Introduction
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 peace 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.
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Features
Enhanced Comfort & Touring
Potential
· A completely redesigned, more aggressive fairing with
new inner guide surfaces and outlets is designed to facilitate
heat dissipation, greatly reducing the amount of hot air transmitted
to the rider
· A 70mm taller windscreen with a wider upper portion
reduces upper-body turbulence. The screen is electrically adjustable,
with four new programmable preset positions
· 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 returns it to the selected preset position
· Passages from windscreen slits direct air through the
inner fairing to vents next to the instrument panel; alleviating
the lower pressure helps prevent turbulence around the rider's
head
· An exhaust pipe guard added to the upper part of the
exhaust mid-pipe helps protect the rider from heat when stopped
· Stepless adjustable grip heaters are standard, with
an easy-to-reach switch located in front of the new lockable
storage case on the inner left fairing panel
· A new, lockable storage case in the left fairing inner
panel uses an electromagnet lock to prevent entry when the engine
is off
· New mirrors positioned 40mm higher increase rear visibility
and provide increased hand protection from the wind
· New hooks at the front of the tank facilitate securing
a tank bag
New KTRC Traction Control
· KTRC (Kawasaki Traction Control): Kawasaki's first traction
control system reduces engine output when wheel spin is detected,
allowing the rear tire to regain grip
· Advanced, 3-way control (airflow, ignition timing, fuel
delivery) gives KTRC smooth operation, natural feel and the ability
to operate on long stretches of bad road
· KTRC adds no weight, since it uses the existing ECU
and ABS sensors
New 2nd Generation K-ACT ABS
· 2nd Generation K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking
Technology) ABS links front and rear brakes for most effective
front-rear brake force distribution
· A smaller, lighter K-ACT ABS unit with a higher-spec
ECU is capable of more detailed calculations for smoother operation
· The rider can choose one of two modes to suit riding
situation or rider preference: The linked effect from front brake
lever actuation is largely the same in both modes, but the linked
effect when actuating the rear brake pedal is quite different
· In Standard Mode, rider control is prioritized, with
linked effect reduced at initial pedal stroke for natural sensation
when sport riding
· In High Combined Mode, there's a more pronounced linked
effect from the beginning of the pedal stroke â¤"
ideal for touring and two-up highway use
· A low-battery mode maintains the ABS function as best
possible when the battery charge is low. In low-battery mode,
ABS timing and pressure relief functions are maintained, so brake
effectiveness is preserved (although riders will notice that
ABS operation is not as smooth). The K-ACT lamp will flash and
â¤Low Batteryâ¤ù will be displayed
on the LCD screen. The system resets when the engine is turned
off
New Fuel Economy Assistance Mode
· Activating fuel economy assistance mode changes the
engine to a leaner map which prioritizes fuel economy, for as
much as a 25 percent MPG boost
· Fuel economy assistance works in any gear, as long as
rpm is below 6000, throttle opening less than 30 percent and
speed less than 80 mph
· KTRC adds no weight, since it uses the existing ECU
and ABS sensors
Improved KIPASS
· Now each Concours 14 comes with 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
just 1.2 x 1.6 x 0.25 inch
Improved Finish, Higher Quality Design
· Improved overall fit and finish results in a higher
quality, more luxurious feel
· A revised muffler end cap gives the silencer a more
compact appearance; internal construction is unchanged, but the
end cap itself is 1.6 inches shorter
· Multi-function display now includes outside air temperature.
The sensor is located at the intake duct (the furthest point
from the engine)
· Other new instrument functions include the K-ACT mode
indicator, Economical Riding Indicator, and Fuel Economy Assistance
Mode mark
· The Mode-Select button on the front of the left grip
lets the rider change LCD modes without taking his/her hand off
the grip, toggling through average fuel consumption, instant
fuel consumption, remaining range, tire pressure, battery voltage
and outside temperature
New Accessories
· Engine guards, a larger top case, tank bag, GPS bracket,
a low seat and side spoilers join the list of authorized Kawasaki
Accessories.
1,352cc Four-Cylinder, DOHC Engine with Variable Valve Timing
(VVT)
· Tuned to provide smooth power across a wide rev range,
the Concours 14 has power to spare
· Variable valve timing improves the engine's flexibility
and efficiency by altering the camshaft profiles to boost low-end
and mid-range torque without sacrificing top-end power
· Its compact and narrow engine design keeps the weight
down for maximum handling and performance
· Chrome composite plated aluminum cylinder bores are
lightweight, durable, and quickly carry heat away from the combustion
chamber and piston for supreme durability under high loads
Gear-Driven Dual Engine Balancers
· Already in perfect primary balance, the Concours inline
four-cylinder engine uses dual secondary balancers to virtually
eliminate unwanted vibrations for enhanced rider comfort
Ram Air Induction
· Ram air ducts provide a straight path for cool, high-pressure
air to enter the airbox for maximum intake efficiency and power
Digital Fuel Injection
· A digital computer feeds the engine exactly the amount
of fuel it needs for cleaner emissions and maximum fuel economy
· A 32-bit electronic control unit works with the dual
throttle-valve system to further enhance throttle response and
control
Digital Ignition
· Four individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire
each spark plug independently to achieve optimum timing
· An idle speed control system included in the ECU provides
easy starting and warm-up
Radial Pump Clutch Master Cylinder
· A hydraulic radial-pump clutch master cylinder delivers
smooth, precise clutch engagement
Monocoque Aluminum Frame
· Hollow aluminum box sections arch over the engine from
the steering head to the swingarm pivot for a narrow, rigid and
very light frame
· The rigid-mounted engine acts as a stressed frame member
to increase the frame's torsional rigidity while reducing weight
· Forward engine positioning, wheelbase length and front/rear
weight balance were carefully designed to achieve high-speed
stability and responsive handling
Radial-mount Petal-type Front Disc Brakes
· Radial design uses mounting points at the top and bottom
of the caliper, with mounting bolts inserted through the rear
of the caliper instead of the side/front for increased rigidity
and improved brake feel
· Separate brake pads for each caliper piston provide
increased cooling efficiency and more consistent brake feel under
extreme conditions.
· Petal design front and rear brake rotors provide enhanced
cooling and better warp resistance
· Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake
performance and lever feel
Tetra-Lever Shaft Drive
· This unique four-link design offsets lifting and squatting
tendencies of shaft drive when the throttle is opened and closed,
significantly reduces driveline lash during sport riding and
provides smooth acceleration when exploiting the engine's incredible
power output
· Virtually maintenance-free, the Tetra-Lever system dramatically
reduces routine maintenance requirements
Plenty of Storage Room
· Concours 14's large-volume, easily detachable sidebags
are integrally designed to complement the rest of the machine.
Water-resistant, they easily hold a full-face helmet.
· The cases are mounted as close as possible to the bike's
centerline and center of gravity, with lightweight construction
that minimizes their influence on handling
· A lightweight resin-construction rear carrier is designed
to be compatible with an accessory top case
· An all-purpose 40-watt accessory socket is mounted on
the dash, providing convenient access to power for electronics
Full Instrumentation
· Easy-to-read speedometer and tachometer, multi-function
LCD digital display including an odometer, two trip meters, fuel
gauge, gear position indicator, tire pressure indicator and a
clock are just a partial listing of the 2010 Concours 14's display
capabilities
· Controller Area Network (CAN) interface between the
gauges uses fewer wires and allows a greater volume of information
to be exchanged than in traditional instrument panels
· Kawasaki's Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System
(KIPASS) now comes with a small card-type key for emergency use
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Technical Specifications
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
MSRP: $15,299
Warranty: 36 Months
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