2021 Kawasaki Concours 14 Review after a 4108 ml Trip

[@bradlake239]

Just picked up a 2021 concourse last week with 3200 miles. Thing is a rocket ship. Best bike I have ever owned. Thanks for this video, it really convinced me to buy this beautiful and fun bike.

[@bgrides2108]

Sounds like a great choice, glad you are enjoying it! Nice low miles also

[@honeyforce996]

I didn't know this bike existed, I only knew about the FJR1300. Those amenities are awesome, sport tourers are sweet. Glad all you guys found one another, safe rides

[@bgrides2108]

Yeah, it's a sweet bike. We've had a couple FJR's over the years. I would say the Concours is a better all around bike. Thanks for watching!

[@DEXTERSONEMANBAND]

One of the best motorcycles ever! I personally think Kawasaki should’ve make a facelift and continue this model instead of killing it.

[@bgrides2108]

Yeah. Your right. Perfect bike that you can do just about any type of riding with.

[@michaelrandle4128]

I’ve had mine for six years, I’m 75 years old, five foot Ten and 185 pounds and don’t have a problem with the weight, beautiful bike, I keep thinking it’s time for a change, but I can’t think of anything better. Not let me down yet.

[@bgrides2108]

Nice. Sounds like you've had the perfect bike all along.

[@Caz88835]

I have a 2015 Concours 14 and it is unquestionably my favorite bike of all that I have had. I have the risers installed as well and they are great! Absolutely agree with them that this bike hauls balls! It must be respected…

[@bgrides2108]

Great comment!

[@brendanreitz1073]

Agreed... great sport touring platform and yes, oils and filter are easy. But wait until you try your first valve clearance check...

[@bgrides2108]

Thanks for the info. Is it super hard to do.

[@maddog7999]

its not OHC?

[@bgrides2108]

​@@maddog7999Roger that

[@kittycorner8526]

Just the kind of video I've been looking for! I've been trying to decide between the FJR and the Concours and now I'm leaning more toward the Concours. Thank you!

[@bgrides2108]

Yeah. The FJR is a cool bike to but I would rate the Concourse a little higher. Thanks for watching!

[@f.f.s.d.o.a.7294]

The last key is to remove the seat. Under the seat, among other things, you find a small compartment useful for paperwork, a small toolkit, and emergency cash.

[@bgrides2108]

Great info. Thanks for the comment.

[@joeyla1234]

Helped me! I just bought a 2021! Much appreciated thanks

[@bgrides2108]

Glad the video helped. Their great bikes!

[@Jbrd1911]

I bought a 2019 ,great bike,added a t_rex crash cage,comfortable, fast and dependable. 😊

[@bgrides2108]

Great comment!! Your right,, they are very dependable

[@ride1400fast]

Love the content. I've been enjoying my 2009 for a year now. Swapped such exhaust to tbr from zx14 (they are interchangeable) and even got to keep my centerstand! Ivan's flash and a V-stream windshield. Super happy with the purchase. Also have a roadstar warrior 1700 and a harley ultra. You are correct, a mature rider is required.

[@bgrides2108]

Thanks. It's a great bike. Sounds like you have the perfect number of bikes to pick from depending on what type of riding you're going to do.

[@reempire888]

What happens when you apply both brakes? Also, is this something you have to enable in the menu or is it already set in default for both ɓrakes to work at the same time?

[@bgrides2108]

Hello, Not exactly sure how the brakes balance each other when both brakes are applied if that's what your wondering. You can apply both and they work really well for a lack of better description. I would imagine a dealer could give you a better answer. I don't think you need to enable this in the menu selection but not exactly sure. I think it's a default. You could try searching for videos about this type of braking... Thanks for watching!

[@Falcon67]

The brakes are mechanically linked there is no electronic menu adjustment. It's not a BMW so obviously you save a ton of money and weight not adding all the electronic nanny's. But the system is rather seamless and intuitive. I ride mine like a sport bike and I trail brake all the time. The linked brake system does not interfere with trail braking. Even aggressive last minute trail braking like on a track. I've had mine over far enough to scrape a knee braking hard in corners stable as a train on rails and smooth as glass. This bike rocks! Think ZX - 14R with comfy seating or FAT ZX - 10R without the uncomfortable seating position. You could take it too a track one day and ride across the country the next!

[@Falcon67]

To answer your question more specifically on using both brakes at once. If you applied both brakes you'll just stop that much faster. This bike, though it handles extremely well is very heavy 620lbs. She hides her weight well as you wouldn't know it unless you were trying to push her or back her up a hill? The linked brakes are designed to be smooth and unnoticed if you apply only the front brake, like say in a corner. The rear brake will automatically be applied ever so lightly as to be almost imperceptible. If you are an old Harley or cruiser rider and only use your rear brake the front brake will be gently applied but not enough to upset the balance. My favorite way to stop is to tap down on my rear then apply more aggressive force to the front while gently releasing the rear this causes the bike to apply both breaks simultaneously with the strongest and most progressive stopping power. You can actually throw yourself over the bars if you're not careful. Only other bike I've ridden that stops harder is a BMW.

