Kawasaki found itself in the situation of needing to seriously improve what has in the past few years become one very notorious high-performance touring motorcycle, the Concours 14. So while the bike doesn’t drift away from its ZX-14 DNA, it should offer a much safer, more economical and comfortable riding experience. > More
Kawasaki starts the week at full throttle and releases the first photos and info regarding four of their 2010 street models, the Ninja ZX-10R, Z1000, Concours 14 and Versys. We have come to find that they are a bit retained with the upgrades, something that defines their strategy in the uncertain times that we’re traversing.
The best example in this concern is definitely the new Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, which gets the looks of its middleweight brother, the ZX-6R, and an 18-position Ohlins steering damper. I believe it’s in vain mentioning how much more we were expecting considering the competition in this class, but in the end 200bhp is nothing to laugh at.
At least Kawasaki doesn’t break the “all-new 2010 Z1000” promise and the new bike will be powered by a 1,043cc inline-four engine developing 136bhp and 81lb/ft of torque. The frame is now made of aluminum while the suspension and brakes are new as well and the thing has a dry weight of 436.9lbs (198.2kg). The 2010 Kawasaki Z1000 also looks new, but that doesn’t necessarily mean better. It should make a statement against motorcycles such as the Ducati Streetfighter and MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR, but definitely not at a first glance.
The 2010 Kawasaki Concours 14 gets traction control and a fuel economy mode as well as anti-lock brakes and a much more appealing design.
At the bottom of our list is the new Kawasaki Versys, which gets a new strange headlight and what we dare calling a facelift. Powered by the same 62bhp 649cc parallel-twin, this versatile middleweight motorcycle
should now be an even sweeter ride thanks to the new footpegs with rubber inserts, clearly a nice touch claimed to reduce vibrations.
Expect to read more about each model on this page in the next couple of days.
Kawasaki’s strategy for their high-performance tourer is simple and unveiled by the class’s nature. So while a BMW R1200GS will take you around the globe on virtually all kinds of surfaces, the Concours 14 is the second best choice for such a trip and only if planning to keep it on the streets.
Resembling the Ninja ZX-14 both in style and performance, the Concours brings touring goodies down the scene and improve life on board without sacrificing performance. In what concerns the 2009 model year, this requires no serious upgrades to the engine and chassis, but the bike does distinguishes thanks to the new Black and Red colors. Like for any veritable touring bike, ABS is also available but only as an option.
The new Concours™ 14 and Concours 14 ABS combine breathtaking engine performance, impeccable handling and a comfortable riding position with clean, convenient shaft drive, locking hard luggage, an electrically adjustable windscreen and a host of other features to create the most impressive long-distance, high-speed machine on the market today. > More
Kawasaki Motors Corp. has just released 4 new technical videos about:
KIPASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Actiration Start System),the first “smart” key ignition system in its class Electrically adjustable vented windscreen Sensors, located in the front and rear wheels, monitor tire pressure and display this information on the instrument panel, giving riders peace of mind during two-up high-speed riding or when carving up a mountain road Variable valve timing wich (...) > More
The 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 is based on the ZX-14 and its monocoque chassis. It is powered by a 1352 cc engine and will feature the 6-speed transmission of the new C14. The C14 utilizes an all-new Tetra-Lever Shaft drive featuring a four-link design, which is claimed to offer the same ride quality associated with a chain drive. The new Concours sports an entire host of high-end components, including choice state-of-the-art goodies that will make any technophile giddy.
Expect pricing to (...) > More
The Concoursâ„¢ motorcycle is designed for the sport-touring enthusiast who wants the engine and chassis performance of a sportbike, but demands the comfort and convenience necessary for those extended road trips that make life more interesting
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