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2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS Review
2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
This year continues Kawasaki’s heritage of high performing, versatile, rider-friendly sports motorcycles. There are some welcome returns along with a few young upstarts that’ll get your heart racing.
Inspiring Touring Performance, Enviable Sporting Credentials
Sport touring riders are among the most discerning of all motorcyclists, and the Concours™ 14 supersport tourer’s combination of technology, comfort and continent conquering performance meets the toughest demands of this selective crowd. It is powered by a muscular heart derived from the legendary Ninja® ZX™-14 sportbike. Comfortable ergonomics make it well-suited to long days in the saddle, while offering proper body positioning for sport riding. Its overall performance will entice riders to pull out the big maps and plan extraordinary sporting tours through the next county or country.
The Concours 14 holds its own with the best world-class touring rigs yet still negotiates the twists and turns of America’s backroads in finest, Ninja-inspired tradition. Whether carving through canyons, devouring highways and even shuttling through the cities, a Concours 14 provides the ultimate platform for your next sport touring adventure.
The Concours 14 supersport tourer boasts several features that enhance comfort, convenience and safety, solidifying its position at head of the class. Dynamic bodywork increases comfort by routing heat away from the rider and passenger. A tall, electrically adjustable windscreen creates a calm cockpit experience with help from ducts above the instrument panel, which balances pressure areas outside and inside the screen. Handgrip heaters come standard, providing comfort when the temperatures drop to disagreeably cold temperatures.
The Concours is packed with technological features that enhance the riding experience. The bike’s K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) braking system offers two modes of linked, anti-lock braking and great overall performance. A high-tech traction control system (KTRC: Kawasaki Traction Control) not only reduces wheelspin on slick surfaces, offering riders more confidence-inspiring feedback, but it can be easily switched off at the rider’s discretion.
The heart of the Concours sport-touring package is its amazing and thoroughly modern 1,352cc DOHC inline-four powerplant. The Concours 14 engine generates excellent low- and mid-range power, all followed by a top-end rush that would turn most open-class sportbikes green with envy. A big part of its tremendously wide power delivery is due to its variable valve timing (VVT) system, which automatically alters camshaft profiles according to rpm to boost low-end and mid-range power without sacrificing top end. Advanced fuel injection, ram-air induction and decades of experience building the world’s most potent motorcycle engines add up to a simply amazing powerplant, one that makes the Concours 14 ABS a force to be reckoned with in the performance sport-touring segment – just as the original Concours was 27 years ago.
The Concours 14’s chassis is very much up to the challenge of controlling this prodigious powerplant. Its unique monocoque frame provides massive stiffness along with excellent handling characteristics and a high degree of rider feedback. Cradling the engine from the top, the frame’s compact structure keeps the bike narrow where it needs to be and allows optimum packaging of the bike’s vital systems. The Tetra-Lever shaft drive, which routes all that power to the rear wheel, uses a four-link design to offset the lifting and squatting tendencies of lesser shaft drive systems when the throttle is opened and closed, all of which results in true sportbike handling. Plus, the Tetra-Lever system is almost completely maintenance free. No mystery, then, why the Concours 14’s powertrain has earned critical acclaim around the world for its silky smooth power delivery.
That amazingly solid foundation is augmented by a carefully sculpted and highly comfortable saddle and all the creature comforts you’d expect from a top-shelf sport-tourer, including a pair of beautifully integrated, capacious and waterproof saddlebags. Concours 14 ABS: A high-speed touring ship with unquestionable supersport DNA. It’s got everything you need to go far – and have tons of fun doing it.
2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS Key Features
• Ninja ZX-14-based 1,352cc inline-four with variable valve timing provides smooth power across a wide rev range
• Kawasaki Traction Control (KTRC) reduces engine output when wheelspin is detected, helping the rear tire to regain grip
• Kawasaki Coactive-braking Technology (K-ACT) links front and rear brakes and has two modes to suit different riding styles
• Aluminum monocoque frame is lightweight, narrow and rigid
• Tetra-Lever shaft drive offsets the lifting and squatting tendencies of shaft drive
• Fuel economy assistance mode prioritizes fuel savings, giving up to a 25 percent mileage boost
• Standard heated grips help provide comfort even in harsh conditions
• Convenient Kawasaki Intelligent Proximity Activation Starting System (KIPASS)
• Electrically adjustable windscreen has memory function and suits a variety of riders
• Includes a 36 month limited factory warranty that can be supplemented with up to an additional 36 months of Kawasaki’s Good Times™ Protection Plan. That’s a total of up to an amazing SIX YEARS of coverage!
