Used Motorcycle Review - Kawasaki Concours 1400

With 158 hp and 100 ft-lb of torque, the Kawasaki Concours 1400 is one of the first of the "hyper-tourer" class of motorcycles. The Concours 1400 got rave reviews at its introduction. But how does a 2008 Concours 1400 fare in today's world of sport-touring motorcycles? Does a used Concours represent a good used-motorcycle value? In part 2 of this used motorcycle review, I do a full ride review of the latest bike in the stable here - the 2008 Kawasaki Concours 1400. Stay tuned for upcoming videos on the Concours including the intro and service videos!

[@chuckwagon1892]

I bought a 2013 a couple of months ago. I have to say that I'm constantly having to hold it back. The darned thing isn't happy under 70mph. But I smile every time I hear it when coming up thru the gears. It's a beautiful machine to ride and your excellent review made me appreciate it more and wanna go take it for a spin. Thanks for a very thorough and helpful review... I'm a liker and subscriber now.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked the review!

[@GiantmanUK]

Hi Jon,Roger here in the UK,just watched your very enjoyable review of the GTR1400,in 1994 I had a GTR1000,and it was a great bike,I had 21 years away from bikes and then in December 2022 I bought a 21 year old Honda Blackbird,not sure if you have ridden/reviewed one?would love to see you do a review on one.Such an iconic machine,but im a bit cramped it as im 6foot 7 inches tall,so in last couple of weeks been looking at these 1400 Gtr,s. You mentioned there's no traction control on this 2008 model but it did appear on later ones I believe.This is the first review of yours I've seen but I've thumbs upped and I've subscribed.Cheers!

[@rogerrojas4612]

Excellent review thank you!

[@WELLRESPECTEDAPE]

I have a 2009 Concours 1400- it's bulletproof reliable and I have over 123,000 smiling miles with not one problem, just tires and normal maintenance. I'll never wear it out. 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@toddjacobs5660]

I bought a brand new 2008, C14 back in 2008, put 80,000 miles on it, i bought a brand new left over 2018, C14 in 2019, had the ecu flashed Corbin seat on it, bar risers on it, Delkevic slip on muffler, thing is an excellent bike 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Is the 2018 noticeably better than the 2008 or is it a matter of degree?

[@toddjacobs5660]

Well 18 has abs, & tracrion control, linked brakes, you can turn both on or off, but engines are bought the same , since i had Ivan flash it, million % better in every way, also the 18 has heated grips, i put grip puppies on also, just done 800 mile ride in Wisconsin & Minnesota w my wife, she has a 2019 F3 Sport touring Canam Spyder, we had fun 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@toddjacobs5660 Sounds like an awesome time!

[@johnnykawakid]

After a decade of zx1400 zzr 1400 ownership X3, I now have 2016 gtr concourse 1400, absolutely best move I have made. I love it. Your exactly right, sport and comfort, great video.👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks! They are great bikes. Cheers

[@seanhutchins1]

Great review, I have a 2002 Concours, a little rough aesthetically however a very comfortable ride, definately gets hot behind the windshield in summer. 38,5000 miles, runs like a watch

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you. The Concours are great bikes, especially when it isn't too warm out!

[@svensevens]

Awesomeness dude, I really want one myself, I actually wouldn't mind a later version like the 2014-2015. But anything under 30k miles. Have fun Broski's 😊😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks!

[@Higgsy2782]

Outstanding review. Thanks so much 👍👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Daniel. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@gregwild3981]

I have this exact bike. Even with the bar risers. I also have the top box wich I don't use much. I inherited it and have had it for almost 8 years and hardly ever ride it. I was going to sell it this week but maybe I will keep it after watching this video. The sell more in the 3 to 4 k range in the midwest. It is a LOT of motorcycle for the money. 2 things I really dislike - The seat is hard as a rock and from what I read, even corbins for this bike are hard. Second the heat that pumps out the side, even with the removable deflectors on. Had a Goldwing for 6 months and did not like it. Seating for me on the gw felt cramped and the suspension was hard which surprised me. This Concours is so comfortable and confidence inspiring compared to the Goldwing. Better Fuel economy too. I can get around 40 if riding easy. Low 30s if I am ripping

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Greg! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Concours. The heat is great in cooler weather but can be roasting on a hot day. Still, it's a lot of motorcycle for the money. Cheers!

