Kawasaki ZG1000-A13 Concours reviews

Having only owned my '98 Concours 18 days, I can't say as to how reliable this bike will fare, but in this time I have logged over 1000 miles and feel justified in giving a riding impression. In the last month I was lucky enough to take long test drives on a '95 Honda ST1100, '97 BMW 1100RT, and the Connie. When it came time to plunk my money down, I bought the Kawi. No regrets. The others are good, but the Connie's just as good (and faster) for a lot less cash. Great riding position too. I've read in several places that it buzzes the hell out of you, and so shyed away from it at first. Mistake. My bike doesn't seem bothersome in the least, and my last cycle of 8 years was a Goldwing, so I know what smooth is. Above 70 or so you do start to feel the motor, but mine is in no way annoying. Like the Beemer, you just know the motor is alive. The Honda is almost boring in this respect. My assumption is that it's sensitive to proper carb and balancer shaft tuning. I get very consistent 40 MPG. Not a hint of trouble yet......'till I get my first speeding ticket! Show less

I've been thinking about this bike since its introduction but was unable to afford one(new born baby).I seemed to forget all about it until I traded in my ass burning Guzzi Jackel.That was the best investment I made.It's not perfect but just needs a few improvments such as a higher bar mounts,corbin seat,rifle windshield,cruise control.Then you have the perfect motorcycle that can take you cross country on back roads or interstates. Show less

I owned a 1993 Honda 750 Nighthawk and was very happy with it. But Every time I saw the Concours, I drooled. The Concours had more of what I wanted - power, range, luggage space, I owned a 1993 Honda 750 Nighthawk and was very happy with it. But Every time I saw the Concours, I drooled. The Concours had more of what I wanted -- power, range, luggage space, shaft drive, etc. What a clean, classic look. What a great price! I saved and saved, and finally bought one. The dealer would not give test drives. So my testing was done strictly on the showroom floor. What a mistake. Yes, the bike is a long distance superbike -- comfortable and fast. But the weight!!! I rode a Honda Goldwing that weighed over a hundred pounds more and was much more maneuverable at very low speeds than the Kaw. After 20 years of riding over 10 different bikes and never dropping one, I dropped the Concours TWICE the first year putting it up on the center stand. The first drop cost me $90 for a mirror. Granted, I'm no Arnold S., but I'm not a wimp, either. But when that baby has 7 gallons of gas in the tank and she starts to go over, get out of the way. How I miss my Honda 750 that I could easily manage walking-speed U-turns all day comfortably. The Concours did not make the move with me to Germany. The bottom line: if you have a nice bike, don't think that a bigger one will be better. Especially if you currently own a Honda Nighthawk 750! Show less

I rode 500+ miles the first weekend I purchased this bike. Purely an experiment to see how I would hold up on the bike. Great Pleasure! that's how I would describe the weekend. The bike was easy to ride, very comfortable and accommodating in many ways. The factory luggage system is very useful. The front windshield kept me dry and warm. Almost too warm on hot days, but then I don't get dehydrated cause of the wind either. I would like better gas mileage. I consistently get 33mpg. I now have about 19000 miles on the bike. The only warranty work was done graciously at Portland Motorcycle. While on road trip, the service mgr Ran - got my bike in and out very fast fixing the front axle bearings. 36 month unltd mileage warranty free. Got to love it. Show less