Building on the continent-crossing performance of its predecessor, the 2010 Concours 14 incorporates new touring features and the latest rider support technology. Delivering both awesome supersport performance and comfortable long-distance touring potential, the Concours 14 stands apart from its rivals.
More Technology and Refinement for This Multiple Award Winner
Performance touring comes naturally to Kawasaki, seeing as how we already had the performance part of the equation nailed with the incredible Ninja® ZX™-14 sportbike. That bike’s amazing 1,352cc engine and unique monocoque frame lent themselves perfectly to this exciting new class of transcontinental sport touring motorcycles, and the original Kawasaki Concours™ 14 and Concours 14 ABS rose immediately to the top of the critics’ lists just two short years ago. But the people who ride these motorcycles are not known for their patience. Two years on, the next-generation Concours 14 benefits from an entire laundry list of comfort, convenience and safety items carefully engineered to surpass all expectations of what a perfect sport tourer should be.
The biggest change is immediately apparent: All-new bodywork not only gives the new Concours 14 an even more aggressive demeanor, it’s also designed to channel more heat away from the rider for increased comfort. Meanwhile, a 2.75-inch taller, electric-adjustable windscreen creates a bigger still-air pocket for the rider and passenger, and new ducts above the instrument panel relieve the low pressure area behind the windscreen for an even smoother, quieter cruise. When the weather turns cooler, the new bike’s got your hands covered, with standard grip heaters that are easily adjustable via a control right next to the new, lockable storage compartment in the left inner fairing. Connoisseurs of fine cruising will note that all the redesigned body and trim pieces fit together with a level of precision and quality normally found on motorcycles costing thousands of dollars more.
The Concours 14 ABS’s chiseled new looks are backed up by a full complement of sophisticated new safety electronics. Second-generation K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) relies upon a powerful ECU to provide your choice of two modes of highly refined, linked anti-lock braking. And while the ABS sensors were already in place on the wheels, the Concours 14’s engineers used them as part of Kawasaki’s first-ever traction control system: KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control) monitors any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds to help reduce wheelspin on slick surfaces, and provide extra piece of mind for the rider. (KTRC can of course, be easily switched on and off, at the rider’s discretion.)The heart of the matter remains the same. The Concours 14 engine generates prodigious torque down low, followed by an impressive mid-range surge that transitions into a top-end rush most open class sportbikes would envy. A big part of its tremendously wide powerband can be attributed to its variable valve timing (VVT) system. VVT automatically alters camshaft profiles according to rpm, to boost low-end and mid-range torque without sacrificing top-end power. Advanced fuel injection, sub-throttle valves, ram-air induction and decades of experience building the world’s most potent motorcycle engines add up to an amazing powerplant, a huge force to be reckoned with in the performance sport-touring segment.
Good thing the rest of the Concours 14’s running gear is up to the challenge. Its unique monocoque frame provides massive structural integrity along with excellent handling characteristics. Embracing the engine from on top, its compact structure keeps the bike narrow where it needs to be and allows optimum packaging of the bike’s vital systems. The Tetra-Lever shaft drive, which sends all that power rearward, uses a four-link design to offset the lifting and squatting tendencies of lesser shaft drive systems when the throttle is opened and closed, which results in true sportbike handling — and Tetra-Lever is almost completely maintenance free. The Concours 14’s powertrain has earned critical acclaim around the world for its silky smooth power delivery.
To that awesomely solid foundation we add a carefully sculpted saddle, all the creature comforts you’d expect and a pair of beautifully integrated, capacious, waterproof saddlebags — and away you go. An integrated high-speed touring machine with unquestionable supersport DNA, the Concours 14 and Concours 14 ABS are more ready to get you there than ever.
Building on the continent-crossing comfort and genuine sportbike performance of its predecessor, the second-generation Concours™ 14 includes new touring features and updated technology to advance the state of the sport touring art. The Concours 14 has earned rave-reviews from expert journalists and current owners who’ve experienced the otherworldly thrust and sublime composure of its Ninja® ZX™-14 based engine and chassis.
Already a showcase for the latest Kawasaki technology, the new Concours 14 ABS model adds a number of new systems designed to improve the riding experience. KTRC, Kawasaki’s first traction control system, helps provide peace of mind when negotiating slippery surfaces. K-ACT II selectable, sport-oriented coactive ABS complements the rider’s brake inputs with supplementary force enhancements for improved braking performance on a wide variety of riding surfaces.
