Kawasaki Concours

c10 said:
Six this is my take on the C14 vs other sport tours . 1st be sure to perform the TRACTOR pin mod to the bags !
Or they can get blown off in heavy winds mixed with some speed .
The factory exhaust can length is very important IF you ride two up . Kawasaki increased the can lenght not for Euro or sound but CO poisiong of the passangers in testing before the bike was released to the public . A shorther can with varying windshied height or configurations can make CO linger or come up just behind the rider affecting the passenger.

The C14 is great but falls in last place of the ultimite sport touring rigs . Why you might ask well here is
The list.

Smallest fuel tank with lowest mpg of the bunch.
Most time consuming ,difficult to service, and always seems to require shim changes.
Rear diff seal failures ( most dont ) but when they do the dealers don't have the Kaw tool to repair / replace.
No factory cruise on any model or update. Aftermarket only and a high cost or fab together low end system .
Lowest slow speed performing of the group in parking lot maneuvers.

While the C14 can claim most Hp / Tq it gets this by means of the only RAM AIR Sport tour teamed with largest displacement motor from a 1s Gen ZX14 1352 cc .

The Honda ST1300 is the best Range ( 7.1 gallons ) and slow speed performer due to its shorth wheels base but looks terrible with bags removed . Over 300 mile range with a top speed exceeding any Gold Wing , but weighs nearly as much.

FJR1300 6.6 gallons . Breeze to service ( rarely needs shim changes ) cam timing on top not gears so easy view .
the 5 speed trans was overdriven with a 5th being .91 over drive. When the 6th gear came out it was to satisfy the cry babies , but it has cost the FJR reliability as cases were not altered . Gears were altered , and 2nd now cracks.

I have yet to see a C14 crack low tens in the 1/4 , but my FJR would run a 10.29 @ 130 mph with me ( no bags )

I'm very happy you are liking the rig ! Just plan your service , and never rush it .
Click to expand...
I want a video when he does the first valve adjustment,,,,,, every other word Beep,,,, Beeep Beeeeeeppppp
 
c10 said:
Six this is my take on the C14 vs other sport tours . 1st be sure to perform the TRACTOR pin mod to the bags !
Or they can get blown off in heavy winds mixed with some speed .
The factory exhaust can length is very important IF you ride two up . Kawasaki increased the can lenght not for Euro or sound but CO poisiong of the passangers in testing before the bike was released to the public . A shorther can with varying windshied height or configurations can make CO linger or come up just behind the rider affecting the passenger.

The C14 is great but falls in last place of the ultimite sport touring rigs . Why you might ask well here is
The list.

Smallest fuel tank with lowest mpg of the bunch.
Most time consuming ,difficult to service, and always seems to require shim changes.
Rear diff seal failures ( most dont ) but when they do the dealers don't have the Kaw tool to repair / replace.
No factory cruise on any model or update. Aftermarket only and a high cost or fab together low end system .
Lowest slow speed performing of the group in parking lot maneuvers.

While the C14 can claim most Hp / Tq it gets this by means of the only RAM AIR Sport tour teamed with largest displacement motor from a 1s Gen ZX14 1352 cc .

The Honda ST1300 is the best Range ( 7.1 gallons ) and slow speed performer due to its shorth wheels base but looks terrible with bags removed . Over 300 mile range with a top speed exceeding any Gold Wing , but weighs nearly as much.

FJR1300 6.6 gallons . Breeze to service ( rarely needs shim changes ) cam timing on top not gears so easy view .
the 5 speed trans was overdriven with a 5th being .91 over drive. When the 6th gear came out it was to satisfy the cry babies , but it has cost the FJR reliability as cases were not altered . Gears were altered , and 2nd now cracks.

I have yet to see a C14 crack low tens in the 1/4 , but my FJR would run a 10.29 @ 130 mph with me ( no bags )

I'm very happy you are liking the rig ! Just plan your service , and never rush it .
Click to expand...

