Concours 14 by Kawasaki - Rode Test
Maverick - Sep 26, 2007

The Concours 14 Supersport by Kawasaki is a motorcycle loaded with technical advances in design features and application including, but not limited to, individually adjustable headlights, Variable Valve Timing System, and electronically adjustable windscreen. Some of these features mean the motorcycle is constantly adjusting to roadway conditions and operator characteristics. The result is a finely tuned machine with a power to weight ratio (1,352cc to 606 lbs) that attacks the roadway. This motorcycle is nimble, agile, and responsive to whatever directive the pilot requires of it. It takes up little space and its physical size appears small. However, it takes very few miles to realize that the Concours 14’s heart and soul are huge.

 

Neutron Silver is a great color for this Transcontinental Supersport Motorcycle.  The color gives the motorcycle a sleek look and suggests that this is a machine of substantial quality. The motorcycle’s color scheme is accented with a charcoal color on the lower fairing with small amounts of black, silver, and chrome on the remainder. 

 

The Concours looks mystifyingly simple and unassuming with its svelte and aerodynamic design.  The fairing directs airflow to the engine compartment while promoting airflow around the rider and passenger.

 

It is built on two 17 inch wheels (120/70 – front and 190/50 – rear) accentuating a symmetrical and balanced look. The overall appearance of this motorcycle invites a motorcyclist to take a closer look and want to experience the ride.

 

Bring the Concours 14 to an upright position, and you are in for a surprise. With its low center of gravity, the motorcycle feels much lighter than 606 lbs. The pilot can immediately turn attention to powering the motorcycle onto the road way. 

 

But first, here is a review of some of the key technological features that are functional and noticeable from the outset of the ride:

 

An idling Concours engine is barely audible, but ready to move onto the highway. 

 

One of the first questions that I need to answer on a new bike with unfamiliar switches, knobs, levers, and handling characteristics is: does the motorcycle inspire confidence? For the Concours 14, the answer is a resounding yes! 

 

Whether on a straightaway, ascent, descent, curve, or any other roadway characteristic; the Concours responds within a range of speeds. The pilot is in control. To describe the Concours as fast is somewhat of an understatement. But, the motorcycle’s quickness is notable and impressive. Starting, stopping, turning left or right, passing and maneuvering among other vehicles on the roadway is a joy and fun. One can quickly get out of a tight traffic situation. A word of caution, on the Concours, the operator can quickly get into a tight traffic situation if not properly anticipating what lies ahead.

 

Notable handling characteristics include a small turning radius, lean angle, and agility or transitioning from one maneuver to another. The motorcycle does not feel like a 600+ pound machine. 

 

There is much more power in gears one through five than would or should ever be needed. In sixth gear, the Concours easily cruises at 65 with engine rpm in the neighborhood of 3200. Shifting to a lower gear to increase speed is an option, of course, but not necessary in most touring circumstances. On an open road that is slightly contoured, the operator can easily overtake and pass other vehicles without shifting when in the 60 to 75 mph range. Kawasaki explains that the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) improves the engine’s flexibility and efficiency by altering the camshaft profiles to suit different rpm ranges. This means increased torque at low engine rpm.

 

When the terrain turns to hills and mountain roads, higher rpm in lower gears is an exciting sportbike option.

 

The Concours glides over road surface imperfections and is not easily influenced by cracks, rutting, and resurfacing procedures. I attribute this to a combination of weight, low center of gravity, suspension (which is fully adjustable – front travel is 4.4 inches/rear wheel travel is 5.4 inches – to accommodate road conditions and rider/passenger preferences), and tire configuration. There may be other explanations, but the fact is the Concours goes where the operator points it. 

 

The capacity to monitor tire pressure while riding down the highway is a tremendous safety feature, especially on a high performance motorcycle where the pilot may tend to push the traction envelope in corners, turns, less than perfect road surface conditions, and congested traffic. This feature provides added confidence that the motorcycle will respond as necessary.    

 

 

Generally, the Concours is very comfortable due to ride and handling characteristics. As mentioned earlier, the motorcycle’s responsiveness earns the operator’s confidence from the outset of your ride. Physically, this is a sport bike with touring capacity or a touring bike with sport bike capacity. An aggressive operator will really be comfortable on this motorcycle. If the intended use is for touring exclusively, the Concours may not be the best choice and a lot of performance capacity would be wasted.

 

The fully adjustable suspension means the operator can adjust suspension to fit individual physical needs and preferences. The motorcycle is outfitted with an electronically adjustable (on the go and at the pilot’s fingertips) windscreen and detachable side cases sufficient in size to carry a large full face helmet, plus additional necessary items. So, riders are good for the short or long haul.  

 

The Concours 14 motorcycle handles tremendously, shifts through all six gears smoothly and has a good grip on the road. It is a sport touring motorcycle meaning the operator should be comfortable in nearly any type of terrain, including everything between mountains with twisty roads and flatland straight-aways. 

 

Enjoy the ride!

 

The staff of Cycle Matters is interested in you comments about this road test. If you are already a member of Cycle Matters, click on “Comment” at the end of this article to add you comments.

 

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