Kawasaki Concours [Archive] - Kiwi Biker forums

Hitcher

25th June 2007, 09:35

Some bike reviewers just don't seem to get it. That Bikeland review is such an example. A sports tourer like the Concours deserves to get more than a "ride round the block" review. They spent way too much time talking about the "keyless ignition" system and not enough on things that really matter for a bike of this type.

What's it like to ride for six hours at a stretch?

What's its fuel range?

So the screen isn't perfect. What options are there?

What's the capacity of the hard luggage, and what's it like to get on and off the bike (particularly with that silly keyless ignition system), and what are its ergonomics like to pack and unpack in motels, etc?

What does the bike look like with its bags off or, like an ST1300, do the bags have to stay on for cosmetic reasons?

And pillions. What effect on rider comfort and bike handing does the addition of a second person have? What's the comfort like for them? How do they feel after six hours at a stretch?

Service intervals?

So it can wheelie. Fucking big deal. What's it like when spanked really hard through some twisty stuff? What's it like in a really strong cross-wind?

Content warning: Don't misunderstand, this criticism is aimed at the review, not at the bike or the person who posted it. The Concours may be an absolutely fantastic sports tourer. It is, after all, a Kawasaki! (All comments are those of Hitcher the Kiwi Biker, not Hitcher the moderator)

BarBender

25th June 2007, 10:28

Content warning: Don't misunderstand, this criticism is aimed at the review, not at the bike or the person who posted it. The Concours may be an absolutely fantastic sports tourer. It is, after all, a Kawasaki! (All comments are those of Hitcher the Kiwi Biker, not Hitcher the moderator)

Only just read the review myself. Just stuck it up there.
Agree with your points regarding irrelevant reviews.

Re: the content warning - :lol:
Are you intending on putting this up on all your posts?

C'mon Hitch - get a grip man.
No mE bE4 u JuDgE m3!!!
i Is nOt ThAt uDeRd3v3lOpEd 4 a 2nD G3n3rAtIoN cOcoAnUt!!:weep:

KoroJ

25th June 2007, 12:44

Yeah, saw one yesterday at Rimutex. One of the Motorad staff was testing it out after receiving it on Saturday.

Looks impressive but I will be watching the ride reports with interest.

gunnyrob

25th June 2007, 17:34

saw one in Hamilton. looks purdy!:yes:

rustys

26th June 2007, 20:01

Here here "Hitcher" good points raised, i would'nt rave over it myself. A mate of mine is getting one in the next shipment, i think next month, so we will see.
Still it will take a lot to beat my 2004 FJR 1300 Hah!:rockon:

Hitcher

26th June 2007, 20:23

I will form a view as to how much FJRs "rock" once I've ridden a Concours.

Big Dave

26th June 2007, 21:07

I'm sure it will do what it is meant to do brilliantly. I may even get my mits on the test bike.

Whether what it is meant to do - cover long distances at high speed - is relevant on the NZ roading system is becoming contentious. I went very close to getting pinged on a 54hp, naked, Scrambler on Sunday.

But I bet it's a hoot!

Hitcher

26th June 2007, 22:47

But I bet it's a hoot!

If I see you doing a write up based on a test ride of less than 1,000km that doesn't involve an overnight stop and a pillion, I shall prime my musket.

boomer

26th June 2007, 22:56

horses for courses.. or concourses. :bye: its fekin ugly and reminds me of a concourse.

man i laughed so hard at this

C'mon Hitch - get a grip man.
No mE bE4 u JuDgE m3!!!
i Is nOt ThAt uDeRd3v3lOpEd 4 a 2nD G3n3rAtIoN cOcoAnUt!!:weep:

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Big Dave

26th June 2007, 23:37

If I see you doing a write up based on a test ride of less than 1,000km that doesn't involve an overnight stop and a pillion, I shall prime my musket.

Put your balls away. IF I get it.
Pillon of course, how far depends on how long.
There will be a queue for this thing and The Ed told me I'm doing the CB1300 so it's an IF. I don't know for sure there is a press bike yet.

Holy Roller

27th June 2007, 07:47

What I would like to know is what is the riding position like compared to a ZX14? Would hope that it is more upright.
A comparison to a lead sled could be helpful.

KoroJ

27th June 2007, 09:29

What I would like to know is what is the riding position like compared to a ZX14? Would hope that it is more upright.
A comparison to a lead sled could be helpful.