Both versions include a number of upgrades, bodywork refinements and detail changes which vastly improve rider comfort, and make long-distance journeys even easier than before. A larger windscreen offers extra wind protection and new heat-dissipating bodywork provides better heat management. A number of additional new features, like heated handgrips, upgraded computer functions, a relocated glove box, and tank bag hooks offer added convenience and increase the Concours 14’s touring performance.
Engine
Economical Riding Indicator & Fuel Economy Assistance Mode
- New The Economical Riding Indicator appears on the LCD screen to indicate favourable fuel consumption. Paying attention to the conditions that illuminate the indicator can assist riders in maximizing their fuel efficiency. This handy feature is active all the time.
- New Fuel Economy Assistance Mode can be turned on and off by the rider. Turning this mode on switches the ECU to a leaner fuel map that prioritizes fuel economy over driveability. (Ignition timing and fuel injection are set for maximum fuel efficiency.) When on, a mark appears on the LCD screen.
New Mode-Select button on the front of the left grip (where the passing button used to be) increases convenience by allowing the rider to change LCD modes without having to take their hand off the grip. Riders can toggle through average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, remaining range, tire pressure, battery voltage and outside temperature.
- New For either the Economical Riding Indicator or Fuel Economy Assistance Mode to be effective, the rider must ride in a gentle manner: less than 6,000 rpm, less than 30% throttle, under 160 km/h. Both work in any gear.
KIPASS
- KIPASS (Kawasaki's Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System) is a master key system that allows remote activation of the bike's main switch and steering lock. This was the first application of an electronic authorization system on a touring machine, greatly enhancing rider convenience.
- KIPASS
- New Now riders will receive 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 a mere 30 x 40 mm (6-7 mm thick).
This system uses the encryption algorithm "MISTY" developed by MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION.
POWER CHARACTERISTICS FOR SPORTING LONG-DISTANCE RIDING
Power comes from a ZX-14-based engine tuned for more low- and mid-range torque. This liquid-cooled, 16-valve, In-Line Four features variable valve timing for high torque output at low and medium rpm. Acceleration off the line and when passing are simply spectacular, and the engine spins up effortlessly in the higher rpm range. This is thanks to a finely tuned fuel injection map, off-idle throttle application and throttle response across the rev range that is smooth and natural.
Dual Ram Air
- Just like a supersport bike, the Concours 14 features Kawasaki's Ram Air System. Dual Ram Air ducts located on the upper cowl feed the engine the steady flow of cool air needed for high performance. Resonators located near the inlets reduce intake noise for quiet running.
Variable Valve Timing
- With variable valve timing (the first in its category), camshaft timing varies in response to rpm and throttle position. The result is high torque output in the low and medium rpm ranges and awesome high-rpm power on the top end. Combustion efficiency is also improved, contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency.
- ZX-14-based engine with Variable Valve Timing
- The intake timing slows at low rpm, reducing the valve overlap for cleaner, more efficient combustion in the low-rpm range.
Engine Details
- The FI system, featuring sub-throttles, uses a throttle valve diameter of 40 mm (compared to 44 mm for the ZX-14) to ensure linear low and mid-range throttle response and increased driveability. The smaller diameter throttle bodies also increase intake velocity, resulting in very crisp throttle response across the rev range.
- Ultra-fine atomizing injectors contribute to the Concours 14's sensitive throttle response, enabling minute throttle adjustments.
- The combination of the fuel injection system, which makes use of feedback from O2 sensors, and the variable valve timing ensures exhaust emissions are clean, allowing the Concours 14 to clear the stringent Euro-III emissions regulations.
- Special cam profiles are used to suit the variable valve timing.
- Pistons use crowns designed to suit the variable valve timing. Compression ratio is 10.7:1.
- To ensure high crankcase rigidity, the cast cylinders are integral with the upper crankcase. Plated cylinders reduce operating friction, and along with piston clearance, contribute to extremely quiet engine operation.
- ACG flywheel mass set to enhance the low-rpm torque characteristics.
- Like the ZX-14, the Concours 14 features dual balancer shafts ensuring a super-smooth ride quality.
Exhaust System
- Concours 14-specific stainless steel exhaust pipes are tuned for sporty yet very responsive power characteristics. A 4-2-1 layout is used, and a catalyser and O2 sensor contribute to clean emissions.
- A single tri-oval muffler contributes to reduced weight and less noise (versus a dual muffler arrangement).
