Had fun @ AIM- Columbus!

[IanDMacDonald]

Rode-down with my younger brothers. 4-hour trip, free motorcycle parking. The highlight of the show the outdoor demo rides. Yamaha, Honda, Indian, Harley, BMW all had their bikes (Kawasaki had their Z-bikes).

I rode the new Venture, and I was sadly disappointed. The clutch friction zone was not adjusted properly on mine, so it was at the tippy-top of the release. So, when u went to take-off, u had to feather the release of the clutch. The tranny was clunky. The engine/exhaust was ungodly HOT at your ankles. And, I mean HOT!!! The bike was just a brute at stop lights. The power was that of a V-twin, nothing to write home about. The front brake felt mushy, and did not seem upto the task of stopping the bike in a panic stop.

I absolutely LOVED the Harley, (not Harleys) I rode. First one I rode was the Ultra Limited CVO. What an amazingly beautiful bike, at a stomach-churning price! Power was amazing, felt great around the city! I could see myself buying one if I had more money!

The Indians I rode were equally nice. Just classic beauty, with amazing sound systems!!

But, the star of the show . . . The GOLDWING!!! Man oh man, what a smooth ride that was!!! The bummer of the ride was the lead rider did not move the tour any faster than 45 mph, so I never got to fully open it up. I could feel there was torque there, but it was not as-much as I was hoping for an 1800cc bike. You'd think there'd be more! It was just soooooo smooth & enjoyable! My brothers were on the naked version (FB6), and loved it.

I was very disappointed that Kawasaki did not being their whole line of bikes, as I wanted to ride the Connie.

Overall, Columbus is not conducive to demo rides to to the traffic volume, and roads. I enjoy the rural dealerships when they offer demo rides.

There is a demo ride at Harley Davidson in Michigan today, and we were gonna go, but I'm kinda over riding for the weekend, lol. 500 miles on a sport bike has your rear feelin' like u sat on concrete for a week straight.

One more thing . . . Motion Pro has some awesome stuff coming out! Great guys to talk to!

[donebysunday]

Can't wait

for them to do this in Milwaukee or near !
Sounds like a good time !
How much time did you spend there with the bikes and after market parts guys ?

[JeffH]

Thanks for the Report. A good read. Always great to spend time with brothers (or family) when you can. Makes it a + + when both brothers and bikes are combined.

Yep, it is difficult to get a true sense of a bike during one of those controlled rides especially when you don't get to open it up much. or get to crank it it the Twisties to get a true sense of the total machine. Though still fun and interesting to ride a few different bikes back to back.

Jeff

[IanDMacDonald]

for them to do this in Milwaukee or near !
Sounds like a good time !
How much time did you spend there with the bikes and after market parts guys ?

Done- This was two separate events, on the same campus. Manufacturers and vendors inside that we talked to for a walking total of about four hours, and five hours total of demo riding back-to-back.

[XJOK2PLAY]

Ian,
I recently saw that the C14 Concours for 2018 is the same as the previous models, yet again. Only change- now will only come in 2 colors, black or grey.

2008-2018. Primary changes;
1) fairing. Changed to exhaust heat away from rider better than '08-'09 models. Changed in 2010. Mirror height changed. Windscreen larger.
2) ABS & linked brakes- added to ALL Connies by 2010.
3) KTRC- added to ALL Connies by 2010.
4) Top "glove box"- moved from top of tank to deeper one on left side w/ electrically locking lid in 2010.
5) colors- only 1 color in '08. Added other various colors over the years.
6) Seat- 2011- optional Kawasaki Gel seat. 2015- Introduced the touring seat.
7) 2015, added vent to windscreen and enlarged screen slightly.
8) 2010- heated grips added to ALL Connies.
9) 2010- top speed limiters of 158 mph added to all C14 ecu's.
10) 2010- left side handlebar switch added to scroll through menu selections. ECO mode added for fuel economy.

Other than these, it's about all the changes they've made over 10+ years.
Pretty much the same bike since 2010.

2 big changes most C14 owners would like to see are cruise control and electrically adjustable suspension controls with improvements to suspension.

But, doubt that will happen. Kawi will probably either follow their previous pattern and regurgitate the same bike forever, then release something that's earth shattering... or drop the sport touring line all together.

C14's are great bikes, don't get me wrong. Best bang for the buck out there. BUT, Kawi's let the model go stale, unlike Yamaha's FJR. Recent revisions and upgrades to the FJR have kept that model alive and still a great bike that competes well.
Bob