[motocopter]

Speculation of the basic configuration for the next Concours?

When I consider that it will at least have Euro 5 software, I think of less than desirable performance with partial throttle opening. Then, I consider what an awesome bike the current Concours 14 is at this time.

Same with the ZX14. Will the largest Ninja and Concours still share the basic frame and engine?

Thoughts?

 

[twowheeladdict]

For me to even consider a concours again they would have to give it all the features that are now on the Versys 1000 LT SE + model.

 

[motocopter]

That's a good start. The current V1K is comfy bike. Like your preference for a long distance bike, I'd prefer a drive shaft over the chain.

 

[Zed7]

I toured the US on a chain driven bike without a center stand. (I had made up a jack stand to use in concert with the side stand). I had to lube the dang chain every single day with the exception of when I stayed two or more days in one spot. The first thing I would do when I pulled into a motel was to get the dirty deed done. I hated it.

 

[twowheeladdict]

I toured the US on a chain driven bike without a center stand. (I had made up a jack stand to use in concert with the side stand). I had to lube the dang chain every single day with the exception of when I stayed two or more days in one spot. The first thing I would do when I pulled into a motel was to get the dirty deed done. I hated it.

I agree. I did a 7000 mile trip on the 2011 Versys 650, and after that there was a 2012 Concours 1400 in the garage.

 

[Zed7]

I agree. I did a 7000 mile trip on the 2011 Versys 650, and after that there was a 2012 Concours 1400 in the garage.

Ive ridden my friend’s 1400 Connie. That bike is superb and no wonder it’s always a top pick in the touring bike category. But the thing is HEAVY. Good for the highway, a handful til you get there.
My ZZR1200 was the same way. It dominated on the highway but was a handful around town. I’m into 450 pound nakeds these days.

 

[twowheeladdict]

Ive ridden my friend’s 1400 Connie. That bike is superb and no wonder it’s always a top pick in the touring bike category. But the thing is HEAVY. Good for the highway, a handful til you get there.
My ZZR1200 was the same way. It dominated on the highway but was a handful around town. I’m into 450 pound nakeds these days.

I toured 30,000 miles on my Concours before trading it. You get used to the weight and the force required to hustle ot through the curves. I traded because of the lack of cruise control.

 

[Zed7]

I toured 30,000 miles on my Concours before trading it. You get used to the weight and the force required to hustle ot through the curves. I traded because of the lack of cruise control.

Yes, I got used to the weight of the ZZR1200, but why? Once you go to a lighter bike you’ll never go back. Me anyways.
My ZZR1200 made my 540 pound wet ZRX1200 feel like a toy. My 460 pound wet z900 makes my ZRX1200 feel like a tank. But for some reason my 510 pound wet zr7S falls through the cracks and feels neutral… I don’t notice it’s weight, it feels very light while riding.
I sold the ZZR but still have all the rest.

 

[twowheeladdict]

Yes, I got used to the weight of the ZZR1200, but why? Once you go to a lighter bike you’ll never go back. Me anyways.
My ZZR1200 made my 540 pound wet ZRX1200 feel like a toy. My 460 pound wet z900 makes my ZRX1200 feel like a tank. But for some reason my 510 pound wet zr7S falls through the cracks and feels neutral… I don’t notice it’s weight, it feels very light while riding.
I sold the ZZR but still have all the rest.

When touring the weight does help with feeling planted and not pushed around by the winds. When you can own multiple bikes it is nice to have one with shaft drive for the long tours.

 

[christianorman]

I just found this excellent forum.
I want to buy a Concourse 14. It will make my 4th Kawasaki. I have an excellent Vetter Terraplane sidecar that I just love. I have it color matched and mounted to an equally excellent 2014 Moto Guzzi California Custom. Its a GR-8 combination, except for the lack of dealer support. My latest adventure to Yellowstone was "less than" do to a minor electronics issue that could not be cured on the road. Limping home is somewhat less fun. $60.00 later at an excellent dealer near Mesa,Az and a minor computer adjustment and now its as new.
I want to mount my Terraplane to a Concourse 14 because I love Kawasaki motorcycles, GR-8 dealer network, and maybe the best, most "cost effective", high performance sport tourer there ever was. Besides the Concourse styling, in my opinion, would compliment the Vetter's rakish style perfectly.
Anyone used used one of these awesome bikes as a sidecar tug? Any advice as to what year would be the best as the used market seems to have lots of possibilities.
Thanks in advance,
Christian

 

[Zed7]

I’ve ridden a friend's Connie 14. What an awesome motorcycle. 👍
I don’t know a whole lot about them except that the early model(s?) had a problem of running hot, or so it is said. My friend’s C14 I rode was one such model and I asked him about it. He has ridden it tens of thousands of miles all over and he told me he never noticed it running hot, but he’s ridden it in mostly northern states.
Just something to look into when deciding. I see older models selling cheap for what you get. Great bike but heavy.

 

[Obo]

It's a faired 1400cc bike. It's going to emit a lot of heat, same as my Honda ST1300 does. Not great in Arizona Summer's but sure nice in the cool Canadian Fall when it hits freezing!

 

[motocopter]

The 2010 and up C14's have improved the lower fairing for some heat management. The '15 and up have a lower first gear ratio that may be beneficial with the side car.

Back in my shop days, the Yamaha/Husqvarna dealer I worked at installed two Terraplanes on XS1100's They are a side car that's not gone out of style. Rode one of those rigs and found it to be kinda fun riding. Quickly learned how to tip the rig into the air while riding back to the shop on Grand Ave in Glendale, AZ.

The C14 would be a good bike for the Terraplane.

 

[rcannon409]

I remember the Terraplane. I never saw one other than in the magazines. That was a Vetter product as I recall? Didn't it lean, or have some other cool, unusual feature?

I'm afraid we saw our next Concours 14 and it has a GIANT sized battery..........

 

[motocopter]

Yep, it is a Vetter side car. Doesn't lean. Most of the top opens for entry and exit. Sort of wedge shaped.


Gosh, I hope the next Concours isn't electric. How would anyone ride it for an Iron Butt ride? Now, what about that hydrogen powered bike? Just need a more ingenious way of storing hydrogen.

 

[rcannon409]

It's been a long time since I saw one, but the Vetter side car had some interesting, unique feature as I recall? Or, did I confuse it with something else?

 

[motocopter]

The Equalean was out there about the same time. They never took off it seems. The builder move to someplace like Thailand and made a few more there--last I read.

 

[Zed7]

I rode in my friend’s Ural sidecar, for my first and last time, on crowded city streets. I absolutely crapped my pants. It was both a hoot and terrifying at the same time.
You sit helpless in the thing solely relying on the riding skills of your buddy. And the way you’re trapped in the thing with it’s sharp edged bodywork against your stomach... you hope nothing bad happens. It’s bad.