Kawasaki Concours Test Ride

Page for this motorcycle: www.ctpowersports.com/showcase...
Visit Central Texas Powersports in Georgetown to see this bike, and many more in person, and let me know what you guys would like to see me review next!
TheAK47s Facebook: KawiBear636

[@Pparker99]

I have a 2010 Connie and this reviewers enthusiasm is very typical. The power cord fro the bikes variable valve timing that gives the bike the pull of a tractor and the raw speed of a sport bike. Few bikes have both. I just got the Shoodaben ECU Flash the bumps the HP to 142 The torque is magical. Great review.

[@myreality7817]

I feel the same excitement every time I get on my 1991 zx11. The thrill never ends. The novelty won't wear off. It's a beast!

[@thomassavage527]

I've got the 2008 model...ride between chgo & Kalamazoo during summer..bike loves to be at 90 mph all day! Sometimes way more.

[@Pparker99]

I run the Concours 14 page on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/Concours14/ This video was just posted. It was interesting seeing and hearing your excitement for one of the most under estimated bikes in the world. I had 3 late model BMWs and this bikes blows them away. I feel you have risen a bunch of bikes, but this was your first to ride this beast. You compared it to a VTEC motor. Funny how you referenced this, but failed to mention that this was the perfect reference. This bike is the first and only (that I know) bike with Variable Valve Timing , which gives this bikes it's amazing torque. This bike pumps out 132HP and 100 ft of torque. Few bikes have this combination of power and torque - plus a 10.5k redline and best of all - comfort. Glad you loved the ride.

[@johnadams7402]

I have a 2011 and it runs great. Incredibly fast for a touring bike, 0-60 in like 3 seconds 100 in 2 more. Really enjoy this bike.

[@RidgeRunner5150]

Just bought a 22, what an awesome machine. Everything you said here is what I told my riding friends. I'm so glad I bought mine.

[@pedroc6823]

I just purchased a used one a 2009 with low miles. I did not buy it for speed just because the power is effortless and smooth.

[@MChappysGarage]

Literally just bought a pristine 09 yesterday. Rode it home 160 miles. I was on the highway and thought to myself why am I flying by cars. Looked down and was just casually cruising at 120mph. The more terrifying thing is it felt like I was going 60mph and you dont feel the speed lol. Its such an amazing bike

[@Caz88835]

I ride mine 100 miles a day to work and back and I am always catching myself going 110+ and like you I never feel it going fast! Such an awesome bike!

[@shadwox9808]

I just bought a 2017 model and this bike is like mr.jekill and mr.hide smooth ride and comfortable and it can be a ballistic missile if you want to hehe it's a beast

[@goodsauto07]

Welcome to Concours 14! Love my Connie :-D

[@RiderObvious]

I love my C14. Awesome review, love seeing somebody experience what I did the first time on it.

[@wieds98]

Yeah the first time I rode mine I was like HOLY COW!!! I sold it though because my hand was always heavy riding this and I wanted to live to see another day..Could do a buck 20 all day without breaking a sweat

[@tg8150]

The 2008’s and 2009’s are the fastest years- for real. No governors, no limiters, no cats, lighter, no unnecessary rider aids, better looking and sleeker bodywork. These are the best C-14’s if you can find a good one. 👌🏼

The problem is the heat, I am about to buy one but put it on hold because of this, I read is a REAL issue.

[@ninja1970fin]

@ I just bought the 2008. I havent ridden yet but from what Ive read its not so bad. But for hot summer days in slow traffic it can be, lets see.. hope it will be bearable with leathers on.

@@ninja1970fin First 2 miles after too much traffic is hot, then is on par to any RR super sport..

[@ninja1970fin]

@ ok so its not that bad! Great 👍

[@anthonywoodsi8094]

I felt exactly,,,I mean exactly like you did when I first got mine... I just couldn't stop talking to myself about how great a ride I was having...I even responded the same way about the 6th gear but really overdrive and the OD is on the dash... Thanks for sharing AK

[@AdamSVT]

I rode one back in 2011 and loved it.. didnt expect it to be so powerful and tame at the same time.. loved your reactions on this ride..

