Get comfy

Get comfy

Of the updates that enhance the rider environment, improving heat management was priority numero uno to consumers participating in focus groups. Yep, it’s no secret that the first iteration of the C-14 dumped heat on the rider, as we noticed in the 2008 intro.


The new windscreen is taller and now wider at the top. Higher placement of the mirrors also aids wind protection.

The new model has restyled, “heat dissipating” bodywork. The lower portion of the main fairing that sits out in front of the rider’s legs is now wider and has larger venting in order to better move hot air away from the rider while in motion. A new seal between the fairing and engine was also added to cut back on the heat dumped on the rider during idle.

Though ambient air along our ride route in the Palm Springs area and surrounding mountain communities was in the upper 80s to low 90s, I was still able to get a sense that less heat was making its way to me than it did on the previous Connie. Seems Kawi’s use of Computational Fluid Dynamics paid dividends in getting rid of the heat.

Next up is a new windscreen 70mm taller than the previous. It’s also wider at the top for increased wind protection. In an effort to reduce buffeting, new air passages were added under the screen and in the upper right and left portions of the dash area. Further aiding (if even a little) in wind protection and improving rearward views are mirrors that are now 40mm higher.

The changes seem subtle, but the experience was that the goal of better wind protection and less buffeting was met. Really, though, this is one of those subjective areas, as rider heights vary widely, so you’re likely to agree or disagree