Jedz got a shafty... Well I'm getting a Shafty tomorrow.,

[Jedz123]

Well after 7k miles in the saddle of the new to me B-King I decided that the bike really isn't what I needed for my big mile, daily ridding, 2-up adventurin' stead. I was on the market for about a month now looking, test riding and weighing which bike to purchase... Upon few test rides, several days of research and the final vote passing through my significant other, decided to trade the BK in in for one for these:

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 W/ABS. 15K miles, fresh tires and valve inspection.

Getting a heck of a deal (more on my trade in then I bought the BK for this winter). Decided ultimately on the Connie for it was the most comfortable two up and it's just so damn fast and smooth. The shaft drive feels like a chain drive bike, Kawasaki did a great job with it. 43L side bags and loads of goodies and instrumentation. I was sold after riding one of these after the FJR then ultimately back on the hard awkward seat of the BK to go home.

So yeah I'm sure I'll get some flak for flip flopping bikes, I just wasn't happy with the BK, it wasn't giving me what I needed in a daily ride...

Approval came through today, with final offer for trade in on paper. All I have to do is sign and go tomorrow. I did have to finance a little extra for this one, but not much. No money down and a monthly payment for 2 years for less then $75 a month. A savings from swapping insurance monthly from the BK to the Connie... It flushes out.

I'm Excited to have a nice touring machine, capable of running 10's of thousands of pain and chain free miles!

 

[eddie21]

I have the 2011 version and love it. There's a ton of aftermarket stuff available for the C14. Check out the Concours Owners Group, lots of threads that can be helpful there. Look forward to seeing it and hearing how you like it. Very comfy when set up for yourself, I did a thousand kilometer day a little while ago and could have gone further if needed...

 

[Charlie G]

That Connie can sure catch a lowly GS1100g in licketee split! I've seen'um do it from my rearview mirror. Good choice.That will help keep the S.O. comfortable.

cg

 

[Jedz123]

The Connie would keep up with the BK in stock form, when its fully loaded... Well ok, maybe not but it's really not that frickin far off... I'd say she's as fast as my FZ1 completely stripped. The 1351cc ZX-14 vvt engine produce such a fat torque curve... Too bad I never got a chance to really open it up on a straight... Most of my test ride was in 35 mph zones and in traffic. Tomorrow we are planning a day ride back home with it to really see how we like it all day. But man it rides real nice...

 

[Rob S.]

I'm so sad. And disappointed. Disillusioned might be the best word. You waited for the BK like Charlie Brown at the mailbox waiting for a valentine. And when it came...you rode her in the snow.

 

[Jedz123]

Yeah I know, I'm sure I'm a "disappointment" to some. I was so excited about the bike but the 3K miles in 10 days was so rough, I don't ever want to ride on a bike like that again BUT I WANT TO RIDE THAT LONG AGAIN!... The pain in my back and derriere still are very fresh in my mind and oddly come right back after a quick 50 mile jaunt now, Phantom pains???... I look at the bike and think, I really don't want to go for a ride, then I hop on the FZ1. I can't have a bike like that in the stable. Especially one I invested a good chunk of change to be my daily ride and long distance runner.
I'm a bit disillusioned myself however I feel I'm going to get a bigger bang out of my buck with a more comfortable, long distance sport touring machine, especially one that my SO and I can both really enjoy together. Not be in pain together... The BK passenger seat is a torture device, 70 miles was our range before she hurt so bad we had to go home. We can ride hundreds of miles on the FZ1.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

One of my best riding mates had a C-14. He is an unbelievably good rider. He racked up a year and three tickets before selling it for a 2014 Goldwing, which he can still ride in circles around most mortal riders-and his wife loves him.

 

[dorkburger]

Disappointment? Not from me. You tried the BK and it didnt suit yor tastes/needs. You basIcally got paid to ride it for a few months!
Good luck with the new ride. I hope you and your girl enjoy it.

 

[dorkburger]

Just remember not to cry out Connie in the wrong situation

 

[Jedz123]

Disappointment? Not from me. You tried the BK and it didnt suit yor tastes/needs. You basIcally got paid to ride it for a few months!
Good luck with the new ride. I hope you and your girl enjoy it.

Thanks Glen!!!. Didn't even think of it that regard. We will, It's the one thing we want to do before we start producing our offspring. Have some fantastic motorcycle adventures.

Just remember not to cry out Connie in the wrong situation

Ha!

 

[Rob S.]

I think you need a 'Busa! :biggrin:

 

[btbarb]

I've been interested in the FJR, why the Connie over the FJR in your case?

