Interestingly I took delivery on a 2012 Arabian Red Connie on Saturday. I only got to ride it 50 miles because of the rain but first impression is good. I also found that there are a ton of different ways to mod the bars, pegs and seat if it doesn't fit out of the box.
I will say that it is one fantastic motorcycle. FANTASTIC.

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Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100

Awesome ergonomic link. Grats on your purchase.

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I suspect wind pressure has something to do with comfort as well. Rode a Connie this past summer, seemed a good deal smaller (and more leaned forward) than the Vee. For reference, I'm 6'4", 230lb. Just too small for me. With the windshield raised for max protection, too much pressure on the wrists. With adequate wind pressure, too much wind. Haven't ridden the Yam, but the Connie leans too far towards the "sport" for me.

Thats why theres at least half a dozen bar solutions out there for them I suspect. For them that want the sporting position and for them that don't.
It is a fairly compact feeling package, especially considering it weighs nigh on to 700 pounds. Pegs are a bit high, bars are a bit forward.
But it feels like its glued to the road and it goes like a frickin rocket. Yeah baby.

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Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100

I've ridden C-14s twice for a total of about an hour seat time. I found it to be very comfortable, and would have no issue going from my Vee to one. I might consider adding the riser kit they make for it, but only after riding it for long trips to see if it's needed.

IMO it's one of the most comfy rides out there, especially for a "Super-Sport Touring" bike.

BTW: I'm really, really old and I have crappy joints and RA and busted bones and metal everywhere all that stuff. I don't find many bikes comfy.

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"Adidas has officially unveiled the Adidas Bystander, the first shoe designed for running away from a mass public shooting."

I'm a short arse at around 5'9. Reach to the bars and their height is fine for me. Peg position could be better but then the bike is based around a ZX-14. I would not consider peg lowering as I can drag the pegs on occasion.

I have an aftermarket screen which is a little wider and a little taller. I tend to only raise it in bad weather (although I have also raised it in very hot weather to keep the hot air off a bit).

I have the standard seat although I fit a sheepskin seat cover on longer rides - it's debatable whether the 'skin makes much difference. I have spent 22 hours (with the odd break) in foul weather on it in one hit - yes, you get a sore butt (and one of knees feels it) but you would sitting on your couch for that long...

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'08 Vee: Suzy luggage, Crash bars, Rad Guard & front mudguard extension, Zumo 550, Oxford Hot grips, Stebel, PC-8, 12v acc, Scott oiler & lube-tube, Remus Revolution Cans, Bark Busters, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

'08 Concours 14: Rad guard, Stebel, Oxford Hot grips, Projekt D Screen, Hugger, GPS mount, helmet locks & front guard extension, Zumo 550, Stebel, Phil's rack & Givi V46, Sheepskin seat cover, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

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It is too bad you live so far away. There is a used motorcycle dealership in Atlanta, Ga that will rent bikes for between $50/hour and $200 depending on the bike. You can rent VStroms, Spyders, Connies, FJRs, and many others. I've considered the Spyder in the past, but never got around to riding one. I still one day just want to go up and rent one for the fun of it. It's not a real motorcycle, but I still think it looks like fun.

Oh, the dealership is called "WOW Motorcycles" if anyone cares. Great place. They typically have over 600 bikes on display at any time.

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2006 Vstrom 650

1999 Triumph Trophy 1200

2012 Vstrom 650 (current)

It would have been nice but I've got the Connie now. In the research I did on the bike I'm pretty convinced that if it needs tweaking there are many solutions available to do it.
Being able to rent a bike you are considering would be a big advantage and answer a lot of questions.

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Joe S.
'12 Concours
'11 DL650
'10 Tiger1050
'01 HD FXD
'09 HD XR1200
'79 BMW R100