FJR vs. C14 Perspective (only)

[Primate]

Lost my 05 FJR in January to a cel phone jabbering Starbucks sippin' Lane Jerker. Had 23K totally enjoyable miles on it. Was not being aggresive or lane splitting at the time (perhaps a little too kicked back that morning)! Always been a Yamaha/Honda dude. LOVED my Feejer. This is my first Kawasaki ever. Bought the Connie in Feb. Both bikes are awesome. Just wanted to share.

Wrote a song about it too!

Sung to the tune of The Beatles "I'm down"

"I'm slidin' sixty and my gears torn in half

Cause you were drinkin' that Starbuck decaf

and I'm down ...... I'm down .......... and now I'm

down, down, down, down ...... you knocked me down "

(and so on) ..........................

===============================================================

Windshield(s): Both too short for tall dudes or riders who want complete coverage. Never bothered me.

FJR windshield lots of buffetting in full up position. No buffetting on the C14.

Width: Compared side to side in shop and tried to measure. Very close although seemed like FJR sidebags stick out past mirrors and used to skin them quite a bit splitting. Have not experienced this on the C14 perhaps because of mirror placement.

Height: Just enough extra height on the C14 to be a little less comfortable at rest than the FJR. Then again I'm short at 5'8".

Weight: Yup, C14 most def feels heavier at rest but doesn't seem an issue at speed

Mirrors: Yes, the C14 mirrors get cut off by sidebags. Took me awhile to get used to the location too (lower position). They fold nicely though!

Seat and comfort: Like them both. No complaints. Again, not tall here.

Power: I dunno man. They're both fast. Fast enough for me. If I wanted any more speed it'd be on a sport bike!

Engine Heat: Well, the C14 is cooler than the FJR but not by much. It's more like it's all to one side. Summer is on the way though this could be a wash.

Paint Job: Definitely harder on the C14. Used to have to baby my Feejer and polish more often.

Transmission: C14 definitely smoother. 6th gear is nice and definitely saves gas (on this model). It's all gearing though. I never had an issue with 5 on the FJR.

Exhaust: I've always liked the Yamaha factory sound over the Kawasaki factory sound. I even like the Yamaha 'engine' sound over the Kawasaki 'engine' sound. Does that make sense? I did put Dale Walker headers and Holeshots on the FJR. They sounded great but not over bearing and provided heat relief!

Want to put a 2-Bros can on the Connie but would like to hear one first or get some feedback.

Overall: I think the C14 feels more refined. I still think the Feejer is sexier! Both are great bikes. The only thing that beats either bike is a real good Hooker!

Anyway, thanks for listening. I don't articulate like James Burleigh but I do ride with him occasionally!

Rubber side down!

Deiter

P.S. - For a darn funny video check this one out!

https://www.brainsweb.co.uk/uploads/the-wrong-bike.wmv

 

[madmike2]

Engine Heat: Well, the C14 is cooler than the FJR but not by much. It's more like it's all to one side. Summer is on the way though this could be a wash.

I'd like to hear about the difference between the C-14 and a NewGen FJR. The '06 and newer have much better heat/air management.

Nevertheless, congratulations on the new purchase. Come out and join us on our NorCal rides...we're not "brand specific", we just like to ride.

 

[Knifemaker]

Engine Heat: Well, the C14 is cooler than the FJR but not by much. It's more like it's all to one side. Summer is on the way though this could be a wash.

I'd like to hear about the difference between the C-14 and a NewGen FJR. The '06 and newer have much better heat/air management.

Me too...and if you add up all the pros and cons in his post , and figure the Gen II does not have a "heat problem" like the Gen I... the FJR looks to be the winner there:

Better ergos

Mirrors you can see out of

Nicer exhaust

"feels" lighter

The C-14 has:

Less buffeting

Harder paint

Smoother transmission

The other issues seem to be even.

Not saying the Kaw is not a good bike...just saying still glad I have a 06 FJR.

KM

 

[ngarider]

With all the problems in the first year of production, the engineer in me tells me 'stay away' -- and I rode the C14, and IMHO it throws more heat on me than my 05 does. I think, wait, I know, that most of that is ergos. Unless its an ST1300, that thing is a sport-toaster.

But, in the end... it's different. There's alot of movement between ST bikes *I* think just to get a different perspective. Grass is always greener, etc. You should try a BMW next, just the turn signals will keep you occupied for 10K miles.

Good luck. Report back if you experience any of the issues some have seen.

