Kawasaki 1400s

[ramen71]

Review from other C14 owner group.

 

Plus:

1. Smooth: Very very smooth and quiet. I have been riding a 99 Honda ST which I really really like (still own), so I was hoping the C-14 would be as smooth and it is.

2. Power: Lots and lots of power and nice application in the power band. I have been taking it easy in the break-in period, not going reving over 5000 RPM in the gears, once to 6000 RPM. It is Red-lined at 10,500. I varied the RPM on the road 3-4-5000 shifting gears while cruising. Kaw is famous for its "gear-head torquely motors" and this one is no slouch.

3. Trannie: The six speed is very nice, with the 6th as a overdrive, 75mph/3500RPM. Some bikes you ride and you are always looking for the next gear to shift up. Not the C-14, the power band is wide enuff to be in a gear lower and not noticed it. So, I could ride along at 60 MPH, shift down from 6 to 5 to 4th without it being too noticable.

4. Kipass: Seems to work fine and is kinda kewl. To unlock the luggage bags, you either have to remove the Kipass key on the steering console or remove the key from the pocket key fob. I haven't fine tuned my key/Kipass arrangement yet. You get three key fobs and it you loose them, you have to change out the computer box, so I am told, big $$$.

5. Cornering: Very nice and stable in the corners and twistees, a non effort to execute.

6. Instrumentation. Typical of the new techno stuff, lots of buttoms to push and get memorized. (tuff to do when you are older) But, it was very readable and clear, day and nite. Air pressure sensor readouts kinda neat, nice feature

7. Luggage Bags. Nice and large, nice closing system and locks. Very easy to take off of bike and re-attach.

8. Mirrors are ok, somewhat blocked (maybe 35-40%) by the luggage bags.

 

Negatives.

1: Windshield:( I am not a whiner) I will start with my "Biggest Rant", the friggin G-D "Windshield". Are you listening Kawasaki? You missed it totally....understand ...totally. Why didn't you go to an Honda ST or Yamaha FJR and take some measurements prior to the design??????? They have it right....!!! The windshield is more like a "Crotch-Rocket" windshield that extends. Whewww....!! Ok, I will explain. I am 5'9", very average for height. When the windshield is fully extended up, I get all the wind, turbulance buffeting, wind noise, right in the face. (as an ole racer, I wear a helmet) It is so bad, that is better to leave the windshield lowered and take the wind in the face, without the turbulance, buffeting and noise, at least the wind is steady. Being a cross between "Shade Tree Mechanic and Inganeer" I think the windshields needs 4-5" added to the height. But, that might put it too close to the riders face, because the upward back extension rake angle of the windshield. Really, I was so pissed, I had a passing thot of taking the windshield off, breaking it in half and tell the dealer to give it back to the Kawasake rep. This windshield needs a "Fix" Kawasaki. Are you listening????? Honda products are very well engineered and designed, sorry Kaw, I'm the customer, buck stops here.....!!!

2. Seat Height: As I mentioned above, I am 5'9", 29" leg inseam and I can't sit on C-14 and be flat footed with both feet. I am about 1" to 1 1/2" inches short (story of my life)of reaching the ground with both feet. The seat height is a little high for me. I am sure Corbin seats will have a fix.

3. Tank Storage compartment: It is cheaply made, the door is floppy, the hinges and springs are weak. Looks like something you would find in the bargin bin at "Wally World or K-Mart" for lack of a better description. The tank compartment humps up and interfers with a magnetic tank bag. On the left and right side of the windshield/tank area is room for storage compartments, that would have been nice to have a couple storages bins.

[ramen71]

Features of C14

 

1.Shaft Drive

A real benefit for the long-distance traveller - virtually maintenance-free shaft drive.

 

2.Electric Screen

Deflect wind and weather with the electrically adjustable screen, reducing fatigue so you can ride further and longer.

 

3.Security in Mind

KIPASS* (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System) increases your bike’s security wherever you travel.

 

4.1400 GTR Motor

Precision engineering is the secret of the 1400GTR’s extraordinary torque delivery across the rev range. Variable valve timing optimises torque for blistering acceleration, yet still delivers smooth power for high-speed cruising.

 

5.12v socket

An all purpose DC socket with a capacity of 70W makes it easy to use electrical accessories.

