Written by: Kawasaki
Date: October 6, 2009
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 bike’s 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, it’s 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 bike’s 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 ABS’s 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 14’s engineers used them as part of Kawasaki’s 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 piece of mind for the rider. (KTRC can of course, be easily switched on and off, at the rider’s 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 world’s 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 14’s 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 bike’s 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 14’s 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 you’d 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.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, personal watercraft, utility vehicles and recreation utility vehicles through a network of more than 1,475 independent retailers, with an additional 8,000 retailers specializing in Kawasaki power products and general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,300 people in the United States, with 400 of them located at KMC’s Irvine, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.™”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand has become synonymous with powerful, stylish motorcycles for over four decades. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of recreational products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
New for 2010:
Enhanced Comfort & Touring Potential
* A 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 windscreen’s 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 rider’s 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 KTRC Traction Control (Concours 14 ABS only)
* KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control): Kawasaki’s 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 ABS (Concours 14 ABS only)
* 2nd 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, there’s 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 Mode
* Activating 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
Improved KIPASS
* Now 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 Design
* Improved 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 Accessories
* Engine guards, a larger top case, tank bag, GPS bracket, a low seat and side spoilers join the list of authorized Kawasaki Accessories.
Features and Benefits
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 engine’s 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 Balancers
* Already 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 Induction
* Ram air ducts provide a straight path for cool, high-pressure air to enter the airbox for maximum intake efficiency and power
Digital Fuel Injection
* A 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 Ignition
* Four 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 Cylinder
* A hydraulic radial-pump clutch master cylinder delivers smooth, precise clutch engagement
Monocoque Aluminum Frame
* Hollow 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 frame’s 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 Brakes
* Radial 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 Drive
* This 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 engine’s incredible power output
* Virtually maintenance-free, the Tetra-Lever system dramatically reduces routine maintenance requirements
Plenty of Storage Room
* Concours 14’s 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 bike’s 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 Instrumentation
* Easy-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 14’s 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
* Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Star
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement: 1,352cc
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum torque: 102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel Injection: Digital Fuel Injection w/ 40mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Rake / trail: 26.1 degrees / 4.4 in.
Front tire: 120/70 ZR-17
Rear tire: 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.
Brakes, front: Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers (optional ABS)
Brakes, rear: Single 270mm petal disc (optional ABS)
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
Overall Length: 89.4 in.
Overall Height Fairing Lowered / Raised: 50.8 in. / 55.3 in.
Overall Width at Handlebars / at Saddlebags: 30.7 in. / 39.4 in.
Curb Weight: Concours 14 / Concours 14 ABS: 670.3 / 679.1 lbs.
Color: Candy Neptune Blue/Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12 months
2010 Kawasaki Concours 14
Posted on February 2, 2010 | Category: Kawasaki
2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 To the less perceptive observer, it could pass for a warmed-over version of last year’s Concours 14. Given the currently chilly financial climate, we didn’t expect many changes for 2010 beneath the fresh coat of Candy Neptune Blue paint. The home office had a more ambitious agenda. When customer research came back with the same list of flaws in the original ‘08 design, Kawasaki Japan wanted them fixed. All of them.
Handling is instantly familiar to anyone with some seat time on the previous version. A firmer fork gains steering precision but loses compliance on rough pavement. Kawasaki’s Tetra-Lever driveline maintains a steady chassis attitude whether you’re on or off the throttle. When you’re on, the new Bridgestone radials make steering much more neutral, especially over the last few degrees before the peg-feelers touch down. The big four’s eerie smoothness becomes a faint buzz above 5000 rpm, but not enough to avoid the high-speed happy place between 4000 and 7000. The last Concours was good enough that we were willing to overlook a few bad habits. Now that they’re gone, nobody else’s uber-tourer makes us happier.
Concours customers don’t like roasting in hot air from the engine bay? The subtly resculpted fairing and bodywork are all-new. Fit and finish are noticeably better as well. They’re tired of rough, noisy air in the cockpit? Here’s a taller, wider windscreen. Looking to go further between fuel stops? Cue up a high-mileage fuel map with the touch of a button; the same one that lets your left hand cycle through data on the cockpit LCD without leaving the grip. Never saw Officer Obie’s Crown Vic on your six? Repositioned rear-view mirrors fix that and steer more oncoming air around your hands as well. Still cold? Don’t blow all that dough on a BMW. Heated handgrips are standard. Just in case that’s not enough, the optional linked ABS is smaller, lighter and comes with switchable traction control to sweeten the deal.
The big boy looks good soaking up a little Coachella Valley sunshine. Slimmer. More focused. But then again, everything looks a little better when you’re 142 miles southeast of L.A., aiming 679 pounds of electronically enhanced sport-tourer at the San Jacinto Mountains. Easing out of Indian Wells-home to more blue hair, millionaires and perfectly preserved German convertibles than anywhere else in America-the new Concours hardly feels that heavy. A whiff of throttle cues up seamless, socially acceptable acceleration from 2500 rpm. Except for providing the inevitable overstuffed Tommy Bahama shirt in a Porsche Carrera Cabriolet with some 7000-rpm enlightenment, anything above 4000 is overkill around town. Shifting is easy, and mostly optional with this torque spread.
After a few miles of stoplights, there’s no withering engine heat in the cockpit. Slip into the overdrive top cog and there’s no nasty buffeting behind the new windscreen at 80 mph. No vibration either. There are a lot of buttons. Lessee … KTRC means traction control. Dial up too much throttle across some sandy desert intersection and it dials down power just enough to keep the rear wheel from spinning. Otherwise, you’ll never know it’s there. The orange K-ACT button toggles between linked braking modes: Standard works best for all-round and sporting duty. High Combined Mode engages more of the four-pot Nissin front calipers and 310mm discs when you toe the right pedal-enough to stop hard with no help from the front brake lever. A healthy squeeze on said lever whilst mashing the pedal uncorks enough pure deceleration to rearrange internal organs. The ABS only kicks in when there’s not enough grip to execute your orders-a nice digital safety net and especially handy for two-up travel on unfamiliar roads.
Purists insist they’re the only acceptable link between a motorcycle’s front and rear brakes. For everyone else, the Kawasaki electronics make slowing down easier. Use two fingers on the lever and that assistance is subtle-just enough rear brake to compress the suspension at both ends instead of just the fork. No disconcerting forward pitch. Nice. A little more pressure on the lever equals a lot more stopping power. Perfectly linear it’s not. Cornering with one toe on a normal brake pedal usually cures mid-corner chassis fidgeting, but this one adds just enough front brake to make things worse, even in Standard mode. But that’s the only concession to Concours technology you’re likely to make. Otherwise, the brakes are stellar.
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This time of year is always fun for TeamZilla. We love seeing the new motorcycle gear, testing it out and eventually getting it live on RevZilla.com. It's particularly exciting when it comes to new gear from some of our favorite brands. If you follow us on any internet channel it should be no surprise (yes we've been hitting it hard lately) that after our Los Angeles Alpinestars Preview Adventure, we have been itchy to unveil the new 2010 Alpinestars Motorcycle Gear and launch it on RevZilla.com as well as launch videos on RevZillaTV.