Thinking about a Connie

[Donk]

Thinking about buying a 2011 Concours in addition to my Super Tenere. I know there are several members who came from the Connie and hoping to get some opinions. Love my S10 but a lot of FL riding is straight, flat highway miles. I prefer to do it as fast as possible! In all honesty the S10 will go as fast as I can go while keeping a licence, just thinking of something different. Thanks for any helpful insight.

 

[Wanderer]

Howdy,
That's what I came from when I moved to the Tenere. I loved the Connie, my biggest concern was my lack of control when it came to the throttle. > The motor with the variable valve timing is a gem. I had no issues over 20K plus miles. I did add risers, a V-Stream windshield, a Sargent seat (IMHO a must have), heated grips and a Shad top case. If the mileage is in the 20K range make sure that that service has been done. It includes a valve check/adjust. The dealer mentioned it was a 12 hour job times what ever you're paying for an hourly rate.
Later,
Norm

 

[Donk]

Thanks, the one I'm looking at has 12k miles.

 

[rushfan]

I've had 2 C14's. 09 & 12. Both are great bikes. I also live in fl. For me it was trading top end speed, Hp & Torque for versatility. The connie is better with passengers & handles crosswinds better. But as soon as you get to secondary roads or dirt/gravel The ST shines. As far as solo riding (for me) the ergos are more comfortable on the ST. Not that the C14 is bad it's just not as relaxed as the ST. This link will show what I'm talking about...http://cycle-ergo.com

 

[rushfan]

BTW you will not get cold on a C14. It does a great job of moving the air around the rider. but it comes at a price when the weather heats up.

 

[Donk]

How bad is the heat? As bad as a Honda ST1300?

 

[rushfan]

I can't compare the Honda to the Kawasaki. I've never ridden one. The 11 (Gen 2) is better than the (08/09) Gen 1 bike. Keep in mind you're in S Florida... hot sun & humid... you won't get anything close to the airflow that you get on the ST.

 

[rushfan]

One of the nice things about the C14 was I never got cold on that bike. As long as it was above freezing I was riding until it got too hot in the summer.

 

[Donk]

It gets cold about 2 days a year in FL! I ride the S10 as long as its above 40 in WI and have no problem with the cold. I do however have a problem with the heat and hate being on a bike without some air. I appreciate your input and will probably forget about the Connie. I have a FZ1 if I want to go fast, its comfortable enough, although no bags.

 

[rushfan]

I'm in St. Pete so I know what you mean. That was one of the reasons that I moved away from that kind of bike.

 

[Tyke]

I had a 2008, 2009 & 2010 GTRs (Connie) and they are a great bike, in my opinion they dont pull as well as you would expect for a 1400cc lump and you need to drop a gear for some overtaking manoeuvres.

The bike is a bit dated nowadays despite updates over the last couple of years. Its heavy but doesn't ride heavy or it carries its weight well its also pretty comfy for a pillion it is reliable and reasonable to service yourself, front discs can warp and rear suspension adjuster will almost certainly seize, so check that out

If I was touring as much as I used to it would almost certainly be my bike of choice ::008::

 

[Donk]

I'm still thinking about it. My only concern is if the bike has heat issues for the rider. I had an ST1300 and it got HOT and I hated it. I realize there will be less airflow than my ST1300 but as long as there isn't a lot of engine heat I'm ok with it. Thanks all for your input

 

[justbob]

Kawasaki made some changes in 2010 and it helped with the ambient heat.
I had a 2010 and put 26000 miles on it in 2 yrs, I never liked the brakes or the weight, 690 lbs IIRC.
The brakes did not transition well and would upset the chassis when they grabbed mid corner.

 

[billyp]

Don't know if you looked at the FJR.I've had 3 and loved the 08 and 13.The 04 was hot as hell and the reason I sold it. 06 and up run cooler.Not quite as quick as the Connie ,but more than you'll ever need.

 

[Donk]

FJR is a great bike. Checks all the right boxes. Ridden friends '13 and "14 Somehow I cant warm up to it, just me I guess

 

[Squibb]

Save up a few extra Dollars - then try a 2014 .... or later FJR13, preferably with ES. I think you will be amazed at how Yamaha have refined the old beast. It's a great tourer with plenty of room for pillions & luggage without compromising the ride.

To my mind Kawasaki didn't quite hit the sweet spot with the Connie - the spec sheet reads better than the actuality. I know Tyke & Bryn on here are well versed on the subject though, so I defer to them for any detailed comparisons. Each to their own at the end of the day - just make sure you get a good long test ride first.

Ride Safe ................. KEN

 

[Tyke]

Save up a few extra Dollars - then try a 2014 .... or later FJR13, preferably with ES. I think you will be amazed at how Yamaha have refined the old beast. It's a great tourer with plenty of room for pillions & luggage without compromising the ride.

To my mind Kawasaki didn't quite hit the sweet spot with the Connie - the spec sheet reads better than the actuality. I know Tyke & Bryn on here are well versed on the subject though, so I defer to them for any detailed comparisons. Each to their own at the end of the day - just make sure you get a good long test ride first.

Ride Safe ................. KEN

I already commented on the previous page ::008::

 

[Donk]

As I said I've ridden the FJR and just can't warm up to it. And I am a Yamaha fan , have 4 of them! In addition to my S10 I have 2 FZ1 a Gen 1 and a Gen 2 plus the new '15 R1. After much hemming and hawing I think I've put together a deal on a '13 Concours. It has 3000 miles, unmolested bone stock, one 55 year old owner, and is the real pretty blue. Sent him a deposit and going to pick it up in a couple of weeks as we are both busy with prior commitments. See how it works out. As my wife says, if I don't like it I can always sell it.

 

[BravoBravo]

As I said I've ridden the FJR and just can't warm up to it. And I am a Yamaha fan , have 4 of them! In addition to my S10 I have 2 FZ1 a Gen 1 and a Gen 2 plus the new '15 R1. After much hemming and hawing I think I've put together a deal on a '13 Concours. It has 3000 miles, unmolested bone stock, one 55 year old owner, and is the real pretty blue. Sent him a deposit and going to pick it up in a couple of weeks as we are both busy with prior commitments. See how it works out. As my wife says, if I don't like it I can always sell it.

I had a '99 Connie for nine years. Next to my current Super Tenere, it was probably the best bike I ever owned. The only mechanical work done on it over the years of my ownership was the replacement of the cam chain tensioner. These are bulletproof motorcycles, both the C10 and newer C14 versions.

I love Yamahas, but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Kawasakis as well, especially the Concours. ::008::

-Bruce

 

[Donk]

Thanks Bravo Bravo. Nice to hear and good to know.