 

6.ABS Braking

Linked petal brake discs all round, and radially-mounted front calipers allied with ABS, ensure composed braking under all conditions.

 

7.Tyre Pressure Sensor

No need for regular tyre pressure checks. Sensors deliver that information straight to the instrument console.

[HaiR1]

Hey........

 

Juz saw a Black Kawasaki GTR1400 near Dover Ite Coffee-Shop on Wed.....It's plate is FQ10*..

Nice Bike btw....

 

 

 

*CHEERS*

[HaiR1]

May i know wat's the difference between ZZR-1400 & GTR-1400..??

 

Any idea..?

[GuiNNeSS]

If you can't tell them apart based on the way they look, I really don't know how to explain the differences to you.....

 

http://www.johansmc.se/res/Kawasakitouring/gtr1400_08_gr_r.jpg

http://www.motorland.ru/2mc2007/img/0710/zx14.jpg

[YEN96]

14 looks like a busa ??? GTR looks like FJR / ST13 ?

[HaiR1]

yahhhh...

GTR more like tourin type....

[GuiNNeSS]

Any new ZZR1400 owners?

[dintigger]

there is one now at Loois ...midnight black cooooolllllllll bike man

[Nicholai]

Machine Price: 25.5K

 

Hmmm, very affordable for a Kawasaki here. Thanx for sharing the 411, man.

[YS]

Yesterday went down to Looi's saw one midnight black and was quote $29.5K OTR it's Beauty My Dream Bike COOOOL..... Awesome BIKE

[GuiNNeSS]

The ZX14 OTR is around 28k.

 

Look at it this way, you're getting the power of a ZX14, with panniers, touring screen, shaft drive and more gadgets, for only 1.5k more. Thats very good value for money. My rack + panniers alone costs $900+! Not to mention scottoiler and touring screen...

[CMYRS]

any new reviews or gtr riders recently?

 

wheres the best place to get one?

[YNT]

Tot i saw the ZX14 has a SOLD notice on the bike itself at loois

[swoosh]

some nice GTRs with after market exhausts

 

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1409/6331730/12290258/314903922.jpg

[swoosh]

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1409/6331730/12290258/314903919.jpg

[swoosh]

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1409/6331730/12290258/314903917.jpg

[swoosh]

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1409/6331730/12290258/314904651.jpg

[SoLoWinG]

hi guy.. any guys here own the GTR? anyone could give some comments on this bike.

[S-Line]

Hi Fellow Bikers,

 

Happen to read about NHTSA recall on the 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 (Problems with Saddlebag latched & rear carrier platform) in May 08 issue page 118. Feel the need to share with you guys as not to compromise safety as we are all 2-Wheels Buddies.

 

Recall No. 08V047000

No of bikes involved: 4645

Problem: The pivot pin for the latches that secure the saddlebag can break if force applied to either saddlebag such as in the event the bike fall over while parked or if saddlebag improperly attached. Continue use with latches broken can result in saddlebag come off while riding

Remedy: Dealer will change to reinforced latches.

 

Recall no. 08V048000

No of bikes involved : 3611

Problem: The rear carrier platform could break if Kawasaki genuine luggage system is installed on carrier platform and a passenger leans on it. The luggage system could become detached while riding.

Remedy: Agent to check and change if necessary.

 

I hope these recalls only affect the 08 Kawasaki Concours in the USA and not those coming to our shore. Maybe fellow Concours owners can check with your local agent.

 

Ride Safe!

S-Line

[CK_86]

haha... here... new zzr1400 owner...

[YEN96]

new meh ...hahahaha..yesterday only 2 14 mah

[DonDidie]

Any GTR's update on the 2nd shipment delivery....wat's the latest OTR and how's the 2nd shipment review?

 

Ramen71> Bro u manage to get an aftermarket screen..and ur seat?

[CMYRS]

heard next shipment coming in early july

also not sure about nos. as kawa in japan didnt confirm numbers.

[WildCard]

Just saw a GTS yesterday. Yio Chu Kang road going towards Buangkok.

Nice bike in real life.

My wife was very impressed with the outlook, especially the stock panniers.

But she says 1400cc is kinda overkill for our usage.