C14 and FJR comparison

[Bounce]

Before you get too deep into your comparo, perhaps a little routine maintenance on your FJR is in order so that it's a reasonable comparison?

 

[Mogambo]

Before you get too deep into your comparo, perhaps a little routine maintenance on your FJR is in order so that it's a reasonable comparison?

Concur. I have none of those throttle problems with my FJR. If you're not used to it, the throttle may seem a bit snatchy (one person who rode it said this), but personally it seems just fine to me. Coming through corners or slow speed maneuvers are just not a problem.

 

[FJRMGM]

this is funny --> "3) Precisely my point. FJR is now old tech."

Remember, we are discussing a Connie here, the same bike that was basically unchanged for 20 years!!

And I sure hope that rumor about having to drop the Connie engine to check/adjust valves is not true.

After reading all the replies - I will still keep my '05 FJR.

 

[quietguy]

My FJR is perfect... and it's purtier than that 'silver' box (just funning a bit, but do prefer looks of FJR).

 

[BobbyBlue]

I finally saw one up close yesterday at local stealer...man..does this can make my ass look fat is right :bad: !!! its just big butt ugly !!! and all that wizz bang electronic key crap...sheeeze..wheres the damn kickstarter?

Bobby

 

[Stephen]

I do really like my '04 FJR, however...

Friends of mine own a Kawasaki dealer in town. I went for a test ride today on the Concours 14 and let me tell you... it's smmmooooooothhh. It's also very quiet. I didn't like the windshield nor the seat (mostly because I have a custom gel seat). I, too, will wait until next year to see what my NEW bike will be.

I also took a spin on the new ZZR600. What a toy & a kick that little bike is! And it comes in my FAVORITE color.. Fire Engine Red! :yahoo:

I'm a rider, not a mechanic or do-it-yourselfer. So my opinion of the bike comes from that prespective.

 

[.paul]

To be clear, I'm not trying to have a pissing contest about which bike is more smooth or whatever. I appreciate both bikes - obviously I like mine more

About not doing the TBS, I was holding off to maybe have it done at EOM but it seems that will not be happening due to scheduling and whatever. SOOOO, I'll just have to mosey on down to my local yamerhar dealer 'n git 'er dun.

 

[Yamma Jamma]

Clearly, it is not a car but the following that is the antecedent for the new Concours 14 :blink: :blink:

HOLY CRAP BATMAN! KAWASAKI PLAIGARIZED US!!

UNMISTAKABLE

 

[Yamma Jamma]

Batman and Robin are no match for the POWER RANGERS! :clapping: :clapping: :yahoo:

THE YAMMA IN FULL DRESS :clapping: :clapping:

 

[Bustanut joker]

Clearly, it is not a car but the following that is the antecedent for the new Concours 14 :blink: :blink:
HOLY CRAP BATMAN! KAWASAKI PLAIGARIZED US!!

Dood! I've been looking for a way to customize my bike, make it stand out in a crowd. Thanks for the idea Now to find the attire :dribble:

:jester:

 

[quietguy]

Frankly speaking, the one item I'd LOVE to have off the C14... the handle bars! Much taller than the stock FJR pieces. I may later try to find a set off a wrecked unit... see if they'll fit with stock cables.

Lennie

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

<snip>While out on a ride-about yesterday I came across a guy with a C14 that he has had for 6 days. He also has a FJR1300; ST1300; K12; and a Bandit in his garage :dribble: In no particular order, his personal observations are:

• the C14 handles better than the FJR and he had just finished running a highway known for twisties (Kancamagus Hwy; Rt 112)
• the C14 has the feel of a lower center of gravity
  

From Fred H. (COG Forum):

FJR feels more top heavy, even when moving. This really impacts handling in a negative way on FJR. Battery is mounted up high on FJR as is the gas tank. Battery is in center of bike on C14 (where is should be) and half the gas is under the seat. This results in a lower center of gravity and better mass centralization, and greatly improves overall handling. C14 feels less top heavy at parking lot speed as a result too, especially when the gas tank is full on both bikes.Balance - This is what I think makes this bike handle like it does. The lower center of gravity really seems to pay off. This is most evident out on the road and when you want to flick the bike from full left lean to full right lean. The FJR by comparison seems slow and hard to get turned in and top heavy.

C14 feels more planted at speed and seems to track better, yet feels more willing to lean over and nimble in corners

From September '07 issue of England's BIKe magazine (page 53/54, Kawi GTR 14 test)):

"It also gets .... a higher center of gravity (and, more importantly, higher than its rivals). Where its rivals (BMW, ST 13, & FJR) obscure their weight by carrying it low in the chassis, the GTR (14) is top heavy. Once you're rolling, though, the reason for placing the weight high becomes clear -- Kawasaki's big selling point over the FJR, Pan (ST 13), and BMW is the GTR's handling. .....the company have (has) shifted the weight north (up, taller) to help the GTR flick smoothly from side to side."

