2010 Kawasaki Concours Review

Intro

Kawasaki introduced the Concours 14 line of motorcycles in 2008 making significant upgrades over the Concours of past years. Two years later when the 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14s were available for purchase, the already popular motorcycle had been upgraded further still. It was designed with the sport-touring consumer in mind though it certainly has a satisfied customer base beyond its consumer target.

The stylish, unique design enhanced by the light yet durable aluminum frame catches the motorcycle enthusiast's eye instantly while not so subtly attracting the rider’s practical side. Candy Neptune Blue and Flat Super Black are the two colors available and they both compliment the look of the bike quite nicely. The curb weight of the Concours 14 is 670 pounds, which is slightly lighter than the average sport-touring motorcycle, a nice advantage to have over its competitors.

The1352cc, DOHC, inline-four engine and six-speed transmission provides more power and pick up than most bikes in its class. The motor is capable of such high speeds that engineers programmed a top speed of 154 mph. While the controlled top speed is still far above legal driving limits, it's a smart feature to help curb the temptation to test the full power of the engine. Riders are sure to love the 102 pounds of torque capacity which allows for an exhilarating acceleration as well as fast decelerating capabilities which may come in handy when entering a heavily enforced speed zone.

The Tetra-Lever rear suspension drive system provides the exceptional handling that a bike with such a powerful engine needs. The braking system is exceptional, although the ABS (Anti-Lock Breaking System) is optional but highly recommended. However, all versions of the Kawasaki Concours 14 come with a radial-mounted dual disc front braking system with a single disc breaking system for the back tire.

New For 2010

  • New design positions the mirrors higher than the previous models improving the visibility.
  • The windscreen is both taller and wider than before providing better wind protection while also featuring a motorized raising mechanism that can the driver can set to a preference that the Concours 14 remembers for the owner's convenience.
  • Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) was added to the 2010 ABS versions.
  • The bike rides cooler than the previous models. The heat from the powerful engine is now more effectively dispersed thanks to the new body design.
  • Other new comforts include an auto-locking glove compartment replacing the storage area that was mounted on the tank of the bike in the earlier models.
  • An adjustable heating system for the handlebars helps keep the driver's hands warm during cooler weather.
  • A new eco-mode switch works at speeds under 80 mph. This allows the bike to maximize the air-fuel ratio for better gas mileage thus saving money as well as slowing down the rate of exhaust for those owners wishing to be more eco-friendly cyclists.

2010 Kawasaki Concours Specs

  • Model: 1400GTR
  • Engine Type: Four-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled, Horizontal Inline-Four
  • Bore and Stroke: 84 x 61 mm
  • Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
  • Valve Train: DOHC
  • Induction: Fuel Injected
  • Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
  • Transmission: Six-Speed
  • Final Drive: Tetra-Lever Shaft Drive
  • Fuel Capacity: 5.8 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 34.6 mpg
  • Brakes (Front): Dual Floating 310mm Petal Discs with Four-Piston Calipers (Optional ABS)
  • Brakes (Rear): Single 270mm Petal Disc
  • Suspension (Front): Inverted Fork
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin-Sided Rear Arm
  • Wheelbase: 59.8 inches
  • Rake: 25 degrees
  • Trail: 4.2 inches
  • Seat Height: 32.1 inches
  • Curb Weight: 670.3 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 120/70 ZR-17
  • Tires (Rear): 190/50 ZR-17

Accessories

  • Detachable Water-Resistant Sidebags
  • Concours 14 Cover
  • Rear Trunk
  • Rear Trunk Interior Bag
  • Rear Trunk Backrest Pad
  • Saddlebag Guards
  • Saddlebag Liners
  • Tank Bag
  • GPS Bracket
  • All-Purpose 40-Watt Accessory Dash-Mounted Socket

Key Competitors For The 2010 Kawasaki Concours

  • Honda VFR 1200F
  • BMW K1300S