Concourse 14 owners to be...

[Curve2curve]

Awesome comment. :yahoo:

I don't like the looks of the Concours. It looks too much like the...ummm...Hey...It's a ZX-14. How can they practically rebadge the thing?

The biggest thing I was anticipating was the bike actually looking like a sport tourer. I was imagining a FJR, ST1300, BMW GT kind of appearance. I am quite a bit dissapointed in Kawasaki and not really designing something fresh and new, but wait...Wasn't the old Concours designed in 1982??? I guess they will be back to the Yamaha after 3,5,8,10,15,20 years of seeing the same design. :yahoo:

 

[madmike2]

Actually, there are many who like the "overall" appearance of the bike. The major design flaws opined by the masses seem to rotate around a few of issues:

1.) The single can is HUGE and makes the bike look out-of-balance.

2.) The striations. For whatever reason their design department is in love with the "Buck Rogerish" horizontal lines....trying to make the bike look faster?

3.) The bags don't look as integrated as the ST1300 or the FJR 1300.

Mechanically, the shaft drive looks good and similar to the BMW and Moto Guzzi designs so "jacking" under throttle will probably be mitigated.

The front of the bike is fairly good looking (Okay, beauty residing in the eye of the beholder). Of course they tried to mimic the ZX-14, that's good design and marketing. The fairing is reminiscent of the BMW RT so it should protect the rider better than the FJR. The windshield is minimal but those who are more interesting in touring will be anxiuously awaiting an aftermarket solution, as needed or desired.

 

[FlyingLow]

Regarding valve adjustment intervals; a legitimate concern...

A quick glance at the ZX-14 engine specs on Kawasaki's web site does not reveal if this engine group is shim under bucket or shim over.

I'm not familiar with this motor; anyone know?

If it's shim over, this would make a huge difference in stomaching the more frequent intervals because it's way easier to replace shims. The one Kawasaki that I owned, a ZX1100E, had shim over with rocker arms that pushed out of the way. Don't get no simpler than that.

 

[Constant Mesh]

If you watch the "Variable Valve Timing System" video the lifter configuration looks exactly like the FJR system. Of course this is an animation highlighting the gizmo on the end of the intake camshaft so the lifter details may not be exact.

https://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.as...p;content=video

 

[Flyguy]

MM2 wrote:

Actually, there are many who like the "overall" appearance of the bike. The major design flaws opined by the masses seem to rotate around a few of issues

I think that it is difficult to accurately ***** beauty with a hard on. Be it a speed hard on or whatever. With the bags off it is "coyote ugly" and I fear more than a few will wake up sober and say "what did I do!" And all to get myself a little (very little) piece of unusable speed.

Add to the list the tank and the faring ducts. AND, worst of all the rear view.

I have never critisized the styling of the C-10 as I always thought it was very balanced if a little dated. The 1200GT could use some styling touches to the slab like faring and adjust bars but the rest is quite well done. The ST1300 is very nicely done and probably better integrated that all the rest. I wish the FJR had built in slide protection but I still prefer it asthetically.

my 2

 

[shokdimn]

SuperBike Mag’s website appears to have some new info about the bike. Hmmm.

 

[Midlifefjr]

Interesting thread - looking forward to seeing one in real life just to satisfy my curiosity bump but with a great ride already, no need to get too envious. If this thread goes too many more innings, though, we may start to look insecure - sorta like the best looking girl at a small high school when a new cute girl moves to town.

Ha - its a beautiful Sunday morning in SacTown - time to ride.

 

[teerex51]

The "Superbike Mag" article indicates a "wet weight" of 308 kgs (just shy of 680 lbs). This is a pretty heavy bike...30 lbs heavier than the M.Y. 2007 AE Kawa has kept the bike's weight under wraps so far and I can see why...

Stef

PS: and of course the French will get their GTR's in the legally-required 106 HP version.

 

[Flyguy]

Now that I have become fully acclimated to the AE, non of the other SST's have the potential to lure me away. I hope the C-14 is at least maginally faster, so it has the chance to skim off the most aggressive riders and corral them in a separate insurance category. How well a bike or plane conforms to it's all over mission is the key to it's ultimate success and the FJR is well targeted and infinitely refined tword that end. To offer (not yet verified) increased power when I can't begin to explore what I have so far is unuseful. When the Feejer introduced the long lines formed because it had advantages in all the key measuring areas - Style, weight, power and especially price. The C-14, I'm sure will be a good bike but so far it has missed on the first two, with the jury out on the second two. Don't quote me peak power, show me the whole curve.