With all the problems in the first year of production, the engineer in me tells me 'stay away' -- and I rode the C14, and IMHO it throws more heat on me than my 05 does. I think, wait, I know, that most of that is ergos. Unless its an ST1300, that thing is a sport-toaster.

But, in the end... it's different. There's alot of movement between ST bikes *I* think just to get a different perspective. Grass is always greener, etc. You should try a BMW next, just the turn signals will keep you occupied for 10K miles.

Good luck. Report back if you experience any of the issues some have seen.

 

[ctfjr]

Lost my 05 FJR in January to a cel phone jabbering Starbucks sippin' Lane Jerker. Had 23K totally enjoyable miles on it. Was not being aggresive or lane splitting at the time (perhaps a little too kicked back that morning)! Always been a Yamaha/Honda dude. LOVED my Feejer. This is my first Kawasaki ever. Bought the Connie in Feb. Both bikes are awesome. Just wanted to share.

Sold my wing last September while recovering from surgery. Did the ST1300, C14 & fjr comparo thing for months - had little else to do. After my exhaustive research :glare: I am waiting for the call from D&H :yahoo:

For me it looks like the right choice - I'll let you know in 100,000 miles

 

[nitelife]

I ride an 06 and rented a C-14 for a day and put over 400 miles on it. The heat on my left leg was extreme. The fan stayed on during 2nd and 3rd gear sweepers. In fact, the fan came on a lot unless I was cruising. I did like the way it handled on the interstate though..

 

[madmike2]

All of this has been covered in the "comparo" threads over the last year or so.

It will be interesting to read Primate's accounts as the miles roll on.

 

[daviddowns2000]

Width: Compared side to side in shop and tried to measure. Very close although seemed like FJR sidebags stick out past mirrors and used to skin them quite a bit splitting. Have not experienced this on the C14 perhaps because of mirror placement.

That is surprising to me, because I looked at them in the showroom side-by-side also and the C-14 looked much wider than the FJR. I didn't measure them so maybe it was just an optical illusion...but the C-14 looked like a bus from the front compared to the FJR.

 

[ionbeam]

From a pillions perspective, my wife had a sit on the C14 and she says いいえ (NO!). She really didn't like the seat/peg relationship, and it wouldn't be an easy aftermarket fix.

 

[DaveInMn]

Width: Compared side to side in shop and tried to measure. Very close although seemed like FJR sidebags stick out past mirrors and used to skin them quite a bit splitting. Have not experienced this on the C14 perhaps because of mirror placement.

That is surprising to me, because I looked at them in the showroom side-by-side also and the C-14 looked much wider than the FJR. I didn't measure them so maybe it was just an optical illusion...but the C-14 looked like a bus from the front compared to the FJR.

My thoughts exactly.

My shortlist included the FJR, C14 and R1200RT. The FJR seems much more compact compared to the other two (and others).

 

[Tenchi]

I'm very surprised that the C14 didn't get hammered on the heat in your review. It's one of the biggest complaints dished out when I was researching whether to go C14 or FJR, especially when wearing something other than leather pants (those in leather tended to not notice it quite as much). AussieDav rides one IBR style and says he doesn't notice them, but other people say for the first 6,000 mi it's one of the biggest pains in the butt. After that it's not too bad (either they're getting used to it or the heat problem dissapears).

Me, I'll wait a few years before going for the C14. I think it will be a great bike in the end, but it will take a few goes at making it real good.

 

[rushes]

Having ridden a Concours for the last 10 years I really wanted the 14. My biggest concern was it being the first year. I just got a better deal on the FJR.

If I had bought one my first modification was going to be the exhaust.

Is it just me or does anyone else think of one of these when you see that muffler?

 

[RAVENRIDER]

I looked at them in the showroom side-by-side also and the C-14 looked much wider than the FJR. I didn't measure them so maybe it was just an optical illusion...but the C-14 looked like a bus from the front compared to the FJR.

I too saw them side by side before purchasing the FJR. In addition to its seemingly smaller size, the fit and finish on the FJR looked better. The seat on the C-14 looked particularly cheap.

 

[Big-D]

Before I make any major purchase I try and look at every possible pro and con. This holds extremely true when looking for a new bike to fit between my legs. I bought my new ’08 FJR a few weeks ago now. To be honest, when I saw the first advertisements on the new Connie, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of those. But being they were brand new, I thought it wise to wait until I could get some truthful & reliable information on the bike first. After all, most new items have bugs that have not yet been worked out.

