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.
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With a smooth power delivery, a low seat height, and upstanding handling characteristics, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R has everything you’re looking for in a sports bike. It’s not going to wow with anything out-of-this-world, but that’s not what the Ninja 250R is all about.
It’s actually a versatile sports bike that appeals to both novice riders and the more seasoned variety. Aerodynamically speaking, the Ninja 250R is wrapped in a modern aerodynamic fairing and windscreen that not only look great, but also deliver effective wind deflection for a wide range of riding situations. The bike also has an easy-to-read instrument panel with a fuel gauge and neutral indicator, as well as a natural riding position, comfortable ergonomics, and a set of full-size 17" sport bike wheels, all of which make the Ninja 250R a nimble and lightweight sports bike that’s designed to deliver pure pleasure on city streets.
In terms of performance, the Ninja 250R is powered by a compact, 249cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, that produces crisp throttle power seasoned riders will definitely appreciate. The bike’s extra highway passing power compared to other bikes in the 250 class is unparalleled whereas beginners will love the smooth torque delivery at lower speeds. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission that offers the right gear for almost any situation. Together, the efficient engine and transmission allow the Ninja 250R plenty of enjoyment from a wide array of customers.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned veteran, the Kawasaki 250R will offer you everything you need in a versatile machine.
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The 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R is the quintessential finished product when passion and technology merge. Redesigned and retooled a year ago, the 2012 ZX-10R is chalk-full of new technology that elevates the bike above all others in its class.
It’s very hard for a bike to boast such claims, but this one can rightfully do so without even batting an eyelash. The ZX-10R is powered by a potent 998cc, 16-valve, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline-four engine. This power plant has been tuned to optimize power delivery, center of gravity, and actual engine placement within the chassis while the steady release of torque allows the bike to eliminate power peaks and valleys that make it difficult for racers and track-day riders to open the throttle with confidence.
On top of the impressive power train, the ZX-10R also comes with new Kawasaki technology: the highly advanced and customizable Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control that allows riders to harness and capitalize on the ZX-10R’s amazing blend of power and responsive handling. The system is called Sport-Kawasaki Traction Control, or S-KTRC, and works by crunching numbers from a variety of parameters and sensors, including wheel speed and slip, engine rpm, throttle position, acceleration, etc. The S-KTRC system also relies on complex software buried in the ZX-10R’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) working to quickly reduce power at the right time where slippage exceeds the optimal traction zone. This allows the S-KTRC system to maintain the optimum level of tire grip to maximize forward motion, resulting in an improved lap time and better rider confidence across the board. Working on three different modes of operation - Level 1 (Max-Grip), Level 2, (Intermediate), and Level 3 (Slipper Conditions) - the S-KTRC system allows for a fast, smooth, and powerful ride on any condition imaginable.
That’s why the 2012 ZX-10R is considered as being in a class of its own.
Find out more about the Yamaha ZX-10R after the jump.
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There’s no going around what is already considered one of the best bike values on the market today. The Kawasaki Versys is an award-winning bike for a reason. It’s a solidly built multi-purpose ride that will have you searching for more reasons to ride and more roads to explore. Customers can’t get enough of it, and surely, the 2012 model will further strengthen that belief.
The bike’s aggressive styling compliments its dynamic flexibility and strength. Adding to the comfort of the rider are rubber bushings on the rear engine mounts and hollow rubber inserts atop the footpegs that also help to isolate the rider’s feet from engine vibration, resulting in a smoother, more relaxed ride. The Versys also has a carefully designed cockpit that provides a mostly upright, natural seating position and features a stepped seat constructed to provide optimum comfort for both rider and passenger. Last, the Versys has an easy-to-read and informative instrument panel that allows riders to quickly scan the gauges and keep their eyes on the road.
Inside, the heart of the Versys is a 649cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, parallel-twin engine highlights the bike’s light and nimble do-anything characteristics. The torquey twin delivers a deep ribbon of power in the lower and middle parts of its rev range, making the Versys a great commuter and relaxed traveling companion. As far as its handling and suspension features are concerned, the Versys has a long-travel high-tech suspension to go with a Showa rear shock with two-stage damping that firms up progressively as the wheel moves through its stroke, providing an initially plush ride that almost hits to the level of high-end sports bikes.
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The grand daddy of the Kawasaki Z line is the Z1000, a thrill ride that produces absurd levels of powerful performance while also boasting of distinctive aesthetic qualities.
It’s no secret why bikers have fallen head-over-heels for the Z1000 because, really, what’s not to like? Its aesthetic details begin with a low-mount front cowl that slopes back in a manner that highlights the Z’s sleek and stylish design. On top of that, the bike also has line-beam headlights that are integrated nicely into that angled cowl. At the back, there’s a shapely fuel tank that’s flared on the sides to let you grab it with your knees and trim at the back for a snug fit. Meanwhile, the bike’s seat is low and narrow at the front, which makes for easy ground contact while also flowing aggressively to the rear, providing a thoroughly athletic shape that has made millions of riders coo in delight.
As for its performance capabilities, the Z1000 is powered by a 1,043cc liquid-cooled, high-compression dual-cam engine that provides a unique riding experience bolstered by instantaneous thrust, unbridled power, and superb handling. The engine’s performance capabilities is impressive in its own right; but when you factor in its handling characteristics, it takes the experience to a whole new level.
The Z1000 boasts of new cutting-edge technology, highlighted by an aluminum frame similar to the ZX-10R, one that curves over the engine, cradling it from above. This allows the engine to be bolted solidly to the frame in three places, stressed-member-style, while a rubber mount at the upper rear crankcase area provides added vibration damping and torsional rigidity.
Every kind of detail you’d want in a high-powered sports bike, the Kawasaki Z1000 has an answer to. It’s no secret why it’s considered an industry leader in every sense of the word.
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