so used to seeing "today's happenings" on facebook that they treat resurrected posts like 10 yr old mayonnaise discovered at the back of the fridge. Personally I prefer the forum type format where old posts aren't lost forever as they might as well be on the linear facebook scrolling forever world.You resurrected a thread from 2008.
So? Is that a bad thing? I found it relevant, .....
I've owned 3 connies and curently have a 05 witch I love, but i'm thinking of purchashing a 09 C14. What are the differences? Handling, weight,etc.
I'm with Brett in the "sure I want one, but I'm not out to get one" deal. My problem is primarily a financial one. I can't spend 10k+ on a bike. Then I can't insure one that carries a pretty big price tag there too. Oh yeah, I know I've lusted after that behemoth engine and the USD forks and killer brakes. Folks praise the handling and that makes me want one even more... so I'm building it a little at a time. I wanted more power... now I have it, in spades. I wanted to improve handling and eliminate the terrible dive I had before with the stock toothpick forks, not to mention the bling bling of USD forks... so I got em complete with with radial brakes and larger discs than the C14. I'm tired of play nursemaid to four 22 year old carburetors... so those are going away too in favor of injection. When I get done... sure, it won't be a C-14... but it will probably do what the C-14 does and more for less than half the cost... and I can still amaze the cop writing me that big ol ticket when I tell him, "It's a 1986 model sir." It's been said that pretty soon it'll be hard to convince folks I even have a Connie under that stuff... but just cuz it doesn't run like a Connie, or buzz like a Connie, or dive like a Connie, or stop like a Connie, or flop around corners like a Connie... doesn't mean it ain't a Connie. And besides, I'm having the time of my life playing with my second best girl. In concluding, I will probably continue to lust after the beauty and style, grace and power of the new platform that is the C-14... but even if I had one of them critters I'd be doing like Fred and so many others trying to make it better (dang straight it needs a turbo).
Er, dale probably wont answer u sharkfuel.... he posted that info and started this thread 13YEARS ago...so dont be too disappointed if he doesnt answer...
I sold my mint 97' C10 when I purchased the the 17' C14 - kick myself in the butt for doing so... Wish I had kept it as a loaner or second machine. Would never turn the clock back and not purchase the C14 though, much more capable easily outperforming the C10 in all areas.When I made the switch 6 years ago I sold The C10 right away thinking it wouldn't get ridden I was right . The 10 was nice but the 14 hits all the right buttons. What a machine.
The signature machines of guys like SISF, Bergman, Rev Ryder, Jim Snyder and others all came to be before the C14 existed.Ok, ok, I really need to wonder about the logic on this one. And please, PLEASE understand that I am not saying or implying anything beyond exactly what I am saying so please don't think I'm calling your kid ugly or saying anything bad about you or anything else like that, because I am not. I trying to understand WHY you would do yourself and suggest others do the same when there are much cheaper and easier alternatives.
Interesting perspective. As I mentioned already, I enjoyed my 9 years of C10 ownership for the same reasons you stated. When I sold it last month, with 116,000 US miles, I rode it 50 miles to the home of the guy who bought it from me. Mixed feelings on that short trip. It ran so well, as it always did.I reckon also that riding the same bike than 30 years ago brings back great souvenirs and nostalgia and explains partly this choice !
Nope..just an observation.So? Is that a bad thing? I found it relevant, since I just moved from a C10 to a C14.
Like I said earlier, I never owned nor even riden a C10...however I'm grateful it was there because if it hadn't developed such a loyal following then COG would never have gotten started. I also wonder if the C10 had turned out to be a flop, if Mama Kaw would would have even bothered with the C14.
So hats off and kudos to the C10 and all you people that bought them in the past so us newbies could enjoy our C14s and COG now.
You mentioned anti lock brakes. I can say with certainty it has saved me on at least once occasion. I was following to close which I rarely ever do and the guy in front of the truck in front of me slammed on his brakes and stopped. I got within about 6 feet of the truck and had all brakes under max pressure for a few moments. I really thought I was going to hit him and fall down. After a moment I pulled up next to the truck in from of me and the guy said I am sorry. He went on and said the guy in front of him jammed on the brakes but didn't know why. Must have been a brake check by a pissed off driver... so... you never know what might happen... so I keep my distance a good part of the time and anticipate the possibilities as much as I can. That means even looking at people tires sometimes, or, the load on a truck... does everything look good out there?We got to ride the new c14 back in 08. A very nice bike. At 5' 6" and 175 lbs even two up it is more bike than I need. In 2010 I got a 99 c10 and we have put 50,000 miles on it. My wife likes it so much that she made me go out and get another one. We now have a 2005 also. The c 10 does everything we want it to do and now the buy in is very cheep. The c14 has a few things I am not sold on, KPass, high test gas, integrated brakes, higher purchase price, and insurance come to mind. I have never had anti lock brakes so maybe I don't know what I am missing. The performance of the c14 might be nice but my normal riding would just start to scratch the surface of what it is capable of. For now I will keep the c10.
Lots of good info in here. Just a couple of things I might add.
there are touring pegs available that are easy to install. The AST pegs took me about 18 minutes start to finish...which is saying something as "wrenchin'" is not my thing. https://www.advancedsporttouring.com/Concours_14_Touring_Pegs_p/c14-14.htm
I agree with the height. I had a fellow come over to my gas pump and start talking about the bike. He stood about 5'8. I told him he was free to sit the bike or try to straddle it. At 6'3 I had Seth Laam give me a little more seat height and put the Knight Design peg lowers on. I told the guy that if I were his height and I wanted a Sport tourer I would look at the FJR because I have friends that have lowered them successfully. We lowered the BMW R1100 to fit my 5'4 wife and shortened the kickstand. So.....my take is that the Connie is rideable for guys of a certain height and I encourage anyone looking to find one who owns a C14 qnd sit it.
