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AWESOME!!! Fast, Fun, Looks and comfort in one bike!!

I bought the 2009 black C-14 on August 30 2008. This bike was the first one delivered here in black. I commute to work on it every day 60 miles in traffic and at 80,90mph several times during my ride. I live in DFW Texas and the drivers are insane like anywhere else in a big city. This C-14 is so f...ast and handles so good that i feel very safe compared to the lawnmower bike everyone else rides!! Safety is HORSEPOWER, BRAKES and HANDLING!! This bike has it ALL!!
If you want to be comfortable not leaning over and be on a very attractive ROCKET that doesnt look like a grandpa bike, this is it!! Read Full Review

Good & Bad, but no Ugly

I've owned a red 1400 since January and am very pleased with its performance on all types of roads and speeds. In fact, after doing 1300 miles in 3.5 days over a combination of Interstates, back-country byways (paved), narrow twisting canyons, wide-open/windy flats, I was saddened to return home an...d reluctant to climb off the machine. It left me wanting to head out again: no aches, pains, or general discomfort at any point other than what follows. That's the good.

The Bad: No cruise control is troublesome, especially when on long stretches of Interstate. Wrists take a beating, but that is the same for all bikes. The really BAD: I was cruising on a back road with excellent pavement when I crossed a county line and the pavement went to hell: almost washboards, creating a sharp up/down motion. I was at the 3.5-day point, only about 50 miles from home. I write this because I wish to deflect the charge that I didn't attach the left hard case properly. Under the severe bouncing, the left case fell off and was hit by an RV going the opposite direction. The case exploded and a "yard sale" ensued. The largest piece of the case was palm-sized. I never did find the lock mechanism, etc.

Warning: If the case is attached properly, you can grab it, pivot it by raising the rear of the case causing the connecting piece (that goes down into the slot bracket) to come clear of the bracket. This then allows the front of the case to pivot upwards causing the flanges located at the foreward-most point of the case to clear the frame part. This also allows the front connecting piece to separate from it's retaining bracket. Once both of these connecting pieces are clear, the bag can then pivot outwards which releases the orange locking mechanism....all of which causes the bag to fall off. Try it while stationary and you can see that the attaching mechanism design is faulty!

Solutions? Here's the UGLY: Kawasaki accused me of both lying and incompetence with regard to this instance and wouldn't cover the bag failure under the new bike warranty. So, the new bag costs $600+ and DOES NOT COME WITH A CYLINDER LOCK. Kawasaki assumes that the lock can be located and installed in the new bag. NOPE! Thus, you have to spend another $135 to get the entire locking mechanism (handles, lock, etc.) and now also have a new, individual key for the one bag. It also takes over a MONTH to obtain the bag, lock, etc.

Upshot: I don't trust the hard bag attachment design at all. Kawasaki is unresponsive. I guess that they're selling enough bikes in this economy to ignore valid input from consumers. Also, even with the reinforing hardware, I am of the opinion that the after-market trunk wobbles to such an extent that the attachment points will fail at some juncture. I suggest constant inspectection of all of that as well.

Be safe riding! Read Full Review

spectacular bike

I just purchased a 2009 Concours 14 an put 1300+ miles in 4 days. I have owned many bikes over the years and all of the riding that I have done have prepared me for this bike. It is spectacular. I am very impressed with how smooth the bike rides at highway speed, as well as around town. If you ar...e afraid to go over the speed limit, do not buy this bike. The torque provides almost effortless speed. The bike does get warm, especially in 90 degree weather and you can feel the 600 pounds if you are use to a more flickable bike. I looked at Yamaha, Honda, Triumph, and BMW and I am convinced the Concours is the best to date. Read Full Review

C14 vs. FJR

The C14 has inverted forks with all the adjustments/ FJR old antique forks. C14 4 link rear suspension like BMW/ FJR standard shaft drive...blaaa. C14 6 speed w/overdrive/ FJR 5 speed and less power. C14 Keyless ignition/ FJR looking for keys in your pocket! C14 contoured to fit your legs/ FJR has... fairings from old R1 slapped on sides. C14 has so many innovative features that the FJR looks old in comparison. I have been riding a C14 since last year and it is AWESOME!!!!! Read reviews on FJR and only thing they love is more range....buy a honda civic. Good luck and ride safe. C14(DFW TEXAS) Read Full Review

perfect. exept:

I bought the 09 concourse in march of 09. great bike in everyway exept mine puts off alot of heat around my legs, I commute 62 miles aday to work. I live in the dallas area, by the time I get to work, or home my legs are on fire. can anyone tell me what I can do about the heat. does anyone else have... the same problem? please call 903-267-0971. I love this bike, just gets to hot. Read Full Review