Kawasaki 2010 Concours 14 - Rode Test
Maverick - Sep 15, 2010

Nearly three years ago, we rode our first Concours 14 and we concluded then that the motorcycle was a superior machine in many ways.  Kawasaki has indulged the highest standards and contemporary technology in power generation, suspension, braking, traction control, electronics, and operation of this motorcycle.

In it’s quest for continuous improvement, Kawasaki has done just that: i.e., improved on an already excellent foundation. They do it with a combination of customer input and engineering expertise.

The Candy Neptune Blue Concours 14 pictured here is a dream to envision and a joy to ride. 

The motorcycle was made available by Kawasaki Motors Corporation and Rocky Mountain Kawasaki of Longmont.  

The 2010 Conours 14 looks great. It comes in two deep, rich colors: Candy Neptune Blue and Flat Super Black.  All components, fairing, engine covers, bages, and accessories are designed to create a singular, integrated unit that creates a beautiful and very capable motorcycle.

It is a touring sportbike with a very nice combination of charm, power and performance, maneuverability, and comfort.  

Paint and finish is excellent with good style and cosmetics. 

Appearance Features

• Improved finish and design
  • Improved overall fit and finish results in a higher quality, more luxurious feel.
  • A revised muffler end cap gives the silencer a more compact appearance; internal construction is unchanged, but the end cap itself is 1.6 inches shorter.
• Accessories: Engine guards, a larger top case, tank bag, GPS bracket, a low seat and side spoilers join the list of authorized Kawasaki Accessories
• Storage
  • Concours 14’s large-volume, easily detachable sidebags are integrally designed to complement the rest of the machine. Water-resistant, they easily hold a full-face helmet.
  • A lightweight resin-construction rear carrier is designed to be compatible with an accessory top case.

Instrumentation:

The dashboard and controls are easy to access visually and physically. All controls are designed to be managed intuitively and within easy reach of the operator, which is very important to keeping the operators’ focus on the road ahead. 

Instrumentation Features

• Multi-function display includes outside air temperature. The sensor is located at the intake duct (the furthest point from the engine)
  • Other instrument functions include the K-ACT mode indicator, Economical Riding Indicator, and Fuel Economy Assistance Mode.
  • 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.
• KiPass
  • Each Concours 14 comes with one key fob (kept in a pocket) and a small card-type key for emergency/backup use.
  • The new card-type key includes an immobilizer function (but no remote activation) and is highly portable, measuring just 1.2 x 1.6 x 0.25 inch.
    
    
    
    
• 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 2010 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.
  • Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS) now comes with a small card-type key for emergency use.
• An all-purpose 40-watt accessory socket is mounted on the dash, providing convenient access to power for electronics.

The Concours 14’s power delivery, with 1352cc and curb weight of 679.1 lbs, is smooth and strong. Beginning at 4000 rpm the motor really comes on as most of the power delivery is above 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 102.0 lb-ft at 6200 rpm. 

The motorcycle takes on any road surface on any terrain with ease.   Click through the gears or settle in and use the throttle. Either way, this is a fun ride that takes to the front of any ride. Decide to pass…done! Roll with traffic…done! Slow to create a leisurely pace or let environmental elements; e.g., traffic, or other complications sort themselves out…also done! 

If you need to slow or stop quickly, this bike is set up to respond as quickly and safely as any.

Performance Features

• Traction Control
  • KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control): Kawasaki’s first traction control system reduces engine output when wheel spin is detected, allowing the rear tire to regain grip.
  • Advanced, 3-way control (airflow, ignition timing, fuel delivery) gives KTRC smooth operation, natural feel and the ability to operate on long stretches of bad road.
  • KTRC adds no weight, since it uses the existing ECU and ABS sensors.
• ABS
  • 2nd Generation K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS links front and rear brakes for most effective front-rear brake force distribution.
  • A smaller, lighter K-ACT ABS unit with a higher-spec ECU is capable of more detailed calculations for smoother operation.
  • The rider can choose one of two modes to suit riding situation or rider preference: The linked effect from front brake lever actuation is largely the same in both modes, but the linked effect when actuating the rear brake pedal is quite different.
  • In Standard Mode, rider control is prioritized, with linked effect reduced at initial pedal stroke for natural sensation when sport riding.
  • In High Combined Mode, there’s a more pronounced linked effect from the beginning of the pedal stroke — ideal for touring and two-up highway use.
  • A low-battery mode maintains the ABS function as best possible when the  batterycharge is low. In low-battery mode, ABS timing and pressure relief functions are maintained, so brake effectiveness is preserved (although riders will notice that ABS operation is not as smooth). The K-ACT lamp will flash and “Low Battery” will be displayed on the LCD screen. The system resets when the engine is turned off.