[@TheAK47s]

dafobra Dude did I not describe it EXACTLY how it feels??? haha

[@sgtmarkins]

+dafobra And thanks to you I got one :-)

[@skippymcgillicutty9832]

Just got an 09 a couple months ago to fill in while the ZX14R is stuck waiting on parts. Now I'm torn on which to sell. Absolutely love the Connie 14 with bags and didn't know I would enjoy the windshield like I do.!

[@toddjacobs5660]

Im on my 2nd brand new C14, had a 2008 , now i have a 2018, great dependable , durable bikes ...

[@Giovanni1972]

Curious if you prefer the late models vs the 2008? I know they made a bunch of changes starting in 2015.

[@Charlesbjtown]

R.I.P clutch, you did your best 😭. 5:35.

[@EXTREMEG]

freaking loved that bike. hope to get another one soon

[@nevilleslim9870]

Hi watch your video I from 🇬🇧 UK I have buy one to day when out in it I love this gtr1400 wot bike speed and nice it is ride great video

[@kevinberry5793]

I enjoyed you enthusiasm about the excelleration! Nice job.

[@msmax1138]

contact steve sefsick at shoodaben engineering for one of his ecu flashes, then you will see what it is really capable of without the factory nanny software limiting the power in the first 3 gears. then you will see what a 1400cc motor with variable valve timing will really do. blows the stock tune away.

[@garyroberts9073]

Great Review! Honest, clear, and practical. Thanks!

[@toddjacobs5660]

Im on my 2nd Concours, they are great bikes, i put a handlebar riser on my 2018, also kicks back 3/4 of an inch, that makes it even more comfortable...

[@petebarreto9581]

Excellent review, you mentioned a lot of things in detail and really answered a lot of my questions. Thanks, good job. P.S: I like the gas tank girl. LOL

[@Tdfries]

Love your reviews.

[@ROrneli]

I have destroyed 600s and even older 1000s with this bike in a straight line, it is funny because most people expect the bike to be super slow, and then you take off on them and they can't believe their eyes. another plus is that it look like a old person bike so the cops leave you the F alone, and the windshield man, so sweet, you can be doing 150 on this thing and you don't feel a thing,,my friends on their ultra nakes bikes end up full of bugs on their helmet and jacket and I am clean as a whistle,. I recommend buying the V stream windshield,. makes a huge difference, even when the screen is bellow your eye level you get 0 things on your face.

[@Richard1976]

Started on a zx12r, so I would step on this easy. Great looking bike still in 2023.

[@CeeStyleDj]

This bike is really advanced for 2008.

[@cleatusbarncoat8642]

Thank for taking us through the bars and the dash layouts in a dark garage. Well-done.

[@markariewilliams]

🤣

[@TheSteps62]

With so many positive comments and excitement you were experiencing from riding this bike I do hope you bought the bike once you returned to the bike shop! I would have if a bike made me feel that good. Actually I just bought a new bike only 2 weeks ago, 2008 vstrom 1000, had so much fun on the test ride I traded in my Suzuki Bandit 1200 2006. The vstrom is much more comfortable on my not so good back. Great review Btw, must ride a Concours if I get the chance. Cheers.

[@CeeStyleDj]

I agree. I hope he considered purchasing it.

[@cavtanker6163]

I want one! You seem to be enjoying yourself.

[@dcstrng1]

Good review -- Hard to beat the C14 Connies -- mine has the Shoodaben ECU Flash and along with its VVT, it pulls like a locomotive down low, and mimics an Atlas missile above 5500RPM to red-line... yet remains tractable throughout the range...

