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2001 Kawasaki Concours Motorcycle reviews

4.4 (35 reviews)
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Reliability
4.4
Overall quality
4.4
Performance
4.4
Comfort
4.3

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Voted most helpful review

r roth

Fontana , California

Reviewed on September 2, 2011

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I have had two street bikes so far a 1983 Honda 650 Nighthawk and a 2001 Kawasaki Concourse. I put 172k on the Honda when I bought the Kawasaki. It now has 86,335 miles on it and have loved every mile. I put bar risers on it and F1 exhaust pipes. I have even run it down the drag strip/eight miles only. ... read more
I have had two street bikes so far a 1983 Honda 650 Nighthawk and a 2001 Kawasaki Concourse. I put 172k on the Honda when I bought the Kawasaki. It now has 86,335 miles on it and have loved every mile. I put bar risers on it and F1 exhaust pipes. I have even run it down the drag strip/eight miles only. It ran 7.80's and beat a few 600's. I have taken it cross country 600 plus miles a day. Other than a few oil leaks and the clutch slave leaking and the cams wearing out all under warranty, it's a great bike.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Hoss

Ft St John , British Columbia

Reviewed on May 6, 2009

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I bought this thing last year and I am impressed with it. There's a reason why this bike has been around so long. Loads of power and a comfortable ride.... read more
I bought this thing last year and I am impressed with it. There's a reason why this bike has been around so long. Loads of power and a comfortable ride.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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rider

denver, Colorado

Reviewed on September 5, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
Great bike for trips, going to work and is reliable as the day is long. Great seat but I needed to add some genmar risers for the handle bars. Limited choice on tires. I really only use this bike for trips as I have a few others for around town. I have had nothing go wrong with this bike.... read more
Great bike for trips, going to work and is reliable as the day is long. Great seat but I needed to add some genmar risers for the handle bars. Limited choice on tires. I really only use this bike for trips as I have a few others for around town. I have had nothing go wrong with this bike.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Scott Fields

Sigonella, Italy

Reviewed on August 21, 2006

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I rode my 2001 out of the dealership in November of 2000. I've posted three reviews over my first two years of ownership, one of which was luke warm. But, every time I began to think about trading my Concours in, I talk myself out of it. At this point, I honestly can't imagine being without my Concours. While... read more
I rode my 2001 out of the dealership in November of 2000. I've posted three reviews over my first two years of ownership, one of which was luke warm. But, every time I began to think about trading my Concours in, I talk myself out of it. At this point, I honestly can't imagine being without my Concours. While there are "better" bikes in the class, there isn't one that comes close to the value. This bike does everything I expect a motorcycle to do, is easy to maintain (because there's so little that has to be done to it), and is as reliable as they come. For me, it really isn't a matter of how much bike I can afford, it's a matter of why I want a motorcycle in the first place. If a bike meets all of my needs, why spend twice the money (or more) for something else? I'd kind of like to see a little "fashion upgrade" because I like the look of the newer style lights, but even if not, my next bike (if/when this one dies) will most certainly be another Connie.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Jim Coles

