MCRIDER007
Well-known member
After 3 days of overcast and barely 30 degree riding temperatures we got a heat wave of 45 degree temperatures and enough sun to melt last nights snowfall -- and I got to ride the C14 and FJR back to back in relative comfort. I was going to wait until the C14 had some serious miles on it before making any comparisons but one thing is so obvious I might as well mention it now. Everyone wants to know about the C14s engine and it is the smoothest inline 4 I have ever ridden --but-- I don't think there is enough of a difference between the C14 engine and the FJR engine, especially in the rpm range that you use the most, to effect a purchase decision. That also seems to be true for the other things that are normally evaluated during a comparison -- the differences are small and more of a personal preference.
The one thing that is different between the two bikes, and subjective, but should drive a purchase decision, is ergonomics. The C14 has a traditional sport-touring seating position with the footpegs slightly back that results in a slight forward lean and moves the riders weight forward off the tailbone towards the inner thighs. The handlebars are closer to the rider and it is very easy to lean forward and put more weight on the front wheel during aggressive riding or to duck below the windscreen. This riding position is very comfortable at high speeds and with the C14's wind protection and engine it is really in its element when used as a high speed tourer.
The FJR, in contract, has a very upright and comfortable seating position, much like the naked standards, that does not work as well at triple digit speeds but is extremely effective everywhere else. I didn't like the FJR's ergonomics when I first sat on one but became a believer when I found the FJR was both comfortable and fun to ride over a wide range of speeds.
Who should take a hard look at the C14? Anyone who prefers the forward lean position or is having severe tailbone problems -- or likes cruising at triple digit speeds for long periods of time and has found a way to get away with it -- or wants to try to break SkooterG's Whitepine mileage record. It would also be a very good choice for someone that normally rides with a sportbike crowd but wants to be able to keep up in comfort or just wants a fast, comforable bike to compliment his/her two up touring bike.
I think the C14 is a really fun bike to ride and am looking forward to putting some serious miles on it next year but if I ever did something so bad that my punishment was that I could only have one bike in my garage then my vote today would be for the FJR. I guess I am too attached to the FJR's ergonomics and all the different kinds of riding you can do with it -- but I reserve the right to change my mind if a miracle happens and my body starts getting younger.
The one thing that is different between the two bikes, and subjective, but should drive a purchase decision, is ergonomics. The C14 has a traditional sport-touring seating position with the footpegs slightly back that results in a slight forward lean and moves the riders weight forward off the tailbone towards the inner thighs. The handlebars are closer to the rider and it is very easy to lean forward and put more weight on the front wheel during aggressive riding or to duck below the windscreen. This riding position is very comfortable at high speeds and with the C14's wind protection and engine it is really in its element when used as a high speed tourer.
The FJR, in contract, has a very upright and comfortable seating position, much like the naked standards, that does not work as well at triple digit speeds but is extremely effective everywhere else. I didn't like the FJR's ergonomics when I first sat on one but became a believer when I found the FJR was both comfortable and fun to ride over a wide range of speeds.
Who should take a hard look at the C14? Anyone who prefers the forward lean position or is having severe tailbone problems -- or likes cruising at triple digit speeds for long periods of time and has found a way to get away with it -- or wants to try to break SkooterG's Whitepine mileage record. It would also be a very good choice for someone that normally rides with a sportbike crowd but wants to be able to keep up in comfort or just wants a fast, comforable bike to compliment his/her two up touring bike.
I think the C14 is a really fun bike to ride and am looking forward to putting some serious miles on it next year but if I ever did something so bad that my punishment was that I could only have one bike in my garage then my vote today would be for the FJR. I guess I am too attached to the FJR's ergonomics and all the different kinds of riding you can do with it -- but I reserve the right to change my mind if a miracle happens and my body starts getting younger.