TRANSFERRING POWER TO THE TARMAC
Clutch
- The Concours 14 is not called a Transcontinental "Supersport" for nothing. Like Kawasaki's Ninja supersport bikes, the Concours 14 comes standard with a back-torque limiting clutch that helps minimize rear wheel hop when downshifting at high rpm. The result is smoother corner entries and impressive corner exits.
- Dampers fitted to the clutch cam reduce shock loads to the clutch and transmission, contributing to smooth and seamless power delivery.
- Operation of the hydraulic clutch is equally smooth and very light, thanks to a radial pump master cylinder.
Transmission
- The Concours 14 comes equipped with a 6-speed transmission.
- The sixth gear is an overdrive gear that allows engine speed to be reduced when cruising for high comfort and low fuel consumption.
Chassis
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- The system allows the rider to monitor tire pressure while underway. When tire pressure falls below 220 kPa, a low pressure warning is displayed. The ability to take into account temperature changes and display values recalculated for 20°C helps prevent false warnings when air expands as the tires warm up.
CONTINENT-CROSSING ERGONOMICS & COMFORT
A number of changes vastly improve rider comfort, making long-distance sport riding even easier than before. A larger windscreen offers increased wind protection and new heat-dissipating bodywork offers increased heat protection.
Increased Wind Protection
-- electrically adjustable; new programmable preset positions
- New While the range of adjustability remains unchanged, riders now have two ways to adjust the screen. Using the button on the left grip allows stepless adjustability as on the previous model. There are also four preset positions from which the rider can choose: lowest, 1/2, 3/4, top.
- New 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 allows it to automatically return to the selected preset position. (Note that if the power is turned back on, or the screen's motion is stopped by hitting the screen adjust button while it is still trying to go down to its rest position, the system will assume there was a problem and the windscreen will stop where it is. This "problem mode" can be reset by turning the power off again and letting the screen go back down to its rest position.)
- New Passages from the windscreen slits direct air through the inner fairing to vents next to the instrument panel. Alleviating the lower pressure on the underside of the screen (in the cockpit area) helps prevent turbulence around the rider's head.
Increased Heat Protection
- New CFD analysis was also used to redesign the side and centre cowlings. The redesigned fairing outlets and inner guide surfaces facilitate heat dissipation, allowing hot air to escape more quickly. The sides are also wider, further reducing the amount of hot air hitting the rider.
- New The improved heat dissipation contributes to increased rider comfort. Hot air from the engine that used to hit the rider (especially in the shins) is noticeably reduced.
- New An exhaust pipe guard added to the upper part of the centre pipe helps protect the rider from heat when stopped.
ENHANCED TOURING PERFORMANCE
Complimenting the increased comfort, a number of new features, like grip heaters, a relocated storage case and tank bag hooks, offer added convenience, further increasing the Concours 14's touring performance.
Grip Heaters
- New Stepless adjustable grip heaters are fitted standard. Heated grips standard
Lockable Storage Case
- New Relocation of the handy storage case from the top of the tank to the left side allows it to be accessed when a tank bag is being used.
- New Volume is 0.9 litres, but a deeper shape increases usefulness: there is plenty of room for small items like sunglasses, mobile phone, audio player, etc.
- electromagnetic lock prevents entry when the engine is OFF
- New The storage case also locks automatically at speeds over 40 km/h. (The lock is released under 3 km/h.)
Tank Bag Hooks
Spacious Saddlebags
- It was designed to be compatible with an accessory top case. The cases are easily detachable and water-resistant, they easily hold a full-face helmet. The cases are mounted as close as possible to the bike's centreline and the bike's centre of gravity. Their lightweight construction was designed to minimize their influence on the bike's centre of mass.
- Maximum capacity for each saddlebags is 10 kg (22 lbs.)
Rear Carrier
- A lightweight resin-construction rear carrier (10 kg maximum capacity) is fitted as standard equipment. It was designed to be compatible with an accessory top case.
Accessory Support
- An all-purpose AC socket makes it easy to use electrical accessories. Its capacity is 40 W.
New Accessories
- New New accessories include engine guards, a larger top case, tank bag, low seat and side spoilers.
HIGH-QUALITY FLAGSHIP DESIGN & DETAILS
In true flagship style, the Concours 14's imposing presence is enhanced by improved fit and finish, and a sharper, more aggressive appearance.
Better Finish, Higher Quality Design
- New Improved fit and finish result in higher quality, more luxurious feel.
Silencer Design
- New Revised end cap design gives the silencer a more compact appearance.
- New Internal construction is unchanged, but the end cap itself is 40 mm shorter.
