C14 or VMax

[KMC1]

Quick question (s)...
Anyone have any time aboard a Kawasaki C14?
Does it have adequate power? Will it loft the front end? Any issues with the bike or dealers?

How about Mad Max?

Thanks! :toast:

[Randy]

Quick question (s)...
Anyone have any time aboard a Kawasaki C14?
Does it have adequate power? Will it loft the front end? Any issues with the bike or dealers?

How about Mad Max?

Thanks! :toast:Apples and goats here. The two bike couldn't be further apart in their target demos

I spent a 3-day weekend on the C-14, bought a VMax. To be honest the C14 was a very good bike, but it really wasn't that inspiring to ride. The C14 will lift the front end, the VMax at 800lbs has to work a little harder at it. Adequate power? The C14 is rated at 156 horsepower, and that is more than adequate. The VMax is rated at 197 horsepower. A stock VMax is going through the traps in 10 seconds, the C14 is going to take about a half-second longer and about 10mph slower.

If you want to cover ground, the VMax isn't a good choice. With a 4-gallon tank, 25-30mpg tops, and a seat that is every bit as uncomfortable as a gen 1 V-Max, you are not going for log trips. For a power cruiser the VMax stops and corners amazingly well. The fit and finish are extremely good - better than the C14. If putting down a 100 yard patch of 200 sized rubber is appealing to you, the C14 is not the better choice.

The VMax is a killer ride for around town or short hops and I am still thrilled with it. Drive the VMax to hot rod nights at Sonic and it will gather a crowd. The C14 will not even generate second glances. The C14 sounds like most other UJM 4-cylinders, the VMax sounds like Detroit iron.

[KMC1]

Thanks for the feedback Randy! :beer:

It's so funny that you perfectly nailed my thought process behind the questions - I already have the GSA, so I don't really need another long distance bike. (Besides with a GSA, 250 miles isn't really "long" distance anyway :p ) I'm wanting something that is just a hoot to ride, maybe "is able" to do a decent wheelie (NOT that I would, mind you :D ) and would pull 2 of us for 30 minutes or so if it had to.... As great as the LT is, I've lost the "spark" and think I need to get back to basics.... :dance:

[Randy]

Not really good at wheelies, but...

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[dwsdad]

My take? Get the C14 if you want to haul butt 2 up or hit the twisties. Get the V-Max if you just want to haul butt in a straight line. Both have more power than I'd ever need. Need more power and better response out of the C14? Remove the secondary flies....then hold on tight when you whack it.

[KMC1]

Not really good at wheelies, but...
WOW :wow: :crazy:
Well, on the plus side for Mad Max, I guess that bike pretty much settles all the tire mileage arguments! :histerica :histerica

[dwsdad]

have you checked out the Suzuki B-King? Hayabusha motor in a naked bike - handling AND power!

[NCrider]

Apples and goats here. The two bike couldn't be further apart in their target demos

The VMax is a killer ride for around town or short hops and I am still thrilled with it. Drive the VMax to hot rod nights at Sonic and it will gather a crowd. The C14 will not even generate second glances. The C14 sounds like most other UJM 4-cylinders, the VMax sounds like Detroit iron.

Not that you asked, but if you want the above, get a Ural. It does all the above, except it sounds like a Russian parallel twin. Plus, you can start taking your dog with you. Doesn't get much more basic. :histerica Oh, it eats tires, too. The pusher Russian yak-skin tire is almost dead with 2200 kms on it. The plus side is I found a replacement tire for around $60.00

[KMC1]

have you checked out the Suzuki B-King? Hayabusha motor in a naked bike - handling AND power!
You know, I can't really get past the looks of that bike... but you are right, I think it would be a fun one... Hmmmm.... Man, it's great to have choices - IF you can make a decision! :)

[dwsdad]

Yep. A friend traded his Ducati 1098 for the B-King. Loves the B-King.

[KMC1]

Not that you asked, but if you want the above, get a Ural. It does all the above, except it sounds like a Russian parallel twin. Plus, you can start taking your dog with you. Doesn't get much more basic. :histerica Oh, it eats tires, too. The pusher Russian yak-skin tire is almost dead with 2200 kms on it. The plus side is I found a replacement tire for around $60.00
I've seen a guy lift a Ural's front end.. of course he was doing 40mph over the crest of a sand hill....:wow:

[meese]

Not really good at wheelies, but...Hey Randy, looks like you've lost some weight. Looking good . . . :D

[meese]

have you checked out the Suzuki B-King? Hayabusha motor in a naked bike - handling AND power!Now who would want a bike that's stupid-fast and handles well? Next you're gonna tell me it's actually comfortable to ride . . . ;)

[Beemerider]

...the VMax sounds like Detroit iron...