Yep, I agree with all of those points.
I even looked for FJR's, and found 2 way overpriced, nothing else.
I ordered the full length full BW exhaust and am getting a good flash, so hp should be mid to high 150's, and torque should be over 100' lbs, a nice gain over stock, which is enough for what I will be doing with it.
Is it heavy with heavy steering? lol, yes.
As for working on them, I have owned Kawasakis, and worked on many(never these)...and yeah, they have their own way of doing things. Fortunately I am able to repair or replace anything that may break.
I'll get to fix the valve cover leak too.
A friend had an 07 zx10, and getting the airbox lid out of the frame rails required 27 twists and turns to lift it out...like they built it as a puzzle on purpose, lol, hopefully this one is better.
In terms of ultimate sport tourer, lol, no.
But, keep in mind I'm not out to criss cross the country.
I still have the gsxr1k to rip when I want.
The Concours will be my day trip/overnight sport cruiser, and something the girlfriend and I can ride and Both of us be comfortable.
Yes, you have to 'drive' this thing, it's not effortless...but it is a big brute Kawasaki of yesteryear.
And, since I got it on an even trade(4whlr was paid for so that money was water under the bridge), I didnt feel like I was shelling out big bucks for an inferior machine.
I'm still seriously considering a gen3, or may go another direction(SuperDuke if I can find a dealer), but the old Concours will serve it's purpose well, and I can see keeping it long term...or trading it towards something similiar.
Always nice to have a few bikes to choose from(I Still have to fix my Drz400, which I'll probably sell or trade).
@mabupa Miguel already warned me about pinning the hard bags.
I'll search for the mod and go get the hardware I'll need.
I appreciate the time and info.
And as always, anyway with a Concours or info on them, please post it here.
 
xc700 said:
i set the valves on my concours at 8000 miles valves they were all on the tight side and its not a easy job give yourself a weekend to do it. i would change the brake fluid that abs unit does not like dirty brake fluid.
Click to expand...

Thank you sir.
It starts instantly and easily with 14k miles, so I'm not going to check the valves until winter.
I'm going to check/sync the throttle bodies then too.
As for old brake fluid, I agree, but the dealer said they flushed it, and the clutch.
The fluid looks brand new too.
I'm going to get stainless steel brake lines anyway, so new fluid again.
I'm to rebuild the MC's and calipers soon as well, just for the age
 
Enjoy that new to you scoot! Picked up a 2008 a couple years ago.

Ren (27 April 2020) - 2a.jpg
 
sixpack577 said:
Thank you sir!!
I ordered 4, lol.
I also ordered a set of 90° valve stems that work with the tpms...the batteries in mine are dead, but the tires are new, so next set I'll fix them.
Click to expand...
sixpack577 Cancel the order for 90 valve stems - you need 135 degrees ones.
I have the 135 and a friend with a Concours saw them and ordered the 90 and they didn't work.
I looked and I don't have a picture of them alone or close up. IF you want me to I take a picture
and post it I will - or you can just google them.
 
RedBusarider said:
sixpack577 Cancel the order for 90 valve stems - you need 135 degrees ones.
I have the 135 and a friend with a Concours saw them and ordered the 90 and they didn't work.
I looked and I don't have a picture of them alone or close up. IF you want me to I take a picture
and post it I will - or you can just google them.
Click to expand...

The order has already shipped.
These are supposed to be made for the Concours with tpms too.
Do these not look correct?

Screenshot_20220713-175418_Outlook.jpg
 
BigBSBusa said:
I have most of the parts to completely black it out, but haven't had time to get it done. The lights are M8 Driving Lights which have apparently been changed to M6 Driving lights. They are very bright and work well with the HID headlights and GixerHP's switchback kit. Here's a link:

www.ebay.com

M6 Driving light mounts AKA Pod-Perch for the Kawasaki ZG1400/GTR1400/Concours14 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for M6 Driving light mounts AKA Pod-Perch for the Kawasaki ZG1400/GTR1400/Concours14 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Click to expand...

