I've had a hankering curiosity about a Kwak Concours 14 for a while, and a dealer about 70 miles away has a 16 grey with top box and less than 4k miles on it, so on Friday I rode my ST up and took a look. The price is high, at 9k, but seems good for the bike (under kbb a fair bit), although I believe it will snow here this week so I suppose the season is coming to a close.
The ride up was fine, about 60° and sunny, accompanied by my father on his Versys 1000. About 50 miles on I81, including going through Syracuse at rush hour. I worked in Syracuse for years, but haven't in about 6 years, and was unpleasantly surprised by how much traffic there was. I don't remember the Syr metro area being so busy, but it felt like NYC. I live in the country, and ride exclusively in the country, and don't miss three to four lanes of edgy goatee teenagers in their new BMWs making fourteen lane changes per mile, sans signal of course.
At one point a guy in a CRV was camped in the left lane at about 75, and we began to ease by him in the right lane. Well, at 107 he was still next to us, so we just backed off and went 70. Having never driven a CRV, I assume it's not like a Corvette where you might find yourself accidentally going 100+. What a pecker.
We arrive at the dealership and the Connie is out front. Pretty bike, looks small next to the ST and the tall Versys. Pretty distinct boot scuffs on both saddlebags, not visible in the pictures. Dark clutch and brake fluids. Original tires, front visibly feathered and lumpy on the left side. The dealership guy brings out the FOB (only one, other one apparently AWOL.) The bike belonged to a man who had died(RIP), and the estate sold it back to the dealer. I suspect that it sat for a couple of years, at least.
Sitting on the Connie, I was surprised in a few ways. It felt very compact, and light. Clutch and throttle very light and smooth. Bike started easy like the st, clutch totally out at low speeds no problem. Immediately felt like a good ergonomic fit for me. I was expecting the Connie to be more sporty and less comfortable, but somehow it fit me really well, just immediately pretty intuitive.
The handling under 50mph is pretty bad. The st will go from doing perfect figure 8s in two parking spaces, to scraping pegs at 90, all day long. The 14 just didn't feel intuitive to handle at low speeds. I am assuming that this is due to the tires, but I've never ridden one before. This was my biggest issue.
It was 50-60° F out. The temp gauge would reliably show maybe 30% moving, and 80% stopped in traffic. I was concerned by this (stuck tstat?) But later research shows that this may be a C14 thing. Hmm. Stopped idle, even after ten minutes of riding, 1450ish rpm. Seems too high. Makes for a pronounced clunk into first.
Throttle is light and smoother than the ST, drive line is excellent. Very good shaft system. Motor is buzzier than the admittedly smooth ST. Engine was good, but not really mind blowing. Maybe 10% stronger than the ST. The first time I kind of gunned it in second, my father saw quite a bit of smoke come out of the exhaust. (We had been riding for at least 10 minutes, probably 20 or more.)
Brakes felt good, not super strong like written about in magazines. Maybe pads not bedded properly. Rear brake took a lot of pressure to give noticable braking (it could activate the abs though) in either coactive braking mode. Maybe delinked by previous owner? I found the brake combination to be not intrusive at all, contrary to media reports (or maybe this bike was delinked).
I took it on the highway for a few miles and opened it up getting on. It is a fast bike. Very effortless to 2x the interstate limit and beyond. The aerodynamics are phenomenal, smooth steady air even at super speed,even with top box. The ST beats me up with dirty air much over 80mph, especially in cross winds or passing traffic. It's not horrible, it just becomes fatiguing. I don't typically ride at those speeds, but if I intended to do a lot of interstate or Autobahn work, the Connie really excels there.
I brought the bike back perplexed. I expected it to be fast, which it was. (Nice, but not super high on my list of priorities) I was surprised how comfortable I was on it immediately. The riding position really worked for me, better than the ST. I would much rather maneuver the st from 20 to 50 mph. Stop and go, the C14 was very narrow to stand over, seat low, bars close. Felt 25% smaller and lighter at red lights, which I didn't expect. (I'm 6', 34" inseam, 210lbs, fairly strong)
My biggest issue was that I felt like I was test riding an abandoned used bike with the little used bike issues. One fob, unlisted scratches, high idle, square tires. I had enough cash in my pocket to ride the bike home, and if it blew me away I would have. I suspect that a tune up and a pair of good tires might just do that, but I don't know because I've never ridden a proper one.
I told the dealership my thoughts and told them that I'd think about it. Riding home in the cut and thrust traffic, the ST felt very homey. We did some questionable riding across gridlock traffic, on the sidewalk, through some barriers and into the back of a gas station. I felt confident doing it on the ST, not sure if I would have on the Connie.
The wife and kids are about 150 miles away in the Adirondacks (thus the freedom to motorcycle shop). Saturday shows a high in the mid 60s, so I decided to day trip up north and take a 3 to 4 hundred mile test ride on my ST. Tires checked, cardo charged, various layers, drinks, snacks packed in the bags. I depart and cover the first 45 or so miles on scenic and twisty ST-26, seeing maybe ten cars total, with only one or two going the same direction. Beautiful fall ride. I stop for a pee in the bushes, snap a picture of the ST, and proceed north.
