2008-2009-2010 Concours 14 Questions

[jeffreyjames]

Hi All..

I'm interested in buying a Concours 14.  It's quite a bit more money for a used 2010 than it is for a 2009 or 2008.  Are the differences worth it, and what are they?  What would you do?

[jeffreyjames]

Also, sorry couldn't seem to locate Kawasaki discussion area.

[ConPilot1]

Hi All..

I'm interested in buying a Concours 14.  It's quite a bit more money for a used 2010 than it is for a 2009 or 2008.  Are the differences worth it, and what are they?  What would you do?

There's a lot of C14 owners here, but prolly your best source is the COG forum for specific Concours advice.

Sorry I can't help, I have the C10.

[Cablebandit]

The biggest things off the top of my head for the 2010 are:

Redesigned fairing to alleviate engine heat hitting the rider: it works.  I get zero engine heat, although it is a little wider than the 08-09.
Higher mirrors so you can actually see to the rear instead of looking at the bags.
A 2" higher windscreen: it still sucks so figure you'll be buying one to suit you regardless.
Traction control: it flat out works.
Dual mode linked brakes:  They work but I wouldn't go out of my way to get this feature.  It would be nice if they "de-linked" at parking lot speed.  The pedal/lever feel take some getting used to as well.
Economy mode: gives you a leaner fuel map for better mileage
Mode switch: this to me is a huge convenience:  you can scroll through the display without taking your hands off the grips.
Heated grips: they work
...and they moved the glovebox.


I think the absolute biggest thing is the engine heat issue, although many people with first gen models stuff their own heat shielding in the vent holes.

[jeffreyjames]

Thanks!

So, mechanically, ie: transmission, engine, speed, performance, the 08-10 are the same?  

Also, any differences between the 08-09?

[Cablebandit]

Well the blue ones are fastest but essentially it's just an evolution, not a revolution.

[ConPilot1]

Well the blue ones are fastest but essentially it's just an evolution, not a revolution.

I thought the color/speed relationship argument was only pertinent to the old ones.  

One thing all are agreed on though. The '05 beige is the prettiest. Ever.

[mahd776]

Have the 2008 Concours 14. It is the darker silver grey which has been acknowledged to be the fastest of the fast colors! Regardless of the year these are great bikes. The changes listed above for the 2010 are on the money. As for engine heat on the 2008 - 2009 years that seems to be something that bothers some and not others. Same as the bags in the mirror issue. I have not been bothered by either one so is pretty much a individual thing. One of the first things I changed was going to the taller Kawasaki windshield which is standard on the 2010 & 2011. Found I ride with it all the way down anyway unless raining so do not know if I would do that again.

[SuperSlider]

Yeah, but black ones crash the best.

[Smoker]

Yeah, but black ones crash the best.

I think Cablebandit will have to crash his to settle that argument.

[Cablebandit]

I think Cablebandit will have to crash his to settle that argument.

You just earned some bad turtle karma dude.  

[tthompsr]

Red ones crash pretty well.

[ConPilot1]

Red ones crash pretty well.

dude you crashed that pretty red C14??????!!!!!!
Didn't know....sorry to hear.....

[tthompsr]

Yea crashed and totaled it! But it's all good, got a brand new left-over in the driveway now!

[ConPilot1]

Nice. Glad you're OK too!!!

No injuries??

[tthompsr]

I was very lucky, walked away from a 50 mph lowside with just road rash to the knees, The bike slid till she hit the shoulder and then cartwheeled into a stand of trees.

[DosEquis00]

I was very lucky, walked away from a 50 mph lowside with just road rash to the knees, The bike slid till she hit the shoulder and then cartwheeled into a stand of trees.

Glad to hear you are okay

[tthompsr]

Thanks, This was good example of how your gear protects you, My tourmaster jacket was shredded at the elbows,gloves almost wore thru the protective rivets, had steel toe work boots on and almost wore thru the steel toes. Didn't have my riding pants on (was warm and I threw them in the saddlebag),If I had worn them probably would had walked away with out a scratch.