2011 Kawasaki Concours 14 (with Corbin Seat) my opinions

[@CXACXA]

It’s still a touring bike, with a lot of power. I have the 2008, and just purchased the 2022 this week. I can’t miss buying the last version of them as it seems there will be no 2023 and it’s the end of the big 1400cc versions. On my 2008 Concours I have handle bar risers, the windshield extended. It’s a touring bike with the sport looks! I love it. I have done 900kms straight and, it was tough after 600kms. I love the mirrors on the bottom. The visibility is very good. Mine does not have any vibrations. Extremely fast, and power 158hp, 0-100 faster than my heart beat! The 2008 does not have the heated grips as the 2022, but really, I never actually really needed it, even in cold weather. Does not have cruise control, but really… I don’t think I would ever use it. It is not a feature that I really need. The electrical adjusted screen, and the tire pressure monitor became my must haves in motorcycle. It is heavy, but super easy on curves. Making maneuvers in parking lots it’s not hard, but please please - don’t practice your low speed turns in a tourer…. If you want to see my video of a long tour, click on this link: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZ6wY5d4n7iVf8k

[@dcstrng1]

Excellent summation... I rode a C10 for a few months, and found it to amazing all-weather bike, but then I had an oportunity for a `09 and have enjoyed it a lot (I'm in my mid-70s, so all the techno-gadgetry doesn't fascinate me -- my C14 is non-ABS, no hot and cold running water, stocked bar or other bling... ). Most commentary says the older config is a "hot" bike for tghe rider, but I've riden in the heat of summer and its not oppressive... I agree that the rider position is quite as much "touring" as my previous Nomad or Glide, but that may be my age kicking in... have the same V-Stream windshield, but I'm a "look over the shield" rider so usually keep it all the way down... thanks for the effort you put into your commentary...

[@Drdave2013]

Impressive riding history! The Concours was a fun bike and several levels up compared to a Harley. Definitely not made for shorter guys. At 6'2", the only issue I had was the panniers. It took some effort to not scuff them up when getting on the bike. Also, I got tired of the keyless ignition. The battery in the key fob died on multiple occasions over time. The shaft drive was a huge plus. Cleaning a chain gets old quickly. Very impressed with anyone who buys this bike. You have to be a skilled rider to fully appreciate it.

[@johnnyg1933]

I think that may be the problem with this bike for me...it was too much of a performance bike...too big. I ended up selling it.

[@Drdave2013]

Out of curiosity, how is the turning radius with the Voyager? Is it agile enough to maneuver in tight parking spaces? Also, the Voyager looks like a Cadillac and much more comfortable compared to the taller Concours. @@johnnyg1933

[@johnnykawakid]

Great video man. Love your seat. Gonna look see if there avaliable here in Scotland. On my second gtr 1400 kawasaki. Love them. Anyway great video.

[@sniper1958]

Hey man, just watched your video and enjoyed it. I have the 2017 1400. I’m in Texas also DFW. If you’re ever in my area let me know so we can ride.

[@seanoleary1979]

I've had 37 motorcycles since 1979. 3 of them were Harleys. Guess which 3 were hands down the worst bikes ever - yup, the Harleys. Out of the top 5 bikes, all were Kawasaki's. Two old Concours and two 2nd gen Concours. As a matter of fact, I sold my Goldwing for the 2008 Concours I now ride! So, when anyone says the Concours is heavy, it handles like a 600 compared to the Goldwing - especially at parking lot speeds! The old BMW airheads I had were awesomely reliable as well, if not severely underpowered. The newer BMWs plain out SUCK!

[@felicelgato59]

Im 5.10 I get on and off like riding a horse, I love my 2012 kawasaki concours abs with sport muffler

[@MarkPalmer1000]

Definitely sport-tourer with much more emphasis on sport. I have a ’16 C14 and others ask me why it doesn’t have a radio, floorboards, cupholders or other outlandish farkles. I have to explain to them it’s not a Gold Wing or Street Queen luxury tourer. Often times telling them the HP makes it clearer.

[@johnnyg1933]

I agree. In the future, I may go with a bike with more tour, less sport.

