Motorcycle.com

More Technology and Refinement for This Multiple Award Winner


Performance touring comes naturally to Kawasaki, seeing as how we already had the performance part of the equation nailed with the incredible Ninja® ZX™-14 sportbike. That bikes amazing 1,352cc engine and unique monocoque frame lent themselves perfectly to this exciting new class of transcontinental sport touring motorcycles, and the original Kawasaki Concours™ 14 and Concours 14 ABS rose immediately to the top of the critics lists just two short years ago. But the people who ride these motorcycles are not known for their patience. Two years on, the next-generation Concours 14 benefits from an entire laundry list of comfort, convenience and safety items carefully engineered to surpass all expectations of what a perfect sport tourer should be.


The biggest change is immediately apparent: All-new bodywork not only gives the new Concours 14 an even more aggressive demeanor, its also designed to channel more heat away from the rider for increased comfort. Meanwhile, a 2.75-inch taller, electric-adjustable windscreen creates a bigger still-air pocket for the rider and passenger, and new ducts above the instrument panel relieve the low pressure area behind the windscreen for an even smoother, quieter cruise. When the weather turns cooler, the new bikes got your hands covered, with standard grip heaters that are easily adjustable via a control right next to the new, lockable storage compartment in the left inner fairing. Connoisseurs of fine cruising will note that all the redesigned body and trim pieces fit together with a level of precision and quality normally found on motorcycles costing thousands of dollars more.


The Concours 14 ABSs chiseled new looks are backed up by a full complement of sophisticated new safety electronics. Second-generation K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) relies upon a powerful ECU to provide your choice of two modes of highly refined, linked anti-lock braking. And while the ABS sensors were already in place on the wheels, the Concours 14s engineers used them as part of Kawasakis first-ever traction control system: KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) monitors any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds to help reduce wheelspin on slick surfaces, and provide extra peace of mind for the rider. (KTRC can of course, be easily switched on and off, at the riders discretion.)


The heart of the matter remains the same. The Concours 14 engine generates prodigious torque down low, followed by an impressive mid-range surge that transitions into a top-end rush most open class sportbikes would envy. A big part of its tremendously wide powerband can be attributed to its variable valve timing (VVT) system. VVT automatically alters camshaft profiles according to rpm, to boost low-end and mid-range torque without sacrificing top-end power. Advanced fuel injection, sub-throttle valves, ram-air induction and decades of experience building the worlds most potent motorcycle engines add up to an amazing powerplant, a huge force to be reckoned with in the performance sport-touring segment.


Good thing the rest of the Concours 14s running gear is up to the challenge. Its unique monocoque frame provides massive structural integrity along with excellent handling characteristics. Embracing the engine from on top, its compact structure keeps the bike narrow where it needs to be and allows optimum packaging of the bikes vital systems. The Tetra-Lever shaft drive, which sends all that power rearward, uses a four-link design to offset the lifting and squatting tendencies of lesser shaft drive systems when the throttle is opened and closed, which results in true sportbike handling and Tetra-Lever is almost completely maintenance free. The Concours 14s powertrain has earned critical acclaim around the world for its silky smooth power delivery.


