1986 Kawasaki Concours from Canada

Summary:

Best value for the dollar of almost any big bike

Faults:

The original intake valves were soft and flared. The dealer in Tucson wanted $1,500 to change them. The COG group helped a great deal. I bought aftermarket carbon valves, pulled the top end and changed all valves myself. I did it on our back deck as our house did not have a garage. 2nd crank the bike started. Now it is oil and filters, and I do the plugs every 3 years.

The fairing cracks easily - I am on my 3rd one, buying them on wreckers from e-bay.

General Comments:

I rode it from Calgary to Portland, then south on Hwy 1 in California. Best ride ever! Handled well and blew all the other bikes off the road.

When in the Rockies with my wife on the back and loaded bags, I scraped the right bag in a curve, I was so far over.

The Rifle fairing and raised bars make a big difference. I am 6 ft 2.

At 52 years I dropped it in the driveway. I think a fly landed on my right arm. Bang, over we went. I use the smaller BMW around town as the Connie is heavy. I bought it from a guy that dropped it in his garage.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2013

2000 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

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

2009 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

Summary:

Great bike for the money

Faults:

Rear tire pressure gauge not working when new.

Batteries in sending unit.

General Comments:

This bike is the best sport tour bike I have owned to date. I have had three others, ST's, Triumph Trophy 1200 and the old Concours. This bike handles almost as good as my Daytona 955i, and has more power than it.

Comfort is good, but the windshield is too short; there are good after market shields out there. I purchased a Cal Scientific; much better wind protection.

The brakes are very strong, and the handling is great for a bike this size. Best bags I have ever used, shaft drive is "untouchable" in the bike market. Service to the shaft is easy, and so is the oil and filter.

Overall I would recommend this bike first for the price, and then for its overall satisfaction. Don't pass it up if you can afford it.

Good luck, there are still few leftovers out there.

P.S. the heat on the legs is not that bad.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2010

2008 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

Summary:

Wow!!!

Faults:

I added fog lamps, Sargent seat, ram ball mount, two bros pipe, cruise control, top case.

General Comments:

This bike is FAST!!!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th August, 2009

2003 Kawasaki Concours from United States of America

Summary:

A smooth, dependable, awesome bike for fun

Faults:

I didn't think I had used up all the brakes on the rear, but had to replace the pads this past summer. I guess it was about time anyway.

General Comments:

This is the first large road bike that I have owned. I have ridden bikes since 1966 and this one is absolutely the most dependable, steadfast bike I have owned. It has never let me down. I have managed to get at least 12K on each set of tires.

I love the handling and acceleration. I didn't expect it to "come alive" as it does when you hit 6200 rpm, but I have consistently beat every HD that has dared to try.

Low end the "big-thumper" HDs with big bore kits will hold me till I get to around 70 then it all over, but the crying. I have not had the guts to top it out, but so far 129 mph in 5th is as far as I have gone (with one more gear to use).

I may purchase the new Connie 14 when it comes in red.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 2008