Ram SRT Bike Riders / Iron Butt Association Members

[kennygene]

He was on the 1000. He liked the bike and while he managed to get it back on the road it was never the same. He went with the ST1300 earlier this year. Too boring a bike for me. As for Concours14...did you see my sig? GTR1400 IS the Concours14.

I had my second Aprilia Futura and also an 04 FJR1300 but was ready for something else. I was seriously looking at the K12GT but BMWNA still left a sour taste in my mouth. I was close to buying one anyways as my local dealer kept reassuring me he'd take care of me regardless. Thats when the 14 was announced so I put a deposit down and waited. Couple delays but finally got it. Put a quick 10K miles on it but as I said before haven't been doing much LD riding or much street riding lately. Are you considering one?

Sorry, hadn't noticed the sig. I really am not looking for a 14 at the moment but I am sure that will be my next bike. I just keep a backup in mind in case something would happen to my 109. I'm planning to ride it as long as it'll last before getting another bike.
Anyway, have you had any trouble, problems, dislikes with yours? Would you recommend one for long distance? I read a review between the Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Honda and the Kawi was a clear winner.
I wish Suzuki would make some competition in the Super Sport Touring market. They tend to be cheaper priced and a good value.

 

[cobraken]

I've done a few 500 mile days. Being on a bike is for pleasure for me. Any longer and it'll take a few beers to bring me back on keel.

 

[kennygene]

I had to drink a twelve pack or so after 1080 just to get calmed down. I wasn't sore or tired.

 

[Chuck B]

Sorry, hadn't noticed the sig. I really am not looking for a 14 at the moment but I am sure that will be my next bike. I just keep a backup in mind in case something would happen to my 109. I'm planning to ride it as long as it'll last before getting another bike.
Anyway, have you had any trouble, problems, dislikes with yours? Would you recommend one for long distance? I read a review between the Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Honda and the Kawi was a clear winner.
I wish Suzuki would make some competition in the Super Sport Touring market. They tend to be cheaper priced and a good value.

Things I like/dislike about the 14...Large bike that fits my 36" legs pretty well, super smooth engine, excellent transmission (clutchless shifts are like butter), ok torque down low, great HP up top. Really really really like the OD 6th gear. Hated that on my FJR...4200rpm cruising is ridiculous. Suspension is pretty good out of the box with decent range of adjustment. Air management is pretty good. I tended to leave it down 1/2 way otherwise I'd need a taller screen for me. Computer controls should be on the handlebars. Typical Kawasaki regarding additional accessories...still waiting on plugnplay cruise control. Still no alarm, heated handgrips or other accessories Kawasaki promised. Factory top box mounting was terrible. many found theirs bouncing down the roadway until Kawasaki did a recall. The fix was barely passable. Any backyard mechanic can/did a better mounting system. I found I love the key fob system. Antilock brakes while very good at not being obtrusive they do not allow 1G brake force like Ducati's or new BMW's but not as bad as Honda's.

I tend to go all tour rig like my K12LT or if I go sport tourer I tend to want more sport than tourer. The 14 is a tad more tourer than sport. Get into tight twisties and bikes like Aprilia Futura, Ducati ST's, Triumph ST's and even the FJR will leave it behind. Honda ST is even more tourer than the 14.

For multi-day 500-800 mile days I still feel the Aprilia Futura is hands down the best bike. Long days on the freeway I had to account for knee's getting tight but hit the twisties and not even a sport bike will pull me. Factory seat was amazingly comfortable but adding topcase was difficult and butt ugly when you did. I simply strapped special bags out back.

If/when Aprilia builds a new Futura I will buy it. The Italians seem to get my kind of sport riding. I have to admit that BMW with new K bikes is getting pretty darn good. What they lack in that special something they make up for in accessories.

 

[kennygene]

Thanks for the information. The Kawi still has my interest.