To that awesomely solid foundation we add a carefully sculpted saddle, all the creature comforts youd expect and a pair of beautifully integrated, capacious, waterproof saddlebags and away you go. An integrated high-speed touring machine with unquestionable supersport DNA, the Concours 14 and Concours 14 ABS are more ready to get you there than ever.
SpecificationsEngine Type: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement: 1,352 cc
Bore and Stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum Torque: 102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel Ignition: Digital Fuel Injection w/ 40mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: 6-Speed
Final Drive: Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Rake/Trail: 26.1 degrees/4.4 in.
Front Tire Size: 120/70 ZR-17
Rear Tire Size: 190/50 ZR-17
Front Suspension / wheel travel: 43mm inverted, telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload / 4.4 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel: Tetra-Lever with stepless rebound damping adjustment and remote spring preload adjuster / 5.4 in.
Front Brake Type: Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers (optional ABS)
Rear Brake Type: Single 270mm petal disc
Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.8 gal.
Seat Height: 32.1"
Curb Weight: 679.1 lbs.
Wheelbase: 59.8
Overal Length: 89.4 in.
Overall height windscreen min / windscreen max: 50.8/55.3
Overall width at handlebars / at saddlebags: 30.7 in. / 39.4 in.
Color: Candy Neptune Blue/Flat Super Black
Warranty: 36 Months
Enhanced Comfort & Tourning PotentialA completely redesigned, more aggressive fairing with new inner guide surfaces and outlets is designed to facilitate heat dissipation, greatly reducing the amount of hot air transmitted to the rider
A 70mm taller windscreen with a wider upper portion reduces upper-body turbulence. The screen is electrically adjustable, with four new programmable preset positions
When the power is turned off, the windscreen goes to its lowest position. When the power is turned back on, the windscreens memory function returns it to the selected preset position
Passages from windscreen slits direct air through the inner fairing to vents next to the instrument panel; alleviating the lower pressure helps prevent turbulence around the riders head
An exhaust pipe guard added to the upper part of the exhaust mid-pipe helps protect the rider from heat when stopped
Stepless adjustable grip heaters are standard, with an easy-to-reach switch located in front of the new lockable storage case on the inner left fairing panel
A new, lockable storage case in the left fairing inner panel uses an electromagnet lock to prevent entry when the engine is off
New mirrors positioned 40mm higher increase rear visibility and provide increased hand protection from the wind
New hooks at the front of the tank facilitate securing a tank bag
New KRTC Traction ControlKTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control): Kawasakis first traction control system reduces engine output when wheel spin is detected, allowing the rear tire to regain grip
Advanced, 3-way control (airflow, ignition timing, fuel delivery) gives KTRC smooth operation, natural feel and the ability to operate on long stretches of bad road
KTRC adds no weight, since it uses the existing ECU and ABS sensors
New 2nd Generation K-ACT ABS2nd Generation K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS links front and rear brakes for most effective front-rear brake force distribution
A smaller, lighter K-ACT ABS unit with a higher-spec ECU is capable of more detailed calculations for smoother operation
The rider can choose one of two modes to suit riding situation or rider preference: The linked effect from front brake lever actuation is largely the same in both modes, but the linked effect when actuating the rear brake pedal is quite different
In Standard Mode, rider control is prioritized, with linked effect reduced at initial pedal stroke for natural sensation when sport riding
In High Combined Mode, theres a more pronounced linked effect from the beginning of the pedal stroke ideal for touring and two-up highway use
A low-battery mode maintains the ABS function as best possible when the battery charge is low. In low-battery mode, ABS timing and pressure relief functions are maintained, so brake effectiveness is preserved (although riders will notice that ABS operation is not as smooth). The K-ACT lamp will flash and Low Battery will be displayed on the LCD screen. The system resets when the engine is turned off
New Fuel Economy Assistance ModeActivating fuel economy assistance mode changes the engine to a leaner map which prioritizes fuel economy, for as much as a 25 percent MPG boost
Fuel economy assistance works in any gear, as long as rpm is below 6000, throttle opening less than 30 percent and speed less than 80 mph
KTRC adds no weight, since it uses the existing ECU and ABS sensors
Improved KIPASSNow each Concours 14 comes with one key fob (kept in a pocket) and a small card-type key for emergency/backup use.
The new card-type key includes an immobilizer function (but no remote activation) and is highly portable, measuring just 1.2 x 1.6 x 0.25 inch
Improved Finish, Higher Quality DesignImproved overall fit and finish results in a higher quality, more luxurious feel
A revised muffler end cap gives the silencer a more compact appearance; internal construction is unchanged, but the end cap itself is 1.6 inches shorter
Multi-function display now includes outside air temperature. The sensor is located at the intake duct (the furthest point from the engine)
Other new instrument functions include the K-ACT mode indicator, Economical Riding Indicator, and Fuel Economy Assistance Mode mark
The Mode-Select button on the front of the left grip lets the rider change LCD modes without taking his/her hand off the grip, toggling through average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, remaining range, tire pressure, battery voltage and outside temperature
New AccessoriesEngine guards, a larger top case, tank bag, GPS bracket, a low seat and side spoilers join the list of authorized Kawasaki Accessories.
1,352CC Four-Cylinder, DOHC Engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)Tuned to provide smooth power across a wide rev range, the Concours 14 has power to spare
Variable valve timing improves the engines flexibility and efficiency by altering the camshaft profiles to boost low-end and mid-range torque without sacrificing top-end power
Its compact and narrow engine design keeps the weight down for maximum handling and performance
Chrome composite plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable, and quickly carry heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for supreme durability under high loads
Gear-Driven Dual Engine BalancersAlready in perfect primary balance, the Concours inline four-cylinder engine uses dual secondary balancers to virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for enhanced rider comfort
Ram Air InductionRam air ducts provide a straight path for cool, high-pressure air to enter the airbox for maximum intake efficiency and power
Digital Fuel InjectionA digital computer feeds the engine exactly the amount of fuel it needs for cleaner emissions and maximum fuel economy
A 32-bit electronic control unit works with the dual throttle-valve system to further enhance throttle response and control
Digital IgnitionFour individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each spark plug independently to achieve optimum timing
An idle speed control system included in the ECU provides easy starting and warm-up
Radial Pump Clutch Master CylinderA hydraulic radial-pump clutch master cylinder delivers smooth, precise clutch engagement
Monocoque Aluminum FrameHollow aluminum box sections arch over the engine from the steering head to the swingarm pivot for a narrow, rigid and very light frame
The rigid-mounted engine acts as a stressed frame member to increase the frames torsional rigidity while reducing weight
Forward engine positioning, wheelbase length and front/rear weight balance were carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
Radial-Mount Petal-Type Front Disc BrakesRadial design uses mounting points at the top and bottom of the caliper, with mounting bolts inserted through the rear of the caliper instead of the side/front for increased rigidity and improved brake feel
Separate brake pads for each caliper piston provide increased cooling efficiency and more consistent brake feel under extreme conditions.
Petal design front and rear brake rotors provide enhanced cooling and better warp resistance
Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel
Tetra-Lever Shaft DriveThis unique four-link design offsets lifting and squatting tendencies of shaft drive when the throttle is opened and closed, significantly reduces driveline lash during sport riding and provides smooth acceleration when exploiting the engines incredible power output
Virtually maintenance-free, the Tetra-Lever system dramatically reduces routine maintenance requirements
Plenty of Storage RoomConcours 14s large-volume, easily detachable sidebags are integrally designed to complement the rest of the machine. Water-resistant, they easily hold a full-face helmet.
The cases are mounted as close as possible to the bikes centerline and center of gravity, with lightweight construction that minimizes their influence on handling
A lightweight resin-construction rear carrier is designed to be compatible with an accessory top case
An all-purpose 40-watt accessory socket is mounted on the dash, providing convenient access to power for electronics
Full InstrumentationEasy-to-read speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD digital display including an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, tire pressure indicator and a clock are just a partial listing of the 2010 Concours 14s display capabilities
Controller Area Network (CAN) interface between the gauges uses fewer wires and allows a greater volume of information to be exchanged than in traditional instrument panels
Kawasakis Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS) now comes with a small card-type key for emergency use