FJR vs C14

[MCRIDER007]

There have been a lot of mixed reviews and comments about Kawasaki's new C14 and how it compares to the FJR -- and the various testers' individual preferences and independence -- so I have decided to be my own tester and took delivery of a new C14 ABS yesterday. The FJR isn't going anywhere, I expect to be riding it as much as the C14 over the next riding season and will keep both unless I find that I have a clear preference of one over the other. I would like to get started today but while this is great time to buy a new bike it is a lousy time to ride it so its going to be a while before I can make some meaningful comparisons.

My 2005 FJRA has 30k miles on the motor, about 25K on the Rich's Custom seat,18K on the Wilbers Model 640 shock, and 10K on the GPSuspension front fork rebuild. It also has V-Strom handguards and a Cee Baily 3 plus 3 windshield that I use during the cooler weather. I think the FJR'S seat and suspension is the best of any motorcycle that I have ever owned. I had some vibration issues above 4500 rpms when the motor was new but they pretty much went away as the engine broke in. The C14 is bone stock and will probably stay that way except that I plan to put a larger windshield on it.

I am 6'4", about 225 lbs, and will be old enough to collect Social Security next year. I don't ride nearly as fast as I did 5 years ago but I still enjoy pinning the throttle now and then. This should be interesting, I have never done a long term comparison between 2 similar, but different, bikes.

 

[madmike2]

:clapping: [SIZE=12pt]CONGRATULATIONS![/SIZE] :clapping:

Trying to mimic your C-14's color.

It will be interesting to follow your reports. We've read and heard enough opinions. At least we should get a reasonable side-by-side, long term, "seat of the pants" comparison if you switch back and forth often enough.

I'll be waiting.....

 

[shokdimn]

Congrats on the new bike. I had an opportunity to test ride a C14. Very nice bike. Vibes in the bars, seat, or pegs were a non-issue to me (meaning hardly perceptible) in 6th gear at the local interstate speed on the bike I rode.

Looking forward to reading about your experiences with the new bike!

:bike:

 

[kaitsdad]

This should be interesting -

An honest user experience without any kind of influence from advertisers, editors, etc.

Really looking forward to your reports!

 

[MrTwisty]

Congragulations! Nice bike!

My '07 FJR is my first ST. I considered the K1200GT, but decided it wasn't $5K better than the FJR. I almost waited for the C14 to come out, but I could not wait, so I bought the FJR.

I love my FJR, but I have been wondering if the Kawasaki would have been worth the wait. I have read all the reviews on the C14, but it will be interesting to hear an evaluation from an FJR rider. Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[Jagermeister]

Nice! As if you didn't hate winter enough...now try it with TWO ST's in the garage!

Looking forward to your comparo-reports.

 

[jayke]

Former satisfied 2005 FJR owner, current C14 owner. I think you will be surprised how close the two bikes are.

 

[MrTwisty]

Oh do tell, Jayke. Is it THAT much faster than the FJR? Is it THAT much heavier? Does it handle as well...or better? What about the comfort? The FOB is cool isn't it?

 

[jayke]

Oh do tell, Jayke. Is it THAT much faster than the FJR? Is it THAT much heavier? Does it handle as well...or better? What about the comfort? The FOB is cool isn't it?

Neither bike is slow, the C14 seems to have more top end. The C14 has a more linear throttle response than my FJR did and has more traditional motorcycle power band with a hard hit 6K and up. The FJR feels faster below 6K. To me the FJR with stock pipes sounded like a jet or a turbine. The C14 is really quiet at cruising speeds, then has a wonderful classic in-line four wail when you climb into it. The C14 doesn't feel any heavier but is wider at the foot pegs. The seat is also about an inch taller than the FJR. Both bikes handle well, the C14 suspension is a little firmer but that might be because I'm comparing to my FJR at 37K miles. Both bikes are comfortable, the FJR has a little more legroom, the C14 a little more ground clearance. The C14 is incredibly smooth at normal highway speeds but gets buzzy at high RPMs. The FOB is ok, seems odd at first leaving the key in the bike.

Both bikes are fantastic motorcycles.

 

[FJRocha]

[SIZE=14pt]Congratulations[/SIZE]

I am looking forward to reading your reports. I guess it will take awhile for those to start coming down the pike.

 

[MCRIDER007]

I am looking forward to reading your reports. I guess it will take awhile for those to start coming down the pike.

Thanks to everyone for all the positive comments. The daytime temperatures here have been in the low 30's all week and we are just starting our winter so its going to be a challenge just to get to the 600 mile oil change. Maybe we will get lucky and have a couple of days in the 50's so I can at least give some riding impressions but the same thing happened to me at this time last year when I got my FJR forks rebuilt by GPSuspensions and then had to wait almost 3 months before it was warm enough to find out how good they worked.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Congrats on the new ride Steve. Since the weather on this side of the mountains is more moderate...I'll be more than willing to help a friend out and put some miles on it for you. Heck, I'll even change the oil at 600 miles...no charge.

See ya soon.

--G

 

[MrTwisty]

Oh do tell, Jayke. Is it THAT much faster than the FJR? Is it THAT much heavier? Does it handle as well...or better? What about the comfort? The FOB is cool isn't it?

Neither bike is slow, the C14 seems to have more top end. The C14 has a more linear throttle response than my FJR did and has more traditional motorcycle power band with a hard hit 6K and up. The FJR feels faster below 6K. To me the FJR with stock pipes sounded like a jet or a turbine. The C14 is really quiet at cruising speeds, then has a wonderful classic in-line four wail when you climb into it. The C14 doesn't feel any heavier but is wider at the foot pegs. The seat is also about an inch taller than the FJR. Both bikes handle well, the C14 suspension is a little firmer but that might be because I'm comparing to my FJR at 37K miles. Both bikes are comfortable, the FJR has a little more legroom, the C14 a little more ground clearance. The C14 is incredibly smooth at normal highway speeds but gets buzzy at high RPMs. The FOB is ok, seems odd at first leaving the key in the bike.

Both bikes are fantastic motorcycles.

Thanks Jayke, sounds like the C14 is an awsome bike...can't wait to ride one for myself.