2009 Kawasaki reviews

Under 5000 miles ,new front tire ,fairing ,new belt. Ready to ride. Clutch adjusted. May need turn signal front . Have new signal for front.need to be put on. Back tire good. Back rest for passenger. Show less

Overall it's a great bike with some tweaks. Stock I could not stand the programing of the throttle and it was very jerky, and lack luster response which wasn't smooth with dead spots that felt like you were pulling an Airstream behind you. That all changed with a reprogram of the ECU . It is now how the bike should have been from Kawasaki! It pulls smooth without the flat spots. 6th gear is now very usable without it shaking and will pull smoothly from as low as 45 MPH. MPG is also much improved. Before I had to really nurse it to get 40. Now I consistently get in the low to mid 40's riding normal with a few harder accelerations . Comfort is very good and I have no problems doing long trips. The bags and trunk seem flimsy and the trunk lock is a joke. I have a 1200 Voyager as well and the bags are MUCH more heavy duty and way more solid feeling. Belt tension is set way too tight from the factory! It makes the shifts quite harsh 1 - 2 especially and does create some wine and moises. I still need to loosen mine. I was hoping that it would on its own a little but after 6600 miles it is still way too tight. and makes some noise. The dealer wouldn't loosen it when I had it in for service saying that is was "in spec" even though they said that the factory spec is very tight. The only other thing is the windshield is a bit tall for my preference. I like (need) a bit of wind to keep me a bit cooler in the Florida heat. Oh speaking of heat. As per the gauge they do run HOT. stock. The ECM tune changes the temp that the fan kicks on which keeps the engine temp down in traffic. It is a great reliable comfortable and powerful bike. Well balanced and definitely feels lighter than it's 900 lbs. With a few not very expensive additions it becomes WAY better! WAY more bang for the $$$ than almost all other bikes in this class. Show less

The Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS is a powerful touring motorcycle designed for those who enjoy long-distance rides. It is equipped with an advanced Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that provides the rider with the utmost safety and control, even under challenging terrain and weather conditions. The ABS system also helps to reduce the risk of skidding during emergency braking or cornering maneuvers. Furthermore, it helps to maintain stability and control when riding in extreme conditions such as rain, snow or ice. With its advanced technology, the Concours 14 ABS offers a safe yet thrilling ride that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Show less

I bought this motorcycle new in 2010. Riding bikes for more than 40 years, and I'v ridden quite a few, this bike is really awesome. I bought it just for fun rides, but I can't believe the power it has and the superb handling, upright riding position, sport bike style. I go on some serious riding trips now with my buddies who have 600s and 1000cc bikes, and I keep up with them most of the time. As I'm getting older now, I'm looking to trade this in for a more upright, relaxed riding position bike. Show less

Replacing a 2002 Aprillia Futura. It was my favorite bike. Tha Kawi is a good ride and I am learning to love it. When the bike is moving, I am liking the bike very much. Only comment is that when cornering, the bike requires a bit of pressure to stay in the curve. When handling at slow speed, weight is taking some getting used to. Handling on slopes is a challenge. Stock seat not too comfortable and I will replace it. Show less

The purchase of this bike was my first motorcycle and I still own and drive it everyday. I drove the bike from Connecticut to South Carolina and the bike performed very good on the highway and still runs very good with regular maintenance done according to the chart. I just had my third set of tires put on the bike so I'm ready for many more miles. I purchased my bike in Groton, CT and the staff was very friendly and helpful to a first time rider, very good on the price and would recommend them to anyone. My bike is stock from the factory and have not put on any accessories yet, but I'm getting saddlebags soon. Show less

This is the bike I traded in, just because I wanted something a bit larger. The 900 was reliable and awesome. It is a great midsize or starter bike. I hope it finds a great home! Show less

It's somewhat cramped for the taller rider, not the most comfortable, It vibrates, not much bottom end and no top end above 8000 and yet it is some of the best fun that I have had on a street bike. It's very nimble with big inch punch in the midrange from 4 to 8,000. If I had endless twisties on my doorstep, the Versys would be hard to beat given that my outsize self is not going to fit on a sportbike and my neck couldn't take it even if I could. My V-Strom is a better bike, but the Versys is way more fun. Of course a Triumph 800 XC is a better bike, better handling and way more fun than both, but it's also way more money. For the money; it's hard to have more fun than on a Versys. Show less

I was looking for a project bike for urban use. I picked up a used VN900 Classic with low miles, Cobra exhaust, ECU and air intake. I knew immediately I was going to make it into a bobber. Riding it home in stock form, the stock seat is rough. Only after about 30 - 45 minutes my butt was sore. It's similar to a VStar 650's seat. It's not a big deal as this was going to change. It's down on power, which I expected. I have a Roadstar 1700 and sold a Triumph Speed triple 1050 to get this Vulcan. Again, not a big deal for around town. On the freeway, 60 is the sweet spot, 70 is where the engine revs are getting high. On the plus side, the gas needle doesn't budge which is awesome. The Cobra dragster exhaust doesn't sound that great. It's loud with no character. I put some different baffles in which helped some. There's lots of plastic which surprised me. Fenders, side covers, engine covers, all plastic! As a bobber, this is a great, fun bike. I haven't touch my Roadstar in months, preferring the Vulcan. It's a lot lighter, more nimble and a kick in the pants to ride. I put on tracker bars and Avon grips which totally changes the ride character to something you want to ride aggressive. Show less

First I love this bike and would buy it again. The only problem I've had is the kick stand wore out at 15,000 miles. It had to be welded and re-drilled. Apparently this is a common problem. The seat needs to be softer. I get a sore butt after 30 minutes. A smaller person may not have a problem. You will need a windshield if you go faster than 50-55. If you don't have a windshield, better hang on tight! At 65+ mph., it has a vibration that will hurt after a few minutes. This is a common problem of this model. I get 42 mpg. with or without a passenger. It has plenty of power, the balance is great and it is really fun to ride. Show less