Both guys (above) might be right? -- but, for the wrong reason. Perception versus reality -- what most seem to want is a lower center of gravity. I don't know why? -- but, they want it..... :huh:

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

<snip>While out on a ride-about yesterday I came across a guy with a C14 that he has had for 6 days. He also has a FJR1300; ST1300; K12; and a Bandit in his garage :dribble: In no particular order, his personal observations are:

• the C14 handles better than the FJR and he had just finished running a highway known for twisties (Kancamagus Hwy; Rt 112)
• the C14 has the feel of a lower center of gravity
  

From Fred H. (COG Forum):

FJR feels more top heavy, even when moving. This really impacts handling in a negative way on FJR. Battery is mounted up high on FJR as is the gas tank. Battery is in center of bike on C14 (where is should be) and half the gas is under the seat. This results in a lower center of gravity and better mass centralization, and greatly improves overall handling. C14 feels less top heavy at parking lot speed as a result too, especially when the gas tank is full on both bikes.Balance - This is what I think makes this bike handle like it does. The lower center of gravity really seems to pay off. This is most evident out on the road and when you want to flick the bike from full left lean to full right lean. The FJR by comparison seems slow and hard to get turned in and top heavy.

C14 feels more planted at speed and seems to track better, yet feels more willing to lean over and nimble in corners

From September '07 issue of England's BIKe magazine (page 53/54, Kawi GTR 14 test)):

"It also gets .... a higher center of gravity (and, more importantly, higher than its rivals). Where its rivals (BMW, ST 13, & FJR) obscure their weight by carrying it low in the chassis, the GTR (14) is top heavy. Once you're rolling, though, the reason for placing the weight high becomes clear -- Kawasaki's big selling point over the FJR, Pan (ST 13), and BMW is the GTR's handling. .....the company have (has) shifted the weight north (up, taller) to help the GTR flick smoothly from side to side."

Both guys (above) might be right? -- but, for the wrong reason. Perception versus reality -- what most seem to want is a lower center of gravity. I don't know why? -- but, they want it..... :huh:

I think there is a magic spot...somewhere. The 2004 K1200GT has a lower COG than the FJR and it just does NOT like to turn. It takes real force to get the thing to move and then it's sluggish into the turn comapared to the FJR and R1200RT. This is IMO based on extensive test riding the BMWs and buying the FJR. Having the weight too low is bad, but having it too high can be too...I have seen mags bag on the FJR for having the battery so high when it suffers from top heaviness. I think the bottom line is that a lot of the writers have their various opinions, some founded, some not.

 

[quietguy]

Bottom line to eight pages of comparison... buy whichever suits your fancy and simply be happy with what you have. If you're not happy, trade the sucker.

Each of these machines have their high and low points, just boils down to personal choices.

...NEXT topic...

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Each of these machines have their high and low points, just boils down to personal choices.

True.....

...NEXT topic...

Not so fast there -- quietguy

And, thanks Orangevale for your considered and experienced opinion.

While I quite readily agree handling may be in-the-eye-of-the-beholder (subjective), center of gravity must surely be a finite quantity? In the interest of ascertaining the merits of bikes available, can't we come to a consensus of where this measurable commodity would be ideally located? And where manufacturers have hidden it? Apparently, the two U.S. owners/riders who offered their opinions (above) are in direct contradiction with BIKe's editor, Simon Hargreaves (who gets paid to ride and write about alot of m/cs)?

 

[quietguy]

Who cares... just make the scoots lighter. ^_^

 

[BDillon]

Settle down there boys (and girls). As we all know, what makes "you" like your bike can be very subjective. Fred's comments were based upon his thoughts, his riding style, and his overall knowledge of both the C14 and FJR. No one, and I mean no one should ever buy a bike based on what their "buddy, neighbor, co-worker, girl/boyfriend, wife, son, pastor" said to them. You check out the options, ride a few to see which one you like, and based upon that, you purchase.

Or just flip a coin like I did.....2007 FJR is the winner...

 

[tiiikeri]

Took the GTR 1400 for a test ride...twice! First only 20 minutes and second time for an hour...

Must say I was quite dissappointed...Here are some things what I did and didn´t like:

- the heat from the motor is absolutely horrible

- windshield is too small and quite rubbish, doesn´t offer protection in any position

- no grip heaters

- no adjustable seat

- no adjustable steering bars

- heavier than FJR

- absolutely miserable mirrors...all you see from them is the sidebags

- cost in Finland 1000€ more than FJR

- huge, ugly looking rear silencer

- GTR wasn´t as quick and easy to handle in the corners like FJR

- couldn´t feel the difference in the power in the normal riding compared to FJR, I think FJR has more mid-range torque

+ tyre pressure monitor

+ board computer

+ nice and quiet, powerful engine

+ comfort seat in short trip

+ stable and solid in highway speeds

+ brakes are good, even though I couldn´t tell the difference compared to FJR

I must say that I really wouldn´t trade my ´06 FJR for this GTR 1400 even if I haven´t pay anything for trade. I just love my FJR and will wait what will be the Yamahas answer for that GTR.Yamaha doesn´t have anything to worry about GTR...