Cycle News

2015 KAWASAKI CONCOURS 14 ABS RIDING IMPRESSION P86 the windscreen and raise it to full height. Instantly the wind buffeting and noise ceased and by open- ing the two-position vent, it further reduces the wind pressure. In the full upright position, I was able to just sneak under the top of the screen and get completely out of the wind. For me, it was a little strange at first looking through the windscreen but well worth it. All I needed was a stereo and I could really be rockin' down the road. On the freeway the electric windscreen is a must-have. First, I was enjoying the sporty side of the Concours 14, and then I was taking advantage of the touring side. Even at full tilt in the canyons I had the windscreen on the move and it was great. Since touring is all about long distances, fuel consumption is very important, and on a motor- cycle it is not the easiest thing to keep track of. Kawasaki has kit- ted out its new Concours with a Fuel Economy Assist Mode. By activating the Fuel Assist Mode the ECU will change the fuel mapping to a more economy- oriented map, prioritizing fuel economy for increased MPG. There is also a separate ECO icon, which illuminates to indi- cate optimal MPG. Other cool features include wireless tire pressure indication for the front and rear wheels and outside air temperature. Just simply scroll through the many choices with the left-side handlebar switch and choose one that is of inter- est to you. There is of course a 12-volt power port located on the lower right of the inner front fairing for such things as a GPS device, charger or whatever. And on either side of the inner fairing, there are corresponding headlight positioning controls to adjust your headlight aim. I wanted to try the standard heated grip option but lucky for us it never got that cold and didn't even think about it. The great thing about this bike is the fact that it is a touring bike with a sporty edge. As much as I like to bomb the roads, I find myself quite happy just enjoy- ing the sights. The thing is you will never have to worry about getting out of shape due to the fact that the Concours' chas- sis is well suited for most every type of riding possible. Some of the bigger tourers I've ridden are hard too maneuver on twisty roads or in downtown traffic, not the Concours. With its super sport back- ground, the Concours 14 ABS really bridges the divide between the two disciplines. It provides plenty of comfort for the long hauls with all its touring ameni- ties while not giving away any performance when needed, to enjoy the sportier side of riding. At $15,499 MSRP, Kawasaki is, in my opinion, well within the lim- its, if not the least expensive of the traditional sport-touring bikes out there. It comes in two colors Candy Lime Green and Metallic Black with a 36-month warranty. There is also a whole host of Kawasaki Genuine Accessories available for the new Concours 14 ABS. In the end, the Concours 14 ABS and all its makings was a pleasant surprise for this canyon carver. Like so many Concours owners already know, I found it to be a great multi-use bike that is indeed capable of many things, which, I believe, will be appreciat- ed by a wide range of riders who have not yet already experienced the Concours 14 ABS. CN "THIS BIKE HAS A VERY SPORTY NATURE ABOUT IT AND THE STIFFNESS AND COMPACT DESIGN OF ITS MONOCOQUE CHASSIS GIVES THE RIDER GOOD FEEDBACK, ALL THE WHILE PROVIDING YOU WITH A NIMBLE YET COMFORTABLE RIDING EXPERIENCE."

• Cover