Kawasaki Concours 14 reviews

I purchased my Diablo Black metallic 2007 Kawasaki ZX-14 with 12.3K miles on it in Peoria, AZ about 2 weeks ago. I am back on a sportbike after being a Harley enthusiast for the past 15 years. The last sportbike I'd owned prior to purchasing this one was a 1991 Kawasaki ZX-10 while stationed in Holland in the military. In 1991, the last year the ZX-10 was produced in that original form, it was the world's fastest production streetbike with a top speed of 165 mph. My, have times changed! I rode my new toy over 3 hours back home after purchase. I fell in love immediately! The bike has loads of power, but yet, is very smooth on delivery. It's easy to flick around in heavy traffic or with slow speed parking lot manuevers. I admit that I've always been more of a Kawasaki fan, but have owned all brands. This bike has the comfort, looks, and performance that I was looking for this time around. This past Sunday, I rode 125 miles through the desert mountains with four other friends. I must say...I am even more impressed now. The bike does not feel big or heavy while riding the twisties. It does everything effortless! I am going to add some Corbin Beetle Bags, raise the bars a bit, and change the peg position to make this an even more capable mile eater. Ride on, Kawasaki! You are definitely letting the good times roll again for this guy! Show less

I'm just about to take my Concours 14 ABS in for its first service. So far, it has been 450 miles of awesome, grinning fun. This bike does everything well - power, performance and handling. I chose very carefully among the sport touring bikes, and I picked a winner! Show less

Overall, I am very happy with the C-14. It is comfortable, reliable, powerful and smooth as silk. The forums reveal that some owners have had issues with the KI-PASS system, heat, bad OEM tires, leaks, loose header bolts ,etc. but mine has been trouble free so far. However, I did replace the tires at 3000 miles due to excess wear on the Bridgestone BT-021s, which were a poor choice for this bike. The engine heat can be rough on a hot day but welcomed on a cold one. The engine performance is excellent, with good fueling, tremendous power over 5000 RPM and no flat spots. The transmission and clutch are super smooth. The handling is very good for a big bike like this one. The weight and top heaviness disappear when flying along a winding road and the brakes are strong. I considered Yamaha FJR 1300 and Honda ST 1300 but the Kawi motor sold me. I got the non-ABS version but if I had it to do over again I would opt for ABS, just because a bike of this size is hard to handle during a panic stop on a less than perfect road or in the rain. Show less

I've been trying for 30 years to build a bike that is a fabulous sports tourer, could run in the twisties, drone out the highway miles and be easy for the quick ride into town to run errands. The 2010 Concours 14 does it all. With the new eco mode, the Concours also gets in the mid 40's for fuel mileage whether you're riding around town or blasting the interstate. One of my other bikes is a TZ 250 which I club race, so I have a pretty good sense of what a great handling bike should feel like. I didn't opt for the traction control or ABS and don't miss it as the "standard" Concours 14 has superb linear brakes and a torque curve more like a big V-Twin than an inline 4. The hard bags gobble up all my gear and the revised fairing has addressed the issue on the 2008 and 2009 model of excessive heat coming off the engine. I've owned over 20 motorcycles over the course of the past 40 years of riding and still own nine. The Concours 14 has quickly become my all-time favorite. Show less

The quality built into this bike is obvious just looking at it and after riding it you are even more impressed. I have ridden every bike in the sport touring category and this one is by far the best; comfort, handling, brakes, power, luggage, and style make this an outstanding value. Did I mention power? This thing pulls like a freight train and the power just keeps building. The power is deceptively smooth and before you know it you will be far into triple digits... so be careful. Heated grips, traction control, ABS brakes, fuel economy mode, and a electronic adjustable windscreen all add to this bikes competence. I can't say enough about how pleased I am with this bike and also with my local Kawasaki dealer. Let The Good Times Roll! Show less

Yes - there is engine heat. No - it doesn't turn tight, low speed corners. Overall, it is very comfortable and has more than enough performance. The heat and cornering are issues but not major by any means. I've had lots of bikes and lots of miles. You'll be very happy with the Concours 14. It is far more comfortable than the competition. Show less

I just bought a 2010 C14 and traded in my Yamaha FZ6. This is the finest bike I've ever ridden. It is exceptionally smooth and very powerful and everything works great. I took it on a couple of 200 mile rides, very comfortable! I changed the oil at 200 miles and again at 600. Drivetrain also! Getting about 44-48 mpg on the hwy with the Economode on. I love this Bike! The salesman at the dealership was a great guy and really took care of me. Show less

Too early to comment on reliability. Quality appears first rate. Comfort is adequate. I've owned many different types of motorcycles and I put this bike somewhere between a sport bike and a cruiser. Definitely glad to stretch when it's time to fill up but could go all day. Now, for performance...wtf? This thing is amazing. I'm just broke in to where I can go up to 6k rpm and all I can say is wow! I can't wait to hit redline!! Gobs of power but corners like a much smaller, lighter bike. It's hard to believe how much bike you get for a relatively low price. If you're on the fence...get it! I've heard people complain about the heat. I notice it, but, it's not a deal breaker. Bonneville Salt Flats here I come!!! Show less

Bought the bike after selling my 2000 ZX12R. The handling and power are quite good considering the weight and size. I test rode the BMW K1300GT and there was no comparison for performance and handling. I was actually disappointed in the BMW and went and bought the 2009 Concours the same day!! I ride it all ways, two up, one up, two up without bags etc... It is always a great ride and performer. I am looking forward to summer of 2010 to see how it keeps performing and will let you know. Show less

Wow this thing is great. Picked it up today. Got the red non ABS model found a leftover 2009. Had been looking at getting another Harley Street Glide but I guess I am getting turned off of the high prices for the Harleys. The C14 is less than half the price of the Glide and o so fast and smooth...Love it... Show less