[@nicholasjohnson6724]

I'm in Australia, and I am looking at one tomorrow. ThNx for the great review. I've been riding for 40 years, 4 strokes, 2 strokes, I've ridden the lot. But I always fall back to the Kawasaki's. It's what I started on, and it's what I'll finish on.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Nicholas! I've owned a lot of Kawasakis over the years and they've treated me well!

[@nicholasjohnson6724]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 yep, the reliability is awesome, the LTD, the GPZ, the GPX, the ZZR, I love em all !!!¡

[@altec19]

I wrestled with the thought of buying this versus FJR for a while But the dealbreaker for me was the concourse must have high test fuel 90+ octane at over a dollar more a gallon at most of the pumps that I go to the FJR was made to run on regular 87 octane I also like the exhaust system on the FJ R much better looking then that single giant muffler on the concourse

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! That's certainly something to consider over the long haul. They're both great bikes though!

[@rondenny5773]

Two of my friends had fjr1300 good bikes but the concours 14abs is better

[@johnrenehan7406]

Excellent review 👌👌

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks John!

[@duncansteedman9986]

A great review, thanks. Have had my 1998 Paneuro for too long and a well cared for £5k RGT 1400 is happening very soon 👍😎

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool, Duncan! Enjoy.

[@rickdeskis]

Shame it was discontinued. I have an 2009 that I've owned since new. It has been great. I don't find the heat to be horrible. I've had the ECM flashed and that has cooled it down some. Nice review.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Rick! It is a shame the Concours was discontinued. Good to know about the ECM flash, thanks for sharing. Cheers!

[@rickdeskis]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Ivan's Performance Products flashed my ECM. I had this done only a few years ago. It was money well spent. $350 USD.

[@sanoj1969]

Thank you for a very nice review. This bike is one my wishlist. I drive the big GSX 1400 since almost 10 years. Love the GSX but it’s a naked bike and now days I can feel it would be nice to have som fairings around me. The GSX pulls hard if you want and have great torque in the big engine. So the GTR would be a great replacement to my beloved GSX.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You may miss the GSX on a hot day. However, the rest of the time the GTR (Concours) is an amazing bike to ride! Nice looking GSX by the way.

[@bigsby19]

Just bought a 2010 with 19,500 miles for £3500. It is so smooth and just oozes quality.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Sounds like you got a good one, congratulations!

[@reggiejay1773]

Great review. I'm in the market for one to ride daily. Currently bikeless, and been without one for a few years.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you. Good luck in your search!

[@KeystoneTexan]

I really love my 2013. I’m from Pennsylvania too!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice, you gotta love Pennsylvania's endless winding roads and beautiful scenery!

[@buddyhell7100]

Ive a 2010 and its a pleasure to ride.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@CustomTrailerPros]

Love this bike!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Me too - smooth, fast, comfortable and fun!

[@douglasgrosch228]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thats exactly what it is in a bike smooth fast comfy super fun reliable what more you want= and can do twisties fast for big girl thanks I keep watching your concours 14 vid the one that made me buy MINE! hits all check marks

[@Kingsoupturbo]

On my dream bike list, the 08's have been coming down in price a bit (everything used so pricey after covid), FJR1300 even less, they should have cruise, up here in Calgary Canada, I would appreciate more wind protection for the many cooler days, closer to freezing I have to wear 5 upper layers, pretty not fun.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I use the touring bikes for winter riding where the wind protection allows for longer rides. Cruise definitely should have been included, as well as heated grips. Still a great value, though. Cheers!

