Going to the darkside..................

[dbvolfan]

No, I am not adding a car tire to the back of my FJR. I am pulling the trigger on an almost new C14 ABS.

I really, really struggled with whether or not to get another FJR as mine has been awesome (I plan to keep it and ride it 50% of the time) but in the end I felt like it was time for something different. For me, I really cant tell much of a difference. I Have 52k trouble free miles on the FJR and I am very familiar with it so there would have been a lot of advantages to getting another one but my gut just felt like going out on a limb.

The premium fuel doesnt bother me but the 15k valve intervals is a little concerning.....nonetheless it's going to be different. My wife will be on the FJR at NAFO (assuming she doesnt divorce me after she finds out I bought this). I'll be the outsider on the C14.

 

[rushes]

No, I am not adding a car tire to the back of my FJR. I am pulling the trigger on an almost new C14 ABS. I really, really struggled with whether or not to get another FJR as mine has been awesome (I plan to keep it and ride it 50% of the time) but in the end I felt like it was time for something different. For me, I really cant tell much of a difference. I Have 52k trouble free miles on the FJR and I am very familiar with it so there would have been a lot of advantages to getting another one but my gut just felt like going out on a limb.

The premium fuel doesnt bother me but the 15k valve intervals is a little concerning.....nonetheless it's going to be different. My wife will be on the FJR at NAFO (assuming she doesnt divorce me after she finds out I bought this). I'll be the outsider on the C14.

I got some rotten tomaters I was tryin ta figger out what ta do with....

 

[dbvolfan]

Well, it's mine. I'll have it Monday night and probably sign the divorce papers Tuesday morning.

Have to admit the 2010's are really nice with the refinements they made however I wasnt going to get away with spending that much money. My orders were to keep it below $7k.

Still have 4 years of warranty left too and only 3k miles.

 

[SkooterG]

That is one FUGLY bike. My condolences.

 

[dbvolfan]

That is one FUGLY bike. My condolences.

Hey it ain't Friday yet! Yes, I struggle with that damn exhaust pipe and the Pontiac inspired ribs but it's different

I prefer to call it divirsification. I now have a Honda, Yamaha and Kawi sitting in the garage. I might be pushing it if I were to ask the wife to park outside the garage to make more room for the bikes!

 

[Duezzer]

What's the honda?

Let me know if you actually do 50% of the time on each

When you buying the WeeStrom?

 

[dbvolfan]

What's the honda?
Let me know if you actually do 50% of the time on each

When you buying the WeeStrom?

The Honda is an '05 Shadow VLX 600. It's gotta go though.....it was my wife's starter bike and now 22k miles later she still rides the snot out of it. I started letting her ride my FJR knowing that she would fall in love with the power and wind protection and it worked......she eventually hinted that another SST bike in the garage wouldnt be so bad if it wasnt new and was below $7k I am done buying bikes......at least for another 5 years.

I think I'll still split the riding time. I actually rode the little shadow about 25% of the time this year simply because it was fun to throw around and it too was different. I absolutely love my FJR and dont plan on ever getting rid of it.

 

[Duezzer]

Friend had a VLX - had fun on it a few times

They are a great bike

Tough as nails

Enjoy the rides -

 

[Greb]

I'll be interested to hear more FJR vs C14 comparisons as you get more saddle time. I looked at a 2010 recently and it has ZERO storage under the saddle. I love the display selector switch on the handlebar and the windshield bracketry and system seems to have more refinement than the FJR. I would be happy with either bike.

 

[dbvolfan]

Yeah, I'll defintely be posting some comps as I get some more seat time. I also need to replace the POS BT021's on the C14 which are so cupped the handling is downright scary.

My guess is it will be a tossup and I'll end up loving them both.

Initial Impressions (keep in mind I am 6' with a 32" inseam)

Weight- C14 definitly feels heavy...I know it weighs more than the FJR and you can feel every bit of it when pushing it in N. My guess is the FJR is more nimble but until I replace these BT021's and set up the suspension I'll withhold judgement.

Seat (both stock)- The C14 feels a little softer and conforms to my bums better but I havent yet put any serious seat time on it either. It is narrower up front and doesnt feel as broad which I Like.

Windscreen (stock)- Really lame on the C14 but then again the stock FJR one created all kinds of issues for me. I'll clearly need to add a VStream or taller one to the C14 to get the protection I want

Instrumentation- I really really like the info center on the C14. Still dont know about the KIPASS. It's well documented that people have been stranded with it but it's the internet. so who knows how pervasive it is. Heck, I recall being terrified about my '05 FJR when I bought it because I Just knew it was ticking!

Storage- Sidebags hold more in the C14 but no underseat storage and the compartment on top of the gas tank is good for a key and maybe a small cell phone. Sidebags on the C14 feel as if they are attached better (assuming you had the latch recall performed)

Engine- I think the C14 makes a lof of CC noise (well documented if started on the sidestand for at least 10 seconds after startup). It's buttery smooth when giving it gas and flat out sounds good

Transmission- Slipper clutch on the C14 is a nice feature but takes some getting used to as the engagement point is much later than my FJR. I think the C14 is smoother and doesnt clunk as much but heck my FKR has 52k trouble free miles on it so who cares if it clunks...it works! The proof is in the mileage!

Gas mileage is clearly in the FJR's corner plus you dont need to use 90+ octane. No biggie in the grand scheme of things for me.

Maintenance- Still my biggest fear on the C14. Valve checks at 15k?! Further more it appears people actually need shims at many of their checks unlike the FJR. We'll see...........

 

[FJRBluesman]

That bloody thing looks like a Winnebago! Dials and gadgets everywhere. "Flight number 742 you're clear for landing on runway 1-4-9er, over!"

Great color looks like the 2033, 2004 FJR or 2010, 2011 FJR or any AE models in between….

Seriously, enjoy your new scoot, looks like a wild ride!