[@dafinn2007]

I bought my 2009 eight years ago after watching this video. Now has a Shoodaben flash, best money ever spent.😊

[@SR71BBFLYER]

A comment on some the bikes I’ve ridden first. YZF600R, ZX9, FZR1000, FZR600, ZRX1200, CBR929 to name a few. I’m riding since ‘88. So when I say I’m able to run my Blackbird pretty good in the corners I mean nearly knee down. (No pucks on). No old lady riding. Several years ago a buddy took his Concours 14 up in the mountains with me (and several others) in pursuit. With saddlebags on and all, he lead everyone thru some of the fastest corners you could ever want. Saddlebags attached!! Incredible cornering clearance! Could I have overtaken him on my Bird? More than likely. But I was amazed to just ride behind him and see how those bags took those corners!

[@jdgarris3]

Enjoyed all of the positive comments and energy. I've had my '08 Concours for almost 3 Mos. I love the change from the Victory. I did a group ride with friends to City Island, NYC. Two weeks later my buddy traded in his VTX1300 and purchased a 2015 Concours. He later said that my speed and fun on the freeways sold him...😎 Ride Safe!

[@toddjacobs5660]

Im on my 2nd new Concours these are great bikes, Durable...

[@curlybill3966]

If your doing 80 how fast are those cars ahead of you doing?

[@arch417powersports]

Haha sounds like when I rode a Yamaha R1 for the first time. The bike is sweet. Like an old man's ZX14.

[@TexasMan77]

Arch417 Ah but it’s no old mans bike. Were you referring to the gold wing perhaps?

[@jerryfinger8659]

Yeah, I laugh at 20 year old guys who say sport tourers are useless. Get back to me when you turn 50.

[@Kenny_Mars]

I think of mine as a motorcycle version of a high speed bullet train. :-D

[@blackspades0000]

There is nothing like riding a ninja. I started out on a 1996 zl600 with a tuned down ninja 600 engine. The performance was the most exilerating experience I have ever had on a bike. I am thinking about the ZX14R or the concourse.

[@johnmech4617]

I got a 2011 gtr14 and I know what you mean bro, awesome power very smooth.

[@toddjacobs5660]

On my 2nd Connie14, great fun durable bikes 👍

[@johnnoble3119]

Thanks for the review. What’s your opinion on how it would stack up to the FJR-1300??

[@Mortech1233]

Your video has made yo COG forum famous , so did you eve buy one ?

[@psbirdwell]

Ive enjoyed two of them. Cant understand where the 'detuned' part comes into play. Mine were like piloting an infinitely powered cloud.

[@Msicmixer]

I love the tank pad 😍😆

[@Dalton2541]

So glad you test rode this! If you can please try to do a video on the Yamaha fjr1300 I haven't really seen any on that bike

[@TheAK47s]

Dalton Duckett Ill do my best to see what I can do! I think we might have a used one at the store. Ill see if I can do something on it tomorrow!

[@TheAK47s]

Dalton Duckett We have a 2008 and 2009 FJR 1300 Both with ABS. The 2008 is lower miles. Go check out the website in the description of the video, and go to preowned. Then find the FJRs and tell me which one youd like me to test ride tomorrow and Ill get on that for ya!

[@choppertj1]

FJR is ok but I sold mine after riding one of these. I'm now shopping for one. FYI

[@MrPruske]

this is how i felt about my vfr.. but someone like it better than i did and took it while i was at work today. thinking about getting one of these as the replacement because everyone seems to say the same things, but this is a bit bigger, faster, smarter, and has vtec and a center stand just like she did.. excuse me..

[@roundingcorners]

Your description of this bike is what I said after I test rode the ZX14. The Concours feels like a tamed lion after you ride the ZX14. Plus, the ZX14 is actually very room for being a hyper sport. 2nd Gear I was doing 70mph without pause.

[@sierraone8269]

the major difference is the zxis chain driven and the concours is a shaft bike.

[@rodneyburnham1331]

The ZX14 you can't ride sitting up straight like a Concours 14. It's a sportsbike and the connie is a touring bike. 2 complete different purposes. I would challenge someone to ride across country on a ZX14 and not have health issues (back, butt, legs, wind fatigue..etc).

