This was on my list of potential bikes to replace the C14. Primarily for the benefits of ESA.
Obviously this was not the ESA equipped ES, but was all I could find to sample.
Setting off, the bike feels slightly lighter and more nimble. Clutch pull feel lighter than the C14, and the bike looks and feels more refined and of a higher build quality than the C14.
Ergonomics were fairly similar to the C14, however, I did not feel any constant sliding forward. I'm not sure I want another bike with ergos like the C14/FJR, I'm thinking something more neutral with more leverage on the bars would be a preference.
Suspension felt very good. I would rate it a notch or two above the C14. Seems more planted and less disturbed by pavement irregularity in corners.
Engine and trans were both good. I still felt a buzz in the bars between 4-5k RPM.
Factory cruise works flawlessly, and noticeably better than aftermarket systems.
Wind protection not quite as good as a stock C14 in my opinion.
Overall, a nice bike, and with the 6 speed now and factory cruise, I think I prefer it over the C14. I like the engine and trans in the C14 slightly better.
A new ES is $17K MSRP. I don;t think I can justify that kind of money for a bike that has the shortcomings I noted.
Next test ride will be the updated K1600GT.
Obviously this was not the ESA equipped ES, but was all I could find to sample.
Setting off, the bike feels slightly lighter and more nimble. Clutch pull feel lighter than the C14, and the bike looks and feels more refined and of a higher build quality than the C14.
Ergonomics were fairly similar to the C14, however, I did not feel any constant sliding forward. I'm not sure I want another bike with ergos like the C14/FJR, I'm thinking something more neutral with more leverage on the bars would be a preference.
Suspension felt very good. I would rate it a notch or two above the C14. Seems more planted and less disturbed by pavement irregularity in corners.
Engine and trans were both good. I still felt a buzz in the bars between 4-5k RPM.
Factory cruise works flawlessly, and noticeably better than aftermarket systems.
Wind protection not quite as good as a stock C14 in my opinion.
Overall, a nice bike, and with the 6 speed now and factory cruise, I think I prefer it over the C14. I like the engine and trans in the C14 slightly better.
A new ES is $17K MSRP. I don;t think I can justify that kind of money for a bike that has the shortcomings I noted.
Next test ride will be the updated K1600GT.