1400 Concours

[Rob Schwartz]

Connie vs. Sprint is very similar to my current setup.  FJR13 & VFR800.

Ergonomically, the current generation Sprint (1995+?) is nearly identical to
the VFR.  Both are great sportbikes with sporty touring capability.
Position is a bit forward, but comfortable.  If it were my only ride, I'd
want to get some risers for it as I found that a long trip on it is a pretty
long trip.  2up space is uncomfortable and very limited.  I imagine that
these points are similar for the Sprint.

I find the FJR to also have quite an appetite for tires, though I haven't
found my mileage (as stock, unmodified) to be as low as Julian mentions for
the C14.  I'm usually in the low 40's but a recent trip with the Missus on
her Rebel had me seeing >51mpg.  I was pretty psyched.  I don't expect a 650
pound 140hp GT bike to be particular easy on tires.  I'm interested to see
if the new MetzZ6 Interact would get me some extra mileage.  Got ~5100mi. on
the stock 'Stones and spooned on a set of "regular" (?) Z6s this summer...
Love 'em.  Anyway................

The FJR or C14 are going to be MUCH more touring oriented than the
VFR/Sprint.  They're big and they're heavy.  After riding the FJR, the
Interceptor feels positively small & nimble.  The big bikes are comfy
though, with much better protection from the elements and all the mod-cons
like heated grips, extra storage, etc.  There's plenty of 2up room and
luggage space (esp. with a tailtrunk... a bit much on a VFR/Sprint).

Did this answer your questions?  Of course not, but maybe it'll help your
buddy make a decision...

Cheers,
Rob in VT


-----Original Message-----
From: Julian Solomensky [mailto:jsolo at solo-tek.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2008 12:35 PM
To: Bill Magitz
Cc: gpzlist at micapeak.com
Subject: Re: 1400 Concours


Hello Bill,

Over 24K on mine now.  at the end of this month, 13 months of ownership.  No
major mechanical issues, had the saddle bag and rear carrier recalls
completed.  About the only issue I have is the throttle cable requiring
lubing quite often (1-2K miles).  When I tear all the plastic off for the
big maintenance job, I'll lube the cables entirely, instead of just at the
throttle end.

It eats tires and fuel big time.  I'm on my 3rd set, which MUST last through
the end of the season here in chi town.

I got a corbin seat around 7K miles which made riding more comfortable.  It
is a fully enclosed bike with a big engine, so heat is an issue.  Some are
not bothered by this.  For summer riding I prefer the stock shield for
better air flow.  For colder/cooler temps, the barn door gets installed.

With the secondary plates out, I average 37-41 mpg depending how warm it is
and how aggressively I ride.  A power commander is installed with an economy
mapping for the cruise band and performance for everything else.  When it
cools down, the mpg goes down too.  Range should be at least 175 miles +.  I
usually fill up 120-140.

Saturday, September 27, 2008, 4:39:38 PM, you wrote:

> I think we have had a few converts to the 1400 Concours , if you
> are still on list then help me out here. A friend is looking at
> either the Sprint or the Concours so I'm looking to get real riders
> opinions on the Kawi . Performance , comfort ,any issues and also MPG and
range. thanks.




--
Best regards,
 Julian                            mailto:jsolo at solo-tek.com