2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS Features and Benefits
1,352cc Four-cylinder, DOHC Engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
• Tuned to provide smooth power across an extremely wide rev range, the Concours 14 has power to spare
• Variable valve timing improves the engine’s flexibility and efficiency by altering camshaft profiles to boost low-end and mid-range without sacrificing top-end power
• Its compact and narrow engine design minimizes weight for maximum handling and performance
• Chrome composite-plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable and quickly carry heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for supreme durability under high loads
Gear-driven Dual Engine Balancers
• Already in perfect primary balance, the Concours inline four-cylinder engine uses dual secondary balancers to virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for enhanced rider comfort
Ram Air Induction
• Ram air ducts provide a straight path for cool, high-pressure air to enter the airbox for maximum intake efficiency and power
Digital Fuel Injection
• A digital computer feeds the engine exactly the amount of fuel it needs for cleaner emissions and maximum fuel economy
• A 32-bit electronic control unit works with the dual throttle-valve system to further enhance throttle response and control
Digital Ignition • Four individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each spark plug independently to achieve optimum timing
• An idle speed control system included in the ECU provides easy starting and warm-up
KTRC Traction Control
• Kawasaki’s traction control system reduces engine output when wheelspin is detected, helping the rear tire to regain grip
• Advanced, 3-way control (airflow, ignition timing, fuel delivery) gives KTRC smooth operation, natural feel and the ability to operate on long stretches of rough roads
• KTRC adds no weight, since it uses the existing ECU and ABS sensors
Second Generation K-ACT ABS
• Second generation K-ACT (Kawasaki Advanced Coactive-braking Technology) ABS links front and rear brakes for most effective front-rear brake force distribution
• Small and lightweight K-ACT ABS unit with a high-spec ECU is capable of detailed calculations for ultra-smooth operation
• The rider can choose one of two modes to suit riding situation or rider preference: The linked effect from front brake lever actuation is largely the same in both modes, but the linked effect when actuating the rear brake pedal is quite different
• In Standard Mode, rider control is prioritized, with linked effect reduced at initial pedal stroke for natural sensation when sport riding
• In High Combined Mode, there’s a more pronounced linked effect from the beginning of the pedal stroke – ideal for touring and two-up highway use
• A low-battery mode maintains ABS function as best as possible when the battery charge is low. In low-battery mode, ABS timing and pressure relief functions are maintained, so brake effectiveness is preserved (although riders will notice that ABS operation is not as smooth). The K-ACT lamp will flash and “Low Battery” will be displayed on the LCD screen. The system resets when the engine is turned off
Fuel Economy Assistance Mode
• Activating fuel economy assistance mode changes the engine to a leaner map, which prioritizes fuel economy for as much as a 25 percent MPG boost
• Fuel economy assistance works in any gear as long as rpm is below 6000, throttle opening less than 30 percent and speed less than 80 mph
Advanced KIPASS
• Each Concours 14 comes with one key fob (kept in a pocket) and a small card-type key for emergency/backup use
• The card-type key includes an immobilizer function (but no remote activation) and is highly portable, measuring just 1.2 x 1.6 x 0.25 inch
Radial Pump Clutch Master Cylinder
• A hydraulic radial pump clutch master cylinder delivers smooth, precise clutch engagement
Monocoque Aluminum Frame
• Hollow aluminum box sections arch over the engine from the steering head to the swingarm pivot for a narrow, rigid and very light frame
• The rigidly mounted engine acts as a stressed frame member to increase the frame’s torsional rigidity while reducing weight
• Forward engine positioning, wheelbase length and front/rear weight balance were carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
Radial-mount Petal-type Front Disc Brakes • Radial design uses mounting points at the top and bottom of the caliper, with mounting bolts inserted through the rear of the caliper instead of the side/front for increased rigidity and improved braking feel
• Separate brake pads for each caliper piston provide increased cooling efficiency and more consistent brake feel under extreme conditions
• Petal design front and rear brake rotors provide enhanced cooling and better warp resistance
• Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel
Tetra-Lever Shaft Drive
• Unique four-link design offsets lifting and squatting tendencies of shaft drive when the throttle is opened and closed, significantly reduces driveline lash during sport riding, and provides smooth acceleration when exploiting the engine’s incredible power output
• Virtually maintenance-free, the Tetra-Lever system dramatically reduces routine maintenance requirements
Plenty of Storage