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Jedz is like the 11 on Spinal Tap. The FJR is a 9, for the rational world.

 

[Rob S.]

You know, you could get a shaft (I hate them) and still be my hero. Four letters: VMAX. :xsmilie_mrgreen::xsmilie_mrgreen:

 

[Guest]

Nice!
From your stated riding goals ( Brother! ) it seems that a Connie would serve you well also.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

You know, you could get a shaft (I hate them) and still be my hero. Four letters: VMAX. :xsmilie_mrgreen::xsmilie_mrgreen:

Probably even worse as a pillion than the B-King. Nothing wrong with shafties, and lots good about them if you can get past the bit of hp they cost. Looove the cleanliness and low maintenance, especially on a touring rig.

 

[Jedz123]

I think you need a 'Busa! :biggrin:

No Rob, No... There were 3 at the dealer we went to today... Ouch. Thought the BK had a cramped seating position.

I've been interested in the FJR, why the Connie over the FJR in your case?

Here's the few reasons I noted:
Larger engine in the Connie and it has VVT. I felt the Connie had a more lively engine.
6th gear on the Connie. 6th is a true OD. Drops the Rpms about 800 RPMs from a 5th to 6th gear change. 3K rpms at interstate cruising speeds.
Gauge cluster and styling, I like the Connie better ( that's totally IMO)
Best shaft drive on the market (that is what I've read and it feels like a chain drive bike)
Transmission... I'm not the biggest fan of Yammy trans anyway but this transmission on the Connie is like butter, no clunks, no dead spots, no toughness... Awesome
SMOOOOOTH, The FJR had some buzziness to it. The Connie is crazy smooth and relaxed while cruising.
Best Seat for me and my primary passenger.

Jedz is like the 11 on Spinal Tap. The FJR is a 9, for the rational world.

LOLz. Thanks Pilot...

Probably even worse as a pillion than the B-King. Nothing wrong with shafties, and lots good about them if you can get past the bit of hp they cost. Looove the cleanliness and low maintenance, especially on a touring rig.

The Connie is by far the smoothest bike I've ever owned. The shaft drive and the motor make almost no noise... You hear caliper whine when you hit the brakes over everything else... Power loss is there, she's not fast like the BK but it's not slow by any stretch either. For a fully dressed bike the thing is actually, kinda stupid fast.

I got it today, rode 150 miles south to pick it up... The 150 miles home after the ride down with the BK was pure bliss in comparison. Adjustable screen is the frickin' bee knee's. Ahh man I'm hot, down goes the screen and I cool right down. Man the wind is blasting me too much, up goes the screen and I'm getting hit with no wind and my muscles instantly relax. Oof What have I been missing!?!?

Anyway pics of the new stead in my possession:
Stopped to get some H20 in me and took these.

Then had to work 5pm to 3am today, so parked at work..

Then the Mrs. stopped by to have lunch with me, she sat on the back the whole time... Can't wait to take it out on our 2 up adventures!

 

[Charlie G]

Nice bike!

 

[eddie21]

Well, she looks to be in good shape... (the bike too!) On mine I had to change the seat because it slopes slightly towards the tank. With my wife behind me and the brakes applied, I'd find myself speaking in a higher voice from time to time. I bought a Corbin and it was the end of that issue. I see it also has the stock potato launcher, mine does as well. A nice and quiet pipe, but I wouldn't mind getting an Area P or Muzzy or something, just for looks alone...

Your review on riding it matches my experience very closely. Hope you continue to like it.:encouragement:

 

[Jedz123]

Nice bike!

Thanks!!!

Well, she looks to be in good shape... (the bike too!) On mine I had to change the seat because it slopes slightly towards the tank. With my wife behind me and the brakes applied, I'd find myself speaking in a higher voice from time to time. I bought a Corbin and it was the end of that issue. I see it also has the stock potato launcher, mine does as well. A nice and quiet pipe, but I wouldn't mind getting an Area P or Muzzy or something, just for looks alone...

Your review on riding it matches my experience very closely. Hope you continue to like it.:encouragement:

Is the Corbin hard? The Corbin on the BK was torture after 100 miles. I sat on a BK they had on the floor with a stock seat and it felt better to me.

We did 120 miles today and we are both no worse for the wear. Didn't notice a sliding issue for me today. But I think I may go with a sheepskin cover for my only complaint is the seat doesn't let my butt breath. Other then that it's perfect. Lol I think we did more miles today then we did together total on the BK. We did 70 miles once and it killed us. Today we could have done 120 more and been totally fine.

It's a better bike for my needs hands down. I'm/we are falling in love with this one.