THe tank is a known quantity. I get 200 miles out of a tank even with the Mountain Runner. Better on long trips as I don't twist the throttle on take off as much. The BMW has a larger tank and that little sewing machine sips gas like it's having tea and crumpets. Still....I am willing to get on and go from Muncie IN to Chatam VA at the drop of a hat ....and enjoy the smiles the whole way down.
My son is coaching the Post Grad Team at Hargrave. His is in his 3rd year of recruiting, coaching and managing personalities.....Heading down the 9th to spend the weekend . Staying at a little cabin just off campus. http://www.chathamcottage.com/Where are you going in Chatham VA? I went to school there in the late 70's and graduated in 80. It's a tiny place. I grew up on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
I had 3 GTR1000 in the 80's and 90's, 1 GTR1400 in 2015, and now a 2000 GTR1000. I sold the 1400 because here in France till 2017 all bikes were castrated at 100hp and Kawasaki limited power on the 1400GTR badly, engine torque at low rpm was awful.
But even now that all bikes are authorized full power, I chose to buy another GTR1000/C10.
1000GTR's are more or less at the same low prices than in the US, but 1400GTR's are quite more expensive in Europe for equivalent mileage. It's impossible to find a GTR1400/C14 here even 1st version under 5500USD unless wrecked.
Also the 1000 protects better, has simpler and less expensive maintenance costs and much less electronics.
I'd say the C10 was designed as a pure GT like the BMW it was copying in the mid 80's, whereas the C14 was designed as a sports bike able to travel.
Even if the C14 engine is more powerful with better torque, I feel the C10 corresponds more to pure GT spirit, driving cool with excellent protection and lots of luggage.
I reckon also that riding the same bike than 30 years ago brings back great souvenirs and nostalgia and explains partly this choice !
My son is coaching the Post Grad Team at Hargrave. His is in his 3rd year of recruiting, coaching and managing personalities.....Heading down the 9th to spend the weekend . Staying at a little cabin just off campus. http://www.chathamcottage.com/
It is small but they are isolated from the rest of the world and the locals are very nice.
Like I said earlier, I never owned nor even riden a C10...however I'm grateful it was there because if it hadn't developed such a loyal following then COG would never have gotten started. I also wonder if the C10 had turned out to be a flop, if Mama Kaw would would have even bothered with the C14.
So hats off and kudos to the C10 and all you people that bought them in the past so us newbies could enjoy our C14s and COG now.
Stasch, I couldn't agree anymore. I built my 06 C-10 and yes, I spent some money on it. Thing is, I had two C-10,s prior and never had the desire to do anything with them other than ride. Good bikes just no emotional attachment. Now I don't know if I could ever part with the 06. Handling is good (17's) and stopping is more than adequate (big brakes) and no it's not fast, but speed isn't a requirement any longer. I had the great fortune of winding up with the carcass of Jim Snyder's bike. Guess what? I had a worn out K1100RS laying around and lo and behold, another game changing blend came together that would be hell to part with. Quick for a C-10, smooth beyond anyone's belief if they haven't ridden it, and a down right pleasant place to spend saddle time. Bonus is the virtual lack of heat, which anyone that lives in the south knows, is a virtue indeed. Here is my take. I built two incredible bikes. Can I afford a 14? Yes. Have i ridden a 14? Yes, although it was hammered. What did I discover? I discovered it was a well balanced powerful bike. I certainly understand the desire. I also discovered that it wasn't me. Things that touch our souls are what creates the priority.The signature machines of guys like SISF, Bergman, Rev Ryder, Jim Snyder and others all came to be before the C14 existed.
They were the leading edge of the C10 world - the pinnacle of 'what could be' to those of us who owned normal C10's. Thankfully these guys shared what they had done and how they did it enabling the rest of us to benefit by also tweaking our bikes in the areas we were able to.
Along that path you develop a connection to your machine that you have made your own and are loathe to part with it.
The arrival of the C14 was a whole new league of performance and refinement that I may yet own someday. Whatever happens, the ole C10 will always have a stall in my garage for as long as it lives.
Bottom line: Too many bikes to own, so little time.
Well that is awesome. I will be sure to tell him. If you are over there make sure you stop down at the gym and ask for Tommy.....he will give you the nickel tour of the gym and probably ask you tons of question about the culture when you attended. His job is to sell the school to parents and recruits so he is always picking the minds of alums. Seems to really like it there and really enjoys the #HargraveFamily connectionsGood for your son, great school! Yep, I was a 1980 grad from Hargrave. Ward Burton 2002 Daytona 500 winner was my roommate in 1980 and we were friends from 79 to 80 when he was there. Good guy, he was really good to me during his racing career.
Well that is awesome. I will be sure to tell him. If you are over there make sure you stop down at the gym and ask for Tommy.....he will give you the nickel tour of the gym and probably ask you tons of question about the culture when you attended. His job is to sell the school to parents and recruits so he is always picking the minds of alums. Seems to really like it there and really enjoys the #HargraveFamily connections
We did but I appreciate the candor. Just skip over the reply. No biggie.Sorta went WAY off topic didn't we.
Sorta went WAY off topic didn't we.