[@strshooter7399]

Just saw this video on your Connie, thanks. I’ve had a 2002 Connie since 2006. My buddy [RIP], put a Throttlemeister on it, which I’ve used for years. It works, but it’s a really poor design. Some people think they are sliced bread, but it always took two hands to engage, or let your throttle go back to idle, engage, then twist TM to lock. POS in my opinion. Sound Off Recreation Vista Cruise for dual throttle ~ MCVICO-P. There a gent who inverted the Vista Cruise, put the “2” feet up on top of the throttle grip, glued a 1/4” small abs plastic piece onto the throttle grip housing, fit the slit of the two feet where he glued the 1/4” abs piece. Looks really clean, functions as only the Vista Cruise’s do ~ just push the button/lever after adjustment, and you’ve got a great, inexpensive throttle lock! My explanation doesn’t do how easy and good this works on my 2002 C10. 👍😎. Nice video, thanks.

[@l.rod2827]

I have a 2016 Connie and I absolutely love it. I also replaced the OEM seat with a Corbin seat along with the smuggler case. The smuggler wont fit a helmet but for me it didn't matter. It works great for my hat, gloves, or any small items I wish to place in it. I also placed a RAM ball but mounted between the two bottom handlebars bolts which places it directly center of the handlebars. This is my replacement bike after owning a Suzuki GSXR 750 for 10 years. As you get older you have to compromise a little. Great video.

[@johnnyg1933]

thnx for sharing!

[@duncansteedman9986]

Thanks for this. Looking to change to a GTR from an old Pan 1100 this month. Was considering a ZZR but the GTR makes much more sense 👍

[@duncansteedman9986]

And that Harley is perfect 😎👍👍

[@JussAMann1]

I've always had Harleys, but after 5 back surgeries I had to give up riding, as one day of riding wasn't worth the three days being laid up hurting, bur now I'm looking at other bikes wanting to find a comfortable bike I can ride without the pain, (nor sure if that's possible) but appreciate the tutorial of the Concourse as I like the what I see and the power it has, but now guessing it's not the bike for me.. thanks.

[@johnnyg1933]

It's not a comfortable bike...if you like sport touring...might I suggest a bmw RT? I owned an adventure bike...triumph tiger... As far as forgiving seating and positioning, those were the most forgiving.

[@JussAMann1]

@@johnnyg1933 I've looked at both, the BMW and the Tiger, and really like them also, I guess it's got be be trial an error on being able to ever ride again, but I'm sure you know it gets in your blood and hard to give up.

[@michaelrandle4128]

Hey there Johnny, I’ve had one for five years, just love it. You should have a key in the transponder phob, I think I heard a bit of a cam chain rattle on starting, swap the tensioner for a manual one, cheap and easy to fit. Keep your eye on the speedometer pal, can get you in trouble very quickly. Good luck with it, stay safe and regards from across the pond.

[@johnnyg1933]

what is a tensioner? ty

[@michaelrandle4128]

@@johnnyg1933 it’s a device that keeps a constant pressure on the camshaft drive chain, it takes up the slack and stops it rattling, the factory one works on oil pressure but they are a problem on the gtr, it usually starts with a rattle for a few seconds on start up but can get worse. The manual one is about £30 and can be adjusted manually as the cam chain stretches over time. I think you can find instructional vlogs on u tube. Hope this helps.

[@psycotria]

I have a 2001 C10 daily ride that has some age-related maintenance issues, one being the cam chain tensioner. Eventually, the chain skipped a tooth on the crank during a shift, changing the valve events timing. I was still able to do 80 mph and get home. I paid $1800 for it in 2013 with ~25000 miles. I just rode it, keeping the Mobil bike oil, tires and brakes up. It has ~100000 miles on it now and still ran great. It has several upgrades such as taller final gearing, bar risers, throttle lock, fork brace, Givi box and Rifle windscreen system. I also have an extra set of carbs, new jet kit, new padded seat cover, some extra plastic and three wheel sets. Buying mounted used tires and other parts on ebay is cheap. Without the lowers, I've done 142 on it twice, well below redline. As I'm in South Florida, the heat on me was too much. It hasn't run in four years. Anyone looking for a fairly easy project as I don't have a proper place to work on it?@@michaelrandle4128

[@jamiemui5186]

You can get better milage if you put the bike in eco mode. Long hold the toggle switch that rotate the temp, tire pressue, avg milage and current milage. Also go with the ram mount that fit on the clutch or brake handle mount. Way easier fitting then a u bolt mount. Ram quick mount is better and more secure the the x grip. Or get a quadlock with the ram mount adapter.

