How to service a Kawasaki Concours 1400

[@rellmonger7935]

Nice step by step inspection

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you!

[@dxnetto]

I’m David from Malaysia. I thoroughly enjoyed your video Jon & am pleased to have learned on some bits that are important in servicing this sports tourer. I just bought a 2016 (registered in 2017) GTR 1400 two weeks ago. It had only 811 km’s on the odometer. The former owner who bought it new, used it for a few runs and left it idle for the last 4+ years. I picked it up and had to do the following; engine oil & filter change, clutch & brake fluids flush & change, coolant replacement, grease the drive shaft & differential oil change, stripping & greasing of the tetra-lever suspension, fork oil replacement including the seals ( forks were leaking ), new battery, new spark plugs & finally new tyres. It came with two brothers slip on silencer & a small pelican type top box. Otherwise, everything was standard. Bike came in a white colour. I’ve done a few rides clocking in about 500 km’s. This is such a nice machine to ride. My other bikes (2010 BMW R1200 GSA & 2009 Kawasaki KLR 650)seem very industrial compared to the GTR. I get mistaken for a traffic cop here in Malaysia as they use a similar model. 😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! It seems like you are doing well on the maintenance already. The GTR 1400 is a top of the line bike and a smooth, powerful ride!

[@mikebuchholz2054]

Hi Jon all valid and goid points, i just bought the lowering struts and adjustable kickstand for my 2011 , i need to drop it about 1.5 inches because i have a 29" inseam seat height is 31.5 i think Anyway on your other awesome videos i just meant if people have questions they should go through you and only if its ok i don't want to step on anyone's toes if that makes sense, again always a pleasure Thnx Jon Mike MTB H2O

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Mike! No worries about the e-mail. You may want to edit your previous comment and remove your e-mail address if you don't want other people contacting you. You can contact me via e-mail at [e-mail] Cheers!

[@joeschmoe1301]

Outstanding used bike check list!!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Joe!

[@chrispack3131]

Thank you for the video I also own a Kawasaki ( Concours ) GTR 1400 I noticed that you said to check the engine oil level on the center stand which is not correct it should be checked on its wheels & up right. Not sure if it makes any difference though. Take care

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You are correct. It may make a little difference - it shows slightly less on the center stand. I wish manufacturers were consistent with how to properly measure the oil level! 🙂

[@Mannix2023]

Hi Jon, sold my KZ1100 and my GS1100E is almost there I decided to install the sigma jet kit because when I had the carbs rebuilt the K&L kits make the bike not running smooth so having a 4/1 full exhaust I ordered the kit I let you know how will it run also if the tires on any bike they get hot and pressure increases I normally set the pressure 2 psi lower do you think is a good idea?? Sal

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@Mannix2023 That's a great question, Sal. I always set my tire pressure to the recommended pressure when they're cold. Yes, they will increase with temp, but that is factored into the factory settings. Cheers!

[@AI-gj4kv]

Just ran into your channel tonight. I have a 2008 Concours that I baby with almost 13,000 miles now, my question is if the bike sits, it smokes while it warms up. I heard that the 2008’s have 12:09 a small leak from the valve cover. Are you by any chance experiencing this symptom with your bike ? Also have you attempted or will you have a video on replacing the TPS sensor batteries for the tires ? Thank you in advance. Arek

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Arek! I never had an issue with smoke on startup on my Concours or a leaking valve cover. Those pesky TPS sensors! While I had my Concours, the TPS worked in temps above 50 deg F. I talked to the local Kawasaki dealer, and he didn't have any helpful leads on replacing the batteries 😒. So, I left them alone. I wish I had a better answer!

[@dirkwiesbaden6121]

I have 2007 Concour! I have one Times Smoke after i drive it! The Valve Cover has a leak! I Change the seal of the Cover, checked the valve clearance, changed the seals of the spark plugs and the spark plugs, the o-rings of the oil links! it is many work, to change the seal, so i checked all together, so i have long time now nothing to do! Hope u understand, i am from Germany, my englisch is Not so good!

[@PivotFirearms]

Great video. Thanks for talking about all the items which need to be checked. On mine, (2016) the accessory outlet on the dash isn't working. Any theories on what might be causing this issue? Thanks Jon!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I would start with the fuses...

[@PivotFirearms]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 The 5amp fuse for the accessories was removed. Replaced it, now the outlet works and I can finally charge my phone as I ride! Thanks!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@PivotFirearms Right on!

