Got Myself A New Bike! 2003 Kawasaki Concours!

I had one many years ago and regret getting rid of it, this one popped up local and I couldn't help myself! This is a walk around video of it and I'll get more riding videos come spring.

[@scottcates]

The zg1000 is legend. I have ridden thousands upon thousands of miles on several of them, including towing a trailer, moto camping, two-up multi-state touring and extensive 1052 build-ups. You cannot go wrong with this model.

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

I've had 3, will be getting another soon! Had to sell my last one after hurting my back and finances became a struggle.

[@seanhutchins1]

Nice bike! Mine is a 2002 w/ 38k miles. Added led's and fog lights. Great touring bike here in Western Wa.!

[@motodork]

Nice. Same year as mine. Great bike!

[@kevincosta9228]

I've had two of them, currently own a low mileage '99. They're lovable beasts, GREAT engine. I've upgraded mine with four piston calipers up front, 17" rear wheel from a Mean Streak with a two piston opposed piston caliper in the rear, Conti Road Attack rubber. She's in the process of getting single rate fork springs, cartridge emulators and a fork brace, and hopefully upgrade the rear shock. Those tweaks all together should bring her into the 21st century. LOL! Seriously, the engine and frame are from the '80s vintage Ninjas and are still pretty competent. With some modernized brake and suspension upgrades they do pretty good.

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

Nice bike! I really like the front light bar, that is awesome. I think I'll try to find one for mine. I have a 2001 that has just over 20K on it. I have put just over 5K since I've bought it, it only had over 14K when I got it a little over a year ago. I am so glad I bought it. I was hesitant at first but since then everybody tells me that I got a really good bike and a really good deal on it. They keep telling me that the bike is pretty much just broken in good and now I am believing them. It is such an easy bike to ride and really comfortable, probably the most comfortable bike I ever had.

[@BlerdClert]

very nice. I'm picking one up today. It has fuel issues but I'm sure I can figure it out. Great review

[@thebear6529]

Wow nice bike,

[@MrBikercat]

had a new 2005 concours which I put over 120,000+ miles on her when I got rid of her 3yrs. ago. Never left me stranded except for the time I hit a pothole on the highway. the reason I got rid of her was that I was spending more time wrenching on her and also I wanted to try moto camping which I didn't believe I could do, since the bike is very heavy for any off road stuff. your video has brought back very good memories of her. these bikes are battletanks. hope you're having good luck with her.

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

Sadly after a bad minibike wreck I sold off my motorcycles due to a large amount of medical bills. Haven't thrown a leg over a motorcycle since but been eyeballing another concours. I've had 3 so far and loved every one and there will be another in the garage soon enough

[@timtimdixon4979]

​@@McCarronMotorWorks ooh no, sorry for your accident, got another Concours yet ?

[@TBullCajunbreadmaker]

I think you need to check out your front wheel bearings pretty soon. The wheel bearings have a tendency to start grinding when the bike goes for an extended period of time after it is brand new. For some reason when they put the bikes together they are really stingy on the grease at the factory. They probably just need cleaning and packing with new lubricant. It can be done with just a little bit of elbow grease. I have a 2001 with just over 21K on it. I bought it about 3 years ago with just over 5K on it. The bike came with two brand new Michelin Pilots on it, with the little tits still on the tires. I still only paid $2,500 for the bike. It's probably one of the best bikes I have ever owned. I am really comfortable on it. The seat that came on the bike is the most comfortable seat I've ever sat on. I've never seen a new bike with such a good seat on it. I wasn't sure about how well I was going to like this bike but I am still surprised at how easy it is to ride and how comfortable the bike is. I don't see how you could need any more power than this bike has either, for a big bike that sucker can move when you want it to.

[@jamesvalentine7618]

be aware, the bag locks replacement cost $75.00 each!

[@OldGuy70s]

Got an 02 last year wth 45,000 mls... American Bike, bought here in Canada....

