2015 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 ABS
RIDING IMPRESSION
P84
handlebars than that of the Ninja
ZX-14's chassis, you are still able
to get that sportier feel without
sacrificing any comfort. A new
sculpted seat features rounded
edges for an easy reach to the
ground, plus the reshaping of
the seat offers you great sup-
port, as well. It is also wider
and longer towards the rear for
added passenger comfort.
As we made our way into
the canyons, the roads were
still wet in some place, so I
activated Kawasaki's Traction
Control (KTRC). The system,
which shares the same wheel
sensors as the ABS braking,
measures wheel speed, which
activates the KTRC and/or ABS
to intervene and help control
the motorcycle when needed.
The KTRC systems combines
ignition timing, fuel delivery and
airflow for precise control and is
activated by a switch on the left
handlebar. The KTRC system
is always on when you start up
the bike, but it can be turned off
whenever desired.
We were now well into some
curvy sections of road where
the new Concours 14 ABS is a
real joy to ride. This bike has a
very sporty nature about it and
the stiffness and compact de-
sign of its monocoque chassis
gives the rider good feedback,
all the while providing you with
a nimble yet comfortable riding
experience. On several occa-
sions, I found myself attacking
the roads as if I was riding a
sport bike. You will find yourself
feeling the same way, accept
I soon realized that the very
nature of a super sport tourer is
one that lends itself to comfort.
Just relax and enjoy the ride, the
new Concours 14 ABS will find
its way around the fast sweepers
as well as the tighter first- and
second-gear corners just fine.
The updated rear spring pre-
load and four-link Tetra-Lever
suspension system combination
removes any of the rear squat-
ting or lifting that is found on
most shaft-drive bikes.
The front suspension features
a 43mm, inverted, telescopic-
style fork with adjustable re-
bound damping and spring
preload, while the rear shock
features step-less rebound
damping with a remote spring
If the candy lime
green coloring is a
little too much for
you, you'll be glad to
know that it is offered
in a more sedate,
but still seductive,
metallic black.
