You can never have enough of a good thing, and in the case of the Kawasaki Concours 14, that’s exactly what you’re going to get.
Expertly mixing high performance and long-distance functionality, the Concours 14 is the kind of touring bike that inspires riders to pull out their big maps and set out for the open road. It’s no wonder the Concours has been around for this long; it offers plenty of style, power, and functionality.
The Concours 14 comes with several features that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety, solidifying its position atop the sport touring heap. The bike’s dynamic bodywork increases comfort by routing heat away from the rider and passenger while a tall, electrically adjustable windscreen creates a calm cockpit experience with help from ducts above the instrument panel, balancing pressure areas inside and outside the screen. The bike also has handgrip heaters that come as standard, providing comfort even when outside temperatures become unbearable.
Complimenting the dynamic design of the Concours 14 is an engine that packs a wallop. The amazing and thoroughly modern 1,352cc DOHC inline-four engine sourced from the legendary ZX-14 sports bike generates excellent low- and mid-range power, all followed by a top-end rush that would turn most open-class sportbikes green with envy. An advanced fuel injection, ram-air induction, and variable valve timing all add up to an exhilarating ride.
On top of all that, the Concours also comes with technological features that enhance the riding experience. The bike’s K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) braking system offers two modes of linked, anti-lock braking and great overall performance. Likewise, a high-tech traction control system not only reduces wheelspin on slick surfaces, offering riders more confidence-inspiring feedback, but it can be easily switched off at the rider’s discretion.
Overall, the Concours 14 ABS is as action-packed as any touring bike on the market. Just goes to show what 26 years of experience does in honing a perfectly well-tuned machine.
Find out more about the Kawasaki Concours 14 after the jump.
Engine
Tuned to provide smooth power across an extremely wide rev range, the Concours 14 has power to spare
Variable valve timing improves the engine’s flexibility and efficiency by altering camshaft profiles to boost low-end and mid-range without sacrificing top-end power
Its compact and narrow engine design minimizes weight 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
Suspension
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 rigidly 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
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 2012 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
Other key instrument functions include the K-ACT mode indicator, Economical Riding Indicator, and Fuel Economy Assistance Mode mark
Multi-function display includes outside air temperature, whose sensor is located at the intake duct (the farthest point from the engine)
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
Specifications
Engine
Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement
1,352 cc
Bore x Stroke
84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum Torque
102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm
Compression Ratio
10.7:1
Fuel System
Digital Fuel Injection w/ 40mm throttle bodies
Ignition
TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission
6-Speed
Final Drive
Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Rake/Trail
26.1 degrees/4.4 in.
Front Tire Size
120/70 ZR-17
Rear Tire Size
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.
Front Brakes
Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers
Rear Brakes
Single 270mm petal disc (optional ABS)
Fuel Capacity
5.8 gal.
Seat Height
32.1 in.
Curb Weight
688.0 lbs.
Wheelbase
59.8 in.
Overall Length
87.8 in.
Overall height windscreen lowered / raised:
50.8/57.7
Overall width
39.4 in.
Color Choices
TBD
Quotes
MotorCycle USA----"the traction control with the Kawasaki Traction Control (KTC) that reduces the engine power when the wheels begin to spin, just until the grip is back on the rear tire. It also comes on an aluminum frame which is lightweight and rigid, and is equipped with the convenient Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Starting System (KIPASS)."
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