After checking with several dealers in Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio and California, I found that there have been many buyers of the Connie that had fewer than 300 miles on them and wanted to get rid of the bike. I was told that it was worse than the earlier FJR’s when it came to heat pouring out from behind the side body panels. Many people responded with “Any bike that puts out that type of raw power is going to produce heat. Don’t be a pussy, the heat isn’t that bad.” Well, dropping down 13k+ for a bike that has the ability to burn your leg while wearing anything short of leather pants has nothing to do with testosterone. In fact, unless the machine fits your every need, buying it would be plain stupidity. I’m 6’4, so I needed a bike that I can feel comfortable on. I spent a lot of time sitting on each the Connie and FJR. The pegs on the Connie were higher, causing my legs to be bent much more than on the FJR. The seat on the Connie seemed wider, although I hear the exact opposite. If I wanted a sport bike, I would have bought the CB1000RR. I wanted a bike that I can run out the miles and not feel I have just had a baseball bat taken to me after a 500 mile day. When I sat on the Connie, I was leaning over much further than on the FJR. Although for me, I think I will get the new triple-tree for the FJR that raises the bars about an inch and moves them back an inch also. I have already installed the Yamaha OEM touring wind shield (yesterday) so I am not sure how much better, if any, the taller wind shield will be. I will say the stock windshield totally sucks for me. I like the looks of the taller wind shield. I also installed the OEM trunk mount so I can have a place to attach my bags without scratching the rear rack. The Connie comes with a much better rack, although I hear it can break pretty easy. As far as handling, I think either bike will handle the way I want them to superbly. Hell, I saw two guys on new Gold Wings take on the Dragons Tail faster than I’ve ever seem sport bikes ride it.

Anyway, because the Connie w/ABS is almost exactly the cost of the FJR/A, they both have plenty of power, can carry loads of goodies and will probably fulfill the desires of anyone wanting a Sport-Touring motorcycle, I guess it comes down to personal choice. At first sight, I thought the Connie was awesome looking. But when I saw it in person for the first time, I was really disappointed. I feel it looks way too plastic-lee and cheap. I just couldn’t get used to all of those fake looking lines along the sides. At first glance, the FJR is a piece of art. The lines flow perfectly. Everything fits just right. Maybe when the Connie comes out with the 2009, it will feature important refinements like the FJR has over the years. Being fastest in a straight line race is not what I was looking for in a long distance motorcycle. I wanted a bike that has the ability to travel vast distances without running out of fuel. The Connie will require you to carry an extra gas can. Maybe one of those flat heavy plastic cans used on ATV's will work. If you don't believe me, talk with someone that has ridden across Hwy-50 through Nevada with a small gas tank and poor mileage.

Having only had my FJR for about two weeks and having only put about 350 miles on it so far, I can say I made the right choice. Everything on it so far fits what I was looking to accomplish. And the few items that need to be adjusted to fit my size are happening at a comfortable pace also. By the end on June my FJR should be just the way I want it. I guess the only piece of extra equipment I am waiting on now is a “FJR Forum.com” sticker.

 

[Parkerspop]

Before I make any major purchase I try and look at every possible pro and con. This holds extremely true when looking for a new bike to fit between my legs. I bought my new ’08 FJR a few weeks ago now. To be honest, when I saw the first advertisements on the new Connie, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on one of those. But being they were brand new, I thought it wise to wait until I could get some truthful & reliable information on the bike first. After all, most new items have bugs that have not yet been worked out.After checking with several dealers in Colorado, New Mexico, Ohio and California, I found that there have been many buyers of the Connie that had fewer than 300 miles on them and wanted to get rid of the bike. I was told that it was worse than the earlier FJR’s when it came to heat pouring out from behind the side body panels. Many people responded with “Any bike that puts out that type of raw power is going to produce heat. Don’t be a pussy, the heat isn’t that bad.” Well, dropping down 13k+ for a bike that has the ability to burn your leg while wearing anything short of leather pants has nothing to do with testosterone. In fact, unless the machine fits your every need, buying it would be plain stupidity. I’m 6’4, so I needed a bike that I can feel comfortable on. I spent a lot of time sitting on each the Connie and FJR. The pegs on the Connie were higher, causing my legs to be bent much more than on the FJR. The seat on the Connie seemed wider, although I hear the exact opposite. If I wanted a sport bike, I would have bought the CB1000RR. I wanted a bike that I can run out the miles and not feel I have just had a baseball bat taken to me after a 500 mile day. When I sat on the Connie, I was leaning over much further than on the FJR. Although for me, I think I will get the new triple-tree for the FJR that raises the bars about an inch and moves them back an inch also. I have already installed the Yamaha OEM touring wind shield (yesterday) so I am not sure how much better, if any, the taller wind shield will be. I will say the stock windshield totally sucks for me. I like the looks of the taller wind shield. I also installed the OEM trunk mount so I can have a place to attach my bags without scratching the rear rack. The Connie comes with a much better rack, although I hear it can break pretty easy. As far as handling, I think either bike will handle the way I want them to superbly. Hell, I saw two guys on new Gold Wings take on the Dragons Tail faster than I’ve ever seem sport bikes ride it.

