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Need help?Do you have a question about the Kawasaki Concours 14 and is the answer not in the manual?
Extended coverage plan for parts and labor, no deductible, transferable. Ask dealer for details.
Emphasizes wearing safety gear, riding defensively, obeying laws, and proper motorcycle maintenance.
Offers 100% instant financing for qualified buyers with quick credit approval.
Highlights supersport performance, VVT engine, monocoque frame, shaft drive, and handling for touring.
Features Variable Valve Timing (VVT) for enhanced torque and power delivery.
Combines a stiff monocoque frame with agile handling features and suspension systems.
Includes advanced braking systems like ABS and tire pressure sensors for rider confidence.
Highlights electrically adjustable windscreen and KIPASS keyless ignition system.
Describes the motorcycle's suitability for long-distance travel across diverse landscapes.
Encourages exploration of roads and locations, emphasizing the exhilaration of riding.
Extended coverage plan for parts and labor, no deductible, transferable. Ask dealer for details.
Emphasizes wearing safety gear, riding defensively, obeying laws, and proper motorcycle maintenance.
Offers 100% instant financing for qualified buyers with quick credit approval.
Highlights supersport performance, VVT engine, monocoque frame, shaft drive, and handling for touring.
Features Variable Valve Timing (VVT) for enhanced torque and power delivery.
Combines a stiff monocoque frame with agile handling features and suspension systems.
Includes advanced braking systems like ABS and tire pressure sensors for rider confidence.
Highlights electrically adjustable windscreen and KIPASS keyless ignition system.
Describes the motorcycle's suitability for long-distance travel across diverse landscapes.
Encourages exploration of roads and locations, emphasizing the exhilaration of riding.
The Kawasaki Concours 14/14 ABS is a transcontinental supersport motorcycle designed for long-distance touring with a focus on high performance and advanced technology. It combines the exhilarating performance of a supersport bike with the comfort and practicality required for extended journeys, making it a "fast alternative" for riders seeking both speed and touring capability.
The primary function of the Concours 14/14 ABS is to provide a high-performance touring experience. It is engineered to cover vast distances efficiently and comfortably, allowing riders to traverse continents with ease. The motorcycle is built around a powerful 1,352cc in-line four engine, which is derived from Kawasaki's Ninja ZX-14, ensuring a strong and responsive power delivery. A key innovation in this engine is the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, which optimizes valve timing across different engine speeds. This system enhances low-speed torque for effortless acceleration and passing, while also ensuring a powerful top-end rush when needed, effectively spreading the powerband for versatile performance. The engine's power is transmitted through a sophisticated Tetra-Lever shaft drive system, which is designed to minimize the common rising/falling torque effect associated with traditional shaft-drive bikes, providing a feel similar to a chain drive system. This contributes to a smoother and more predictable ride, especially during acceleration and deceleration. The motorcycle's advanced monocoque aluminum frame is both lightweight and stiff, contributing to its exceptional handling agility, which is further enhanced by a compact wheelbase and Ninja-style inverted front fork. This combination allows the Concours to maintain sportbike-like handling manners, making it capable of navigating winding roads with precision and confidence, even with its touring capabilities. The available Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) enhances safety by preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking, especially in challenging conditions, providing added peace of mind for the rider.
The Concours 14/14 ABS is packed with features designed to enhance the rider's experience during long-distance travel. Comfort is a priority, evident in the electrically adjustable windscreen, which allows riders to easily select the optimal amount of wind protection to suit varying riding conditions and personal preferences. This adaptability significantly reduces rider fatigue on extended trips. The remote-reservoir UNI-TRAK® rear suspension features an easy-to-reach hydraulic spring preload adjuster for the gas-charged rear shock, allowing riders to quickly adjust the suspension settings to accommodate different loads, such as a passenger or luggage, ensuring a consistent and comfortable ride. The front suspension, an adjustable 43mm inverted cartridge fork, further contributes to the bike's adaptable handling.
For convenience, the motorcycle is equipped with large, quickly detachable hardcase rear saddlebags, featuring a single key lock system for ease of use and security. A centrally located glove compartment on top of the fuel tank provides additional storage for smaller items, and a sturdy rear luggage rack is available for mounting an accessory top box, expanding the carrying capacity for longer tours. The remote keyless ignition system, Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System (KIPASS), is a notable innovation, offering the convenience of an electronic authorization system, a first in the supersport touring class. This system simplifies starting the motorcycle and adds a layer of security.
The advanced digital instrumentation combines an analog tachometer and speedometer with a multi-function LCD trip computer. This display provides crucial information at a glance, including tire pressure, gear position, battery voltage, trip details, and fuel consumption, along with a bright fuel gauge, odometer, and clock. This comprehensive information keeps the rider well-informed about the motorcycle's status and journey progress. The motorcycle also features dual Ram Air technology, borrowed from Ninja sportbikes, which increases engine output as speed builds, further boosting performance during high-speed cruising. The exhaust system, a full-stainless steel 4-2-1 layout with a tri-oval muffler and integrated catalyzer, ensures maximum efficiency and low emissions.
While the manual doesn't explicitly detail routine maintenance procedures, several design elements imply ease of maintenance and reliability. The robust construction, including the monocoque aluminum frame and the powerful, well-engineered engine, suggests a durable machine built for longevity. The Tetra-Lever shaft drive system, unlike a chain drive, typically requires less frequent maintenance, as there's no chain to clean, lubricate, or adjust, contributing to lower long-term upkeep for the rider. The digital fuel injection system with 40mm throttle bodies, combined with dual balancer shafts and a heavier flywheel, contributes to a silky smooth ride and strong engine response, while also likely simplifying engine tuning and diagnostics compared to carbureted systems. The presence of an integrated catalyzer in the exhaust system indicates a focus on emissions control, which often aligns with modern engine management systems that are designed for consistent performance and reduced environmental impact, potentially simplifying emissions-related checks. The advanced digital instrumentation, which includes indicators for tire pressure and battery voltage, can also serve as an early warning system for potential issues, allowing riders to address them proactively before they become more significant problems. The use of radial-mount, 4-piston calipers with individual brake pads on the front and a twin-piston caliper on the rear, along with large petal-style disc brakes, suggests a high-quality braking system that, while powerful, is also designed for reliable performance and potentially straightforward pad replacement when needed. Overall, the emphasis on advanced engineering and integrated systems aims to provide a reliable and enjoyable riding experience with practical considerations for long-term ownership.
General| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1, 352 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 84.0 x 61.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 |
| Ignition | TCBI with Digital Advance |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Rear Suspension | Tetra-Lever with stepless rebound damping adjustment and remote spring preload adjuster |
| Front Tire | 120/70 ZR17 |
| Rear Tire | 190/50 ZR17 |
| Fuel System | DFI® with 40mm Keihin throttle bodies |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| Front Suspension | 43mm inverted telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload |
| Front Brakes | Dual 310mm petal rotors with four-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 270mm petal disc with 2-piston caliper |
| Wheelbase | 59.8 in |
| Seat Height | 32.1 inches |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.8 gal |
| Frame Type | Monocoque, aluminum |
| Overall Width | 39.4 inches |
