2002 Kawasaki Concours Motorcycle reviews

I purchased the first 1986 Concours to come to our area (then I lived in Rochester, NY) at its introduction. The Concours will always be one of my favorites. From weekday commutes to 200 mile after work jaunts to 500 mile a day travel, this bike never let my wife and me down. A Targa windscreen improved the helmet buffeting. A Corbin seat, comparable to the current model stock seat, made the bike more comfortable. Johar superbike grips eliminated the minor buzz at high revs. Progressive suspension fork springs firmed the front end and improved ride quality and handling. Large fuel capacity paired with good fuel economy means you'll travel a long time before needing to stop for fuel, and the bike is more than comfortable enough to accommodate that. It is also more than capable in the twisties with a comfortable riding position. This is one great all around motorcycle! Show less

After 25 years of BMW boxers, I purchased a 2004 Kawasaki Concours last fall. While it's clearly too early to tell about long-term reliability, there is a lot to recommend the bike. First, this is the least expensive sport/touring bike on the market. Second, it's comfortable right out of the box. The only change I'm contemplating is a higher windshield, to reduce helmet buffeting. Third, the much-discussed vibration just isn't an issue. Compared with the BMWs, its much less noticeable and long days (at less than 80 mph) are very comfortable. Fourth, the gas tank is huge. At legal and sub-legal speeds, I'm averaging 50+ mpg. Fifth, the saddlebags are fully equal to the bags on BMWs. Sixth, the liquid cooled engine is very quiet, compared with BMWS, which makes for a very relaxing ride. Show less

Just purchased a 02 connie, still can't believe I found a new one in 2004. I've only got a couple hundred miles on it so far but I have been pleasantly surprised! This bike feels very secure and stable, handles well for a tourer and I really like the simple styling of this bike. Motor has plenty of "zip" especially over 7,000 rpm and is almost indestructable. Fuel effecientcy is good (40-42 mpg). The only negatives are: average fit and finish and weight (495lbs dry). Other than that I'm loving this bike!!! Show less

I purchased my 2004 Concours in Oct 03. Coming from a sport bike back ground, the Connie is a sweet long hauler. I did plenty of research on web sites like this one before buying. I put almost 3000 miles on her and figure thats enough time in the saddle to address some of the complaints that I read about before buying. First in line is the "BUZZ", or lack there of. There is a very small buzz felt through the handle bars at higher speeds or revs. But nothing much to speak of. I look at it this way, its just the Connies way of riminding you that you are on a motorcycle. The handle bar reach isn't bad. But if you are short-armed, you may want to call GenMar to get a set of risers. I did, and i love them. Engine heat is noticable only if you are sitting still in traffic on 80+ degree days. The engine heat is something you will appreciate on cold days. The bike is a little top heavy when trying to manuver it when you are not in gear. When in gear, no probs. The still air behind the fairing is great, but on the high temp days you wish there was more flow. Lucky for us, Rifle (I think) makes a windshield system that allows you to open vents on the windshield to allow air flow in this case. The Rifle windshield also reduces the bit of terbulence you get from the stock one at speeds. The only complaint that I have (and it's a small one) is that my foot(size 9.5) hits the left fairing when I am down shifting. Other than that, it has great storage (I can fit my helmet in the saddle bags), the ride is smooth, the power is great and it handles very nicely on all types of roads (twisties, city, highway). She rides nicest between 70mph and 75mph in top gear. Anything over that and you feel like you're pushing the revs, even though you're only at about 4000rmps. Live free and ride on. Show less

Great bike..low price...no buzz...45mpg..fast..good weather protection..shaft drive...maintenace can be performed by owner with simple tools...what else do you want??? Show less

The Connie is a great bike if you customize it a little. Most Connie riders make one or another of these changes, so you can find plenty of people to talk to you about them. Slow speed handling is magically transformed by adding a fork brace. Long-legged riders usually add peg extenders. If the bars are too low and far away, you can install other bars. If they buzz too much, change the grips. If the seat doesn't fit you, esp. if it's too wide, narrow it by carving the foam or buy one of several third-party seats. Replace the stock tires with Metzler or Avon tires. If the windshield is too low, install a larger one. If all this sounds expensive, remember that the bike is way less expensive than its competitors, and riders of those bikes have problems, too. Show less

Love my 1988 Concours! Candy apple red purchased used in 1990. Been a good bike, with minimal maintenance. She loves to boogey (not so great for insurance premiums!), and loves the curves. When I first saw the line, I fell in love...and patiently waited for a red to become available. Yes, she is too hot for me to wear shorts in the summer, but shorts offer no protection from the crazy drivers in SE Virginia! Boots and jeans are fine. Kawasaki, I'm glad you're still selling these bikes! Show less

Yeah, It gets hot on that bike in the summer. The heat just comes up from the engine. Also the fairing prevents any air from hitting you. If your not on the highway plan on cooking during the summer months. I have a '01 Connie. A motor mount bolt rattled off. The bolt that holds the fairing also rattled off cracking the rest of the fairing. My service guy got it replaced under warrenty from Kawi. Lucky me - $1400 to replace the fairings. Bottom line... Great touring bike, not so great for summers in the city. Very comfy for 2 plus plenty of power. Show less

I bought this back in May of 2002 from the showroom floor. I have been very pleased with the comfortable way it lets me explore the great outdoors. The power it can creat when I need it is amazing. However, it is not a bike for a first time rider because it takes a while to balance it at low speeds. Once you are rolling it is a great cornering and performing machine. My girlfriend is very comfortable on the back after I added the accessory seat package. This is definitely the best bike for the money. Show less

Yes Brett, the Concours has the ability to scorch its rider and one is a braver man than me if they can ride this thing in shorts. Actually, the only time I experience discomfort is when stuck in trafic for long periods of time. Travellin' down the road, even here in the desert, the comfort level is good. All the heat is expelled right up the drivers legs; bad in summer, very good in winter! As far as maintaining the beast, you should have an easy time of it if you have any mechanical ability. There is body work to remove for most all chores but once you do each task a time or two, you should have no problem. The shop manual and the COG offering, The Best of Chalkdust, ought to get you where you need to go in the maintenance arena. Whatever you do, Brett, always use Loctite blue when you replace any body work screws or for that matter, any screws; they WILL depart the bike if not used! I have owned the bike for 5 years and have only great things to say about the Councours-just remember that it is an old bike trying - and succeeding - to act NEW! Good luck and Great Riding! Show less