Anyway, because the Connie w/ABS is almost exactly the cost of the FJR/A, they both have plenty of power, can carry loads of goodies and will probably fulfill the desires of anyone wanting a Sport-Touring motorcycle, I guess it comes down to personal choice. At first sight, I thought the Connie was awesome looking. But when I saw it in person for the first time, I was really disappointed. I feel it looks way too plastic-lee and cheap. I just couldn’t get used to all of those fake looking lines along the sides. At first glance, the FJR is a piece of art. The lines flow perfectly. Everything fits just right. Maybe when the Connie comes out with the 2009, it will feature important refinements like the FJR has over the years. Being fastest in a straight line race is not what I was looking for in a long distance motorcycle. I wanted a bike that has the ability to travel vast distances without running out of fuel. The Connie will require you to carry an extra gas can. Maybe one of those flat heavy plastic cans used on ATV's will work. If you don't believe me, talk with someone that has ridden across Hwy-50 through Nevada with a small gas tank and poor mileage.

Having only had my FJR for about two weeks and having only put about 350 miles on it so far, I can say I made the right choice. Everything on it so far fits what I was looking to accomplish. And the few items that need to be adjusted to fit my size are happening at a comfortable pace also. By the end on June my FJR should be just the way I want it. I guess the only piece of extra equipment I am waiting on now is a “FJR Forum.com” sticker.

I am considering the OEM windshield and am 6'2" I am anxious to hear how you like yours.

 

[FoolJustRide]

My brother just purchased a Concours 1400 two weeks ago and he loves it. I haven't gotten to ride it yet but we did a tour of the wineries around the NY. Finger Lakes last weekend and my brother had a blast as did my wife on her perch on the 07 FJR. He did tell me that he could feel some heat coming from the right side of the bike at times especially when the weather got sunny and in the upper 70"s. I sat on it in his garage just to see how it felt and it seemed lighter to pick up off the side stand then the FJR.

I'll keep you informed on how the Connie performs as it gets some miles on it.

 

[Dale Franks]

Actually, I like the looks of the new Connie. The vanes coming off the vent are kind of a Kawi "thing". The ZX-14 has 'em too. I like what I hear about the tetra-level shaft drive, too.

It's the rear of the bike that really bothers me. That big 'ol ugly can on the back has to go. And, when you take the bags off, you still have these small but ugly brackets sticking out.

Fuel capacity sucks, too. One of the things that really attracted me to the St1300--though not, in the end, successfully--was the 7.8 gallon tank. For a "transcontinental supersport tourer", I'd like to have more than a 5.8 gallon tank.

As far as power goes, I think that's pretty much a wash with the FJR. In terms of usable power in day-to-day driving conditions, I don't really think you'd notice that much of a difference, the 140HP vs 124HP at the rear wheel notwithstanding. Yeah, it's the ZX-14 engine, but it has received the ominous "adjusted for greater mid-range torque and friendlier throttle response" treatment.

And, of course, as others have mentioned, the first year of production isn't the model year to buy a motorcycle. Something is usually dreadfully wrong, but nobody knows what it is yet.

I was really interested in the Connie, but the FJR is a more tested product, and has a prettier butt. Maybe in a couple of years, with some more bugs tweaked out, a bigger tank, and a dual exhaust, the Connie will be worth looking at seriously.

 

[luvtoride]

I am trying to figure out why the folks that no longer own FJR's for one reason or another must tell us all about their new Connie, ZX14 or whatever on an FJR board. It would be different if the bike just came out & everyone wanted to know about it. This is about the 3rd or 4th post that I've seen on just this same subject... & it gets left in FJR discussion? What's that about?

 

[Knifemaker]

I am trying to figure out why the folks that no longer own FJR's for one reason or another must tell us all about their new Connie, ZX14 or whatever on an FJR board. It would be different if the bike just came out & everyone wanted to know about it. This is about the 3rd or 4th post that I've seen on just this same subject... & it gets left in FJR discussion?

Kinda a Troll thing ....

That and the fact that somewhere deep down, they regret not getting another FJR instead and come here to not only try to convince us the C-14 was a good choice , but to try and get us to convince them...

KM