[@tomtebbe7246]

I have the exact same bike. Color, bags, no backrest or trunk/fog lamps. I'm looking for another '03. If you can direct me to people with contact info I'd love to talk to them. I have plenty of parts since mine dropped #1. But dang...was it a good bike. Hit me back if you can. Just looking for another Ninja with Lipstick!🤓

[@timtimdixon4979]

Luv your Concours Hopefully I'll have my 04 by June 30,2023 How's yours doing ? I'm located Charlotte, NC Hope you reply back and have safe travels

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

Mine is still doing well but sadly passed it on to a new owner. My back was giving me some serious trouble so sold it instead of letting it sit. Hopefully be back on 2 wheel next season

[@grabir01]

Driving light bar mount looks stupid. Other than that, a great looking bike.

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

A lot of the concours accessories are definitely function>form. Common upgrade for thr more "adventurous" rider. Sure gives a hell of a lot of light in the country at night.

[@rawuncutmack1038]

Love this. I have a 88' Concours. Gotta find someone in the Arkansas/Texas area who knows how to put the roll bars on mine like you have yours.

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

A lot of threads and helpful people.on the Concours Onwes Group!

[@ComfyDadShoes]

how are you liking it so far? Looks like the brakes were upgraded? I'm looking at getting an 05 model pretty soon

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

I ended up getting into an accident on another bike this summer and sold off all of my motorcycles. Sadly been hurting too bad to ride. This was my 3rd concours and if everything works out I do not intend for this to be my last. This one did have the oversized brake rotor kit

[@ComfyDadShoes]

@@McCarronMotorWorks hope it gets better for you. I’ll be looking for a brake kit and a Russell daylong seat for mine if I get her. I’m actually going to sell my VFR1200x for more old-school and comfort vibes for my wife and I.

[@Mr5Stars]

Mr. McCarron, hope you are recovering O .K. .... Im considering this as my 1st used bike, i like the seating position and the $1000 price tag a neighbor is selling it for. Some minor cosmetic issues, but mechanically good for the price. Im 6'1" , 210lbs , way pass my 20's , plan to go easy, and cruise. Is the power delivery doable for an responsible biginer rider? ( I dont want to het a 250 bike that i know i will get tire after i learn how to ride)

[@K0lyanich]

@@Mr5Stars I wouldn't recommend the bike for beginners. I love the bike but it's heavy and powerful. Too much plastic to replace if you drop it as well. There are so many nicer options around. For example SV650 and FZ06. They are cheap, light, and powerful enough for beginners.

[@danmelvin111]

@@McCarronMotorWorks can you share the seat manufacturer and model number please? I'd Like to have a backrest like that.

[@ratpackgaming5230]

can you do a video on bleeding the brakes?

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

When I get to it I will video it

[@GPz84]

Look for any vid on bleeding bike brakes. It's all the same and pretty simple.

[@rickyrichreacts9667]

*HELP* New to motorcycles. Never ridden one, or do dirt bikes count? Lol. Anyway I'm going to go look at 2003 concours bike in a few days. Guy said it runs amazing, no issues, 32,000 miles only but he mentioned there's a little leak either from the oil or gasket... Question iwould that be an expensive repair or are those Fairyl cheap and easy to fix? He's selling for only $1000 btw

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

Currently on my 3rd Concours and love them. A small leak could be one if many gaskets, a bad o-ring on the oil filter, oil cooler lines, etc. It's its running good and is in good shape $1000 is a great price and 32k on it is hardly anything. The bikes are easy to fix, parts are cheap and plentiful, and forums like the Concours Owners Group are full of great people and information. I hope that helps ya in any way

[@rickyrichreacts9667]

@@McCarronMotorWorks wow thanks for actually getting back to me lol. Embarrassing enough I've never rode a stick shift in cars, tried a few times but kept getting frustrated so all I've been driving are automatics... Are they easy to learn on a bike? If I do get this bike I will probably keep stalling when I'm trying to ride on it lol

[@McCarronMotorWorks]

With all honesty it's probably not a good first bike since it is taller and has a lot of top weight which definitely doesn't cater well to stalling, missteps when stopping, etc. You mention though that you've ridden dirtbikes so you have some experience with a clutch and shifting on a bike?

[@rickyrichreacts9667]

@@McCarronMotorWorks yeah but it's been years since I rode a dirt bike. From what I remember all I have to do was twist the handle towards me to make it go

[@rickyrichreacts9667]

Had*