• Concours 14’s large-volume, easily detachable side cases are integrally designed to complement the rest of the machine. Water-resistant, they easily each hold a full-face helmet
• The cases are mounted as close as possible to the bike’s centerline and center of gravity, with lightweight construction that minimizes their influence on handling
• A lightweight rear carrier is designed to be compatible with an accessory top case
• An all-purpose 40-watt accessory socket is mounted on the dash, providing convenient access to power for electronics
Full Instrumentation
• Easy-to-read speedometer and tachometer, multi-function LCD digital display including an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, tire pressure indicator and a clock are just a partial listing of the 2013 Concours 14’s display capabilities
• Controller Area Network (CAN) interface between the gauges uses fewer wires and allows a greater volume of information to be exchanged than in traditional instrument panels
• Other key instrument functions include the K-ACT mode indicator, Economical Riding Indicator, and Fuel Economy Assistance Mode mark
• Multi-function display includes outside air temperature, whose sensor is located at the intake duct (the farthest point from the engine)
• The Mode Select button on the front of the left grip lets the rider change LCD modes without taking his/her hand off the grip, toggling through average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, remaining range, tire pressure, battery voltage and outside temperature
Comfort & Touring Potential
• Aggressive fairing with specially designed venting facilitates heat dissipation, greatly reducing the amount of hot air transmitted to the rider
• A tall windscreen with a wide upper portion reduces upper-body turbulence. The screen is electrically adjustable, with four programmable preset positions
• When the power is turned off, the windscreen goes to its lowest position. When the power is turned back on, the windscreen’s memory function returns it to the selected preset position
• Passages from windscreen slits direct air through the inner fairing to vents next to the instrument panel; alleviating the lower pressure helps prevent turbulence around the rider’s head
• An exhaust pipe guard attached to the upper part of the exhaust mid-pipe helps protect the rider from heat when stopped
• Stepless adjustable grip heaters are standard, with an easy-to-reach switch located in front of a lockable storage case on the inner left fairing panel
• This lockable storage case in the left fairing inner panel uses an electromagnetic lock to prevent entry when the engine is off
• Mirrors are positioned ideally to increase rear visibility and provide optimal hand protection from the wind
• Attachment hooks at the front of the tank facilitate securing a tank bag
Quality Fit and Finish & Design
• Top-shelf fit and finish results in a high quality and luxurious feel
• Stylish muffler end cap gives the silencer a compact appearance
Optional Accessories
• Engine guards, a large top case, tank bag, GPS bracket, a low seat and side spoilers – and much more – are on the list of authorized Kawasaki Accessories, available through your local Kawasaki dealer
2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $16,199 USD
Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement 1,352cc
Bore x Stroke 84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum Torque 102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Fuel System DFI® with four 40mm throttle bodies
Ignition TCBI with Digital Advance
Transmission 6-Speed
Final Drive Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Rake/Trail 26.1 degrees/4.4 in.
Front Tire Size 120/70 ZR-17
Rear Tire Size 190/50 ZR-17
Front Suspension / wheel travel 43mm inverted, telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload / 4.4 in.
Rear Suspension / wheel travel Tetra-Lever with stepless rebound damping adjustment and remote spring preload adjuster / 5.4 in.
Front Brakes Dual floating 310mm petal discs with four-piston calipers with ABS
Rear Brakes Single 270mm petal disc with ABS
Fuel Capacity 5.8 gal.
Seat Height 32.1 in.
Curb Weight 688.0 lbs.
Wheelbase 59.8 in.
Overall Length 87.8 in.
Overall height windscreen lowered / raised: 50.8 in. / 57.7 in.
Overall width 39.4 in.
Color Choices Metallic Spark Black, Metallic Nocturne Blue
Warranty 36 Months
Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24 or 36 months are available
2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $18999 CDN
Type 4-stroke, In-Line Four with WT (Variable Valve Timing)
Displacement 1,352cc
Bore and Stroke 84.0 x 61.0 mm
Cooling Liquid
Compression Ratio 10.7:1
Valve System DOHC, 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Fuel System Digital Fuel Injection with four 40 mm Keihin with oval sub-throttles
Ignition TCBI with digital advance
Lubrication Forced lubrication (wet sump with cooler)
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission 6-speed, with positive neutral finder
Final Drive Tetra-Lever shaft drive
Primary Reduction Ratio 1.556 (84/54)
Gear Ratio: 1st 3.333 (50/15)
Gear Ratio: 2nd 2.412 (41/17)
Gear Ratio: 3rd 1.900 (38/20)
Gear Ratio: 4th 1.545 (34/22)
Gear Ratio: 5th 1.292 (31/24)
Gear Ratio: 6th 1.074 (29/27)
Final Reduction Ratio 2.036 (14/22 x 32/10)
Clutch Wet multi-disc, manual
FRAME
Type Monocoque, aluminium
Wheel Travel: Front 113 mm (4.4 in.)
