Done for the year...

[ponch]

You aren't the first person to say that. It's missing a few things like cruise control, heated seats and grips, it's heavy, and the touring version is neutered. I am not saying it's a bad bike, but it doesn't do anything for me.

Originally Posted by loafer

Ponch, Have you tried the Triumph Rocket III Custom Touring? It has a big seat and an upright style, plenty of power.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by rayski271

sorry cant put bike away this early still have manteno vets home ride and toys for tots ride to do yet

Doesn't surprise me Ray... I figured you'd ride way later in the year than I would. I rode a few weeks ago early in the morning for a couple hours when the temp was 41 degrees. I wasn't dressed quite warm enough; but made it to where I was going.

Typically; when it gets into the low to mid 50's I start hanging it up. Just get too frosted to enjoy it.

I need to get heated grips and seat. That might change my mind.

When are these events you are talking about? Toys for Tots has to be closer to the end of November, if not in December yet. It has to be real cold by then

[ponch]

It was in the mid to upper 40's when I test rode the BMW and I will tell you the heated seat and grips make a world of difference. I can't imagine not having them now. 30 degrees wouldn't be an issue.

Originally Posted by glwilson

Doesn't surprise me Ray... I figured you'd ride way later in the year than I would. I rode a few weeks ago early in the morning for a couple hours when the temp was 41 degrees. I wasn't dressed quite warm enough; but made it to where I was going.

Typically; when it gets into the low to mid 50's I start hanging it up. Just get too frosted to enjoy it.

I need to get heated grips and seat. That might change my mind.

When are these events you are talking about? Toys for Tots has to be closer to the end of November, if not in December yet. It has to be real cold by then

[biscuitsngravy]

Ponch, if you need to use my cargo trailer this winter, let me know. It's yours if you need it. BnG

[ponch]

Thanks BnG, I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by BiscuitsNGravy aka Dave Mills

Ponch, if you need to use my cargo trailer this winter, let me know. It's yours if you need it. BnG

[glwilson]

Dave... then you would be committing the crime of helping a KawaNOW member switch bike brands...

I don't know what the punishment would be for such an unthinkable act!!! Hanging maybe...?

[ponch]

Well, it's not over yet and the C14 is a very dark horse in this race. We'll see how it goes.

Originally Posted by glwilson

Dave... then you would be committing the crime of helping a KawaNOW member switch bike brands...

I don't know what the punishment would be for such an unthinkable act!!! Hanging maybe...?

[Loafer]

Ponch, Did the BMW have sufficient wind protection for the knees and feet? Did you like having footpegs instead of footboards? The C 14 is a great bike, if I owned one, I would be in jail for driving it like it wants to be driven. I've not tried the Yamaha FJ1300R, I sat on one and it feels very small. The C14 feels enormous to me. Just saying.

[ponch]

The wind protection was very good. As far as feet and legs, better than the Nomad. Being very tall, I'd have to change the windscreen to a larger size as I had it all the way up and I had some buffeting, but it was still behind it. I stuck my hand out a couple times and was surprised at the wind blast outside the coverage, so it works well.

The thing about the pegs is that, that is it as far as position goes. It wasn't an issue on the ride I took it on and they do make peg lowering kits for it. I have also seen highway pegs for it, but that looked weird.

You could get in trouble with this bike too. It's geared high and I had trouble keeping it under 90. I think the top speed is near 140. The C14 can make nearly 160 I believe. On the power ratings, it's something like 157 for the C14 and 110 for the RT, torque is 102 for the C14 vs 88 for the 2010 and up, 85 for older RT. When you consider these are smaller engines than the bigger cruisers, they make decent torque.

With the C14, I'd have to change the seat, raise the bars, lower the pegs, and get a trunk. That's $1400 right there.

The C14 is 670lbs wet. The RT is 570lbs wet. The RT holds more fuel (7.1 gallons for 2009 and older, 6.6 gallons for the 2010 and up) and gets better mileage than the C14. 300 mile range is very possible on the RT.

The RT has a carrying capacity of 520lbs. That's more than the Ultra is rated for and some other large cruisers. The C14 is 482.


The one thing I do like about the boxer engine is that it's all right there. Nothing much to remove to service the valves. With transverse mounted engines in bodywork, it's a drag to have to do routine maintenance.

Another thing is the RT uses a dry clutch, so the engine and transmission use different lubricants. This is a plus with oil longevity and what you can use.

All that being said the C14 is a great bike. I think it should have been the platform for the Voyager. Add 100ccs for a bit more torque and HP and setup the ergos for two up with a trunk. It would have weighed about 700-725 wet, which is 200lbs lighter than a GW. It woud have been a GW killer like the K1600GTL will be and it would have been more original as opposed to the Ultra interpretation with the Voyager 1700.

Originally Posted by loafer

Ponch, Did the BMW have sufficient wind protection for the knees and feet? Did you like having footpegs instead of footboards? The C 14 is a great bike, if I owned one, I would be in jail for driving it like it wants to be driven. I've not tried the Yamaha FJ1300R, I sat on one and it feels very small. The C14 feels enormous to me. Just saying.

[Loafer]

You have done the homework. Personally I think you will go with BMW. Sounds like a better fit with the right options for you.

[ponch]

It ain't over until the fat lady sings. What buffers me in all cases is that I am a cheap SOB.

Originally Posted by loafer

You have done the homework. Personally I think you will go with BMW. Sounds like a better fit with the right options for you.

[ponch]

I should be picking up the new bike on Saturday. Got the 2009 leftover with the topcase.

Originally Posted by ponch

It ain't over until the fat lady sings. What buffers me in all cases is that I am a cheap SOB.

[Loafer]

You will have a huge smile on Saturday, enjoy. ;)

[stretch]

Hey Ponch,

Congrats on the new bike! Are you going to NC next June?

Tim

[ponch]

Don't know. The wife has a family trip brewing next year and it depends of where it is. She's been talking west coast. I usually get one trip in on the bike, so I will have to see what the scheduling is like. It's either the west coast or east coast.

Originally Posted by stretch

Hey Ponch,

Congrats on the new bike! Are you going to NC next June?

Tim