1986-2006 Kawasaki Concours 1000 (GTR1000) Review - History, Specs, Riding Impressions!

In this fun blast from the past video review, we'll be looking at Kawasaki's iconic Concours ZG1000. Produced for 20 years with only one major update, the Concours 1000 was essentially "right" from its introduction. With the heart of a Ninja, the Concours set a new standard of performance in the Sport Touring category and remained competitive throughout its long production run. What is the GTR1000 like to ride? Let's find out together!

[@TimeTraveller1117]

Hello! You did a very nice job with your review. I am 69 and live in North Dakota. I was looking for an alternative in the late eighties for an upgrade for my motorcycle touring experience. I was riding a 1976 Honda CB750F (purchased new) with a Windjammer, including a Cycle Sound radio and speakers mounted on the fairing, touring king/queen seat, luggage rack-back rest, foot rests mounted to case guards, and a different toothed counter sprocket to reduce highway speed's engine rpm's. Still have the Honda, but was so happy to see Kawasaki come out with the Coucours. I bought my "new" 1987 Coucours from MIdway Harley Davidson, BMW, Kawasaki in Mandan, ND in 1990. The Concours had been on the showroom floor for three years and they were tickled that somesone had interest in this bike. First one I had seen in person , and I just drooled over it. $5000 out the door and I had a sport tourer. Everything that I had customized my Honda for, Kawasaki did at the factory. I have had many fine bikes since my Concours purchase, and refer to my Concours as "the mule." Went to Sturgis this year and over to Red Lodge, MT on it. I have 66,000 miles on it, again, I have many bikes, but the mule gets the call because of what your description entailed: wind and rain protection, luggage capacity, fuel range, and a sweet, sweet motor. And I still just adore how it looks. Timeless. One more attribute, the Concours Owners Group (COG). As the group says: " Join for the bike, stay for the people." Kawasaki has dropped the Concours from production, the lastest iteration being the C14. Many members of COG have chosen Yamaha's FJR as their favorite sport tourer. A fine bike indeed. Well, the "Connie" and I have made a lot of memories together. And that is really what the whole thing is all about. Thanks to you for the work you do. Good stuff!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for sharing the memories and your experience with the Concours! I've owned both the 1000 and the 1400 and enjoyed every minute on each. Too bad it was dropped by Kawasaki!

[@lescook9521]

I just purchased a used 2001 Concurs with 39k on it. I should have watched your review before I bought it. Excellent review. Thank you. I will be the 3rd owner. I’ve been riding Honda Gold Wings since 1987. GL1200 thru GL1800. The weight was taking its toll on my left knee. Therefore, I downsized. I have had 4 1100cc to 850 cc machines over the past 6 years. I could have saved myself some money if I’d of found this Concurs first! Great machine!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Les! I'm glad you are enjoying the Concours. Cheers!

[@johnwhan7288]

Been looking at them. Great bike for the price. Thx for the 94 and up tip.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome, John!

[@wdhewson]

No HOG of any description is going to cruise with a Concours Decent examples are selling near $1000 near me. Some are advertized with top end noise, which surprises me!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It may be cam chain noise which is an easy fix (new tensioner). But, it could be risky if it is something more serious. Cheers!

[@GPz84]

Nicely done John. The bit about the Harleys put a huge grin on my face...I can totally relate to it. Bought my mint 06 5 years ago with only 18,000 KM on it. Came with the oem backrest and tank bra to boot. Put on a Murphs forkbrace, peg lowering kit, 12 volt power outlet and a few other things. Riding it is second nature, but you always make sure when you park it's not on a downhill slope and solid ground preferably free of loose gravel. IMO doesn't do anything great, but everything well. I bought it for me and my daughter to ride on. She never really took to it. More than once I've thought time to get rid of and get a new bike with modern features. I take the Connie out for a spin and honestly I feel its the perfect bike for me. Fast enough, powerful enough, tonnes of room...and no monthly payments. Think I'll hold onto it for a bit longer.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I forgot to mention that I paid $1000 for that Concours and it gave me great joy to be passing bikes that cost up to 20x what I paid for mine. Great bikes and great memories! Cheers!