[@peterarmstrong9116]

Don't top up the brake fluid, it naturally drops as the pads wear down and the pistons move further out of their recesses. If you do, when you insert new pads (thus pushing the pistons back into their recesses) it'll overflow the maximum mark.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I understand what you're saying but any time I install new pads, the fluid gets replaced as well. 🙂

[@vincenttarquini4235]

Jon, it has been nice finding your channel. I am originally from PA, but moved to SD in 2012. I am considering purchasing a 2016 Concours 14 with low mileage. I currently own a Victory Vision Tour which has been a good bike, but I am now 67 years old and a 300lb weight saving would be a plus. I use my bike for everything from commuting to work to longer tours. I am also 6'5" and about 280lbs. The higher seat on the Concourse would be a plus. I now ride about 8000 miles a year. I watched your previous video where you actually rode the bike and was impressed with it's agility, even on your smaller twisty roads. We have a lot of those in the western end of our state and also much higher speed limits on our secondary roads and interstate. Is this in your opinion a good bike for the taller and proportionally heavier rider?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Vincent, yes, the Concours 1400 is a great bike and very roomy. It's warm to hot on any day above about 75 degrees but this is a good thing in cooler weather. I would have liked factory cruise control and heated grips. I was running the Michelin Road 5 tires on mine and they gave it a very sure-footed ride though they're not cheap. If you want another Kawasaki recommendation, I would suggest looking at the Versys 1000 LT as well. Though taller, it's lighter, has a more plush ride. It's also roomier and it's not as hot. On the downside, the Versys is chain drive and the windscreen is manually adjustable (not electrically). The Honda ST1300 is another good one in that group. Not as fast but still plenty quick. Good luck in your search. If you can test ride a few different bikes you'll have an easier time getting the right one for you.🙂

[@ronschubert6240]

Good video. No mention of the costs of the new front shock? Also if your going to go through the trouble of removing the brake calipers why not just go head and replace the brake pads?? Bike looks like it was well cared for by the previous owner. I would be concerned as to why the front shock was leaking fluid so soon?? Please do a follow up video after u have racked up some miles. Would be interested in your gas milage. Thanks Ron

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Great question Ron. I was able to find an excellent condition shock on ebay for $120. Fork seals are a common replacement part on any motorcycle regardless of mileage. Often, just not riding a bike for a period of time can cause them to start leaking. On this bike the pitting on the left fork scraped against the fork seal. The front fender design makes it hard to clean the inside of the fork leg. Thus, a bit of road dirt built up on that surface and caused corrosion over time which led to pitting and a blown fork seal. The replacement fork leg is completely corrosion free. The brake pads had enough meat on them so that I'm not at all concerned that I would need them before next inspection. The calipers are easy to service at any time so this isn't an issue when I need to replace the pads. However, you are correct, it was a good opportunity to replace them since I was in there already. 🙂

[@ronschubert6240]

let me know about the bike again after you rack up some miles.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ronschubert6240 Will do.

[@manucabeceiras9024]

Topping off brake fluid is NOT a good idea... When you'll replace the pads as soon as youll compress the caliper piston your brake flyid from the reservoir will squirt out of its content damaging the plastics and any paint arround it... If you aint got any leak... Dont play with brake fluid... It just drops a little as piston move outwards because of pads wear...

[@richardmerrifield8186]

Just wait for a rainy Saturday to change the coolant !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@dagrande40]

Thanks man 👍🏻 Very informative, straight to the point ☝️ Booooom

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@jeffgarris1209]

Jon I thoroughly enjoyed your very reasonable approach to checking out the bike that's new to you. I just picked up one for $5k. Really nice machine. Jon are you in NJ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Jeff. I'm located in south central PA.

[@chuckwagon1892]

Thanks! You should be an instructor. I learned alot.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@williamkterrell]

Great review, Thanks for sharing.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks William!

[@ComfyDadShoes]

I had a chance to buy an 08’ like this a while back and regret it like crazy

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They are great bikes!

[@dxnetto]

Can anyone advice me what’s the correct grade engine oil for the GTR 1400? Semi-Synthetic or Full Synthetic. Malaysia is a tropical country. Most days by midday it’s 90F topping at 93 to 94F

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I would recommend full synthetic. The laws regarding what can be called semi-synthetic are very vague and most times only a small percentage of the oil is actually synthetic - not really the upgrade you're paying for!

[@dxnetto]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thank you

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@dxnetto You're welcome!

[@mikeham5465]

Very helpful

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Glad it helped Mike!

[@sbalak]

Thanks for the tips and video. why do people who mostly lack the skill to exploit the max performance inherent in bikes with exhausts specifically designed and spend good money replacing them with "performance pipes." they sound like crap and unless properly tuned are a useless addition. I see this mostly with young new owners of sporty bikes . Watching their lack of skill on the streets is cringe worthy. Who cares about weight savings?

[@dxnetto]

I have a Two Brothers slip on silencer. It came with the bike I purchased. I was a bit disappointed when I first saw it but now like the sound very much. I’ll look out for the original silencer & try it out.

[@JIP411]

Mobile 1 which part number #

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Mobil 1 full synthetic 80/90 gear oil (for the rear differential). I'm sorry, I don't still have the bottle so I don't know the part number.

[@JIP411]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 good enough, thank you.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@JIP411 You're welcome!

[@Chris-gi9ch]

I really wanted that bike until I saw what was involved in getting to the air filter! 👎

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Unfortunately, on most modern bikes, the air filter is a real pain to get to (regardless of manufacturer).

[@zellerized]

On track bikes, like zx6r or zzr6, you have to pull the tank. Seems like a small thing to remove a little plastic.

[@Chris-gi9ch]

@@zellerized Ha ha.......A bit more then the tank, and a fairing section........