Had a chance to sit on the new Concours

[curmudgeon]

I was at California Raceway for the Sunday Superbike race and there was a new Concours sitting in the Kawasaki tent. First chance to actually sit on one, and I was quite surprised. This thing is way more SPORT and far less touring then the ST1300. The foot pegs were higher and caused quite a bend in my knees. Also looking forward at the windscreen it looked like there wasn't any there there. I can't imagine how bad the wind protection is going to be with virtually nothing in front of you. The shield was all the way down, but it was small and the panel holding the instruments narrow. Only ridding the thing will give the true story, but my guess is it will be a great SPORT/tourer. I'm more sport/TOURER oriented so probably not for me.

Another negative is the way the bags sit wide apart like the BMW, and just like them don't seem to be integrated into the bike. Seem more like an after thought.

Phil

[STArnie13]

You are probably right. I expect it to be more competition for the FJR than the ST1300.:03biker:

[Spencer]

I was really disappointed when I actually saw/sat on, one at the 200 this year.
Looked to be over stylized, kinda like a prop for a power rangers movie?:D
I did like the headlight though.
Should do well with the "I want a sport bike but....." crowd.:shrug2:

Although.....with my new Oxtar Infinity boots....I look like a power ranger :cool:

Spencer

[EagleSix]

~snip~ This thing is way more SPORT and far less touring then the ST1300. ~snip~

I would agree, being a down stream design off the ZX-14 (or, that may be upstream, depending on the riders likes/dislikes) my assumptions before seeing the original photos it would be more SPORT than Touring. Coming from a more SPORT orientated bike like mine, I think I might prefer the Concours 1400, but then I lean on the sportbike side. With that said, having owned an ST, I just can’t imagine it being able to compete against a 1300 for those more on the Touring side.

.

[Judge]

After getting a close look at it. Not my cup of tea.