concours14 vs m109r

[fltcu]

i have a 06 m109r suzuki an thinking about trading it in on the concours14
is there any thing i need to know about the concours 14?
is there any trouble with this bike?
where is the best place to get parts fot it?
thanks all

[CRWDDYZ]

I just made a similar switch. I went from a Honda VTX 1800 to the C-14. I wanted something with hardsided lockable storage, that would eat miles across state lines with ease and have excellent rider comfort. The C-14 is that bike. My back and thighs always got fatigued on the VTX after 2 hours.
I could ride my duty bike, Honda ST1300, for 12 hours in total comfort, but it lacked power and handling could be better. I wasn't ready for a Goldwing...yet. I began my search before the C-14 was released. I followed its development while I looked at all the sport tourers from BMW, Ducati, FJR, etc and road all of them incuding the Goldwing and the Harley Full dresser. NOne were right in every way. The Kawi is the closest yet, would like to have Heated Grips & Seat stock, outside temp gauge, built in GPS, XM radio and speakers, Ipod connection all from the factory.....but you just can't have it all I guess. Maybe those things will come in the next few years.

I have had mine only about 2 weeks now but I am so happy with it. I like the VTX for its tourqe and styling and miss the rumble with the pipes I had on it. But I'll never go back. The performance of the C-14 is amazing. The handling, power, acceleration on a "bagger" is incredible

It is such a better bike than a cruiser could ever hope to be. You ride on a cruiser, you are part of the C-14 ! You should demo one if you have not yet. You won't believe how smooth it is...when I got off of the demo bike I said it was like riding ice on ice...smooooth. 6th gear is awesome...you cruise along effortlessly forever at well....you pick the speed.

As far as problems, none for me in 2 weeks and Ihave been looking , reading and scouring the forums for months now and see no recurring issues. There have been a few problems here and there with only a few bikes, but not the same problem and nothing consistent at all. I think the bike is well designed and tested, basing it on and using the ZX-14 tried and true motor was definate plus.

I also ride a Honda ST1300 as my duty bike and the Kawi is so far superior in balance, handling, power, etc...flickability and nimbleness are so far ahead of the ST1300 that I really don't know why one would by the ST1300 over the C-14....especially considering the ST costs more as well

I have already contacted Kawasaki about a Police Model C-14. Hope it happens. Honda sells a ton of ST1300 to law enforcement. Kawi was THE police bike for along, long time...now they can be once again.

Ride one and you'll be sold. Good luck.

[fltcu]

thanks for th info i'm going to test ride one staurday if all goes well.
be safe on that st1300

[concoursefred]

I have a 07 M109R and I purchased a 14 a few months ago. The riding positions are completely different. The 14 will feel much better in and out of turns. The acceleration on the 14 is very smooth and not as harsh as the 109. The 14 is super quiet. I did put a Two Brothers slip on to give it a little rumble, but nothing like the cobra exhaust on my 109. The 14 sits tall in the saddle when sitting still, but feels great once you lift your feet. I like having the bags and the front fairing. I can ride in some cold weather without much of a problem on the 14, but not so on the 109. You will probably get a little better fuel mileage on a 14. The insurance on both bikes is pretty close.

You can find parts for the 14 at several vendors, and they are becoming more prevalent every day.

[chi-gpz1100]

CRWDDYZ,

What do you mean by 'duty bike'? Are you a LEO?

[Roka]

Hi all!!

I have a M109R too, and last saturday I was ridding on a 1400GTR.

The kawa is a fantastic bike!! and now I'm trying to purchase one!!

Regards!!!

P.D. (Excuse my bad Enghish)

Roka.

[CRWDDYZ]

Yes..you pegged me. Traffic Officer. The ST1300 is a very good bike. I am on my second one now. Just not as stable at speed (above 80mph) as the C-14.

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by CRWDDYZ

The ST1300 is a very good bike. I am on my second one now. Just not as stable at speed (above 80mph) as the C-14.

