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2005 Kawasaki Concours Motorcycle reviews

4.8 (9 reviews)
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Reliability
4.9
Overall quality
4.4
Performance
4.8
Comfort
4.0

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9 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

R. Bender

Stafford, Virginia

Reviewed on August 20, 2008

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I grew up riding dual purpose and standard motorcycles before taking a break from bikes for about 10 years. Finally got back on them two years ago (sorry I waited so long) by getting a '98 Honda Shadow ACE 1100. While it's a nice bike, I was not really sold on the cruiser riding position. About a year later,... read more
I grew up riding dual purpose and standard motorcycles before taking a break from bikes for about 10 years. Finally got back on them two years ago (sorry I waited so long) by getting a '98 Honda Shadow ACE 1100. While it's a nice bike, I was not really sold on the cruiser riding position. About a year later, I decided to get something a bit bigger, a '04 Honda VTX 1800C. Another nice bike, but very heavy with the same marginal riding position. I had to get rid of it because it was hurting my knee when I had to move it around. I looked around and found a 2005 Concours with 1600 miles on it - practically new! Took it out for a 250 mile ride the next weekend, and fell in love with riding again. I love the riding position, the touring capability, the power, and the handling. I won't ever go back to a cruiser.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Keith H.

Mankato, Minnesota

Reviewed on August 7, 2007

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
The original shield was too short for me so I replaced it with a Cee Bailey's vented shield and raised the bars and lowered the pegs. The riding position was vastly improved. The oem rear tire lasted me 2 years and I replaced it with the same brand/type. Ride and mechanicals were great. I took 2 long trips an... read more
The original shield was too short for me so I replaced it with a Cee Bailey's vented shield and raised the bars and lowered the pegs. The riding position was vastly improved. The oem rear tire lasted me 2 years and I replaced it with the same brand/type. Ride and mechanicals were great. I took 2 long trips and it rode and handled well. This bike is an excellent blend between sport and touring and was as much at home in town or on the twistys as it was on the highway. Anyway, for someone looking for a commuter that's also a lot of fun on the weekends and can definitely keep up with the big boys, this bike is an excellent choice. All of the rider modifications to change the rider position have been done.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Doug

Shawnee, Kansas

Reviewed on September 2, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
Just a really good bike! Plenty of power, great handling at higher speeds, great rider protection, shaft drive, and about three grand less than its competition and an excellent factory warranty (36 months). I did modify mine a little bit - the first thing to go was the stock grips, gel grips being the w... read more
Just a really good bike! Plenty of power, great handling at higher speeds, great rider protection, shaft drive, and about three grand less than its competition and an excellent factory warranty (36 months). I did modify mine a little bit - the first thing to go was the stock grips, gel grips being the way to go. Easy change, just remove the bar end weights via an 6mm allen head screw hidden underneath the rubber end caps. The other thing that bugged me was the stock windscreen, which was a little too tall to my liking, and also distorted vision a little. The fix? - Found a replacement and cut it with a dremel tool to a smaller size. Kept the stock one in case I ever decide to sell the bike (unlikely.) The last thing I did to it was to install a NEP CC-3 throttle lock - takes a little doing but once installed works like a charm. Audiovox makes an electronic cruise, and throttlemeister makes a throttle lock as well, but be prepared to spend some $$$$ !!! With these things done the bike just suits me to a "T". Great performance, fantastic group support (COG - Concours Owner's Group), just a great bike that has been around for a long time and justifiably so. Looking forward to some long trips with plenty of curves!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

steve

San Jose, California

Reviewed on August 23, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

4.0
When I purchased this bike I found the riding position leaned too far forward. I got a sore neck after a short ride. I also noticed a lot of vibration through the grips, especially around 70mph. I purchased some risers from MotorcycleLarry but it still didn't feel quite right. Then I bought the HeliBars h... read more
When I purchased this bike I found the riding position leaned too far forward. I got a sore neck after a short ride. I also noticed a lot of vibration through the grips, especially around 70mph. I purchased some risers from MotorcycleLarry but it still didn't feel quite right. Then I bought the HeliBars handle bar system. These turned out to be a great way to shape your riding position. In the end I combined the risers with the HeliBars and now I have a ride similar to that of a Goldwing or BMW LT. Now that I sit straight up I have less weight on the grips and don't notice the vibration anymore. I also purchased the tallest windscreen from Rife and have virtually no wind in my face. I wear an open face by the way. The only thing I had to purchase was a brake line for 2 bucks at a cycle salvage place. Only needed to be an additional 2. Any brake line will do. Just have to get the Dot number right. The throttle cable just has to be fed through on the right side of the frame and the choke cable fed under the handle bars. It's all very easy to do. I highly recommend doing this if you're uncomfortable with the riding position as I was.
Reliability
4.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