[@zzrandy7110]

Great review, been searching for a review of this bike, G T R 1400 here in UK, but you're review is the best yet. Looking to change my Zzr1400 for a shaft drive tourer next. It'll either be the G T R 1400 or the yamaha F J R 1300 . I guess you would recommend the kawasaki?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The Yamaha seems more compact (Kawasaki is roomier) and I would recommend one with the 6-speed over the earlier 5-speed FJR. If you can test drive both you could see which fits your build & riding style best. Good luck in your search!

[@zzrandy7110]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thanks Jon! Yes I aim to test ride both, ideally I want to find both bikes in the same shop so I can test back to back. I'm a small build, 80kg and 5'9" but I need a comfortable seating position due to my lack of rear end padding ha ha!

[@blueberry2846]

Always a Kawasaki

[@user-jc8cc4ch6w]

IV owned both it was a real pity I crashed my GTR 14 the 6 speed gearbox was great there both lovely comfortable bikes the Yamaha FJR has a very wide seat with 2 adjustments I'm 6ft or 183 so not too much of a problem the 1400 has a bigger tank I'm on the 2012 FJR with heated grips IV had no problem's with either bike's either model I'm sure you will be very happy with love from Australia 🦘🌏

[@markbogers7646]

Very nice en modest review, thank you. I am considering to buy a sportstouren myself...now riding a aprilia falco. I want to sit more upright, but dont want to lose the power or fun...( keeping the falco) just how you said: the more electronics, the more risk to technical problems. The only doubt i have is the weight and/ or size of the bike....i am 5ft7 . Sat on a fjr 1300 with both feet on the ground. I have no idea how it compares to de concours...( excuse me for the language errors, i am Dutch😮)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you Mark! The FJR is noticeably smaller than the Concours 1400. I am taller at 6'-4" so the Concours fits me better, but it is a big motorcycle. I hope that helps! Cheers!

[@howarddrakeford]

What an excellent review! I'm thinking about taking my Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager in on one of these.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Howard! I have had both of those bikes and they are both nice in different ways. My Voyager 1700 had electronic cruise (big plus), it was designed to be a relaxing ride and I didn't feel the need to speed on the Voyager. But it was HEAVY, and handled and accelerated like a 1000 lb motorcycle. I was always conscious of the Voyager's weight in every move I made which was physically and mentally fatiguing on a longer drive. I feel the same way on all big cruisers regardless of brand. On the other hand, I smile a little wicked grin just thinking about the Concours 1400. It is a sportbike at heart, a comfortable, super-smooth, highly-capable, bullet of a bike. No cruise though, and HOT in the summer (like all fully-faired bikes including the Voyager). And it just might get you in trouble because it is comfortable at any speed 😉. Try the Concours out before you buy if possible. Just to throw in another choice, have you watched my review of the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 LT? If you're tall enough to ride one you should definitely try one out. I like the look of the Concours better but I love the way the Versys rides, drives, accelerates, brakes, and handles. By far the best-riding, most-fun, least-fatiguing, best-handling, do-anything, big bike I've ever ridden. Regardless of the type of riding I'm doing, if I'm on the Versys I'm happy. I chose to do a 150 mile ride earlier this week after an exhausting day at work. I got home feeling great. 🙂 I hope that helps. Every bike is a compromise. My opinions are certainly subjective. I hope you find the bike that fits your riding style the best.

[@howarddrakeford]

I have seen the video and it is in my list! I had the BMW k1600 gtl on the list as well, but I've decided against that due to cost. I actually sold the Voyager and you're right! Everything you do in it, is a conscious effort! You can't let your guard down ever! The Versys seems like a really all round talent! But I love the way the Connie looks!

[@tg8150]

The ninja 1000SX is nice, but to compare it to the C14 is ludicrous. The Concours is a locomotive that pulls all day in comfort while returning 45mpg. The ninja is a scrunched up chain driven moped that’s trying to be something it’s really not compared to the C14.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The Concours is fantastic but I'm glad Kawasaki gives riders several great sport-touring bikes to choose from. The Concours is more touring focused and the Ninja is more sport focused. The Versys 1000 LT is also a great sport-tourer from Kawasaki that fits somewhere in between. Who doesn't love choices?