 

[madmike2]

PS: and of course the French will get their GTR's in the legally-required 106 HP version.

Is this an opening to begin the discussion anew: FJRs imported with the French detuned engines?

 

[Orient_Express]

I've owned a few Kawi's - all were good machines and no real complaints.

I just like the FJR - it "fits" me.

1) Will the new Concours be as top heavy as the older version? - if so - CDA club will keep expanding - that's my number one compalint about that motorcycle. Connies a big girl and when she wants to lay down - ya' can't stop her!!

2) The can really looks bad...

3) Balance is bad and it takes two weight lifters to get her on the center stand.

Kawi should have keept the old model and put on what drives the FJR / ST1300 ahead of it.

Electric windshield - better looking luggage - a little bigger engine - twin headlights.

JMO...

 

[teerex51]

PS: and of course the French will get their GTR's in the legally-required 106 HP version.

Is this an opening to begin the discussion anew: FJRs imported with the French detuned engines?

Mike

Truth be told, I was beginning to miss the once heated debate on detuned powerplants.

For the benefit of our new members, an undisclosed number of US-sold FJR1300s were found to be equipped with the French version of the Yamaha motor, which by law has a max output of 106HP. (This legislation dates back to 1986 and provides for hefty fines up to EUR 30,000 and even imprisonment if you tamper with or circumvent HP restrictions).

A secret swap took place at a cargo warehouse in Paris. The French FJR's destined to equip the President's honor guard were given the full-blooded 145HP motors, while a number of emasculated 106HP powerplants randomly found their way into the US.

Madmike uncovered the scam a couple of years back and has received several serious threats. He now lives under an assumed name.

Stef

 

[timalan]

I've owned a few Kawi's - all were good machines and no real complaints.I just like the FJR - it "fits" me.

1) Will the new Concours be as top heavy as the older version? - if so - CDA club will keep expanding - that's my number one compalint about that motorcycle. Connies a big girl and when she wants to lay down - ya' can't stop her!!

2) The can really looks bad...

3) Balance is bad and it takes two weight lifters to get her on the center stand.

Kawi should have keept the old model and put on what drives the FJR / ST1300 ahead of it.

Electric windshield - better looking luggage - a little bigger engine - twin headlights.

JMO...

I have an '02 connie. I have never dropped a motorcycle. Till I bought her. dropped her twice in the first month.

She is a big girl true. and I can't get her on the centerstand. I ride the FJR one day and connie the next. And truthfully the concours feels like a tractor by comparison. Fun on the road but leaving the parking lot or my drive way is just scary. At 5'6" under 150 lbs. If i am alone and drop her she stays.....

As far as the new C14 I feel personally, it is butt ugly and that is why I bought the FJR. And I know guys who have had money down on bikes that may never get delivered at the rate they are going. The last postponement I heard about .... the dealer said. The letter from Kaw said just cause we say so you can't have them yet. They must be having issues with this bike!

Tim

 

[Randy]

The "Superbike Mag" article indicates a "wet weight" of 308 kgs (just shy of 680 lbs). This is a pretty heavy bike...30 lbs heavier than the M.Y. 2007 AE Kawa has kept the bike's weight under wraps so far and I can see why...
Stef

PS: and of course the French will get their GTR's in the legally-required 106 HP version.

Dry weight of the AE is 593. Add the weight of the bags, the 43 pounds for 6.6 gallons of gas, then the weight of the oil, coolant, the water in the battery (they use an empty one for dry weight), fork oil, final drive oil, brake/clutch fluid and the difference becomes minimal.

Motorcyclist Magazine listed the '06 FJR AE at 687 wet.

Also, new Connie has 1 less gallon of gas. Take a gallon of gas out of the AE and it's a dead heat (as far as wet weight).

 

[rogdeb]

PS: and of course the French will get their GTR's in the legally-required 106 HP version.

Is this an opening to begin the discussion anew: FJRs imported with the French detuned engines?

Mike

Truth be told, I was beginning to miss the once heated debate on detuned powerplants.

