I am conducting an experiment.

[SilentRay]

Originally Posted by Zerk

I may take the center stand off, I keep hitting it with my foot. Wait and see if I get used to it. Unless you got a chain to lube, they are not that big a deal. I don't think it raises you enough to change the tire????

Nice one. Wish i still had my 98. I was crazy for letting it go.
If you trim the rear fender to just under the tag, you can pull the wheel off while on the center stand.

[17forever]

I rode an 01 Connie for seven years and 100k. It was dependable, pretty comfortable, and a hoot to ride. I put a set of gen mar risers on to take some pressure off the wrists.

[cwadej]

I had tons of fun on both of mine. I liked how it's tame below 5K rpm, then really wakes up!

[Zerk]

Originally Posted by xcgates

If I may ask, when do you find the stand getting in the way?

When putting my foot down, to stop. Didn't do it today, but didn't ride alot. I'll probably get used to it.

Its funny, if the kickstand doesn't stick out far enough, ya bitch, to much ya bitch. Its like anyone driving faster then you is a maniac.

Wearing work boots is a little different.


I replaced the broken mirror tonight. Not awful, lots of screws, and trying to get plastic back together. Wouldn't have been so bad, but I dropped a couple nuts in the bowels of the bike. I don't have metric nuts in inventory. Excuse to go to the hardware store.

[Zerk]

Originally Posted by Veho

I had tons of fun on both of mine. I liked how it's tame below 5K rpm, then really wakes up!

I am not sure what RPM to ride it at. It seems to cruise nice in 3k range, but that seems low.

Originally Posted by 17forever

I rode an 01 Connie for seven years and 100k. It was dependable, pretty comfortable, and a hoot to ride. I put a set of gen mar risers on to take some pressure off the wrists.

This may have risers, I need to see a stock one.

Originally Posted by SilentRay

If you trim the rear fender to just under the tag, you can pull the wheel off while on the center stand.

Now that does interest me.

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by Zerk

I started out on metric, as alot of Harley riders do. Then I got a job.

I got nothing......that was funny.

[speedysheep]

Originally Posted by Zerk

I am not sure what RPM to ride it at. It seems to cruise nice in 3k range, but that seems low.

This may have risers, I need to see a stock one.


Now that does interest me.

No need to trim the fender, just deflate the tire when you take the wheel on and off. It'll clear the fender without too much trouble. You can also put a board under the centerstand if you want a little more room.

They like to cruise between 4 and 5,000 rpm. The real power is from 5,000 to redline. Don't be afraid to rev it, you're not gonna break anything.

I put 90,000 miles on a '99. Rode it in 46 different states. They make a tremendous cheap touring bike.

[speedysheep]

Actually I think the deflation trick was for a different bike. It's been a few years since I sold my Concours.
The trick on the Connie was to drop the mufflers. Two bolts apiece and they pop right off.

[Dirt Road Cowboy]

It looks like it would be fun to play on!

[dwoodward]

Agree on winding it out- Remember that motor originally came in a bike that said "ZX" on the side. (Can't remember if it's a punched out ZX-9 or a narrowed down ZX-11). Either way, it doesn't wake up until about the point your HD starts gasping.

The first gen Connies were known to be a little buzzy. Get the carbs balanced, I think bigger bar end weights, an couple other tricks keep it in check. Keep in mind you have a ten year old example of what was a fifteen year old design when it was built. That's not meant to say it's bad- it says a lot about how much Kawasaki got right in the first go.

They're also known to be hot in the summer, but you've got that covered, right?

Look at highway peg kits to get your knees straightened out a bit. Someone on a Concours forum has probably put together a list of galvanized pipe, fittings, bolts, and washers that you need to build a set of highway pegs for $15.72. They can't help it, it's a carry-over from their first real motorcycle, which was a KLR.

Get a key made for the Givi and/or sidecases (if the locksmith pokes around a bit, he'll find one that fits) put it on a leash with a clip, and clip it to the back of the bike. Then you don't have to mess with the key (it's always there), just don't blame me if you forget to close/latch the lid and all your stuff flies out. Ahem. I keep my topbox key with my ignition key.

[eatpasta]

Originally Posted by Zerk

Handles well. Power isn’t that great, but I didn’t wind out the gears either. In the past this bike did pull away from 98” at 100.

Not enough power??

get a new(er) one..... the new ones make 140 ft.lbs of torque.....

[Asatrur]

Just sold my 04 Connie for 00 KLR, so I can get sand kicked in my face, but by the rider in front of me on the dirt trails

I loved my Connie and took her lots of places. Love her lots and she will go forever.

[Zerk]

Originally Posted by dwoodward

Get a key made for the Givi and/or sidecases (if the locksmith pokes around a bit, he'll find one that fits) put it on a leash with a clip, and clip it to the back of the bike. Then you don't have to mess with the key (it's always there), just don't blame me if you forget to close/latch the lid and all your stuff flies out. Ahem. I keep my topbox key with my ignition key.

I was thinking about cutting off or trimming the end of the key then glue it into something, maybe 1/2 piece of conduit and leave it in the lock. I knew someone who did this with there ignition.

Like to find or make a latch for one of the glove boxes, so I can just push or turn it.

The bags are deeper but smaller then my Harleys, but I can fit bulky things in them like lunch pail and hard hat.


The buzzing and engine noise is a little annoying. My bagger is smoother.

Corner handles nice. I haven't really reved it. Its so loud, I end up shifting quick and running about 4500.


Not sure if there is something wrong with it that needs to be fixed, but the front end sounds like a buckboard going over bumps. I looked Progressive has springs for $100. If its normally like that I may change them out. It was so bad I pulled over to check.

Gas tank is nice, I travel for work.

[Zerk]

I've had a few close calls, where I thought I would tip it over, trying to park. But was able to handle it. Being short it is a little hard to push it around.

Found out if I go with a narrow stance, I can reach alot better. Pegs are little in the way when I put my legs straight down.

I like the mounts on the back seat. Got my canvas folding chair bungeed on there for work.


There is a vibration somewhere in the fairing bugging me, I can't figure out what, I grab stuff but it keeps buzzing.

Having fun.

[Zerk]

Had a job a 100 miles away, took the Concours. Its a fun bike, but it also sucks. Knees sore, hand numb and sore, back sore, butt sore, neck sore.

Some of you guys need to try a big comfy barge.

I'll take the Harley on anything over 50 miles.