Andrew J. Votaw

Indianapolis, Indiana

Reviewed on August 23, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I have only had the bike for 3 weeks, but I love it. I'm a big guy and the bike is very comfortable. I will be adding handlebar risers and peg lowerers for a little more room. I figured I would be replacing the saddle, but it seems just fine so far. When compared to an FJR or ST1300, it's a little dated, but ... read more
I have only had the bike for 3 weeks, but I love it. I'm a big guy and the bike is very comfortable. I will be adding handlebar risers and peg lowerers for a little more room. I figured I would be replacing the saddle, but it seems just fine so far. When compared to an FJR or ST1300, it's a little dated, but it's also $5000 less and comes completely loaded with ammenities. I did a lot of research before buying a Connie. I don't ever remember reading so many positive things about a bike. I would not hesitate one second to recommend this bike to anyone.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Thomas Hill

Memphis, Tennessee

Reviewed on August 10, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

4.0
I own a 2000 year model Concours that now has 33,000 miles on it. I've done a few long trip of 300 miles or better and have few complaints. I need more air ventilation on hot days, but appreciate the sturdy shield on colder days, rain, and insect infested stretches of roads. My seat is fine for the first h... read more
I own a 2000 year model Concours that now has 33,000 miles on it. I've done a few long trip of 300 miles or better and have few complaints. I need more air ventilation on hot days, but appreciate the sturdy shield on colder days, rain, and insect infested stretches of roads. My seat is fine for the first hour, then it gets hard to endure for longer than that. The power delivery is strong and smooth, I can out pace most any cruiser. Handling is very good.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
4.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Bruce Huskey

Tullahoma, Tennessee

Reviewed on August 2, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I have owned 27 motorcycles over a period of more than 40 years, and I am happiest when in the saddle. Having said that, I bought a 2005 Concours about 2 months ago, and I cannot stop smiling. $8000 for a great sport tourer? I am in like Flynn. This bike does it all--good engine, great distance touring abilit... read more
I have owned 27 motorcycles over a period of more than 40 years, and I am happiest when in the saddle. Having said that, I bought a 2005 Concours about 2 months ago, and I cannot stop smiling. $8000 for a great sport tourer? I am in like Flynn. This bike does it all--good engine, great distance touring ability, great luggage capacity, great looks--what else does it need? Maybe bar risers, peg lowerers for us older riders, a cooler for wine--all else is provided. Buzzy?--haven't noticed--too busy having fun.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Mike Jones

Terry, Mississippi

Reviewed on May 24, 2005

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
I'm a large rider who needed a large bike without a large sticker. Mission accomplished. The faring provides excellent protection from the wind although the factory windshield could be a bit stiffer. The engine buzzes a little at highway speed, but otherwise runs and shifts as smoothly as could be expected. ... read more
I'm a large rider who needed a large bike without a large sticker. Mission accomplished. The faring provides excellent protection from the wind although the factory windshield could be a bit stiffer. The engine buzzes a little at highway speed, but otherwise runs and shifts as smoothly as could be expected. The huge gas tank is a plus. I like sitting upright with my feet under me, so the riding position is almost perfect for me. Although I added handlebar risers, I would like the handlebars to pull back just a little more. I thought at first that the "suitcases" would be off within an hour, but they're just too convenient to remove. The faring has two decent storage pockets as well. This was deffinately the bike of my dreams.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Paul Mann

Nashville, Tennessee

Reviewed on August 17, 2004

Motorcycle reviewed 2005 Kawasaki Concours view listing

5.0
After 30 years on BMWs, this was my first Japanese four cylinder. I couldn't be happier. The performance is plenty, even with two up and 100 pounds of touring goodies. The much-mentioned "buzz" is considerably less intrusive than what I get on my 1984 R100CS. The tank is incredible, with 7.5 gal... read more
After 30 years on BMWs, this was my first Japanese four cylinder. I couldn't be happier. The performance is plenty, even with two up and 100 pounds of touring goodies. The much-mentioned "buzz" is considerably less intrusive than what I get on my 1984 R100CS. The tank is incredible, with 7.5 gallons and the range is even better at 50 mpg on the highway. Complaints? The seat isn't as comfortable as it looks, but then neither is the one on either of the two BMWs in my garage. Maybe I just need more coddling than the next guy. And, the bars are a tad bit low. A set of extenders put the bars in a more comfortable position, but the seat situation remains to be addressed. However, for a price that's less than a good used BMW, I can afford to buy a seat or two. And, with the three-year warranty, I don't worry about expensive stops at the dealer.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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