[@chasefreedom5178]

Viola, when advertising money doesn't mandate a opinion. I've ridden them all.. A great bike.

[@stormchaser8472]

just so you know you dont have to rev and slip the clutch so much. one of the names for the c14 is the tractor! haha and side note it has variable valve timing if i remember right

[@jaspertoejam6248]

Sold my fz09 bcuz at 50 i was still riding wheelies and wife said stop. Looking at a 2010 concours w/5500 mi. How comfy is the seat? My bony ass hated fz09 seat after 45 min. Thx

[@AT2021Rocker]

Land based cruise missile. My 2012 loves to rip along at 140kph all day long.

[@bigg16]

My next Bike.Want one so bad :)

[@rellmonger7935]

Does it have electric reverse?

[@TheWyeth101]

Holy Kawi

[@BIOHAZARDCURE]

9:05 That's because it literally is kicking in (kawasaki's version of vvt but whatevs)

[@IFLYBELL]

1st time on a big litter Kawasaki!

[@psbirdwell]

I loved your reactions. It true, you start poking the bear @6500 rpm's.

[@j.t.thomas890]

Debating on this or a kawasaki 1000

[@mattdelarede9673]

But, is it fast? Lol. The Coyote could have used one for the Road Runner. They are awesome, hands down. Just a really good review. Thank you.

[@richardsalyer3995]

It’s NOT basically a zx14. It shares the same block, everything else is changed. Big big difference how it’s built. Crank, heads, pistons, fuel system is all different. Still runs great but motor not close to zx14.

[@rodneyburnham1331]

I purchased a new 2014 Model C14 Connie. During the first 500 miles it states to keep it under 4,000 rpms for a break in period. 6th gear at 4k rpms=90mph. For the next 1000 miles it recommends to keep it under 6k rpms. 6k rpms in 6th gear=132mph. Keep in mind that this bike does not begin red line until 10.5k rpms. I've had my bike almost 2 years now and I love it more and more every day with 12,000+ miles on odometer now.

[@rodneyburnham1331]

TheAK47s was correct when he stated the fun really begins at 6k rpms and up. it changes from your comfy every day touring bike to Balls-To-The-Wall Cruise missile..

[@barackblows1942]

Rodney Burnham I also have a 2014 C14. I’m at 17k miles and I’m on my third set of tires. I’m riding Michelin Pilot Power 3 tires that ride fantastic and much better than the OEM tires. What tires are you riding?

[@robertsmart9432]

I had in 2008 a ninja 1400 abs 3000 rev s was 70mph 5000 was a 100mph I took it up too 165mph but had to shut down the wind pressure was going to take me off the bike otherwise it would have kept going up to the limiter 186mph

[@grabir01]

So the concours has about 170hp and the ZX14 about 200hp.

[@Partyatmosphere]

I'm short, can I ride it?

[@martythornton604]

If it has the AP pipe it probably has the ECM tuned

[@ModernGolfer]

"Why does anyone need this much power?" Well, WHY does anyone 'need' a Dodge Challenger Hellcat? A Bugatti Chiron? No one 'needs' those cars, either. This motorcycle will tool around all day at 40 mph, just like both of those automobiles. But when you WANT that extra power, to pass a line of trucks or whatever, it's right there in the throttle. With a bit of mindful work and options, one can get the Concours to about a 1 hp / 3.25# (1:3.25) power-to-weight ratio. Quite near the ration of the Chiron, and for FAR less than the Chiron's $2.66 MILLION price tag. One can fill that Concours gas tank a LOT of times for the $2,644,500 difference, LOL.

[@johnjones3648]

While I agree that the Concours is a powerhouse, your numbers are a tad bit off. In order to get to the ratio you've mentioned you would have to get the bike to about 206 hp. Please let me know what you would do to get it to those numbers.

[@barackblows1942]

John Jones Trade it in for an H2.🏍

[@DaPurppzz]

my vfr actually has vtec :D 7k rpms is a kick in the ass XD

[@barackblows1942]

What year is this bike?