Thank you sir!
 
c10 said:
Six this is my take on the C14 vs other sport tours . 1st be sure to perform the TRACTOR pin mod to the bags !
Or they can get blown off in heavy winds mixed with some speed .
The factory exhaust can length is very important IF you ride two up . Kawasaki increased the can lenght not for Euro or sound but CO poisiong of the passangers in testing before the bike was released to the public . A shorther can with varying windshied height or configurations can make CO linger or come up just behind the rider affecting the passenger.

The C14 is great but falls in last place of the ultimite sport touring rigs . Why you might ask well here is
The list.

Smallest fuel tank with lowest mpg of the bunch.
Most time consuming ,difficult to service, and always seems to require shim changes.
Rear diff seal failures ( most dont ) but when they do the dealers don't have the Kaw tool to repair / replace.
No factory cruise on any model or update. Aftermarket only and a high cost or fab together low end system .
Lowest slow speed performing of the group in parking lot maneuvers.

While the C14 can claim most Hp / Tq it gets this by means of the only RAM AIR Sport tour teamed with largest displacement motor from a 1s Gen ZX14 1352 cc .

The Honda ST1300 is the best Range ( 7.1 gallons ) and slow speed performer due to its shorth wheels base but looks terrible with bags removed . Over 300 mile range with a top speed exceeding any Gold Wing , but weighs nearly as much.

FJR1300 6.6 gallons . Breeze to service ( rarely needs shim changes ) cam timing on top not gears so easy view .
the 5 speed trans was overdriven with a 5th being .91 over drive. When the 6th gear came out it was to satisfy the cry babies , but it has cost the FJR reliability as cases were not altered . Gears were altered , and 2nd now cracks.

I have yet to see a C14 crack low tens in the 1/4 , but my FJR would run a 10.29 @ 130 mph with me ( no bags )

I'm very happy you are liking the rig ! Just plan your service , and never rush it .
Click to expand...
Fuel range isn't a big deal most of the time. Since I haven't done any cross country rides since the 70s it wasn't something I have given much thought too.

Lowest mpg... well... somethings just cost more to do... How much are we talking about cost wise vs fun per mile?

Difficult to service? Yes... mine is due for a valve service as MPG has dropped a bit... help has been offered from the Concours club so I should get it scheduled in soon. I have set valves on other bikes in the past but for the first time I always like having somebody around that has done it before so I can learn things that aren't always in the service manual which I do have.

Rear diff leak? Keeping my fingers crossed! If it happens the club probably has the fix so lets see how blessed I am going forward. lol !

I have a throttle lock that over rides so easily it is usually on and I can take my hand off it anytime if necessary.

Low speed parking maneuvers? This is where your riding habits play big in terms of how you do as a rider. Keeping you head up and your eyes looking where you want to go makes a difference. Even though its heavy motorcycle it lightens up considerably once its moving. I find it a little easier to push hard in the turns than my gen 1 Busa. However, its not a fair comparison given the better tires I put on the Connie though.

As far as your 10.39 at 130 goes... do you weigh about the same as those hired guns for the motorcycle mags? What was Gleasons first name again? Was it "Jay"?lol !
I only know of 1 guy running the quarter and he was a low 11...

If you were to follow the thread on the Concours forum their is some nice work being done with cams, exhaust and tuning. Estimates of 175+ rwhp are expected when its all dialed in and using Shoodaben's flash. No idea what the 1/4 mile time would be with that combo... but... it sounds like fun.

What do I like about the Connie? a smooth clutch and torque to spare from a stop... Brakes seem pretty decent... Adjustable windshield, yes! It looks good with the bags off... as far as using a saddlebag pin goes... everything seems fine right now... or at least until it isn't... this is the first mention I have heard of it being an issue.

For an effective price of about $4100 and about 5k in upgrades plus a trailer I am pretty happy with it overall.

If I could just get a GEN 2 Busa motor in it then it would be perfect! lol !
 
Zerks said:
Fuel range isn't a big deal most of the time. Since I haven't done any cross country rides since the 70s it wasn't something I have given much thought too.

Lowest mpg... well... somethings just cost more to do... How much are we talking about cost wise vs fun per mile?