Repositioned Mirrors
- New - electrically adjustable; new programmable preset positions
- New The repositioned mirrors also offer improved protection for the rider's hands.
Bodywork
- Designed in a wind tunnel, the Concours 14's cowling and bodywork are highly aerodynamic and are specially shaped to contribute to the bike's superb high-speed stability.
- The wide upper cowl gives excellent wind and weather protection, and its design features the aggressive styling that makes the Concours 14's instantly recognizable as a Kawasaki.
- New Revisions to the bodywork and repositioning of the mirrors create a greater number of forward-slanting lines, giving the Concours 14 a sharper, more aggressive look.
Lights
- Bright multi-reflector headlight throws a broad beam of light for confidence-inspiring night riding. Special "light-guiding lenses" at the sides of the headlight make the bike more visible from the side.
- The sporty LED taillight is located high for improved visibility from behind.
- The front turn signals are integrated into the front cowl, while the rear signals are easily visible, even with the saddlebags attached.
PRECISE CONTROL AND "NATURAL" HANDLING
Aluminium Monocoque Frame
- For a combination of lightweight, slim design and sporty handling characteristics, the Concours 14 uses a high-rigidity aluminium monocoque frame.
- This unique frame is a more advanced version of the frame first used by the Ninja ZX-12R and ZX-14. It delivers very stable yet highly responsive handling characteristics - just what is needed for a transcontinental supersport bike.
- Stiffer steering head, upper plate and swingarm bracket give the Concours 14's frame 20% more torsional stiffness than that of the ZX-14, ensuring that light, natural handling is preserved.
- Compared with the ZX-14, the Concours 14's frame has a greater caster angle, moving the front axle 30 mm forward. The swingarm was also extended, moving the rear axle 30 mm further back. The result is a front/rear wheel weight bias only marginally different from the ZX-14. And because the Concours 14 was developed primarily with baggage attached, when riding two-up or with baggage, its impeccable handling is a quick twist of the remote preload adjuster away.
- The backbone of the monocoque frame doubles as an airbox, contributing to the Concours 14's compact and narrow dimensions.
- The fuel tank is centrally located on the chassis and extends vertically below the seat. The battery and ABS unit are also centrally located, ensuring both excellent front/rear and vertical mass centralization.
- The electrically adjustable windscreen and the saddlebags are also mounted as close to the bike's centre of gravity as possible, contributing to the Concours 14's nimble handling, and ease of manoeuvrability when off the bike.
- Thanks to the Tetra-Lever swingarm, the virtual swingarm pivot location remains ideal, reducing the up/down movement associated with conventional shaft drives.
- 26.1° castor angle (ZX-14's is 23°) ensures superb straight-line stability.
- Riding stability is excellent, thanks in part to the 1,520 mm wheelbase (60 mm longer than that of the ZX-14). In spite of this, the Concours 14's sporty cornering performance rivals that of many pure supersport bikes.
Inverted Front Fork
To ensure that the Concours 14's massive torque is transmitted to the tarmac as efficiently as possible, a highly rigid, dual-sided, 4-link swingarm is used. Called the Tetra-Lever, it is designed to offset the lifting or squatting tendency of shaft drives when the throttle is opened and closed. Two-point jointed shafts are used, ensuring a smooth power delivery to the road surface. The ride quality and chassis behaviour are very natural and feel similar to chain drive, with added benefits of the very direct "shaft drive feel." The high rigidity of this swingarm design gives excellent rider feedback, contributing to the unique Concours 14 sport riding experience.
- New Higher oil level for the front fork offers sharper (lighter-turning) handling.
Single-piece Swingarm
- One-piece cast aluminium swingarm is lightweight and rigid.
- The dual-sided Tetra-Lever design has much more torsional rigidity than single-sided swingarms, an essential component of the Concours 14's sport riding potential.
- Using the torque rods on top of the unit as stressed members reduces the loads on the swingarm. Locating the swingarm pivot inside the frame (as on a chain drive bike) results in a very rigid structure.
Ergonomics
- A spacious and comfortable riding position reduces fatigue during long rides and makes it easy for the rider to shift their weight forward or rearward.
- Compared with the ZX-14 , the Concours 14's grips are located 96 mm further back and 100 mm higher, giving a more relaxed and upright riding position than a pure supersport bike, but a sportier riding position than conventional sport touring bikes.
- The fuel tank extends beneath the seat, contributing to mass centralization. This layout results in an overall slim design and a more natural, more comfortable riding position.