Elba, Alabama

Reviewed on January 13, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

4.0
My Concours is a 2001 model. With the exception of Genmar bar risers and peg extensions, electronic cruise control, and an electrical outlet to power the GPS, stereo and cell phone, the bike is factory stock. I will add heated grips later this month to help make cool weather riding more pleasant (we don't hav... read more
My Concours is a 2001 model. With the exception of Genmar bar risers and peg extensions, electronic cruise control, and an electrical outlet to power the GPS, stereo and cell phone, the bike is factory stock. I will add heated grips later this month to help make cool weather riding more pleasant (we don't have 'winter' in Eastern Lower Alabama so year-round riding is generally a joy here). The Concours is simply a fabulous machine...fun to ride, inexpensive to own, comfortable all the way from the top to the bottom of huge gas tank -- and easy to ride on all the miles it takes to reach the bottom of the tank. The factory brake set on my bike was defective -- both the front & rear rotors warped into an unusable condition within the first 1,000 miles but my dealer in Fayetteville, GA was great and arranged to have Kawasaki replace them at no cost...then the second rotor set warped at 3,000 miles and Kawasaki replaced those, too. In the 22,000 miles since the initial problem -- which I lay at the feet of Kawasaki's quality control inspectors -- I've had zero brake problems...nor have I had need to replace either the rotors or pads the warranty repair provided. These brakes provide smooth, predicatable stopping in any weather. Great 'feel' in the hand & foot controls. The GenMar risers & peg extensions took the 'scrunched & pulled' sensation out of riding this Concours. I've ridden hard-twisting back roads for up to five hours without a break and felt envigorated, not tired or sore even after all those hours in the saddle...and highway riding is almost effortless. The cruise control and gelfoam wraps took care of the Connie Buzz for me, as well as relieved the cramps that can come from holding the throttle's substantial return spring open...my hands & forearms are comfortable, even after a 250 mile shot on the interstate. The small diameter sport bike grips are annoying, but the foam wraps increased the size just enough for my hands... and the heated grips I plan to add should add a bit more girth and make holding the bars even more effortless. The factory seat does tend to compress after about 200 miles of consistent use, but it seems to rebound after even a short break. My only real annoyance with this machine is the bend in the wind screen which creates a terrible optical distortion...I've learned to look over or around this warped view of the world, but nobody should have to make this kind of learning. A Shotgun or similar aftermarket wind screen will cure the problem -- but Kawasaki can and should fix it. I understand why Kawasaki doesn't promote this machine -- because it's the same order of reliable, moderately-priced vehicle as the old Volkswagen 411 Variant: virtually breakdown free and not a big after-purchase revenue producer... if maintained at all, this bike just runs and runs and runs...and runs well. Does it have eyeball-flattening acceleration? No. Is it silky smooth and vibration free? No. But for the money it is far-and-away the very best motorcycle on the road. I heartily recommend this bike to any experienced rider who's looking for a great ride at reasonable cost. You can easily spend more for a sport tourer, but why would you when this bike is available at such a reasonable cost?
Reliability
5.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

henry prater

marion, Virginia

Reviewed on August 29, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I have ridden bikes for 30 years. Mostly Standards and Cruisers. This is my first Sport Tourer. The Concours works best for a rider with a 30" inseam and longer. The seat specs at 31. The high points of this bike are power and handling. The fairing is great for cool weather riding. You will need a mesh r... read more
I have ridden bikes for 30 years. Mostly Standards and Cruisers. This is my first Sport Tourer. The Concours works best for a rider with a 30" inseam and longer. The seat specs at 31. The high points of this bike are power and handling. The fairing is great for cool weather riding. You will need a mesh riding vest for hot weather. Go ahead and buy the backrest and Gen Mar handlebar risers, they will complete the package. Motor is bulletproof. Tranny and shaft are smooth. Slight buzz at highway speeds, if you have been riding a v-twin, you will hardly notice. Great all around bike for the money. Join the Concours owner's club and ride.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Smeg The Prez

Owls Head, Maine

Reviewed on January 4, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
This bike is built for speed and comfort a rarity in todays market. I have 21,000 miles on mine, that's in a state that's snow covered for months of the year. I have had no problems except for tire wear but I attribute that to agressive riding. If your dealer properly adjusted the bike before they sold it to ... read more
This bike is built for speed and comfort a rarity in todays market. I have 21,000 miles on mine, that's in a state that's snow covered for months of the year. I have had no problems except for tire wear but I attribute that to agressive riding. If your dealer properly adjusted the bike before they sold it to you then there is no buzz. Several 600 mile days on 3000 mile runs can attest to that. Unlike a true sport bike, it's ideal for passenger comfort too. No you can't throw it around like a sport bike but as an added bonus you can buy most 600 sport bikes with the money you'll have saved buying the Concours instead of one of the other sport tourers on market.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Rich Klock

Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania

Reviewed on December 7, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I have been riding for over 20 years, and the Concours has been the best all-around bike I have ever owned. If I want to ride aggressively, I can lean into the turns and ride my Connie like a sport bike. If I just want to take it easy, I can sit back and enjoy the comfort. I even installed a Sony Mini Disc... read more
I have been riding for over 20 years, and the Concours has been the best all-around bike I have ever owned. If I want to ride aggressively, I can lean into the turns and ride my Connie like a sport bike. If I just want to take it easy, I can sit back and enjoy the comfort. I even installed a Sony Mini Disc Player into my Givi Trunk so that I can enjoy music while touring. All in all, I give my Connie an A+!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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gxdragon

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Reviewed on March 14, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I own a 2000 Concours with over 20k on it. It's a great bike and handles great (takes getting used to at parking lot speeds) at speed. It does handle better at 80+ without the bags. The bags mess up the aerodynamics at speed. I've had it up to 130mph and am able to keep up with 600 sport bikes (in straight ex... read more
I own a 2000 Concours with over 20k on it. It's a great bike and handles great (takes getting used to at parking lot speeds) at speed. It does handle better at 80+ without the bags. The bags mess up the aerodynamics at speed. I've had it up to 130mph and am able to keep up with 600 sport bikes (in straight exceleration). 750s & 900s have left me far behind. CAUTION THE SUSPENSION IS SOFT, AT HIGH SPEEDS THE BIKE WILL DIVE IF YOU TOUCH THE FRONT BRAKES EVEN SLIGHTLY. The soft suspension is for comfort on long rides if you want to go fast buy a sport bike that's what it's made for. The concours is heavy and can not do everything a sportbike can. Even though it handles well it is just not designed to do everything a sportbike can. It does everything that I bought it for. It's nice for my commute to work and on rides that last a few hours it is reasonably comfortable. After about a year the seat became uncomfortable on long (3+ hours) rides I may go for a corbin. If you want a nice inexpensive sport tourer then the concours is great. There is a buzz on my bike between 3500-4500 RPM and sometimes it can get annoying, if you're mechanically inclined the concours owners group (www.cog.org) has a fix for it. And yes if you get stuck in traffic in the summer the bike just blows heat on your legs and you cook. A couple times I have pulled the bike over just to let it cool it gets hot in bad traffic. These are my only two problems with the bike. It gets too hot and the buzz. Other than that it's fast handles well and is fun to ride. One thing that Kawasaki has found in common with Concours owners is price. Price is why the bike has not changed in 20 years they would have to raise the price to $12k and they said that their customers would rather keep it the way it is than to have the price go up.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Whistle

Grayson, Georgia

Reviewed on January 30, 2003

Motorcycle reviewed 2001 Kawasaki Concours view listing

4.0
I bought one new in 2001. Hve over 600 miles on her. It spent about 4 months in shop - rider error - crash! Hve had NO mechanical issues. Just don't try to keep up with your sportbike buddies on 400 lb. sportbikes, as that is not a healty choice. Ride comfort is good. 300-plus mile rides are not a probl... read more
I bought one new in 2001. Hve over 600 miles on her. It spent about 4 months in shop - rider error - crash! Hve had NO mechanical issues. Just don't try to keep up with your sportbike buddies on 400 lb. sportbikes, as that is not a healty choice. Ride comfort is good. 300-plus mile rides are not a problem. Brakes are good. Gas mileage is excellent for this size bike. Insureance costs are reasonable (at least until you do something foolish like crash it). For the money spent, it is an excellent buy. There are other sport tourers that are better, but they sell for significantly more money. Would I buy another? If I were in the market to replace the Cruise Missle, oh yeah! If you are after a "sport bike", get something a little on the lighter side, as she has a tendency to run wide if pushed too hard (can you say crash)
Reliability
4.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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