Yeah especially when its rev-limiter kicks in and it sounds just like valve float........... :rotf:


(Hey, you sent the video...)

[dwsdad]

Now who would want a bike that's stupid-fast and handles well? Next you're gonna tell me it's actually comfortable to ride . . . ;)

He claims it is, but then coming off a 1098 I would imagine ANYTHING would be comfortable!

[alindsay]

Not really, just gotta change scale. :)

How many feet do you get out of your Metzler/Bridgestone/etc. and what pressures are you running? :bike:

[spinedr]

Now who would want a bike that's stupid-fast and handles well? Next you're gonna tell me it's actually comfortable to ride . . . ;)
Now, if that was the case then your talking about the GT :p

I seen all those bikes before I got My GT. I like the VMax just because is a VMax, there is history with that bike, was the most powerful bike in its time, cool looking also. Now with the new one out with a massive motor is great, but why do they had to put a limiter??
The BKing has a great motor also but is not nice looking. Looks ordinary but it grows on you, great powerful motor and lots of fun to drive. The C14 is a great bike but I think the GT was better for me, power and comfort just pricy. I like all of them but the VMax is the coolest I think with BKing second. (not including the GT in the Mix) Good luck.

[petepeterson]

Just remember that the V-max does have a limiter in it that won't allow a very high top end.... The Kaw will run away at speed ,, so will the B-King

The New V-max is wider in the bars and really feels modern compared to the gen.1.... The Kaw just reminds me too much of a FJR (which I like) but they are to small. But most bikes are a little cramped...

The B-king across town is a ball but thats about it for me,,but its bad to the bone!!! good luck on your choice............Pete

[spinedr]

Ok, I want one of each :D

[KMC1]

Ok, I want one of each :D
:D I LIKE the way you think!!! :wave
I'm not sure yet what I might do.... We got some news yesterday that means a relocation... dangit... my plans may have to go on hold for a while until we figure out a plan....GRRRR.... :cboy: I was SOOOO close to pulling the trigger on Mad Max.......

[spinedr]

:D I LIKE the way you think!!! :wave
I'm not sure yet what I might do.... We got some news yesterday that means a relocation... dangit... my plans may have to go on hold for a while until we figure out a plan....GRRRR.... :cboy: I was SOOOO close to pulling the trigger on Mad Max.......
Relocation Kevin? I hope everything is ok!! On hold means just a little more time for test drives ;) hang in there and good luck with the move. :stir:

[Xavier6162]

Just remember that the V-max does have a limiter in it that won't allow a very high top end.... The Kaw will run away at speed ,, so will the B-King

The New V-max is wider in the bars and really feels modern compared to the gen.1.... The Kaw just reminds me too much of a FJR (which I like) but they are to small. But most bikes are a little cramped...

The B-king across town is a ball but thats about it for me,,but its bad to the bone!!! good luck on your choice............Pete

2008 B-King VS 2009 Star V-Max Comparo (http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/122_0903_suzuki_b_king_vs_star_v_max/index.html)

[Randy]

Just remember that the V-max does have a limiter in it that won't allow a very high top end.... The Kaw will run away at speed ,, so will the B-King

The New V-max is wider in the bars and really feels modern compared to the gen.1.... The Kaw just reminds me too much of a FJR (which I like) but they are to small. But most bikes are a little cramped...

The B-king across town is a ball but thats about it for me,,but its bad to the bone!!! good luck on your choice............PeteMine doesn't have an electronic limiter, so it can run up to 160-165mph. However, a naked bike with an upright seating position has another limiter that kicks in at a much lower speed than that :rotf:

[KMC1]

Relocation Kevin? I hope everything is ok!! On hold means just a little more time for test drives ;) hang in there and good luck with the move. :stir:
Thank you for asking G :beer:
It's actually VERY good news... I'll have to tell you about it the next time we meet up.
I'm going to make some changes to the stable to get ready for the move, but the GSA ain't going to get away!! I LOVE that bike :p I think Mad Max would have made a really nice compliment to it :dance:

[petepeterson]

Mine doesn't have an electronic limiter, so it can run up to 160-165mph. However, a naked bike with an upright seating position has another limiter that kicks in at a much lower speed than that :rotf:


If your V-Max doesn't have a speed limiter, then you disconnected it....
They all have one from the factory.... Of course you could be special and didn't have to have one :rolleyes:

[Randy]

If your V-Max doesn't have a speed limiter, then you disconnected it....
They all have one from the factory.... Of course you could be special and didn't have to have one :rolleyes:The "competition" ECU clears up that limiter situation.