Appears to be very similar to the ST & FJR. A couple of the pix here (near the end) http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=220&content=photos show the riding position.

BarBender

27th June 2007, 10:35

What I would like to know is what is the riding position like compared to a ZX14? Would hope that it is more upright.

Jumped on one last week and it is...for me any way.
Grips are up by about 4 inches and back by a couple?

Sanx

27th June 2007, 17:50

its fekin ugly

Compared to what you ride, the Concours is the Venus de Milo, Natalie Portman (:not:) and Kiera Knightly rolled into one, with a bit of Florence Griffith Joyner for added oomph.

Hitcher

27th June 2007, 18:20

Compared to what you ride, the Concours is the Venus de Milo, Natalie Portman and Kiera Knightly rolled into one, with a bit of Florence Griffith Joyner for added oomph.

Venus de Milo can't hold a candle to the others to whom you refer.

Sanx

27th June 2007, 18:57

Venus de Milo can't hold a candle to the others to whom you refer.

She could, but it'd have to be in her mouth.

27th June 2007, 19:41

Had a brief look at one today. Front on view is quite impressive. Not sure about the rest of the looks but it's unfair to judge a bike's looks when it is in a showroom surrounded by other bikes. Roll it outside into daylight and any bike looks better.
The high risers for the handlebars are... enormous. A man..or woman, could do serious injury on those spikes. No heated grips I noticed and no on/off ABS switch that I could see. No doubt it rumbles along at a brisk pace. Like BD said though, where in NZ do you use a tourer to cruise at 220+kph for hours on end?
As I always say we can't complain about the variety of bikes and styles the manufacturers keep throwing into the mix.
talk about extremes of minimalist and maximalistic (if there isn't such a word then remember, I came up with it and you saw it first here on KB!) The shop had the Concours and some BMW full dress tourers next to some euro trials bikes. It was like the David and Goliath of bikes.

Hitcher

27th June 2007, 19:42

Mark, I guess one is to presume from your post that Motorad have one on the floor? Is it a demo or just for decorative purposes?

KoroJ

27th June 2007, 19:50

Mark, I guess one is to presume from your post that Motorad have one on the floor? Is it a demo or just for decorative purposes?

According to the chap I saw on Sunday, it is to be a demo model.

Hitcher

27th June 2007, 19:50

According to the chap I saw on Sunday, it is to be a demo model.

In that case, my nipples have hardened.

KoroJ

27th June 2007, 19:56

In that case, my nipples have hardened.

If you were after that result, you should have said. I would have let look at, and maybe even touch, my ST....you know, the one with the bald tyre and broken mirror.

Big Dave

27th June 2007, 22:18

She could, but it'd have to be in her mouth.

Those sort of comments arn't 'armless you know.

limbimtimwim

28th June 2007, 07:46

In that case, my nipples have hardened.Dude! Go ride in a t-shirt, no need to plonk monies on a new bike.

28th June 2007, 14:22

Mark, I guess one is to presume from your post that Motorad have one on the floor? Is it a demo or just for decorative purposes?

Yes in deedy Brett, it was at Motorad and had their demo No. plate fitted. They couldn't put in on the raised window stand because Titan cranes couldn't get their heavy duty truck through the doorway!

Off topic - They also have the MP3 scoot as a demo. I'm really keen to try it just to experience a 3 wheeler at lean! They rode the MP3 to Martinborough on the weekend and Carl reckoned it handled the hill and cornered well.
Back on topic. Yes they have a Concours 1400. It is grey and has a wheel at the rear and a spare one positioned at the front of the bike.

devnull

30th June 2007, 18:32

The one at Mt Eden Motorcycles was picked up on Friday....

BUT... Red Baron have one in the showroom at the moment :woohoo:

Cheers to Big Dog for looking after my little boy (http://www.gswsystems.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=226) while I sat on the thing drooling :2thumbsup
All I need to do now is convince my wife that I need one

shafty

1st July 2007, 09:23

Appears to be very similar to the ST & FJR.