Sorry to take this thread out of context but..
Am I not right in assuming that the instability issue is down to the additional very heavy equipment required on police bikes? They also have modified and uprated shocks to compensate. That appears the case in the UK where the police also use the Pan and some forces have suspended thier use pending tests as thier have been some police fatalities cuased by the Pan instability issue. If Police forces decide to use the Kawasaki, and there has been a report of one force in the UK trialing the 1400GTR, would the instability issue rear it's ugly head in the same way as on the Pan due to all the extra equipment required on the modified GTR / C-14

[gtr14greg]

The Pan/ST was late released in the states due to a high speed stability issue when the 1300 was new. Honda will not sell the Trunk in the states for some unknown reason. I suspect that the trunk has a profound effect at high speed. I have a GIVI trunk on my VStrom that produces a slight wobble in the bike at highway speeds.

G2

Originally Posted by Hitman

Sorry to take this thread out of context but..
Am I not right in assuming that the instability issue is down to the additional very heavy equipment required on police bikes? They also have modified and uprated shocks to compensate. That appears the case in the UK where the police also use the Pan and some forces have suspended thier use pending tests as thier have been some police fatalities cuased by the Pan instability issue. If Police forces decide to use the Kawasaki, and there has been a report of one force in the UK trialing the 1400GTR, would the instability issue rear it's ugly head in the same way as on the Pan due to all the extra equipment required on the modified GTR / C-14

[CRWDDYZ]

Originally Posted by Hitman

Sorry to take this thread out of context but..
Am I not right in assuming that the instability issue is down to the additional very heavy equipment required on police bikes? They also have modified and uprated shocks to compensate. That appears the case in the UK where the police also use the Pan and some forces have suspended thier use pending tests as thier have been some police fatalities cuased by the Pan instability issue. If Police forces decide to use the Kawasaki, and there has been a report of one force in the UK trialing the 1400GTR, would the instability issue rear it's ugly head in the same way as on the Pan due to all the extra equipment required on the modified GTR / C-14

Yes Hitman...that could all be very true. We have severely limited the additional weight on our ST's wherever possible, but it is still likely about 60 pounds overall all, but balanced equally front and rear. We have no rear top case on our ST's.

I should say that I have never ridden a stock ST so I cannot compare. And yes the C-14 may suffer the same consequences. Also our police ST's are speed limited by HONDA at 120 mph. I do not know if this is the case with the civilian U.S. models, I will find out. I have ridden at 120 and the bike has a little "wandering" from 80 all the way to 120. Its the same at 80 as it is at 120. it does not worsen. I will get a ride on a stock ST soon and a police model before any police equipment is added to the bike. We get them stripped and add all the police equipment in our own shop by Honda certified mechanics. I will advise how they all compare to the police model and the C-14, just to be totally fair.

[Clingy]

fltcu....I set my heart of an m109r (called M1800R here) and after much test riding ended up with a GTR1400. They are totally different bikes. The m109r is a beautiful looking and sounding bike, but was just so uncomfortable for me. I know there are loads of accessories to help, but I like a stock bikes. I am very pleased with my decision.

I hope the test ride settles it for you one way or the other.

[rifleman223]

Originally Posted by fltcu

i have a 06 m109r suzuki an thinking about trading it in on the concours14
is there any thing i need to know about the concours 14?
is there any trouble with this bike?
where is the best place to get parts fot it?
thanks all

Keep the 109! Get the C14.

Have a Warrior and I kept it... HEHE...

[fltcu]

well i went an test rode the concours 14 i loved the ride but will have to get use to riding high in the saddle an will have to have a larger windshield.
i don't think i will like it that much in town but tink i will love it on my road trips.
they only wanted to give me $7,000 for m109 an me give them $4,900 to get the concours 14 so seeing i have a harley dresser i'm going to have to wait to get the concours 14.
so i think rifleman223 has the right idea
[quote=rifleman223;49652] Keep the 109! Get the C14.
hope to find a used one oneday soon so i can have my cake an eat it to lol

[rifleman223]

Best of both worlds. I LOVE the viceral feel of the V-TWIN. It is different and amazing. I Could never part with the Warrior.