About twenty miles later I'm traveling over the elevated bridges through Utica, ST12, two lanes in each direction. Cardo boops and interrupts my music. It's my father in law saying he will ride along on his Vulcan (about an hour and a half too late.) As we're talking, I'm approaching a group of Harleys in the right lane, and deciding if I will tuck in and cruise, or motor by with a wave. As I come down off of the bridge, I feel a hint of Pan weave. But I'm going 70 or so, and left the top box home. Crosswinds? By about three or four seconds, I have a serious case of spaghetti handling, and coast to a stop in the Vee of an exit lane and the two highway lanes. Uh oh.
Back tire, T31GT, flatty flat. 0psi. I put the bike on the center stand (much, much harder with a flat.) 3/4" slit right in the middle, maybe 1/8" wide. Quite a puncture, much larger than a nail. Maybe something sticking up from an expansion joint. Luckily, my plug kit and compressor are in the garage. I'm skeptical if it's a pluggable hole anyway. A phone call to the local dispatch directs me to a friendly tow guy who agrees to attempt a plug. He's there in 15 minutes, plugs the tire and airs it up. We both look at it and go "hmm." The fella says good luck, I'd go pretty slow on that, and goes to leave, declining a fee. I gave him $40, saving $5 for the next emergency. Beacon Body in Utica, super nice guy, came out on a Saturday and rescued me.
I decide I better head home rather than up north, as I'm maybe halfway there and running out of luck. I hit the exit, do the cloverleaf, and head south. Just as I hit the highway bridge, spaghetti, it's what's for dinner. Again, maybe five or ten seconds. I decide to run it flat, as I'm not willing to stop on the elevated bridge. I go several miles at about 35mph with my four ways on, until I can finally get off the bridge, and pull into U-Haul. Convenient. Rim still ok, plug gone, T31GT very flat but thankfully stiff sidewalls seemed to save the rim and make limping somewhat possible.
U-Haul home, about $350 once I buy straps, insurance, fuel. A phone call to pops, bring the trailer, and four hours in the U-Haul parking lot: priceless.
Made it home at about the same time I would have on the bike, just getting dark. Appreciated lots of hospitality from strangers and kin alike. Thanks to the D Trooper who stopped and checked on me, the dispatcher who hooked me up, and the Beacon tow guy who dropped everything to help me out. And pops, who reliably bails me out, even as a grown man with his own kids to bail out.
So, should I buy a Concours?
The ride up was fine, about 60° and sunny, accompanied by my father on his Versys 1000. About 50 miles on I81, including going through Syracuse at rush hour. I worked in Syracuse for years, but haven't in about 6 years, and was unpleasantly surprised by how much traffic there was. I don't remember the Syr metro area being so busy, but it felt like NYC. I live in the country, and ride exclusively in the country, and don't miss three to four lanes of edgy goatee teenagers in their new BMWs making fourteen lane changes per mile, sans signal of course.
At one point a guy in a CRV was camped in the left lane at about 75, and we began to ease by him in the right lane. Well, at 107 he was still next to us, so we just backed off and went 70. Having never driven a CRV, I assume it's not like a Corvette where you might find yourself accidentally going 100+. What a pecker.
We arrive at the dealership and the Connie is out front. Pretty bike, looks small next to the ST and the tall Versys. Pretty distinct boot scuffs on both saddlebags, not visible in the pictures. Dark clutch and brake fluids. Original tires, front visibly feathered and lumpy on the left side. The dealership guy brings out the FOB (only one, other one apparently AWOL.) The bike belonged to a man who had died(RIP), and the estate sold it back to the dealer. I suspect that it sat for a couple of years, at least.
Sitting on the Connie, I was surprised in a few ways. It felt very compact, and light. Clutch and throttle very light and smooth. Bike started easy like the st, clutch totally out at low speeds no problem. Immediately felt like a good ergonomic fit for me. I was expecting the Connie to be more sporty and less comfortable, but somehow it fit me really well, just immediately pretty intuitive.
The handling under 50mph is pretty bad. The st will go from doing perfect figure 8s in two parking spaces, to scraping pegs at 90, all day long. The 14 just didn't feel intuitive to handle at low speeds. I am assuming that this is due to the tires, but I've never ridden one before. This was my biggest issue.
It was 50-60° F out. The temp gauge would reliably show maybe 30% moving, and 80% stopped in traffic. I was concerned by this (stuck tstat?) But later research shows that this may be a C14 thing. Hmm. Stopped idle, even after ten minutes of riding, 1450ish rpm. Seems too high. Makes for a pronounced clunk into first.