[@nuclearchris832]

Calling the ninja 1000 a moped is a joke. Most bikes are chain driven.the mpg is similar. Scrunched up you say? It’s one of the most relaxed sport tourable bikes on the market. How about a track day on that concours. Not everyone wants to ride a couch. Having said that I will most likely own one when I’m old

[@AceCafeBikes]

Hey Jon - I was looking at one of these last summer - how many miles would you consider - too many miles. Also - are you doing a voice over on the ride part - your sound is so crisp and clear - I definitely need to upgrade my sound recordings on the mvlog section of my channel. What are you using?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

These bikes are designed to be ridden so mileage isn't as critical as maintenance and condition. Maintenance records are gold here. I've had lots of bikes with over 50k miles that ran great - but low mileage bikes are a safer bet. No voice over - just a PowerDeWise Mike in my full face helmet plugged into the GoPro media mod. I am happy with the sound quality.

[@mikesbikechannel4387]

Non rehitorical, but I'm from Southern West Virginia and I swear I've ridden the roads you're riding! Maybe not. I'm looking at a few used ones of these but I already have three other bikes. My 2020 Kawa Z900 is my fav right now, but as I'm in my early 50's I'm thinking of something longer range. Good videos and it seems we share the love of riding and working on motorcycles.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@mikesbikechannel4387 Hi Mike, I am looking forward to riding and reviewing a Z900 when I get the chance. The Z900RS Cafe is one of the few modern bikes that I really, really like styling wise. It's always nice to meet fellow people who share a passion for motorcycles! I'll have to check out your channel.🙂

[@AskYourPsychNurse]

I don't know where you are getting your horsepower and torque numbers from (the internet, I know) but 158/100 is wildly optimistic. A stocker is more like 135/92. Even reflashed with a full exhaust system you would be lucky to get those numbers. Still a great bike though. I have 57k on mine with never a problem.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The source I referenced was most likely at the crank. The numbers you are using are most likely rear wheel figures. I agree, they're nice, powerful bikes.

[@spkuse]

Stay away from the 1043cc bikes from Kawasaki. Not designed for touring. Very buzzy above 60mph. Hands start to go numb, etc. Great for beating around town and such. Leave the touring engines that are above 1200cc. Smoother ride in the higher cc engine range. Owned the FJR when it was a 5 speed. Nice,but it needed a higher gear. Felt that the engine was revving and wouldn’t relax. Would like to try the 6th speed FJR. Think the Connie is being dropped by Kawasaki anyways. I ride a 2018 DCT Goldwing. Would jump on the Connie if it had updated controls, ride by wire, cruise, etc. That will never happen now since the H2 SX has priority.

[@pielight7449]

I love my 2016 model, but am yearning for electronic cruise. I have considered other bikes such as FJR, but other than cruise, do not see any other advantages (FJR has less power). There is an Australian company called Mccruise that makes an electronic cruise for the concours. It receives great reviews by owners. I am likely to install this rather than gey another bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's good to hear that someone makes a kit for the Concours. It really should be standard on a flagship touring model - especially one that's as good as the Concours is otherwise. 🙂

[@Chris-gi9ch]

When I look at used bikes, I target ones that are bone stock with maybe the exception of exhaust if the owner had it properly tuned? Recently I sat on two used Concours 14's side by side (08, and 09) with the 09 having the bar riser. The bar riser is definitely the way to go, with the stock height way too low.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The risers do help.

[@Jurica-mtb]

Would this bike be a overkill for twisties/curvy roads? In 19.000km so far I only rode 500km of highway. I'm on Kawi Z650. I guess this would be too much of a bike for me. I was thinking of a Versys or VStrom for a second bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hi Jurica, the Concours is overkill on tight back roads but still fun. A Versys 650 LT would give you year round riding and touring capability and you wouldn't loose much of the fun factor of the Z650. The V-Strom is a good bike too. It sounds like you are headed in the right direction with your decision.