• Fuel Economy Mode
  • Activating fuel economy assistance mode changes the engine to a leaner map which prioritizes fuel economy, for as much as a 25 percent MPG boost.
  • Fuel economy assistance works in any gear, as long as rpm is below 6000, throttle opening less than 30 percent and speed less than 80 mph.
  • KTRC adds no weight, since it uses the existing ECU and ABS sensors.
• Engine
  • Variable valve timing improves the engine’s flexibility and efficiency by altering the camshaft profiles to boost low-end and mid-range torque without sacrificing top-end power.
  • Its compact and narrow engine design keeps the weight down 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.
• Engine Balancers
  • Already in perfect primary balance, the Concours inline four-cylinder engine uses dual secondary balancers to virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for enhanced rider comfort.
  • Ram air ducts provide a straight path for cool, high-pressure air to enter the airbox for maximum intake efficiency and power.

• Digital fuel injection
  • A digital computer feeds the engine exactly the amount of fuel it needs for cleaner emissions and maximum fuel economy.
  • A 32-bit electronic control unit works with the dual throttle-valve system to further enhance throttle response and control.
• Digital ignition
  • Four individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each spark plug independently to achieve optimum timing.
  • An idle speed control system included in the ECU provides easy starting and warm-up.
• Radial Pump clutch master cylinder
  • A hydraulic radial-pump clutch master cylinder delivers smooth, precise clutch engagement.
• Monocoque aluminum frame
  • 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 rigid-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.
• Radial-mount petal-type front disc brakes
  • Radial design uses mounting points at the top and bottom of the caliper, with mounting bolts inserted through the rear of the caliper instead of the side/front for increased rigidity and improved brake feel.
  • Separate brake pads for each caliper piston provide increased cooling efficiency and more consistent brake feel under extreme conditions.
  • Petal design front and rear brake rotors provide enhanced cooling and better warp resistance.
  • Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel.

• Tetra-lever shaft drive
  • This unique four-link design offsets lifting and squatting tendencies of shaft drive when the throttle is opened and closed, significantly reduces driveline lash during sport riding and provides smooth acceleration when exploiting the engine’s incredible power output.
  • Virtually maintenance-free, the Tetra-Lever system dramatically reduces routine maintenance requirements.

The Concours 14 is designed for the rider to be in an upright position with weight evenly distributed over all points of contact. This provides a lot of control in any condition where the operator finds him or her self. 

Lean slightly forward and lower (while riding) the windshield for a more stealth ride. While riding in an upright position, increase the windshield’s height (up to 3 inches approx) to mitigate wind and other elements coming from the front.  

During our test ride, heat was noticeable on operator’s inner leg and may be an issue over extended rides in high temperatures. Kawasaki continues to design the fairing to redirect heat away from the engine and the rider.

Kawasaki added heated grips and these are a must on those cold and rainy days or when riding at high elevations. This comfort motivated standard accessory is a tremendous safety feature when operating hands and fingers in cold riding conditions.

Comfort Features

• A 70mm taller windscreen with a wider upper portion reduces upper-body turbulence. The screen is electrically adjustable, with four new programmable preset positions.
• When the power is turned off, the windscreen goes to its lowest position. When the power is turned back on, the windscreen’s memory function returns it to the selected preset position.
• Passages from windscreen slits direct air through the inner fairing to vents next to the instrument panel; alleviating the lower pressure helps prevent turbulence around the rider’s head.
• An exhaust pipe guard added to the upper part of the exhaust mid-pipe helps protect the rider from heat when stopped.
• Stepless adjustable grip heaters are standard, with an easy-to-reach switch located in front of the new lockable storage case on the inner left fairing panel.
• Mirrors positioned 40mm higher increase rear visibility and provide increased hand protection from the wind.

Final Comment:

This is a very cool motorcycle for $15,299 with the ABS/KTRC option, which is a necessary investment in handling and safety. Kawasaki continues to improve an already excellent motorcycle first put on the street three years ago.   Simply put; it is sophisticated.

Rider comfort is built into the riding experience of the Concours 14 with things like improved access to controls, rider position, improved wind displacement and wind screen, higher and wider mirrors, heated grips, and improved redirection of engine heat away from the rider. 

Some would say this bike is for older riders. I think it more accurate to say the bike is designed for any roadway adventure and may need mature operators (motorcyclists with riding experience) to really enjoy it because of its superior quickness under any riding conditions.

Concours operators are very loyal to their rides, and those we talked to are very reluctant to get on another bike of any kind – model or brand.

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