[@armyfazer1410]

+Barack Blows 2008

[@turnbullac6315]

this guys has never riden bike bigger than a honda grom

[@ronsmith9251]

Sadly in 2018, still no cruise control.

[@Team-fabulous]

It's not needed..

[@johnyblaszka4988]

why the "ugly" in my eyes BMW k1300gt i so much faster, why kawasaki didnt make this bike 180hp? i have triumph rocket by 4yerars and sold him (to mine father hehe) in last weakend i go a test ride on exactly c14 like on movie, maybe he is fast but what you fell on him is nothing on tr3, there you must really stick to the bike. I want to buy c14 becouse k1300gt is ugly, somebody have some god idea to bit power up to 180hp? of course im sorry for my English im from Poland. I think You in USA have tons of more experience in ecu tune of this bikes, and maybe other things(im not thing about turbous etc.) regards

[@markhilken7026]

Geeez what's up with all those tar snakes on the road ??

[@NicholasBenjamin1]

Holy wind noise

[@MsDannyrevs]

lol he said when VTEC kicked in. Bad analogy, you should have said when you start to get into the boost.

[@Josieman543]

It's got like 144hp dude. Probably would make my 98 hp Suzuki gsf1200 feel slow

[@MrPmailloux1]

Wait till you add a Shoodaben flash!

[@netkongen]

Hoooooooooo Hooooo Hoooooooolyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy coooowwwwww

[@gm1762]

65...75...85...holy cow! 🤣

[@TWKJake]

I understand it haha

[@richardsalyer2076]

Shares the same engine block as zx14. That’s all. Huge difference in motors. Sooo....

[@marciobrat2740]

Funny I think you’ve never been on a fast bike!!!

[@TheAK47s]

Marcio Brat I used to have a fully built R1. Ive been on a fast bike dumbass

[@MrPruske]

@@TheAK47s a little rude, but anything that accelerates with more than 1G i would consider fast. i felt this way going to a vfr 800 and then trying a newer vfr1200, (which the engine at start and at idle sounds, to me, "spooky") i liked the video though and i might get this bike to replace the 800 that was stolen today.

[@hussar80]

why you revving it so much , use the right gear lol , dont start on 3rd gear

[@gipas21]

1st

[@nilkanthmeshram298]

" " "EVERY THING THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD,, ,, ITS INDI. INDIA ,, ,," " " " " "EVERY THING THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD,, ,, ITS INDI. INDIA,, ,," " " THE INDI. INDIA,, ,, THE TERRAINS O INDIA. INDIA,, ,, THE TERRAINS O INDIA. INDIA,, ,, A BIOLOGIST, ,, A BIOLOGIST, ,,

[@LydonLewisDoUbLeZz]

you don't need a 6 Gear you just need overdrive LOL

[@tgrman1]

19:11 "you are getting mid to lower 60 miles per gallon" on a 700 pound bike ? don't think so !

[@nilkanthmeshram298]

" " "CAN IT SURVIVE HIMALAYA HIMALAYAS,, ,," " " " " " CAN IT SURVIVE HIMALAYA HIMALAYAS,, ,," " " " " " CAN IT SURVIVE HIMALAYA HIMALAYAS,, ,," " " A BIOLOGIST, ,, A BIOLOGIST, ,,

[@Chef-James]

Bla Bla Bla. Like I said. What a fail.

[@boker5]

Oo..you american people so wide-eyed)You say that bike so fast and....do nothing)))You you should have annealing.)Dont afraid cops ...Sory for my inglish) from Russia.

[@Ashoud_Anobetah]

boker5 yeah we've seen how u Russian kants drive

[@donkramer2579]

boker5 lol you Russians can't ride lol what a joke!

[@katherinelavigne3818]

Russia blows!

[@jerryflowers1648]

You can turn off power cut so you have full power and full torque

[@EngelbertHumperdinck86]

I'd blast ropes of turtle wax all over the mural on that tank.