For the benefit of our new members, an undisclosed number of US-sold FJR1300s were found to be equipped with the French version of the Yamaha motor, which by law has a max output of 106HP. (This legislation dates back to 1986 and provides for hefty fines up to EUR 30,000 and even imprisonment if you tamper with or circumvent HP restrictions).

A secret swap took place at a cargo warehouse in Paris. The French FJR's destined to equip the President's honor guard were given the full-blooded 145HP motors, while a number of emasculated 106HP powerplants randomly found their way into the US.

Madmike uncovered the scam a couple of years back and has received several serious threats. He now lives under an assumed name.

Stef

The "full" story at last -- I love it :clapping:

 

[Khunajawdge]

PS: and of course the French will get their GTR's in the legally-required 106 HP version.

Is this an opening to begin the discussion anew: FJRs imported with the French detuned engines?

A secret swap took place at a cargo warehouse in Paris. The French FJR's destined to equip the President's honor guard were given the full-blooded 145HP motors, while a number of emasculated 106HP powerplants randomly found their way into the US.

Madmike uncovered the scam a couple of years back and has received several serious threats. He now lives under an assumed name.

Stef

Gee, Mike Krause is an assumed name? Don't tell Madmike OK?

 

[Clark Kent]

Well, ta ta to you as the C14 will have hydraulic lifters... reliably rumored.

I would like to know the source of that reliable rumor since it has been floating around since

Day 1 and there hasn't been anything from Kawasaki that would suggest the rumor is true.

Reliably rumored is an oxymoron, moron.

And since I'm the one who said it that makes me a... uh... nevermind.

You aren't on a moron! Don't be so hard on yourself. You ment to say, "those who believe a rumor are on Oxycontin!"

 

[Clark Kent]

Hey! Git outta here, you non-FJR owner! Skat! Away with you, you traitor! :****:

No, No, I won’t go. I won’t go.

(Psssst, you giving test rides when yours gets in?)

Whaaaa…!! A test-ride, on my trusty steed? :shok:

Well, hmmm… who knows what might be arranged. :bike:

Valves….smalves. One thing I really don’t like is where it looks like they put the oil filter. hno-smiley02: Course, I've not seen the bike in person yet.

AIGF

You never do know what might be arranged and by whom!

This is not your Father's Harley! Come to think of it, the Harley is kind of a Dinosaur!

 

[jimmerz]

First @ Timalan - here check this out:



Now, onto the Soon to be released Councours 14. I am shocked that most of you find it ugly?

(I think it is pretty sharp looking)

Anyway, since I am a newbie to the sport touring category I will take most of your points and advice. However I do like some of the features on the Concours. - KI-PASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System), the first electronic authorization system in its class,(THIS IS REALLY COOL!!!) and an accessory power outlet located near the cockpit for powering portable electronics, grip heaters and other accessories.

I will be interested to check it out. (I still think the FJR is the best looking Sport tourer out there) The Moto-Guzzi NORGE is a nice looking bike that I also know NOTHING about.

Like the NORGE?

 

[Wicked Webby]

HEY ALL,

DONT LOOK TO THE C14 AS BEING A OUT PERFORMER OF THE FJR.

COMPARE APPLES TO APPLES..

A 07 FJR WITH ABS(NOT AE MODEL) WET WEIGHT IS 669LBS WITH ALMOST 7 GALLONS OF FUEL.

THE CLAIMED WET WEIGHT OF THE NON ABS 08 C14 IS 679 WITH A LITTLE LESS THAN 6 GALLONS OF FUEL.

HOW MUCH WIEGHT WILL THE ABS ADD TO THE C14??

KAWASAKI IS CLAIMING 153HP AND 100LB-FT AT THE CRANK. DYNO RESULTS WILL SHOW AT LEAST A 10% LOSS THROUGH THE DRIVE TRAIN.

YAMAHA CLAIMS 145HP AND 100LB-FT AT THE CRANK. DYNO RESULTS DO SHOW THE 10% LOSS THROUGH THE DRIVE TRAIN.

SO WHAT IS ALL THE TALK ABOUT?? EQUAL TORQUE NUMBERS AND 7 MORE HP AT THE TIRE FOR THE C14. THE C14 WOULD BE A LOT BETTER PERFORMER AGAINST THE FJR IF IT WASNT HEAVIER.