- The front seat is relatively firm and uses thick cushion material, providing excellent comfort during long-distance tours. The passenger section of the seat is specially shaped and cushioned for comfortable tandem riding.
- To ensure a deep lean angle while offering improved comfort (thanks to less bend at the knees) during long hours in the saddle, the seat height is 15 mm higher than that of the ZX-14 .
- The footpegs are lower and further forward than on the ZX-14 , which, together with the higher seat, creates a more relaxed riding posture.
- The tandem seat is stepped to allow the passenger better forward vision and to make the passenger feel closer to the rider, all of which improves the passenger's enjoyment.
- The passenger footpegs are also designed for less bend at the knees and a more relaxed posture.
Instruments
Sporty Instrumentation
- Sporty, multi-function instrumentation is the same type as found on the ZX-14 and features an easy-to-read black instrument panel.
- New Multi-function display now includes outside air temperature. The sensor is located at the intake duct (the furthest point from the engine). The value is locked when travelling under 20 km/h as engine heat affects the reading.
- New Other new instrument functions include the K-ACT mode indicator, Economical Riding Indicator, and Fuel Economy Assistance Mode mark.
- New Mode-Select button on the front of the left grip (where the passing button used to be) increases convenience by allowing the rider to change LCD modes without having to take their hand off the grip. Riders can toggle through average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, remaining range, tire pressure, battery voltage and outside temperature.
Suspension
Tetra-Lever Rear Suspension
- To ensure that the Concours 14's massive torque is transmitted to the tarmac as efficiently as possible, a highly rigid, dual-sided, 4-link swingarm is used. Called the Tetra-Lever, it is designed to offset the lifting or squatting tendency of shaft drives when the throttle is opened and closed. Two-point jointed shafts are used, ensuring a smooth power delivery to the road surface. The ride quality and chassis behaviour are very natural and feel similar to chain drive, with added benefits of the very direct "shaft drive feel." The high rigidity of this swingarm design gives excellent rider feedback, contributing to the unique Concours 14 sport riding experience.
Tetra-Lever Rear Suspension
- The Tetra-Lever rear suspension is supported at four points on the left and right side and mounts to Kawasaki's unique Uni-Trak suspension system. This system almost completely eliminates the up/down movement associated with shaft drives during acceleration and deceleration, resulting in a very natural ride feel.
- Tetra-lever shaft drive
- While using arms that were in perfect parallel would completely eliminate this shaft effect, a certain amount of rotation was desired to offset the shift in weight balance that occurs under acceleration and deceleration. With the Concours 14, the Tetra-Lever settings were designed to deliver pitching characteristics closely resembling those of a chain-drive motorcycle.
- To ensure both high comfort during long-distance touring and sporty handling performance, the link characteristics, linkage ratios, stroke length, spring rates and damping characteristics were specially calibrated for the Concours 14. The suspension offers excellent bump absorbing performance, and is only minimally affected when riding with a passenger or with luggage on board.
- The rear suspension has rebound damping adjustability, and is fully adjustable for preload via a remote hydraulic adjuster that negates the need for additional tools.
- Fine-tuned rear suspension settings also contribute to the sharper handling. A slightly softer spring and slighter greater preload are used.
Brakes
Supersport Braking Performance
- Like a supersport bike, the Concours 14 uses a radial-pump master cylinder and radial-mount, opposed 4-piston calipers gripping semi-floating 310 mm petal discs. New The system does not add any additional weight.
- 43mm inverted fork
Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement: 1,352cc
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum torque: 102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Fuel Injection: Digital Fuel Injection w/ 40mm throttle bodies
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Rake / trail: 26.1 degrees / 4.4 in.
Front tire: 120/70 ZR-17
Rear tire: 190/50 ZR-17
Front Suspension / Wheel Travel: 43mm inverted, telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload / 4.4 in.
Rear Suspension / Wheel Travel: Tetra-Lever with stepless rebound damping adjustment and remote spring preload adjuster / 5.4 in.
Brakes, front: Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers (optional ABS)
Brakes, rear: Single 270mm petal disc (optional ABS)
Fuel capacity: 5.8 gal.
Seat height: 32.1 in.
Wheelbase: 59.8 in.
Overall Length: 89.4 in.
Overall Height Fairing Lowered / Raised: 50.8 in. / 55.3 in.
Overall Width at Handlebars / at Saddlebags: 30.7 in. / 39.4 in.
Curb Weight: Concours 14 / Concours 14 ABS: 670.3 / 679.1 lbs.
Color: Candy Neptune Blue/Flat Super Black
Warranty: 12 months
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
