2003 Kawasaki Concours

Summary:

Great, reliable, sport touring motorcycle for $$

Faults:

No major problems. I've adjusted valves, and have replaced carb float valves and water pumps with ease. I had a 2001 and sold it with 95000 miles and still going strong.

Took my 2003 Connie to Alaska and Yukon, NWT. Tires can be hard to get while traveling as they're not available. I get about 40 MPG consistently. Great handling at highway speeds. At slow speeds, you must pay attention. Great bike for distance riding. Stay warmer with a Connie in cold weather. Hard bags hold lots of gear.

General Comments:

I great bike for the $$. Many people say it is not fast. It is fast, but no shaft bike will be quick. I prefer shaft drive for maintenance free riding (no chain lube). Very reliable, and 100K miles plus can be obtained with routine maintenance.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2015

8th Jun 2017, 16:14

Agree. Top bike, for the money.

7th Sep 2017, 16:51

Hi all. I'm thinking of buying a 2003 Concours with 28000 miles, paying $2800. Any tips on what to look for? The bike is perfect.

Thanks.

2001 Kawasaki Concours

Summary:

Would buy the new model in a heart beat, because the first was so good

Faults:

Missing fasteners due to vibration.

Camshaft pitting, though not terminal at this point.

General Comments:

As a veteran of at least 2 dozen bikes in 30 years, this one offers a well rounded platform. While it doesn't hit the highest marks in one area, it certainly excels in many that hit the heart of the sport touring set. You can't beat it for a great bike value.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th November, 2014

2011 Kawasaki Concours

Summary:

It's a good, reliable ride

Faults:

I have had no mechanical problems with the bike.

General Comments:

It has been a good, problem free bike. I changed the tires at 12,800, and changed the battery in the transponder after 2 years. Most riding has been interstate 88 to 150 miles round trip.

I have made a couple of long trips out of state. Usual running is between 3800 and 4000 RPM.

The only extra added was a big box.

I always use 93 octane. Averages 48 to 50 plus MPG.

The ability to raise and lower the windshield in transit is helpful. Not having self-canceling turn signals isn't.

I'm short legged, so even lowering the bike I'm on my toes. The Concours is a very good commuter bike with ample storage, and plenty of power. It's comfortable to ride, and handles well.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th September, 2013

29th Apr 2014, 11:35

How did you lower it?

I have a 1986 Connie and want to lower it a bit.

2000 Kawasaki Concours

Summary:

Best deal on the market. Wish Kawasaki offered the new Connie with a 3 cylinder 1050

Faults:

Besides normal wear, tires & brake stuff, I have replaced:

2 water pumps.

1 speedo cable.

Rebuilt clutch master & slave cylinders.

Re-soldered the master relay.

And replaced a few light bulbs.

General Comments:

Extremely reliable.

42-45 mpg average; 40 min / 49 max.

I always use full synthetic oil (Amsoil) at 10,000 mile changes (after many quick changes during break-in with dino oil).

Daily rider, weekend trips with my wife as passenger.

Genmar bar risers, Rifle windshield, & Givi trunk box are a must.

Balance the carbs, and adjust the pilot air screws out to stop low RPM surging.

Love this bike, but have said when it hits 150K I will get a new bike. Now that I am getting close, not sure I want to spend big bucks for less fuel mileage and high insurance. I might just get a new seat and take this one to 200K.

I'm 57, 220#, 5'9", and would ride this bike anywhere.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th September, 2013

6th Mar 2018, 21:18

I like reviews like this one. At the end he mentions his body stats and that really matters to short fellas like myself. I am 5'6" 240 at 60 years of age.

2000 Kawasaki Concours

Summary:

The best value for money in a sport-tourer

Faults:

So far so good, nothing has broken that wasn't my fault.

One small issue has cropped up lately with a small oil leak, which I first noticed right around 50,000 miles, just under the shifter. Appears to be either a clutch rod seal or possibly the shift shaft. It's a small amount, so hasn't been much of an issue.

Dash and fairing plastics are starting to fade somewhat, but the bike is 10 years old and lives outside under a cover, so this is to be expected.

General Comments:

Excellent handling.

Amazing power.

Very comfortable.

Owner's group online is top-notch, tons of support for years to come.

Incredibly reliable/durable. This bike feels like it's built like a tank.

Good gas mileage.

Very easy to service/maintain: valve adjustments can be completed in less than 2 hours, oil changes are a snap. Shaft drive means no chain or messy lube to deal with.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2010