Time to disclose something about myself.

[raydog]

I've got the new "KTM project", the Superbyke project, and I'm focusing on getting a true sport touring rig. I've looked at the K1600gt BMW and a C14 Connie, came close but I think I've decided on a new ZX14R. Touring windscreen, centerstand, heated grips, Speigler superbike bar conversion, hard bags, GPS electronics and Yosh dual exhaust should make that bike a true Sportourer. Just thought I'd throw that out there, I am a Busa owner/lover BUT I'm also a motorcyclist and not afraid to get a bike that works for my needs. I love the fact that a 14R has 40 more hp and is 150 lbs. lighter than the BMW. OK, feel free to flame away! Doyle

 

[1busa]

Ahem........

 

[dadofthree]

No need, you have punished yourself enough

 

[fallenarch]

I am curious why you didn't go with the BMW? I have ridden this bike and it is pretty awesome. Man the BMW is a polished touring vehicle and that 6 is smooth and has massive grunt. Having everything integrated is awesome too - cruise, heated seat and grips, nav and entertainment. Obviously the ZX-14R is going to have more sporty performance but with the bikes you have I don't think the ZX14 is going to be your choice when you want to play.

 

[raydog]

I just love the BMW and yes, it's got that special motor, but I have a concern about both its weight and complexity. Over 800 lbs with gear is too much for my riding style, even if I'm 2000 miles from home. What I want for comfort and safety, I can have fun choosing and installing onto the 14r myself (like heated grips and seat). Complexity? If something electrical goes south on the BMW, I'll just stand on the side of the highway and stare at it! The Kawasaki has traction control and ABS, neither if malfunctioning will strand me. Service? Almost a thousand bucks for the under 10000 mile checkup, I'll do it myself on the Kawi for the cost of oil and filter. Dealer network? No comparison, look at a pin map of Kawi vrs BMW dealers across North America. All that being said.....that's simply my analysis, not good for anyone else, I love the BMW. It's just that the extra $10k to buy it for me would go toward an outdoor kitchen, trip to Italy, new car, etc. and I'd still have a 550 lb. comfortable ST bike that has 200 rwhp, 40 mpg and ergonomics that I designed for my body. Doyle

 

[warp10]

Doyle, I think you need to go back to the Doctor and get another checkup. :cookoo: I think there may be some lingering Brain Injury that may be showing up.

Just kidding. Comfort and power make a great touring combination.

 

[jellyrug]

I go the other way, different folks different strokes.

For touring, comfort is important as well as easy handling, not bothered about performance, that is for a Busa.

I would prefer the BMW 1200 RT, 600lbs fully fueled, ready to ride, good in the twisties, not too heavy to handle.

Concours = 690lbs
BMw 1600 = 768lbs - holy s*&, I would rather drive a convertible on 4 wheels then
ZX14 = 591 lbs

 

[raydog]

Yeah, no one's mentioned a motorcycle that I wouldn't love to own! That HSL handlebar conversion kit transforms the comfort level of ANY motorcycle, especially with a touring windscreen to match. That's probably why I'm willing to go to a "less touring" bike, my ability to build in comfort with the aftermarket.

 

[pack mule]

I'd ride the heck out of that ^^^^^^^^ I was thinking about a FJR to go along with the busa and SV650 but that would work.

 

[Busabim]

I heard the new 14 cant accept hard bags, is that a picture of the new 14R? I heard rear subframe on the 14r is real soft and only a top case is available

after all the faults with my 1999 I am going back to Kawy in the future.

BB

 

[Don Hardcastle]

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I thought your were going to say that it really was you with the apple pie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[fallenarch]

I looked real hard at the connie and I must say that's a poor man's BMW. Pretty dam awesome bike and pretty fun to ride too. When I climbed on and saw those scooter bars I thought "what a POS". Started her up pulled off spent about 2-3 miles playing with everything and then some good swift turns. I was impressed.

 

[raydog]

I was too, Willie, and there are brand new Connies, 2013 and 2014's on dealer floors all over the country for $12k! That's a lot of ST bike for that low ammt.

 

[1busa]

What about that BMW 1300s Motosport? Same weight as a 14 or Busa, 175HP stock comes with abs, traction control, heated grips, electronic adjustable suspension, Akrapovic exhaust, and best of all SHAFT driven.....

It's priced pretty much the same as a Connie or ZX-14 too. Also has a lot of options 4 upgrades like GPS, Paniers, etc.

 

[GsxrBots]

Well, you know MY thoughts on this....

 

[1busa]

Oh and that k 1300s also comes with a factory quickshifter!

Kinda frustrating that BMW can make a bike like that and it be reasonably priced with ALL those goodies meanwhile the Busa doesn't have none.....

 

[fallenarch]

Well I have a lot of experience with the K1300 and the busa walks all over it. The shaft drive and the duo-level front suspension are just not sporting features. There is next to know feeling in the front end - it does what it is supposed to but tells you nothing. and the climbing of the rear end from the shaft drive is very noticeable if you are used to the clean directness of a chain. Yes a chain is a PIA on a long trip, but there is a reason why there are no sport bikes using shaft drive. On a bigger bike with more weight the shaft is less noticeable but on a light sport-touring bike it's not going to make it for me. I looked real hard at the K1300 as the guys I used to ride with had them and you know how BMW riders are........

Basically the handling on the busa is like a sport bike. You handle the busa by riding the seat-tank joint but the inputs are like a sport bike. You can carry speed into a turn with a Busa (even with brakes that suck), other bikes in this class are more comfortable with a point and shoot style turn. Most hyper-bikes don't feel and act like a sport bike, which is the magic of the Busa platform and why I whimper a bit when I see one stretched. There still is no bike with this combination of comfort, power, muscle, simple directness and sport bike handling. The K1300 is more a touring bike than a sport bike. It's excellent at that, but if you ride a Busa and then a K1300 the feeling is the K1300 has less soul.

 

[fallenarch]

Not knocking the K1300, just saying it ain't know Busa (even with all the gizmos). It's still an awesome bike though.

 

[Twobrothersbusa]

I had one of the new Rt1200 BMWs and it was super light and handled well. Loved the gizmos, but never got past the lack of power. Ended up on the Connie.

 

[jellyrug]

I had one of the new Rt1200 BMWs and it was super light and handled well. Loved the gizmos, but never got past the lack of power. Ended up on the Connie.

That was to do with the recall? Did BMW do you good, take back the bike and give your money back?