[@leviefrauim1425]

Even with its flaws, the C1000 was such great bike that Kawi kept producing it for two decades! That speaks to its overall goodness and durability.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@shredded8482]

LOVE my 99 and It loves to crush miles

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Cool! Generally speaking, I believe a sport-tourer type bike is what I'm interested in for the future. Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks, Eric!

[@david9783]

Me, too. David in SC

[@BreakStuffClub]

I bought a 2000 Concours last winter and it’s a great bike I like it a lot more than I thought I ever would. Only thing I changed was swapping the seat for the older flat seat which is way more comfortable and sits about an inch higher which really helped reduce the wind buffering. I’m impressed by the handling you can really hustle it along rt 125. The engine sounds fantastic lots of induction noise thru that free flowing air box. The transmission is super slick in the 4,000 or so miles I rode it haven’t missed a gear once. Awesome machine!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Is that rt 125 in PA? If so, it's one of my favorites. Cheers!

[@BreakStuffClub]

Yup the PA rollercoaster! Ridden countless miles on it maybe one day we can meet up and ride it

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@BreakStuffClub Very cool! It's one of my favorites. Sounds good, I can't wait till the weather clears. Do you ever get to the breakfast ride in Ephrata?

[@BreakStuffClub]

I haven’t been to the Ephrata ride yet but would like to make it to one this year. I know they have a good turn out, lots of vintage bikes

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@BreakStuffClub It's usually pretty good.

[@douro20]

I wonder why they never produced a version of the Police 1000 with the more powerful engine out of the US-spec GTR1000?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That's a great question. I didn't realize that the US spec bikes were more powerful. Often, the European versions are more powerful. Cheers!

[@david9783]

I would absolutely love to get my hands on one of these 1000's. Your are so right- classic good looks and a long quality bloodline. Thank you for your evaluation! David in Ft.Lawn. South Carolina

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome, David! The Concours are still nice bikes.

[@marcwalker9610]

Thanks for the informative review 😊 I'm currently looking at a 1993 Concourse that seems to be in very decent condition, with only 34,000 original miles. It has however sat for a while and needs carbs cleaned out and needs the fork seals replaced. The asking price is $1,500 OBO or barter or trade? In your opinion, what should I offer $ and how much do you think an average mechanic would charge me to do the necessary work? Thanks in advance. PS. It's a California bike and at least is properly registered non-op 😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Great questions, Marc! There is a lot to consider with a non-running 1993. If you're not going to do the work yourself, then I recommend getting a good-running example to begin with. You can easily get into the thousands of dollars to get a classic bike back on the road and functioning safely. Good luck with your purchase.

[@BonsaiRaygun21]

I just bought a one-owner '99 with 33k on it this morning, finally decided to trade in my '96 Goldwing. I didn't know a whole lot about it, but a number of friends assured me it would be a reliable solo tourer. This vid has some great info, I'm learning a lot about this thing. Good stuff

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Awesome! Good luck with your new purchase!

[@apugali]

Been waitin for this one. Have a couple of these. Love um. They can be found for SO cheap. Take the lowers off, put the overflow under the seat behind the battery, and gives a funky gpz vibe. Give the pilots bout 2-1/2 turns out and they act so much better down low. Great vid 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Those are great tips. Cheers

[@Bostonclassics1]

Buy one. I've owned 3. Bullet proof with proper care.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@qaztzaq]

Did they all have the brittle pegs problem or just certain years?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@qaztzaq I'm not 100% sure about the later bikes. I know the early bikes did.

[@ScottMiller-tu3gg]

I have 2, a 1986 and a 2001 and love them both! I have been thinking about doing a trip to the PA Grand Canyon (in the summer) also! I`m in the Harrisburg area and I thought I saw that you reside in PA as well? Thanks for the excellent and entertaining videos!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Scott! I'm not too far from Harrisburg. The Grand Canyon of PA is worth seeing and a nice ride up as well. I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[@philarchambault5767]

Good video I live in BC Canada the bike was a good commuter and I have done lots of trips through the mountains of BC we road a full day from 8 to 10 every weekend only problem was the handlebar halfway through the tripe my hands would get very sore from the preacher of my hands on the grips.love the speed and torque handling the turning arc was a bit to big if it was a u-turn of the start Kawasaki are one the best bikes on the planet

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Handlebar position can be a bear if it isn't right for your body type, especially with the non adjustable type. Cheers!

