Kawasaki Concours 14 reviews

This is the best all around bike I have owned since 1964, the year of my first bike. 700 mile days are no problem; wind and rain are no problem; and MPG is good for a bike like this. The magazines talked about engine heat but there is very little. With boots on it is not felt. I feel sorry for my dealer as he will not be able to sell me a new bike for a very long time. Show less

This bike is so smooth if you want to just lay back and do 45 to 55 on a two lane or if you want to do interstate riding or need to pass someone. It is unbelievable how powerful and smooth this bike is. I've had several BMWs, a st1100, and a 1997 Concours. This 2008 Concours gives you the best of sport touring as far as smoothness, comfort, power , handling, and the best warranty available at a very reasonable price and the dealers do discount that price. I'm 58 years old and do a lot of day rides that are between 200 and 300 miles. I owned 4 motorcycles during this last year and rode a total of 13000 miles (7500 of the miles were on the Concours 14). If you want a sport touring bike that performs excellent in all areas , is super smooth at all speeds, has unbelievable power and acceleration at all speeds, and is super comfortable buy one, you won't be disappointed. And with the money you saved by not buying the other brand, you can spend it on important stuff like all that good home cooking the small town restaurants have. Show less

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. Show less

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

I originally thought a ZX14 was way too big. I had a '06 ZX6R (636) but that got totaled when a Humvee turned into my path (I'm in the military). I rode my nephew's ZX14 and I was hooked! The ride is much more comfortable than smaller sport bikes. The power is definitely there! I got the bike as a Christmas present from my wife. In midnight metallic blue it is beautiful. It is definitely a head turner. Show less

This is my third Kawasaki motorcycle. Previously I have owned a 1974 H2 750 and a 1977 KZ1000. Yep, I rode that KZ1000 for about 30 years. I am probably not the greatest reviewer since I have not been riding newer bikes and the technology leap was HUGE. Let's start out with the negatives: My front wheel pressure sensor has never worked. Oh well... They have a new one at the service dept. waiting for me. that's it. The positives: (I have done a little experimenting)
1. FAST... 1st gear at 10,000 RPM is about 70 mph. Yes, it will definitely pull the front wheel off the ground accelerating in first gear. I have had it to about 125 mph with the front window up, very smooth. It put a BIG smile on my face. The 1400 ninja must be the true death machine!
2. FAST... ABS brakes are a beautiful thing! I was on a nice straight away with nobody around. I was doing about 100 mph and grabbed a handful of front and back brake. This bike stops fast. No skidding, and it goes straight as an arrow. The hardest thing about stopping is holding on.
3. Handling - Very nice. This is a 619-pound bike that handles like a smaller bike. The suspension on this bike is huge and is easily adjusted (no tools-easy to reach dampening). I ride it soft since I live about 1.5 miles off the pavement. My dirt road has potholes, loose gravel, hills, ruts, off-camber etc. I feel like a dirt bike rider standing on the pegs on some parts of the road. The tires on this bike are low profile and do NOT like the obstacles. But... this is a touring/sport street bike and was not meant for this. I only mention it because it's how I use it. This bike is a true joy and eats up the road. I am looking forward to putting some long rides in. This is what this bike is all about. I never thought that I would buy a touring bike but this is the best of both worlds! T.C. Show less

This bike is Godzilla and King Kong all rolled into one. Mind you, the fact that I haven't ridden a bike of any appreciable size for at least 25 years might have something to do with the shock and awe factor of the big Z. Coming off a single cylinder Honda SL125 trail bike and then stepping onto the Z is an experience in itself. The power is awesome with eye-watering acceleration in straight lines and the enormous capacity of the Z to turn mountains into mole hills is just unbelievable. Long live the King. May it reign forever. Show less

This bike is awesome and I would definitely buy it again. I bought the bike to do some sport touring and I believe I made the perfect decision. I could not be happier. It's powerful, it's comfortable, it handles very well and it's everything I want it to be. This bike can do it all - cruise, tour, and yes, carve the canyons. I am very happy and would suggest this bike. Show less

MY ZX14 is fast and it is an upgrade from a CBR600. don't let the size of the bike scare you off. Because of the power, make sure you get lots of seat time and become one with your bike. Once you ride this bike you don't want to stop riding it. The only thing is that bad summer traffic and the pipes do not mix. They get hot -you will feel it in a stop and go traffic. Show less

I have been riding with my husband as a passenger on motorcycles for about 20 years now. We have ridden mostly sport bikes and had one cruiser. However, the ZX14 is by far the most comfortable bike we have had for me for a few reasons. First, of course, the seat is of more than ample room and is well padded. Secondly, the position of the passenger foot pegs is just right. Then, one of the major reasons why this bike is so comfortable for me, as a passenger, is that it is so smooth on power delivery and handling (okay, the rider/driver does have a lot to do with that, but the bike does, too!) Lastly, not only is there comfort - but - ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh weeeee - is it ever FUN. What a rush when the power is unleashed a bit! Overall, I LOVE THIS BIKE! Show less