Kawasaki Concours

[splinelube]

I have been giving some thought to buying this bike given the prices of new/late model beemers and their accessories. Am interested in knowing if anyone has any thoughts on this machine pertaining to all the important factors: resale, reliability, service, faults, sport touring applications-nothing severe here. I have a tendency to keep all my vehicles for a looooong time-car is a 87, bike a /6. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

For the same reasons I was talking to several people that own them and they have no negatives. In fact several articles over the past years have commented on the sheer value of the bike as an underrated tourer. It is not fashionable now and in the showroom it looks like an old bike. I sat on one the other day at a dealer in Portland and I like it, it is comfortable and by all accounts a good reliable steady bike that performs well. What is not to love $8K with bags and fairings right?

[Buddha]

I just sold a 2000 Connie that I bought new. Probably one of the best values in motorcycles going. I had no problems whatsoever with the bike. And over 5K-6K rpm its sportbike heritage really comes out! It's not fashionable or modern, but all in all, a great bike.

[MarkF]

I could not find a new one at a dealer in 2000. They all said they get a few, sell fast and suggested I put a deposit down for 2001. I bought a new Beemer instead. Guess they should have had more in the showroom.

[gsjay]

www.concours.org

The best place to learn about a Concours.

jason
COG #62

[RTRandy]

You can't beat that bike for $8.500. It's a comfortable standard motorcycle with a tried and proven 4 cylinder engine and a proven 6 speed transmission. Granted it's somewhat dated looking since Kawasaki has kept this model going for years, but I'm sure that has something to do with keeping the price such a good value as well. It's got all the right stuff for long rides: A 7.5 gallon tank, full faring and a good windshield to protect you from the bugs and elements, saddle bags, upright seating including good room for a rear passenger. What's wrong with it?

[ironMan]

I have several friends that own Connie’s and love them. They are a self maintainers dream.

[MarkF]

Granted it's somewhat dated looking since Kawasaki has kept this model going for years, but I'm sure that has something to do with keeping the price such a good value as well.

I saw great pipes for it made by Holeshot. http://www.holeshot.com/concours/

[2popfire]

No doubt about it the "bang for your buck" factor is a big incentive when considering a Concours. I owned a 1990 Connie which I put just under 60,000 miles on. Its hard to argue with that engine performance (FAST) and 7 gallon gas tank (300 mile range), full faring, and hard bags all standard equiptment. But, be advised it is 1970's technology, they handle like a wheelbarrow compared to any BMW and forget about ABS, or heated grips or power outlets, they don't exist. Kawasaki dealers are more interested in sport bikes and dirt riders and the factory hasn't updated the Concours in 10 years!
But as far as reliability goes nothing beats it. Talk to anybody currently riding one and you will probably hear positives, me ... I'm sticking with my oilhead!
Joe :clap

[Cliffy777]

a couple of years ago my brother bought one. I did all kinds of research for him online (he is a bit of a techno phobe) and found nothing but good things. Lots of aftermarket parts and the COG is a great resource.
I have ridden his on a couple of occasions. The dude is heavy (if you think beemrs are heavy....whew!) but once underway it is quick and handles quite well. i am spoiled by the brakes on my Rockster - I am used to stopping NOW and the Concours doesn't have the binders I do, but other than that it is very hard to argue with the Huuuuuge bang for the buck factor on the bike.

[MCRyder]

The Concours is definitely a lot of bike for the buck and much of the maintenance can be performed by an average mechanically inclined person with just a few hand tools. The top heaviness you might hear about is not an issue once you've mastered the physics of the bike and the buzziness often mentioned is overstated. Kawasaki is making an '06 model, which is the same, mechanically, all the way back to the 1986 model. The Concours was upgraded in 1994 with a redesigned (and better, IMO) instrument layout, a new fork with spring preload, new front brake calipers, and both fairing pockets were made with lockable lids. As said before the aftermarket is very well developed for the Concours and there are several high quality engine/suspension/ergonomic/luggage upgrades offered for it. Heated grips are available for installation, power outlets are located under the seat, and additional outlets (like a BMW or cigarette lighter type) can be installed. PLUS, purchased new the Concours comes with a 3 year/unlimited miles warranty and a further 2-3 years is available for purchase. The only warranty issue on mine has been tightening the mirrors after they loosened up and got floppy. Mine has been used for two-up/trailer pulling duty (thereby freeing up my '93 K11RS for the fun stuff :bliss). I rode it with my son to this year's MOA Rally in Ohio. After 3 years/23K of riding a Connie it gets a :thumb from me.