[@danielwardley4185]

great review, I'm about to resurrect my late father's '86 model, they were ahead of the game back then

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Good luck with the Concours project.

[@tommydiaz170]

Great review of the Connie!!! C10

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@tommydiaz170 Thanks, Tommy!

[@RidinKonnie]

Great review I own two 04 Concours zg1000 Same color ( midnight blue) One 32,ooo miles 1 - 16,ooo miles Luv them and hav license plate ( KONNIE ) so now you know me @RidinKonnie Hope to stay in touch 😀

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@RidinKonnie Very cool! They are great bikes. Cheers!

[@henryhawk978]

I remember this bike new in early 2000's this bike could be purchased for around $8000😮 when Kawasaki began the newer version of the concours the price almost doubled. I almost purchased one of the early 2000's .enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks, Henry!

[@Jmacfann]

Its doubled now. off the top of my head a C14 is 18k. My father in-law got his 2016 new and I think he picked it up for 13k.

[@dundeedeek]

I have an 89 ZX10 and at 59, I'm finding the riding position beginning to hurt my lower back due to the sport handlebars. I can't afford to switch bikes, so the compromise is fitting the bars from an 88 GTR1000. Both bikes have the same fork diameter and the GTR bars went straight on. I scored well in that the GTR bars came with both grips and bar ends. The ZX switchgear and clutch/brake master cylinders also fit straight on. I haven't finished the fitting yet. But I'm looking forward to March as the extra height of the GTR bars is noticeable when I sit on the ZX. Hopefully I 'll have a pain free season this year.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool 😎! I had a 1989 ZX-10 as my first sportbike many years ago. I miss that bike. Are you needing longer cables or brake lines? It sounds like a great idea to fit the GTR bars!

[@dundeedeek]

The ZX10 throttle & choke cables are too short. But I planned ahead and had bought a used GTR set for not a lot of money along with a clutch hydraulic pipe. Not sure if I need to fit the clutch pipe, if I dont have to then it is a handy spare. I can use the ZX switchgear by re-routing the cabling, it still gives plenty of free play without any snagging issues. So far so good.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@dundeedeek Right on!

[@1vincej1]

Concours was & is a great bike. Touring Ninja, lol. Nice older example.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I certainly enjoyed mine. Cheers!

[@jamesfrancismchalejr7944]

Jon. Is there a possibility of rigging up a makeshift overflow tank. Or can one be made ? If this part is very hard to find!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@jamesfrancismchalejr7944 I don't know. My friend, whose bike is featured in this review, has the same issue. Maybe check with a Concours forum. Feel free to post here if you find a good source for them. Good luck!

[@jamesfrancismchalejr7944]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 ok. Concourse for sale near me. 98 asking $2500.00 I have seen that many motorcycles classics the owners are asking $2500 or more .

[@jamesfrancismchalejr7944]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thanks for the feedback by the way how is the humidity in Pennsylvania

[@nononsenseBennett]

I've had my 1989 red Concours (50,000 Kms) with updated front brakes for three years and it's been reliable and relatively inexpensive to maintain. The buffeting is an issue and my only complaint. Handles very well at low speed.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@Richard-xu4cj]

I put 40K on my '87 and had a great time with it! I thought the handling was quite good at all speeds on fresher tires. My only complaints were that it went through tires like nobody's business and was very top-heavy with a full tank of gas. I'm 5'8" on a good day and it was a handful until I got it rolling. MPG was always 45-50.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're right on with your observations. If they could have put the fuel tank under the seat, it would have helped. Cheers!

[@williamwhite9767]

I owned a 2004 Concours for a couple of years back about 2010. It was a great bike. The only complaint I had with it is that it is quite top heavy and combined with the short rake, it's hard to ride at low speed. I admit my riding skills are lacking. I bought a taller windshield to eliminate the wind buffeting.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The taller shield is a must. Cheers!