Tire: Front 120/70-ZR17
Wheel Travel: Rear 136 mm (5.4 in.)
Tire: Rear 190/50-ZR17
Caster (Rake) 26.1º
Trail 112 mm (4.4 in.)
Steering Angle (Left/Right) 31º / 31º
SUSPENSION
Suspension, Front 43 mm inverted, telescopic fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload
Suspension, Rear Tetra-Lever with stepless rebound damping adjustment and remote spring preload adjuster
BRAKES
Front: Type Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs
Front: Calipers 4-piston calipers
Rear: Type Single 270 mm petal disc
Rear: Caliper Opposed 2-piston calipers
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length 2,230 mm (87.8 in.)
Overall Width 790 mm (31.1 in.) – (Without saddlebags)
Overall Height / High Position 1,345 mm (52.95 in.) / 1,465 mm (57.68 in.) – (Overall height calculated with windshield in high position)
Wheelbase 1,520 mm (59.8 in.)
Ground Clearance 125 mm (4.92 in.)
Seat Height 815 mm (32.1 in.)
Curb Mass ** 304 kg (670 lbs.) – (Without saddlebags)
Fuel Capacity 22 litres (4.8 gal.)
** Includes all necessary materials and fluids to operate correctly, full tank of fuel (more than 90% of capacity) and tool kit (if supplied)
PERFORMANCE
Maximum Power‡ 115 kW {156 PS} @ 8,800 rpm
Maximum Power with Ram Air‡ 118.4 kW {161 PS} @ 8,800 rpm
Maximum Torque‡ 139 N.m {14.2 kgf.m} @ 6,200 rpm
‡ Power / Torque figures measured at the crankshaft.
DETAILS
Warranty 36 months warranty
ADDITIONAL COST OPTIONS
Good Times Protection Plan 12 or 24 months (Kawasaki GTPP coverage begins after the standard limited warranty expires)
MSRP*
Metallic Spark BlackZG1400CDF $18,999
Pearl Meteor GrayZG1400CDF $18,999
2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – United Kingdom Specifications/Technical Details
UK MSRP Price: £TBA (Prices are recommended and inclusive of VAT @ 20% and delivery)
See Concours 14 (1400GTR)
2013 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – Australia Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price: See Dealer for Pricing
Model: 1400GTR ABS
Engine
Type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement
1,352 cm3
Bore and Stroke
84.0 x 61.0 mm
Compression ratio
10.7:1
Valve system
DOHC, 16 valves with variable valve timing
Fuel system
Fuel injection: ø40 mm x 4
Ignition
Digital
Starting
Electric
Lubrication
Forced lubrication, wet sump
Drivetrain:
Transmission
6-speed, return
Final drive
Shaft
Primary reduction ratio
1.556 (84/54)
1st
3.333 (50/15)
2nd
2.412 (41/17)
3rd
1.900 (38/20)
4th
1.545 (34/22)
5th
1.292 (31/24)
6th
1.074 (29/27)
Final reduction ratio
2.036 (14/22 x 32/10)
Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame:
Type
Monocoque, pressed-aluminium
Wheel travel:
Front
122mm
Rear
136mm
Tyre:
Front
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
Rear
190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Caster (rake)
26.1°
Trail
112 mm
Steering angle (left/right)
31° / 31°
Suspension
Front
43 mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload
Rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, Tetra-Lever with Stepless Rebound damping and fully adjustable Spring preload
Brakes
Front:
Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with K-ACT II ABS
Caliper
Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad with ABS
Rear:
Single 270 mm petal disc with K-ACT II ABS
Caliper
Opposed 2-piston with ABS
Dimensions
Overall length
2,230 mm
Overall width
790 mm (without panniers)
Overall height
1,345 mm / 1,465 mm High position
Wheelbase
1,520 mm
Ground clearance
125 mm
Seat height
815 mm
Curb mass (without panniers)
304 kg (full fuel tank and all fluids at correct levels)
Fuel capacity
22 L
Performance
Max power with RAM Air
118.4 kW {161 PS} / 8,800 rpm
Maximum torque
139 N.m {14.1 kgƒ.m} / 6,200 rpm
Colours
Pearl Meteor Grey
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