Throttle is light and smoother than the ST, drive line is excellent. Very good shaft system. Motor is buzzier than the admittedly smooth ST. Engine was good, but not really mind blowing. Maybe 10% stronger than the ST. The first time I kind of gunned it in second, my father saw quite a bit of smoke come out of the exhaust. (We had been riding for at least 10 minutes, probably 20 or more.)
Brakes felt good, not super strong like written about in magazines. Maybe pads not bedded properly. Rear brake took a lot of pressure to give noticable braking (it could activate the abs though) in either coactive braking mode. Maybe delinked by previous owner? I found the brake combination to be not intrusive at all, contrary to media reports (or maybe this bike was delinked).
I took it on the highway for a few miles and opened it up getting on. It is a fast bike. Very effortless to 2x the interstate limit and beyond. The aerodynamics are phenomenal, smooth steady air even at super speed,even with top box. The ST beats me up with dirty air much over 80mph, especially in cross winds or passing traffic. It's not horrible, it just becomes fatiguing. I don't typically ride at those speeds, but if I intended to do a lot of interstate or Autobahn work, the Connie really excels there.
I brought the bike back perplexed. I expected it to be fast, which it was. (Nice, but not super high on my list of priorities) I was surprised how comfortable I was on it immediately. The riding position really worked for me, better than the ST. I would much rather maneuver the st from 20 to 50 mph. Stop and go, the C14 was very narrow to stand over, seat low, bars close. Felt 25% smaller and lighter at red lights, which I didn't expect. (I'm 6', 34" inseam, 210lbs, fairly strong)
My biggest issue was that I felt like I was test riding an abandoned used bike with the little used bike issues. One fob, unlisted scratches, high idle, square tires. I had enough cash in my pocket to ride the bike home, and if it blew me away I would have. I suspect that a tune up and a pair of good tires might just do that, but I don't know because I've never ridden a proper one.
I told the dealership my thoughts and told them that I'd think about it. Riding home in the cut and thrust traffic, the ST felt very homey. We did some questionable riding across gridlock traffic, on the sidewalk, through some barriers and into the back of a gas station. I felt confident doing it on the ST, not sure if I would have on the Connie.
The wife and kids are about 150 miles away in the Adirondacks (thus the freedom to motorcycle shop). Saturday shows a high in the mid 60s, so I decided to day trip up north and take a 3 to 4 hundred mile test ride on my ST. Tires checked, cardo charged, various layers, drinks, snacks packed in the bags. I depart and cover the first 45 or so miles on scenic and twisty ST-26, seeing maybe ten cars total, with only one or two going the same direction. Beautiful fall ride. I stop for a pee in the bushes, snap a picture of the ST, and proceed north.
About twenty miles later I'm traveling over the elevated bridges through Utica, ST12, two lanes in each direction. Cardo boops and interrupts my music. It's my father in law saying he will ride along on his Vulcan (about an hour and a half too late.) As we're talking, I'm approaching a group of Harleys in the right lane, and deciding if I will tuck in and cruise, or motor by with a wave. As I come down off of the bridge, I feel a hint of Pan weave. But I'm going 70 or so, and left the top box home. Crosswinds? By about three or four seconds, I have a serious case of spaghetti handling, and coast to a stop in the Vee of an exit lane and the two highway lanes. Uh oh.
Back tire, T31GT, flatty flat. 0psi. I put the bike on the center stand (much, much harder with a flat.) 3/4" slit right in the middle, maybe 1/8" wide. Quite a puncture, much larger than a nail. Maybe something sticking up from an expansion joint. Luckily, my plug kit and compressor are in the garage. I'm skeptical if it's a pluggable hole anyway. A phone call to the local dispatch directs me to a friendly tow guy who agrees to attempt a plug. He's there in 15 minutes, plugs the tire and airs it up. We both look at it and go "hmm." The fella says good luck, I'd go pretty slow on that, and goes to leave, declining a fee. I gave him $40, saving $5 for the next emergency. Beacon Body in Utica, super nice guy, came out on a Saturday and rescued me.
I decide I better head home rather than up north, as I'm maybe halfway there and running out of luck. I hit the exit, do the cloverleaf, and head south. Just as I hit the highway bridge, spaghetti, it's what's for dinner. Again, maybe five or ten seconds. I decide to run it flat, as I'm not willing to stop on the elevated bridge. I go several miles at about 35mph with my four ways on, until I can finally get off the bridge, and pull into U-Haul. Convenient. Rim still ok, plug gone, T31GT very flat but thankfully stiff sidewalls seemed to save the rim and make limping somewhat possible.
U-Haul home, about $350 once I buy straps, insurance, fuel. A phone call to pops, bring the trailer, and four hours in the U-Haul parking lot: priceless.
Made it home at about the same time I would have on the bike, just getting dark. Appreciated lots of hospitality from strangers and kin alike. Thanks to the D Trooper who stopped and checked on me, the dispatcher who hooked me up, and the Beacon tow guy who dropped everything to help me out. And pops, who reliably bails me out, even as a grown man with his own kids to bail out.
So, should I buy a Concours?
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