2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS | Price $15,599
Dyno
Variable valve timing fortifies the ZX-14-derived four’s delivery across the bottom of the rev range with relatively little in the way of a downside above that. Still, it tapers off early compared to the more powerful BMW and Honda.
Tech Spec
Engine type: l-c inline-four
Valve train: DOHC, 16v
Displacement: 1352cc
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm
Compression: 10.7:1
Fuel system: EFI
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum monocoque
Front suspension: 43mm Kayaba inverted fork with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Rear suspension: Single Kayaba shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Front brake: Dual Nissin four-piston calipers, 310mm discs with ABS
Rear brake: Nissin two-piston caliper, 270mm disc with ABS
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT021U
Rear tire: 190/50ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT021U
Rake/trail: 26.1/4.4 in.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
Weight (tank full/empty): 690/655 lbs.
Measured horsepower: 130.4 bhp @ 9000 rpm
Measured torque: 87.9 lb.-ft. @ 7250 rpm
Corrected -mile: 10.84 sec. @ 127.7 mph
Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 4.2 sec.
Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 45/27/35 mpg
Colors: Blue, black
Availability: Now
Warranty: 36 mo., unlimited miles
Contact:
Kawasaki Motor Corp.
9950 Jeronimo Road
Irvine, CA 92618
949.770.0400
www.kawasaki.com
Ergos
Though roomier and more comfortable for long hauls, tall bars push you up and back. That’s great for covering long distances in a straight line, but it can feel a bit awkward when you’re pushing hard through the twisties.
2011 Triumph Sprint GT | Price $13,199
Dyno
Though smaller than the others in terms of size and sheer muscle, Triumph’s 1050cc triple makes the most of those 118.6 horses, laying them down in steady succession. That dip at 3000 rpm is much less noticeable on the road.
Tech Spec
Engine type: l-c inline-triple
Valve train: DOHC, 12v
Displacement: 1050cc
Bore x stroke: 79.0 x 71.4mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Fuel system: EFI
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 6-speed
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar with single-sided swingarm
Front suspension: Showa 43mm fork with adjustable spring preload
Rear suspension: Showa shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
Front brake: Dual Nissin four-piston calipers, 320mm discs with ABS
Rear brake: Nissin two-piston caliper, 255mm disc with ABS
Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT021
Rear tire: 120/70ZR-17 Bridgestone Battlax BT021
Rake/trail: 23.5/3.3 in.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Wheelbase: 60.5 in.
Fuel capacity: 5.3 gal.
Weight (tank full/empty): 589/557 lbs.
Measured horsepower: 118.6 bhp @ 9000 rpm
Measured torque: 73.0 lb.-ft. @ 7500 rpm
Corrected -mile: 11.24 sec. @ 122.5 sec.
Top-gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 4.1 sec.
Fuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 48/33/41 mpg.
Colors: Blue, silver
Availability: Now
Warranty: 24 mo., unlimited mi.
Contact:
Triumph Motorcycles of America, Ltd.
385 Walt Sanders Memorial Dr. #100
Newnan, GA 30265
678.854.2010
www.triumphmotorcycles.com
Ergos
A nicely tapered seat makes the GT accessible to the vertically challenged, though getting from there to the oddly angled bars can be a stretch for some. The net effect offers perhaps the best balance of sporting comfort and control.