Difficult to service? Yes... mine is due for a valve service as MPG has dropped a bit... help has been offered from the Concours club so I should get it scheduled in soon. I have set valves on other bikes in the past but for the first time I always like having somebody around that has done it before so I can learn things that aren't always in the service manual which I do have.

Rear diff leak? Keeping my fingers crossed! If it happens the club probably has the fix so lets see how blessed I am going forward. lol !

I have a throttle lock that over rides so easily it is usually on and I can take my hand off it anytime if necessary.

Low speed parking maneuvers? This is where your riding habits play big in terms of how you do as a rider. Keeping you head up and your eyes looking where you want to go makes a difference. Even though its heavy motorcycle it lightens up considerably once its moving. I find it a little easier to push hard in the turns than my gen 1 Busa. However, its not a fair comparison given the better tires I put on the Connie though.

As far as your 10.39 at 130 goes... do you weigh about the same as those hired guns for the motorcycle mags? What was Gleasons first name again? Was it "Jay"?lol !
I only know of 1 guy running the quarter and he was a low 11...

If you were to follow the thread on the Concours forum their is some nice work being done with cams, exhaust and tuning. Estimates of 175+ rwhp are expected when its all dialed in and using Shoodaben's flash. No idea what the 1/4 mile time would be with that combo... but... it sounds like fun.

What do I like about the Connie? a smooth clutch and torque to spare from a stop... Brakes seem pretty decent... Adjustable windshield, yes! It looks good with the bags off... as far as using a saddlebag pin goes... everything seems fine right now... or at least Iuntil it isn't... this is the first mention I have heard of it being an issue.

For an effective price of about $4100 and about 5k in upgrades plus a trailer I am pretty happy with it overall.

If I could just get a GEN 2 Busa motor in it then it would be perfect! lol !
Click to expand...
Hired gun lol . Prefer test pilot as i'm not killing anyone . 5' 1" 145 lb average . Experience lvl = above avg ;)
On the ZRXOA that has a big C14 section affiliated with COG several locals ( owners of ZRX / C14's ) with all there Ivans flash , ZX14 exhaust would poke the bear , and get beat by that old blue FJR .
Ill admit That FJR was 54 lb lighter than stock , and I tuned it with PCV / Auto tune .
Handling big bikes @ slow speeds is my favorite . The C14 just sucks lol




ZRX drag bike_zpszkiboj3v.jpg


White sands new mexico.jpg


c10 FJR texas hill country.JPG
 
Looks like you like to have fun... Its been years since I made a pass at a legit drag strip...
Do you have a picture of the FJR 10 second time slip to back it up... or is that on your ZRX OA 12 with the megaphone header?

What is the top speed of an FJR these days?
 
Zerks said:
Looks like you like to have fun... Its been years since I made a pass at a legit drag strip...
Do you have a picture of the FJR 10 second time slip to back it up... or is that on your ZRX OA 12 with the megaphone header?

What is the top speed of an FJR these days?
Click to expand...
The FJR wouldn't get past 156 mph GPS . Time slip is long gone .
My signature line on ZRXOA reads = It no longer matters how fast I once was .
Derek Dorey owner of Track razor / Black widow with all the Wallys you see was with me when I ran a 10.29 .
I build his motors / Service the drag bikes .
SWB ZRX in Green was my still record holder world wide . Worlds quickest Stock Motor ZRX / Wheel base .
10.0304 @ 136.48 mph 1.59 sixty foot .
Think I have my R6 yamaha time slip for 10.69 @ 126 mph .




Trac razzor.jpg


Derk track razor 2.jpg


20170409_104050_HDR_zpstsmotgrk.jpg


Derek track razor 4.jpg


_DSC4430_zps8970c737.jpg
 
Photos of tickets = Larrimer is me on the ticket.
The 10.12 pass was my ZRX with a bad sixty foot time .
The 10.77 pass was my Stock 2009 Yamaha R6S seen in another photo getting my CMRA roadracing license novice certification.
And one of the FJR pointing its headlights to the sky .

Six sorry for thread jacking .

20220715_055100.jpg


20220715_055032.jpg


20220715_055114.jpg


20220715_055133.jpg
 
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