There promises to be some good 3 or 4 way comapro's in bike mags in the future Honda Vs Yammie Vs Kawa Vs BMW - while Suzuki is still in "The Chain Gang"

rustys

8th July 2007, 19:48

First time perv at the GTR Concours today, friend mine just rode his back from Hamilton Friday, unfortunatly in the pouring rain.
He is quite a big lad and suits the bike very nicely, enjoyed the comfort of it on the way down here 4.5 hrs no problem, also a lovely colour greeny/silver.
The Keyless ignition is no drama, the actual dial in the key lock is a key, turn it to the right it will pop out and there is the key for the luggage system.
His comments at this stage with only three days riding on it are, screen a bit small and short, aparently Kawasaki do make a bigger one for the bike also,

Front suspension seems to be working fine, on factory settings for our bumpy coast roads over here, but the rear is really harsh at this point will put some kays on it before getting to serious about playing around with it first.

Lights are brilliant no questions asked due to the size of the things.

Fuel consumption, ahem, 15klms to the litre at this point.( there you go Hitcher)

And looks like the luggage system maybe slightly bigger than the FJR ( Hitch)
the way the bags clip on and of, i would say a direct copy of Yamaha.

Service intervals after the first 1000klms are 12000klms.

Sitting position is probably slighty more forward than the FJR but still very nice, that all depends what sort of build you are of course. Leg room plenty.

Balance is good as in puting on mainstand very easy for a big heavy bike.

Owner says the top box that Kawasaki have designed for the bike is relatively small so he will put his 46 litre Givi on the bike instead.

Very nice touring bike i must say, but i still don't like the (big cigar pipe )out the back. Will be interested to here others comments on this machine as time goes on.:rockon:

BarBender

18th July 2007, 16:54

ELSNazTcpQg

Krusti

18th July 2007, 21:25

Yeah, test rode an ST and a FJR today. Will have to hunt out a Concourse demo yet.

Problem at the moment is that the ST is $3000 - $4000 cheaper!

Waylander

18th July 2007, 21:29

Yeah, test rode an ST and a FJR today. Will have to hunt out a Concourse demo yet.

Problem at the moment is that the ST is $3000 - $4000 cheaper!
Not to mention looks better.

Krusti

18th July 2007, 21:35

Not to mention looks better.

I personally liked the ST best, felt better quality to me. The FJR certainly was lighter and probably more flickeable.

But that's just my personal take on them. Mmmmm more thinking to be done me thinks....

Waylander

18th July 2007, 21:40

I personally liked the ST best, felt better quality to me. The FJR certainly was lighter and probably more flickeable.

But that's just my personal take on them. Mmmmm more thinking to be done me thinks....
I tell ya something. The FJR is a scary fun ride on the back, your missus miht actually stay away on it lol.

Hitcher

19th July 2007, 13:07

Honda's certainly got the price point very sharp on the ST1300. But having owned both an ST and an FJR for over 30,000km, I'd pay the extra for an FJR -- yes, I think it's a $3,000 better bike!. I've yet to ride a Concours, mind. But that electronic key system does my head in, because I can't see what advantages it has over a traditional stick-in-the-slot-and-twist key. I can see disadvantages in terms of keeping one's stuff safe inside the hard luggage, and the hard luggage itself.

sinned

19th July 2007, 18:49

How much is the Concours?

Hitcher

19th July 2007, 20:06

$23,995.
http://www.kawasaki.co.nz/kawasaki_custom.cfm?modelcode=ZG1400B8F&do=list

Meanie

19th July 2007, 21:53

I am considering buying one of these I,m very impressed with them apart from the horrible muffler but that should be easily replaced
Ill let you know how i get on and what i think after a spin tomorrow

yod

19th July 2007, 22:08

a-HA!! what time you taking it out?

Meanie

19th July 2007, 22:22

a-HA!! what time you taking it out?

Trust you to see that post you bloody snoop :rofl:
Sometime tomorrow morning not sure yet but when i can sneak out of work for a couple of hours

yod

19th July 2007, 22:36

Trust you to see that post you bloody snoop :rofl:
Sometime tomorrow morning not sure yet but when i can sneak out of work for a couple of hours

:lol:

cool, takin it over the track? that'd be the ticket :yeah:

look forward to your report:yes:

Waylander

19th July 2007, 22:39

I am considering buying one of these I,m very impressed with them apart from the horrible muffler but that should be easily replaced

Looks highly yamaha-ish that pipe, doesn't it...

Jog-Insanity

20th July 2007, 05:10

Looks highly yamaha-ish that pipe, doesn't it...

yamaha's are gay, like you!