[@petev.9357]

Last bike I had was a 2006 Honda ST1300. These big touring bikes can go 200k miles with decent maint. I only just got my FJ09 because the weight of the ST was bothering me. 670 lbs vs. 460. I went straight from a 650 to V65 Sabre to CBR1100XX to ST1300. Some thing gets lost with all those heavy bikes. I'm loving light bikes now.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That's crazy - I owned a beautiful V65 Sabre, two of the 1100XXs (carburated) and my winter bike last year was a black ST1300. Did you trade in your ST1300 in for the FZ-09 in Lebanon?

[@petev.9357]

Sure did, that and a FZ07 for an FJ09!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@petev.9357 I remember you. What a small world! There really is overlap in the bikes we've had! I left the dealership and am doing this full time currently. Hopefully you are enjoying the FJ-09. Let me know if you're in the area and we'll go for a cycle ride.

[@petev.9357]

Like the FJ. Done a lot to it. Handbags, ECU flash, Handlebars, Risers, etc. So are you selling bikes now or just collecting? Did you buy my ST? Have to get together once winter is over, not soon enough!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@petev.9357 The beauty of my role at the dealership was that I was able to take certain bikes home (especially over the winter when space was tight). I probably put 500+ miles on the ST. I rode for about 10 minutes today on a test drive but I can't wait for some good riding weather!

[@motodork]

The terrain looks so much like Kentucky, but I suspect it is farther north than here.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Up in PA.

[@aaronanhalt5088]

As I get older motorcycle seats tend to hurt my butt bones after about 45min of riding. How's the seat on it? Last bike I had was a 2015 fj09 and after an hour I was ready to get off. Seat was very uncomfortable

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The FJ-09 needs an aftermarket seat to be long-haul comfortable. I find the Concours seat much better for longer rides.

[@pielight7449]

I've got a 2016 model which is meant to have a superior seat (2015 on) than earlier models. I personally found I had to stop after 1.5 hours ish...seat felt hard to me. I got the Kawasaki touring seat and that has made all the difference...not immediately noticeable until you are a core of hours into a journey and you realise you are not desperate to stop. I've also noticed the touring seat has become more comfortable as it is broken in. Last September I did a tad o error 600 miles in a day, something I couldnt have done with the standard seat. In the UK a GT version of the concours (GTR1400 here) had the touring seat and a top box as standard (and no other differences).

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@pielight7449 It's not uncommon for the manufacturers to save the best for their aftermarket line. Gotta love the up-sell.

[@blueberry2846]

It's a big hummer though...Versys 1000 should be checked out aswell..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I did, my review of the Versys 1000 is on the channel.🙂

[@okinawanah3463]

there are no newer Generations , it’s the same bike and platform even if it got the 1441 engine it’s still the same the H2 SX could be the new generation of the Concours because I don’t think we’ll ever see an 1800cc inline 4

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I know someone whit a H2 SX and he said I could review it so maybe...

[@TRIGGERHAPPYXX]

If you got a newer model the only thing it wouldn't have cruise control.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

True, though it should have cruise as a touring bike.

[@El_chico26121]

St1300 or gtr1400 ? 🤔

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

They're both great rides. The GTR1400 is faster, but they are both awesome machines. Ride them each and decide. No loosers in that choice.

[@johnrolon3577]

Try the ABS version of the same year, make & model......Absolutely HORRIBLE! The linked braking is the worst I ever experienced. The pedal requires MAJOR down force to engage the system. When engaged, it pulls much to much from the front brakes making the bike feel very unstable in certain conditions.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks for the input John. I will gladly try out an ABS model if I get the chance. 🙂

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@johnrolon3577 Very cool! What town in Illinois? I will try to look them up.

[@johnrolon3577]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Woodridge

[@johnrolon3577]

The EMGO Magna Wide handlebar are a result of watching your test ride video on your rescue Suzuki.

[@johnrolon3577]

I'll be lowering the price on the Suzuki to 3,500.oo I just put 2,000.oo into it within the last few months.

[@rockyp3917]

If only Kawasaki put a DCT on this, it would be better than a Goldwing

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Interesting thought! Honda was smart with that DCT!