2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS

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2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS

– 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS Review

The Touring Rig with a Sport Heart

Expertly mixing high performance and long-distance functionality, the Concours™ 14 ABS inspires riders to pull out their big maps and harness the full capabilities of this sport touring motorcycle. Continuing the 26-year tradition of sport touring, the Concours offers just the right ratio of technology, comfort and reliability that coax riders to soak up the miles.

This sport-oriented tourer can go the distance with the best world-class touring rigs yet still negotiate the twists and turns of America’s backroads in fine, Ninja-inspired tradition. Through canyons, over highways and even through the cities, the Concours is a category-defining motorcycle.

The Concours 14 boasts several features that enhance comfort, convenience and safety, solidifying its position atop the sport touring heap. 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 an amazing and thoroughly modern 1,352cc DOHC inline-four sourced from the legendary ZX™-14 sportbike. 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 26 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.

 

TRANSCONTINENTAL SUPERSPORT

Blistering speed … Precision handling … Touring comfort … 1400GTR ABS… Have your cake and eat it too !

Take one ZX-14 based 1400cm³ fuel-injected, dual RAM AIR four cylinder engine, add variable valve timing, shaft drive, Tetra-lever rear suspension, an electronically adjustable windshield, superbly comfortable ergonomics and a seamlessly integrated luggage system and what do you have? The world’s first transcontinental supersport motorcycle. Incredible acceleration, razor sharp handling and amazing high speed stability, all with the level of comfort you’d expect from a pure-bred long distance touring motorcycle. The 1400GTR fABS rom Kawasaki … who said you can’t have your cake and eat it too?


Flagship Tourer

Fueling your distance riding ambitions, the 1400GTR with unique to class variable hydraulic valve timing, linked brakes and advanced traction control shrinks maps and confidently crosses continents.

 



 

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS Features and Benefits

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

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 2012 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








 

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price:
$15,899 USD

Engine Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four with VVT

Displacement 1,352 cc

Bore x Stroke 84.0 x 61.0mm

Maximum Torque 102.0 lb-ft @ 6,200 rpm

Compression Ratio 10.7:1

Fuel System Digital Fuel Injection w/ 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 (optional ABS)

Rear Brakes Single 270mm petal disc (optional 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: 50.8/57.7

Overall width 39.4 in.

Color Choices TBD

Warranty 36 Months

Good Times™ Protection Plan 12, 24 or 36 months







 

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price:
See Canadian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

ENGINE
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.)
Fuel Consumption 6.6 L/100 km (43 MPG)
** 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

MSRP* TBA
Colours Ebony / Flat Super Black, Candy Arabian Red / Flat Super Black
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)



The specifications mentioned here apply to and have been achieved by production models under standard operating conditions. We intend only to give a fair description of the vehicle and its performance capabilities but these specifications may not apply to every machine supplied for sale. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. reserves the right to alter specifications without prior notice. Equipment illustrated and specifications may vary to meet individual markets. Available colours may vary by market.


 


 

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
UK/EU MSRP Price:
See UK/EU Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

Engine

Engine type
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four

Displacement
1,352 cm³

Bore x stroke
84.0 x 61.0 mm

Compression ratio
10.7:1

Valve/Induction 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
Transmission

Transmission
6-speed, return

Final Drive
Shaft

Primary reduction ratio
1.556 (84/54)

Gear ratios: 1st
3.333 (50/15)

Gear ratios: 2nd
2.412 (41/17)

Gear ratios: 3rd
1.900 (38/20)

Gear ratios: 4th
1.545 (34/22)

Gear ratios: 5th
1.292 (31/24)

Gear ratios: 6th
1.074 (29/27)

Final reduction ratio
2.036 (14/22 x 32/10)

Clutch
Wet multi-disc, manual
Frame

Frame type
Monocoque, pressed-aluminium

Rake/Trail
26.1? / 112 mm

Wheel travel, front
113 mm

Wheel travel, rear
136 mm

Tyre, front
120/70ZR17M/C (58W)

Tyre, rear
190/50ZR17M/C (73W)

Steering angle, left / right
31? / 31?
Suspension

Suspension, front
43 mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload

Suspension, rear
Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, Tetra-Lever.
Rebound damping: Stepless
Spring preload: Fully adjustable
Brakes

Brakes, front
Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs
Dual radial-mount,
opposed 4-piston, 4-pad

Brakes, rear
Single 270 mm petal disc
Opposed 2-piston
Dimensions

Dimensions (L x W x H)
2,230 mm x 790 mm x 1,345 mm / 1,465 mm (High position)

Wheelbase
1,520 mm

Ground Clearance
125 mm

Seat height
815 mm

Fuel capacity
22 litres

Curb Mass
300 kg (304 kg ABS)
Performance

Maximum power
114 kW {155 PS} / 8,800 rpm. 78.2 kW {106 PS} / 8,000 rpm (FRA)

Maximum power with RAM Air
117.6 kW {160 PS} / 8,800 rpm

Maximum torque
136 N.m {13.9 kgƒ.m} / 6,200 rpm. 121 N.m {12.3 kgƒ.m} / 4,500 rpm (FRA)

 


 

2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS – Australian Specifications/Technical Details
Australia MSRP Price:
See Australian Kawasaki Dealer for pricing.

Engine

Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke In-Line Four
Displacement 1,352 cm³
Bore and Stroke 84 x 61 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

Transmission 6-speed, return
Final drive Shaft
Primary reduction ratio 1.556 (84/54)
Gear ratios:
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 113 mm
rear 136 mm
Tyre:
front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W)
rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W)
Caster (rake) 26.1°
Trail 112mm
Steering angle (left/right) 31° / 31 °
Suspension (left/right)
Front: 43 mm inverted fork with adjustable rebound damping and spring preload
Rear: Bottom-Link Uni-Trak with gas-charged shock, Tetra-Lever
Rebound damping Stepless
Spring preload Fully adjustable
Brakes
Front: Dual semi-floating 310 mm petal discs with ABS
Caliper Dual radial-mount, opposed 4-piston, 4-pad with ABS
Rear Single 270 mm petal disc with ABS
Caliper Opposed Twin-piston with ABS
Overall length 2,230 mm
Overall width (without panniers) 790 mm
Overall height / High Position 1,345 mm / 1,465 mm
Wheelbase 1,520 mm
Ground clearance 125 mm
Seat height 815 mm
Curb mass (without panniers) 304 kg Includes full fuel tank
Fuel capacity 22 litres
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 {14.1 kgf·m} / 6,200 rpm

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