[Redlinez]

Well, the wife gave the thumbs up on getting a sport touring machine. I haven't been on two wheels since I sold my 08 CBR1KRR in Dec 2009. I'm 43 and have made payments on nothing but sportbikes. Beginning in 1992- 92 ZX6D, 95 CBR600F3, 99 ZX9R, 95 CBR600F3, 04 Suzuki GSXR600, and the 08 CBR1000RR. I test rode a 14 N1K last Saturday and really liked not having to lean forward. There was very little if any weight on my wrists, that's a first. She sat on it then sat on a used 08 Concours that I test rode. I go back tomorrow to test ride a new 14 Concours. She also saw the Goldwing F6B and was all about that thing..... I'm nowhere near as enthusiastic. Depending on how the ride goes tomorrow, I'm hoping she'll be ok if I decide to go N1K. My plans would be to order side and top cases, the Kawasaki gel seat (if it is finally readily available), and the Kawasaki tank bag. I really liked the blue, but he would have to locate me a 14 at this point. He has a leftover 13 N1K in silver/white, but we both thought it was boring and the changes made for 14 are worth the difference in money I believe.
Any input is appreciated. The deals are crazy on all his bikes and he has no fees of any kind other than tax and tag. I bought my 99, 04, and 08's from him new and they were all painless transactions.
I would be riding the bike to work off and on, barely 8 miles, and we would take occasional trips to the NC/VA mountains and stay for the weekend (about 2.5-4 hours depending on where).

 

[trublupsu94]

You are looking at a major price difference between the N1K and a Concours, further a the F6B. If all were on the table, I'd have the wing personally. The new look of it and the ride is unbeatable. Especially if I was going to be carrying a passenger anymore than 5% of my riding. The N1K is really a one up bike. My 7 year old likes to ride it with me now and then. But my wife and 13 year old....too uncomfortable for all of us. The Concours is better, the wing is best for rider comfort with a passenger. If money is no option and you have a passenger, the wing is the choice. If money is of a concern and you will have a passenger, go Concours. If money is a concern and you will be 95% riding one up, the N1K is the bike. Seems like that is where you are.

 

[Redlinez]

Thanks for some input. I would be riding it primarily, but the point for us is to be able to make weekend trips. The money difference is about the same with the two Kawis- $9498 on the Ninja- plus $2040 for sidebags, top case and required hardware, and gel seat, $11,500 for the Concours, and $14,999 for the 13 F6B. (all new bikes). It would be $17500 for a 15 F6B in that awesome new blue and it comes with cruise control for 15. I guess I was trying to stay around $10k, but my wife doesn't care. It's not often that that happens.

 

[trublupsu94]

I would agree on the blue Honda. I saw that after your post and it is really nice. Honestly, looks a lot like my blue N1K with side bags. Just squatting a little more. I'm not trying to talk you out of the N1K as it is the best bike I have owned. Also the cheapest. Rides great, fun, looks good, all the right things I wanted. But if my wife had interest in weekend trips with packing gear and such, I would not have bought it. Putting an adult on the back is just like doing it on a super sport. Only difference is that you will be sitting a little more upright. But my wife and oldest daughter are always being pushed into my back. Their feet are digging into my legs. It's just tight fit. This bike is for all intents a super sport other than the tuning, raised clip ons, and saddle bag option. The others are true touring bikes. Those long weekends are meant to be fun and comfortable for both of you. Unless your wife is 5ft and 110lbs and you are a small guy; I'm not sure you'd be comfortable on an extended ride. Further the suspension might need some tuning for the weight of the bags and the passenger. The others will too, but the weight ratio of the bike to people is better. It will naturally handle better and ride smoother. Not trying to talk you out of it. But I have had 2 people on mine quite a bit and only my 7 year old is comfortable enough to ride it with me on any length of a trip. Around town to get some dinner is not a problem. Push more than 20 miles, it gets tight. I'd go with the wing if she is into it. Longer rides, more comfortable, good looking bike all equal a really nice weekend trip.

 

[Redlinez]

I truly appreciate your extremely honest input. Sounds like I will rule out the Ninja as I was only selfishly wanting it deep down. You are right about it being more a super sport than touring as far as passenger comfort goes. Looks like she'll be happier on the Concours or F6B, probably a little happier on the Honda. The one negative with the Honda is the storage capacity. The sidebags are 22 liters each and there is no top case nor one available, only a flat rack to strap something onto. The Concours has 35 liter bags and an optional top case that's 47 liters. I'm pretty sure I'll know when I ride them both tomorrow as to which one is for me. Only problem is he only has a black 13 F6B, he'd have to get a red one for me. I don't do black bikes or cars. The blue 15 isn't there yet, and it's quite a lot more at $17500 vs $11500. But it may be worth it I guess. You do get a lot of stuff like radio, headset comms, weather band, cruise, etc. The F6B stickers for $218XX, so $17500 is a good deal.

 

[Ninja1KRider]

I have a 2015 N1K and 2011 Concours C14. I use the N1K with a top case and no sidebags for day trips under 100 miles and commuting. It's a great machine and loads of fun to ride. But for anything overnight or more than 100 miles, I'll take the Concours for sport-comfort touring. It's just a sweet bike. I don't regularly ride 2 up, but have on the Concours and the passengers have said it's a comfortable ride. If you have other sport bikes, I'd suggest the Concours for variety and sweet sport-touring. Keep the gears low and the rpms high and you'll love the handling. I used to get to the high gears from habit on cruisers, but since riding a Bandit 1200s and the N1K, I've been riding the Concours more like a sport bike and less like a tourer. Plus you can take the side-cases off for 1 up riding and have a C14 sport bike that splits the difference.

 

[Redlinez]

That is definitely something I like about the C14. Cases can be removed and it still looks good. The cardinal red is a sweet color too. Color actually means a lot to me on a cycle. Maybe I'm weird like that, but I won't own another black bike. Our trips would be around 150-200 miles each way plus touring time while there.

 

[Ninja1KRider]

You could also look at the 2015 Versys 1000 if you're looking for 2up riding.

 

[Redlinez]

Just got back. After riding both, I actually decided on the F6b over the C14. Ordered a new 15 in blue. Wanted to make absolutely sure my wife would enjoy riding. All I can say is torque! Wow. Now will see what it's like to have a radio and cruise control.....

 

[trublupsu94]

For your riding you described, you mad the right choice. That is a nice bike and gobs and gobs or torque. Easy to ride with a passenger. Plenty of storage and amenities. Good choice and you won't regret it.

 

[alang]

multistrada is nice too

 

[Michael D. Smith]

Wow those prices you quoted seem really low...a brand new N1K here is 11,999 before freight charges, probably more like 13K or more out the door.

 

[master link]

multistrada is nice too

not for two-upping they are not, i've got to ride one a lot solo and with my wife & its such a high bike that its a pain in the a$$ to mount & dismount especially for the passenger.