[@4940markhutchins]

Thank you for the review! I found a used 86 Concours back in 1989 for $2,500 and used it as my daily commuter in Southern California. What I was really looking for was a K100RS or ST100, but they were too pricey. It looks like I got the better bike anyway. It was powerful and fun to ride, especially around the Santa Monica Mountains and up the coast to Santa Barbara. I rode it to work on the 101 and 405 freeways (splitting lanes of course) and loved the fairing protection so I could wear my leather bomber jacket and Levi Dockers pants, and I carried my work satchel in the saddlebag. Multi-day traveling was out of the question because of my young family, work and grad school. A buddy of mine owned a custom paint shop, so he painted all the plastic parts with an awesome purple with custom graphics. Only trouble I had was rust in the gas tank. The ergos were not great for my 6’5” self and I remember lots of hand cramping and numbing on longer rides. I had it for 3 years, then decided to sell it and baled on motorcycles for 20 years while I raised kids and took on other hobbies and sports. Got back into bikes in 2012 when I moved to Utah with a used ST1300, and I was disappointed finding it want as good as that Concours. I now own a K1600GTL (selling it) and a Goldwing DCT tour. I rambled on here as a total stranger! Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool, Mark! Thanks for sharing the memories! The Concours 1000 was a great motorcycle for the type of riding you did on it. The DCT Goldwing seems like a really nice machine as well. Cheers!

[@zuzuzuzu8048]

Nice review! Thanks! Had Kawasaki GTR1000 '99 Europe edition with 40000 miles. And I love this bike! It has great stability and it comfortable in riding...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks! They are still nice bikes. Cheers!

[@EvendimataE]

last year, there is one for sale in my area. it has less than 20k miles, but very clean. asking price was $2.5K . i nearly bought it because its beautiful. the only think is im only 5'8" and i try to avoid heavy bikes

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Sounds like a good deal. The Concours is somewhat tall and heavy, so I think you made the right choice there. Cheers!

[@motodork]

For just a moment I thought this was a video I made about my motorcycle.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool!

[@sicelogeorgeson7212]

Good review of this bike.. i own a 1998 model and all you have said about it is correct. Its just top heavy for me with a full tank because im a bit short , but this thing is such a comfortable thing to ride for long distances. I will keep it for as long as i can, and after all it can keep up with the new bikes on twisty roads easily.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola Jhon. Me sorprendiste con el inforne de la Kawasaki Concord. No tuve la "suerte " de tener alguna pero quiero comentarte algo : a mediados se los 90 la Policia Federal Argentina decidieron renovar su flota( tenian viejas BMW boxer 70) en la zona motorizada.resumiendo eligieron la Concord. Te imaginas la cantidad de pedidos que teniamos de maletas laterales / carenados .etc. saludos y ojala pase rapido el frio .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hola ricardo! El Concours sería una bonita motocicleta policial. Me pregunto cuántos países las usaron como motocicletas policiales. Tenemos otra ronda de nieve que palear hoy junto con el viento y las temperaturas frías. No montaremos por un tiempo... Con suerte, hará calor pronto. ¡Salud!

[@richardcormier4561]

Hey thanks for highlighting my concours is the grey one at the end of your video I just picked it up before Xmas at Kent motor sports and absolutely love it

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool, Richard! I missed not having a full-fairing this fall. Enjoy your Concours. Cheers!

[@MrJayjay0420]

Really appreciate the review. I really like the Concours 1000. I've always had supersports ZX14s, S1000RRs, R1s, etc.. I also own the new S1000XR However, I am looking to add an old school comfy sport tourer.. I have it narrowed down to either a mk1 bandit 1200s or a Concours 1000. I am leaning towards the bandit. What would your preference be?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

For daily use above 70 F, I might go with the Bandit 1200 (I'll review this bike at some point). For trips, highway use, longer commutes, and cooler weather, the Concours would be my choice. Good luck in your decision! Cheers!