[@johnnyg1933]

Great info! Ty

[@seatime674]

GET IVANS TUNE IMMEDIATELY. I have the silver '11 also, send him your ECU he removes the limiters it's much faster, crisper through the gears and 46mpg... Youl have absolutely no issues it's like bone stock programing

[@chrispack3131]

My thing is Red & Black only had my GTR14 fairings repainted Red. I hated to long muffler so chopped 6 inches off it looks much better!

[@nathanschumacher464]

Does this bike put out much heat to the rider when it's hot out? I have a zx14 2006 and its like riding a oven on wheels with heat coming in around legs and also heat comes from that open area in front of the tank and below the gauges.

[@johnnyg1933]

the heat is reasonable and not a deal breaker.

[@MotoBmx01r]

I came across your channel because of the Tiger 1200. What happened to it? I imagine that you couldn't lower it enough & got rid of it???

[@johnnyg1933]

I had to move and keep only one bike...so I sold it. Thnx

[@MotoBmx01r]

@@johnnyg1933 You should have made a 2nd Review of the Tiger 1200 before you sold it 😔

[@johnnyg1933]

@@MotoBmx01r I agree.

[@MotoBmx01r]

As for the windshield on the Concourse just add an extender to the top & problem solved. A lot of us have done that & it works great 👍

[@johnnyg1933]

Oh, great idea!

[@zellerized]

No... First get in the cog forum and buy the aftermarket machined bracket that holds the windscreen.. stock will break. With the machined bracket, homemade, you can do top speed with the windscreen uo.

[@MotoBmx01r]

@@zellerized Ok

[@brianhughes9102]

Thanks for info, Pretty sure I'm getting one now!

[@KM-uw4ez]

I just bought a 2008. Do you have a link for the rear luggage box you added?

[@johnnyg1933]

www.ebay.com/itm/233559133139?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=p7dcVADZRzq&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=GvJMdPzWSC6&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@johnnyg1933]

Givi E300NT2 Tour II Tech Monolock Top Case 30L - Black Embossed w/ Smoked Lens

[@KM-uw4ez]

Thanks!

[@jimmyh.807]

Johnny can you tell me where on ebay you got that rear trunk. Possibly the seller's name. I appreciate it. Very nice motorcycles and video.

[@johnnyg1933]

I couldn't fins the exact dealer or case, but here is one that I bought before and it's just like the one I used, in fact, I would have bough this one too. GIVI E300NT2 TRUNK 30LT + SYM Symly 50 UNIVERSAL PLATE Seller: forevermoto About $75 "out the door". (I used Ebay)

[@felicelgato59]

I made two copies of the keys and keep one set on my packet, for gas, bags etc

[@alenfora1400]

Love the gtr but probably will buy a fjr1300 its mostly cheaper and the weight is smaller

[@johnnyg1933]

good info

[@johnnyg1933]

Great video, man!

[@johnnyg1933]

thnx!

[@rodneybarcus2233]

I looked at a concourse a while ago and came to the conclusion that it was to heavy for my short inseam and bought a 2007 yamaha fjr. I didn't want to buy new because I wanted to have it free and clear. I have had those bike payments and I'll never do that again for a toy.

[@sbmcbaker]

cool beans. Cheers

[@petersmith2325]

Try the k1600gt it's just as sporty as the 1400. 👍😁🇬🇧

[@elviscollector]

With that seat??? You were "beat up"

[@kaseyod113]

Are all these oter guys paid by Kawasaki to promote their bikes? This is the first real "negative" or "nit-picky" review that I've seen about this bike. Don't get me wrong, I love hearing both sides of the coin, but I was starting to think this thing was too good to be true 😄

[@psycotria]

I've owned seven bikes over 45 years. Kawasakis. Not interested in others. My friends with Suzukis, Hondas and Yamahas all had serious engine problems eventually; twisted crankshafts.

[@elviscollector]

You stole it for that price

[@johnnyg1933]

it needed $1K of repairs.