MCRIDER007
Well-known member
Damn its cold here -- at least too cold to ride anywhere so about the only new thing I can comment on the C14 are the storage options.
The C14's saddle bags are slightly larger than the FJR's but are single walled on the inside so there is quite a bit more storage area. I am sure everyone has packed their FJR liners only to find that they would not fit in the saddlebags. I usually pack my liners about 2/3 full and they still are a tight fit. I also have a laptop with a 14 inch screen that will not fit in the FJR saddlebag unless I pack it on a tilt. The laptop disappears into the C14 saddlebag with 2-3 inches to spare. I can also take the FJR liners (the C14 does not come with liners) and pack them until they are ready to burst -- and they are then almost a perfect fit in the C14 saddlebags -- so its appears that the C14 bags have 40-50 percent more capacity than the FJR bags.
The saddlebag mounting system for both bikes is very similar except the C14's bags are slightly easier to mount and dismount -- probably because the mounting points are outside the fender -- which makes the back end very wide -- about 40 inches. However, the mirrors are 42 inches across so I guess if the mirrors will fit through a tight space the bags will follow. Two of the C14 upper mounting brackets also make for very convenient tie down points when the bags are off the bike. I don't know about the C14's aerodynamics at speed when the bags are on but the C14's faring is quite a bit wider than the FJR's so the air flow may go around the bags and not even be noticeable.
The C14's tank storage compartment is a disaster. Its ugly, has a very odd shape so large items will not fit and small ones will get lost, and there isn't any way to lock it. I don't know if it is even waterproof. There isn't any storage space under the seat except for a very small area over the ECM which is probably where I am going to have to very carefully pack my registration and owners manual. You really have to wonder what the design team was thinking about when they failed to provide a lockable external storage compartment. The FJR, with its lockable faring pocket and under the seat storage, wins this comparison hands down.
The C14's luggage rack is a cheap looking but pretty sturdy plastic platform, held down by 4 bolts, that will be very easy to replace with a larger rack or to mount soft luggage, a hard case, or attach a back rest. Its not pretty but appears to be very functional.
Overall, I think the C14's overall storage options are better than the FJR when the bags are on, not nearly as good when the bags are off. I normally do not use the bags unless I am on an extended trip so I may mount a small lockable trunk on the luggage rack to use for everyday riding.
The C14's saddle bags are slightly larger than the FJR's but are single walled on the inside so there is quite a bit more storage area. I am sure everyone has packed their FJR liners only to find that they would not fit in the saddlebags. I usually pack my liners about 2/3 full and they still are a tight fit. I also have a laptop with a 14 inch screen that will not fit in the FJR saddlebag unless I pack it on a tilt. The laptop disappears into the C14 saddlebag with 2-3 inches to spare. I can also take the FJR liners (the C14 does not come with liners) and pack them until they are ready to burst -- and they are then almost a perfect fit in the C14 saddlebags -- so its appears that the C14 bags have 40-50 percent more capacity than the FJR bags.
The saddlebag mounting system for both bikes is very similar except the C14's bags are slightly easier to mount and dismount -- probably because the mounting points are outside the fender -- which makes the back end very wide -- about 40 inches. However, the mirrors are 42 inches across so I guess if the mirrors will fit through a tight space the bags will follow. Two of the C14 upper mounting brackets also make for very convenient tie down points when the bags are off the bike. I don't know about the C14's aerodynamics at speed when the bags are on but the C14's faring is quite a bit wider than the FJR's so the air flow may go around the bags and not even be noticeable.
The C14's tank storage compartment is a disaster. Its ugly, has a very odd shape so large items will not fit and small ones will get lost, and there isn't any way to lock it. I don't know if it is even waterproof. There isn't any storage space under the seat except for a very small area over the ECM which is probably where I am going to have to very carefully pack my registration and owners manual. You really have to wonder what the design team was thinking about when they failed to provide a lockable external storage compartment. The FJR, with its lockable faring pocket and under the seat storage, wins this comparison hands down.
The C14's luggage rack is a cheap looking but pretty sturdy plastic platform, held down by 4 bolts, that will be very easy to replace with a larger rack or to mount soft luggage, a hard case, or attach a back rest. Its not pretty but appears to be very functional.
Overall, I think the C14's overall storage options are better than the FJR when the bags are on, not nearly as good when the bags are off. I normally do not use the bags unless I am on an extended trip so I may mount a small lockable trunk on the luggage rack to use for everyday riding.