[@MrJayjay0420]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thanks for your reply. I am leaning towards the bandit 1200s. I think the added displacement and torque will be more enjoyable. Plus, it's very easy to work on, especially valve inspection/adjustments. Still up in the air between the 2 bikes. I've watched your bandit 1250 review, so I would love to see a 1200 one. Cheers

[@Jmacfann]

Just purchased a 2003 for a song over the weekend. Such a great bike. If anyone is looking for a Russel day longer seat let me know and a Cee Baily windshield. The stock windscreen is perfect for me and the stock sit sit me a little lower (just a better reach to the bars) I will say I am the younger side of who seeks out a connie at 40, such a great community of owners.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Awesome! Enjoy your new Concours!

[@Jmacfann]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thank you.

[@peacetoearth]

I got my babe 2005 with 29k miles , i love it !!!!!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool!

[@jamesfrancismchalejr7944]

Nice Review! Jon do you know if the trimming belt is chain or rubber? If rubber how many miles to change? And if the chain how long before the chain or tensioner needs to be replaced? Looking at one currently! Original owner. Also Americade in Glenn Falls ,New York is coming up.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, James! It's a timing chain. There's no set mileage to replace the tensioner. If it starts to get noisy or if you just want peace of mind, simply replace it. Cheers!

[@GPz84]

One thing you really to look for is the condition of the tank. You can look inside and it may be shiny like new but that means nothing. Where the sides of the tank meet the side panels are the low points and water will collect there. Make sure those areas are solid. Also make sure fuel petcock is good. They can leak and these bikes have had issue with hydrolock.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@GPz84 Thanks for the tips!

[@ls2gtoguru]

do you have a part number for the dress up clips?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I don't, sorry! My friend bought the bike with those items already on it.

[@JuhaEerikki]

Nice review thank you, and I'm sure quite accurate for the US consumer. I had a pre-facelift GTR1000 in the UK twenty years ago. I recall the brakes having been absolutely useless, and I tried to improve them with braded hoses and better pads, helped a little bit but still not good. The other thing was the heavy weight; it you ever wanted to ride through the roundabouts in a bit more "spirited" manner, you really needed to move your body on the bike to get the thing to turn, it wanted to go straight, it didn't like turning. At max speed of about 120mph there was an uncomfortable amount of buffeting, to the point of being outright scary. Other than that the cover was good, and warm on your legs even in lower temperatures. Otherwise, the bike was ok, as long as you rode at reasonable speeds, chose straight roads instead of twisty ones, and always kept your safe distance to the traffic in front and remembered to rather brake sooner than later. But a "sports tourer"? Nope.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It sounds like something may have been wrong with your example or you were just used to smaller bikes. Having ridden the Concours aggressively in the mountains, it is quite capable as a sport tourer (aside from the brakes on the earlier machines). I enjoyed hanging off and moving around while riding it aggressively and I'm sure that helped in the turns. Newer "big" bikes carry their weight lower and change direction more easily, making it feel "dated" by today's standards. But it was designed almost 40 years ago. Cheers!

[@danielkeel9265]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 front calipers went on my old Zephyr 750, front forks and wheel off the zr1100, master cylinder from gpz900, Kawasaki have always been good at making new use of proven technology throughout their model range. Just got me a gtr version Australian) as a semi basket case. These reviews are chirping me up a bit!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@danielkeel9265 Right on!

[@kevinmerry9770]

Another great review Jon. You are spot on with the windshield. I too couldn’t stand the wind buffering my helmet so I decide to sell. Greta bikes. All around excellent value and fun to ride.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Kevin! I would like to try one with a "shorty" windshield with smoother airflow. Cheers!

[@kevincosta9228]

Rifle pressure balance windshield. I wouldn't own a Connie without one

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@kevincosta9228 Right on, Kevin. It makes a huge difference! Cheers!

[@sexytasmin]

Hi Jon it was called the GTR1000 in the Uk. Our chief motorcycle instructor had one.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, thanks!

[@Stroke-it-2-Handed]

I have a 1999. I ride every day, and have been for many years. 🤘

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Stroke-it-2-Handed Awesome!