[@bgrides2108]

@@Falcon67 Roger that. thanks for the explanation.

[@tomsreviews238]

Love that bike, I almost bought one. I am 5' 10" with a 31" inseam. I have had tall sport bikes before, but this bike is tall and big and wide. Uncomfortable for me to ride. Best for 6 ft. riders.

[@bgrides2108]

Thanks for the info. It really helped adding the handlebar riser to get a little more comfort.

[@yaninacepqni2091]

​@@bgrides2108 where did u get your risers from ? And that "cruise control" thing how is it exactly called?

[@bgrides2108]

@@yaninacepqni2091 Sorry for the late reply. Here's a video we did on the riser. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYDdpGykf7-Cfas

[@bgrides2108]

@@yaninacepqni2091 Here's a video link for the throttle control. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJDQhHmHiM2qq7M

[@MrAntonLucas]

The shaft drive on my 2012 Concours locked up at 80 mph a couple of weeks ago. I skidded for about a block and nearly fell but didn't. The bike is awesome after a full titanium exhaust and ECU flash. I got mine up to 177 on the analog dash.

[@bgrides2108]

Wow. Good thing you kept it up and man are they fast bikes!

[@chrisrocker4742]

I have had mine for 11 years - you get used to it. I am 5'8 with a 30 inseam. Careful at low speeds and I have to get off to push it but its a great bike.

[@bgrides2108]

WOW!! 11yrs. It probably never left you stranded also.

[@garrball1540]

Great review. I'm glad you sat on the bike and showed riding position. I'm looking at one and don't know how I'll fit... I'm 6'2" so I was hoping it would be a good riding position! Thanks.

[@bgrides2108]

Thanks for watching. The handlebar risers are a really nice addition for taller people. It's actually a great touring bike and boy is it fast.

[@heyitswesty]

the fact that they continue to make a modern sport touring bike without cruise control just baffles me. All of the other features could be amazing but they'll never do numbers with this bike without cruise control . Just unreal how stupid it is that they don't have cruise control.

[@bgrides2108]

Yeah. We ended up putting one of those throttle control deals on it so you can give your throttle hand a break from time to time.

[@Caz88835]

@@heyitswesty I added a throttle lock and find that it works very well.

[@bgrides2108]

@@Caz88835 Yeah. Those work really well.

[@keithquinn5624]

How are the brakes? Trail braking?

[@bgrides2108]

Ron took this bike on our 2023 sumner trip. We normally go for a two week trip. It was his first trip and he's somewhat new to riding. It took it pretty easy, but I would imagine the bike would do great trail braking.

[@Falcon67]

I ride mine like a sport bike and I trail brake all the time. The linked brake system does not interfere with trail braking. Even aggressive last minute trail braking like on a track. I've had mine over far enough to scrape a knee braking hard in corners stable as a train on rails and smooth as glass. This bike rocks! Think ZX - 14R with comfy seating or FAT ZX - 10R without the uncomfortable seating position.😊

[@bgrides2108]

@@Falcon67 Good info. thanks.

[@Flynz4me]

This is my dream bike. 💙

[@bgrides2108]

I hear yah!!!

[@muddassirkazi]

Nice

[@bgrides2108]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jgcustomshoes6478]

That's a beautiful bike!

[@bgrides2108]

It sure is!

[@felicelgato59]

I have a 2012 kawasaki concours 14 abs black 30 thousands of miles

[@bgrides2108]

Nice!

[@kennethgreen114]

Get an Ivan tune, then it's insane good.

[@bgrides2108]

Ok. We'll have to look into that. Thanks!

[@maddog7999]

can i join the Sons of Arthritis Ibuprofen Chapter even tho i only wear jeans and half lids and no HiViz?

[@bgrides2108]

Dam, that funny. Thanks for watching!

[@maddog7999]

@@bgrides2108 i poke fun but ive wanted one of those Concourse 14’s for years. i’ll still be rocking my denim and chain wallets tho

[@bgrides2108]

@@maddog7999 lol. Gotta love those jackets. The real sweet ones were the sheep lined ones. 😃

[@felicelgato59]

No a helmet luck but a seat removal luck

[@bgrides2108]

Thanks! I wasn't sure

[@joshrichie9833]

Not 90 in 1st just so everyone knows

[@bgrides2108]

That does seem a little crazy!

[@Falcon67]

I've had mine to 65..front wheel just skimming off the road. Before shifting to second.

[@bgrides2108]

@@Falcon67 Nice. Impressive bike. Sounds like your a great rider.

[@yachtjock1]

If you are looking for a sport Turer don't overlook this bike

[@bgrides2108]

Very true. An FJR is another nice bike but I'd probably go with the Concours 14.