[Kbrick]

I have been giving some thought to buying this bike given the prices of new/late model beemers and their accessories. Am interested in knowing if anyone has any thoughts on this machine pertaining to all the important factors: resale, reliability, service, faults, sport touring applications-nothing severe here. I have a tendency to keep all my vehicles for a looooong time-car is a 87, bike a /6. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
You know, before your /6 there was a Kawasaki touring bike, just 500cc though!

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Kbrick I can't find one right now although there is also an H1 750 triple too don't forget...as though anyone could forget that awesome monster of it's day....nice pic lots of memories thanks

[Kbrick]

Kbrick I can't find one right now although there is also an H1 750 triple too don't forget...as though anyone could forget that awesome monster of it's day....nice pic lots of memories thanks

Not to be too anal (I do ride a BMW though), the H1 is the 500, H2 is the 750.
In the late 60's or early 70's an Australian rode a kitted H1R in the 500GP of the time and did well for the mongrel that it was. Ginger Malloy I believe is his name.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Kbrick you are exactly right, I always get the two mixed up with the H1 or H2...at least you recognized what I was talking about though...not too many of the newer generations know of those bikes...see them on e-bay for huge money now....awesome machines, my buddy still has his 250 in the UK

[Kbrick]

Kbrick you are exactly right, I always get the two mixed up with the H1 or H2...at least you recognized what I was talking about though...not too many of the newer generations know of those bikes...see them on e-bay for huge money now....awesome machines, my buddy still has his 250 in the UK

The 750 came with the second generation triples. The one in the picture is I think a 1969, before they put the seat cowel on the back in leu (lew?) of a rear fender. I think the triple line went as far as 1979 in other markets.
I'm told that if you look close enough you can see the hinge in the middle of the frame. It took a brave man to ride that bike!

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Kbrick, I rode an XS750 Yamaha back in the UK among other bikes, and there was a rally called the ACU24hour rally (600 miles in 24 hours with 34 checkpoints to meet - early IBA I guess) anyway I was traveling about 75 mph on a motorway and an H2 came up next to me, grinned and then shifted into 4th and lifted the front wheel off the ground...I was in awe of that bike...best thing I ever saw outside of the Mad max set....lol

[Kbrick]

Kbrick, I rode an XS750 Yamaha back in the UK among other bikes, and there was a rally called the ACU24hour rally (600 miles in 24 hours with 34 checkpoints to meet - early IBA I guess) anyway I was traveling about 75 mph on a motorway and an H2 came up next to me, grinned and then shifted into 4th and lifted the front wheel off the ground...I was in awe of that bike...best thing I ever saw outside of the Mad max set....lol

I think it was Bob Seeger, "..rock and roll never forgets!"

A classy British touring bike from 1948/50. Two cylinder, air cooled with shaft drive. I also got this picture from the same Port Dover event as the Mach 3.

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

Kbrick do you know what that is please? At the very first glance I thought Ariel square 4 but obviously not if it is a twin...is this one of those Sunbeams?

[Kbrick]

Kbrick do you know what that is please? At the very first glance I thought Ariel square 4 but obviously not if it is a twin...is this one of those Sunbeams?

Yes, a Sunbeam is what it is. They were sold as an upmarket bike compared to the BSA's of the time. The company was part of the AMC company of Britain of course.
See what a subscription to "Classic Bike" will do! Most of this info I picked up in this past year! But the pictures are mine!

[Kbrick]

Kbrick do you know what that is please? At the very first glance I thought Ariel square 4 but obviously not if it is a twin...is this one of those Sunbeams?

Yes, a Sunbeam is what it is. They were sold as an upmarket bike compared to the BSA's of the time. The company was part of the AMC company of Britain of course.
See what a subscription to "Classic Bike" will do! Most of this info I picked up in this past year! But the pictures are mine!
Oh and to "Splinelube" the Concourse is a good buy, a little chunky but a good ride.

[ZGirl2]

Hi! I'm new to the forum, we just became proud new parents of a 2004 R1100S. :D

While I'm new here, I'm not new to the Concours. I've had mine for over two years and I love my bike! If you need info or help about the bike the folks over at COG are the bomb! http://concours.org/
Bang for the buck, the Connie is the best out there IMHO.