Waylander

20th July 2007, 06:37

yamaha's are gay, like you!
this from a scooter rider?

Meanie

20th July 2007, 10:12

Hey Barbender thanks for posting the you tube it was very helpful
Im just waiting here at work for the dam rain to stop so i can go for a happy on the concourse, i may have to test ride its wet weather capabilities yet :yes:

Hitcher

20th July 2007, 13:06

zzrriders

20th July 2007, 21:55

Hi i have a zx14 but may take a look at the concourse eventually but i find that the bike review guys dont help a mans decision. I agree with you, they dont answer the questions that matter to the kind of rider who is interested in these bikes. Cos we like to do some miles i think we get put into the unsexy catergory ..the quip on cordura is a typical pain inthe ass example.
To us, as you point out, fuel range ,pillion suitabilty etc really matters.
Anyway, just for the record, my wife and i love the zx14 -eats miles and huge fun. cheers

yod

20th July 2007, 22:02

The thing that made me laugh most in the Youtube promo was a bunch of Americans pronouncing concours as "konkor". Hilariously, a "Konkor fourteen", rather than a "Konkor quatorze". I suppose it must be a foreign word for them, just like they think fillet, liqueur and herb are...

it's actually perfectly natural for the pronunciation of words to evolve over time - you may think their version is strictly incorrect but it may turn out to be the pronunciation of choice in future

height, wednesday, foreign, fillet....

list goes on and on and on AND, which is more correct; the version spoken by the majority, or the version spoken for the longest time? +

it's all basically subjective.....but interesting to delve into

Meanie

21st July 2007, 11:49

Rode it, Brough it, Love it What an awesome machine, more to come as i ride it
Yes the screen is a little low but a bit stronger than the FJR screen with no flexing that i can see so far
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
Excuse me i am a little excited, does it show ?

Meanie

22nd July 2007, 19:43

Took it for a ride over viniger hill, up to Mangaweka and back down Pohongina valley today and was very impressed with the handling and how warm i kept behind all tose fairings and screen The Oxrord heated hand grips were a godsend when it started to snow, i was still warm as toast when we stopped to thaw everyone else out
Still running under 4000 rpm until it is run in but has plenty of power in that range and is traveling at 135 kmh at 4000 rpm the sixth gear is awesome
I love the dash layout with big easy read tacho and speedo. Gear indicator is very handy and its nice to be able to see how many kms you still have left in the tank It is a little hard to move backwards when you are sitting on it as it is very high (had the same trouble on the FJR) and im not short just average height but i am hoping it will settle a little lower when things start loosening up Panniers are off at the moment and will stay off unless i am touring, it looks fine without them The mirrors although look a little large are the best i have seen, when adgusted correctly you need only glance at them to see more than you need to see behind you. The large exhaust is very quiet and i am starting to get used to it. I am realy enjoying this bike and i,m more sure with each km i travel on it that i purchased the right bike. More as i get used to it

Hitcher

23rd July 2007, 09:01

Could you please post some large pics of the Concours without its luggage on?

And, for the record, I've never seen either screen I've had on my FJR "flex".

I'll also be interested to see what sort of economy you get, Euro3 and all that...

Congratulations on your new purchase!

tri boy

23rd July 2007, 13:01

Congrats Meanie,
Like Hitcher says, Pix, views etc please.
Big Kwaka's have a real presence about them. KZ1300, Z1000 s, ZZRs,
Built like the brick sh*t house, and last forever.:Punk:

Meanie

23rd July 2007, 19:30

Hope this works Hitcher a link to my post where i have posted a few pics Ill post more after the week end
I may have been traveling a lot faster on the FJR to see the screen flex and i did have it all the way up Still running the concours in so havnt gone over 130kms yet not knocking the FJR at all i nearly brought one and still think they look and handle awesome
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=53989

Hitcher

23rd July 2007, 19:35

Meanie

23rd July 2007, 19:43

I guess it looks OK without its bags. That puts it several points ahead of an ST1300 for a starter! Kinda makes that can look largish though, but I thought the cans on the new Z1000 looked ugly too until I saw the bike in the flesh.

I dont mind the looks without the bags but your right it does make the muffler stand out
Looks heaps better up close and personal and grows on you real quick
I kinda wish they had stayed with the ZX mufflers